I have the Frankfort ans was suspicious at first because I was getting faster velocities than anticipated.. I finally bought a set of RCBS check weights and it was spot-on! the 10 grain weight registered at 10.0 and the 20gr at 19.9.
I think my scale is to blame...
- Thread starter BluegrassDan
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JohnM
Member
I've been using a Lyman M5 for about 45 years.
In that period also a lot of others and some high dollar lab scales.
The point brought up about the surface being level can't be over emphasized.
And keep the scale covered, none of them like dust.
In that period also a lot of others and some high dollar lab scales.
The point brought up about the surface being level can't be over emphasized.
And keep the scale covered, none of them like dust.
T Bran
Member
I have a cheapo smartreloader electronic scale it is not trustworthy at all just sitting with a charge of powder in it sometimes just goes haywire. The numbers start doing a count down then stop and go the other way all the way back to the starting point before the cycle begins again. What is bad is the check weights say its ok.
Ill stick with my little Lee beam scale till I see another one that catches my wallet off guard. The check weights say my Lee is ok as well for whatever its worth.
T
Ill stick with my little Lee beam scale till I see another one that catches my wallet off guard. The check weights say my Lee is ok as well for whatever its worth.
T
16in50calNavalRifle
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- Mar 7, 2009
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Since the RCBS 505 has figured prominently in this thread, I'll toss my questions in here. I'm just setting up to begin reloading. Lee 4-hole turret, Pro Auto Disk, RCBS 505. In running test charges to see how things work and specifically what charges are thrown by specific disks/cavities, I've had disastrous results (in a few different respects).
Assuming the scale is working (dust-free, bubble level shows the surface near perfect, sits inside a cabinet on a shelf, easy to zero before each weighing - no moving air), and I'm able to work it (see below), the Auto Disk is basically throwing out near-random quantities. Powder is HP-38, cases are 9mm.
Three cavities on two disks have yielded results that vary by large amounts in consecutive charges - the variations with each cavity far exceed the total range of charges I'm planning to use to work up my plinking load (4.3 - 4.8 for a 115g FMJ). We're talkng 3.9 to 5.1. I've spent hours and thrown dozens and dozens of charges. Of course there's not a chance I'd even attempt to load any ammo with results like this.
So unless the Auto Disk is somehow malfunctioning - I can't operate the 505. Which is believable - I find it almost impossible to use. By this I mean the poises - especially the smallest, 1/10 of a grain poise - are so tiny and light that moving them without spoiling the measure by also moving the beam is comically difficult. My vision is excellent and my hands are as steady as a surgeon, and I've been meticulous with this to the point of exhaustion. I use a pencil tip to delicately bump up and move the poises.
I thought HP-38 worked OK in most powder measures. So I'm at a loss.
I'm sure the 505 must be a good tool - what am I missing that makes me nearly unable to use it? Or alternatively, is my Auto Disk seriously malfunctioning? (I have one of those charge bars, but I thought the Auto Disk was OK for charges in the 4+ range)
Assuming the scale is working (dust-free, bubble level shows the surface near perfect, sits inside a cabinet on a shelf, easy to zero before each weighing - no moving air), and I'm able to work it (see below), the Auto Disk is basically throwing out near-random quantities. Powder is HP-38, cases are 9mm.
Three cavities on two disks have yielded results that vary by large amounts in consecutive charges - the variations with each cavity far exceed the total range of charges I'm planning to use to work up my plinking load (4.3 - 4.8 for a 115g FMJ). We're talkng 3.9 to 5.1. I've spent hours and thrown dozens and dozens of charges. Of course there's not a chance I'd even attempt to load any ammo with results like this.
So unless the Auto Disk is somehow malfunctioning - I can't operate the 505. Which is believable - I find it almost impossible to use. By this I mean the poises - especially the smallest, 1/10 of a grain poise - are so tiny and light that moving them without spoiling the measure by also moving the beam is comically difficult. My vision is excellent and my hands are as steady as a surgeon, and I've been meticulous with this to the point of exhaustion. I use a pencil tip to delicately bump up and move the poises.
I thought HP-38 worked OK in most powder measures. So I'm at a loss.
I'm sure the 505 must be a good tool - what am I missing that makes me nearly unable to use it? Or alternatively, is my Auto Disk seriously malfunctioning? (I have one of those charge bars, but I thought the Auto Disk was OK for charges in the 4+ range)
I can't answer your question directly, 16"50calNR, but I can say that if I had, and will have a turret/progressive soon (finally closing on the house with my garage/shop), I will have an RCBS dispenser or Hornady dispenser, and not the disks from Lee.
I also have debated getting a RCBS Chargemaster or Hornady auto measure, but I can use a Lee dipper into my Lyman 500, and trickle to the exact weight in less time than it takes those machines to weigh out. Although I did see a yellow machine on youtube spit out some serious weight really fast. Close to 60 grains in like 8 seconds or something crazy, but I don't need to load that fast. LOL
I have used, and still use the Lee dispenser for my TB .44 mag loads. I have to take the handle, raise it, and bump it twice, and then drop the powder, and I will get good results.
I doubt your 505 is off. Get some check weights to verify. I would be the Lee is either new, and just static prone right now, or the disks are just off.
I also have debated getting a RCBS Chargemaster or Hornady auto measure, but I can use a Lee dipper into my Lyman 500, and trickle to the exact weight in less time than it takes those machines to weigh out. Although I did see a yellow machine on youtube spit out some serious weight really fast. Close to 60 grains in like 8 seconds or something crazy, but I don't need to load that fast. LOL
I have used, and still use the Lee dispenser for my TB .44 mag loads. I have to take the handle, raise it, and bump it twice, and then drop the powder, and I will get good results.
I doubt your 505 is off. Get some check weights to verify. I would be the Lee is either new, and just static prone right now, or the disks are just off.
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