PACT Powder Scale ?

[Ak Guy]

Does anyone have any experience w/ the PACT Powder Scale (BBK II) ? I just got one that doesn't work right w/ battery or AC power. It won't hold steady on zero. I'm definitely returning it, but am undecided whether to try a replacement one, or just go for $$ back, and start over w/ another brand. Any thoughts on this outfit, or on this particular scale? Thanx..........

 

[Valkman]

When you say it won't hold zero, is that all the time or are you trickling powder? I had this happen with my Dillon scale but it was while trickling powder which will fool the machine (because you're adding powder so slowly) and then it won't return to zero.

 

[Ak Guy]

I mean initially and / or ALL the time, NOT when trying to trickle powder.. (Never got to the point of actually trying to use it)..

 

[kernal_panic]

i've got an original bbk it works great. haven't had a problem like you describe.

 

[Cortland]

I have a PACT DPPS (the larger one). Once in a very are while, when I turn it on, it is unable to acquire a zero; it flutters between 0, 0.01, -0.01, etc. all the while blinking its decimal point to indicate that it does not have a stable reading. I have found that in these circumstances the scale simply needs to warm up. I leave it on, walk away, come back 20 minutes later, and it's fine. If I am not mistaken, I believe the manual mentions something about letting the scale warm up.

 

[racenutz]

Mine was going crazy until I let it warm up & calibrated it. That's running the scale on batteries, I can't get it to read steady using the AC adapter but I would guess that has more to do with the low quality of the power lines in my garage than anything else.

 

[Larryect]

When I first bought a PACT scale, it would NOT stabilize. Drifted all over the place. I called the manufacturer they said to ship it to them and they would fix it. I decided to return it to Midway for an exchange since it NEVER worked right.

The replacement has been fine. I calibrate it each time I use it (quick procedure) and recheck it occasionally while I am reloading. I find that it will drift some in the first half hour or so. The instructions do say to let it warm up for a half hour.

Hope this helps

 

[Delmar]

I've had a Pact scale-powder dispenser for about 3 years now, and you have to warm it up for 30 minutes if you are going to get accurate readings. I keep a check weight set handy to verify accuracy, but it seems to hold very well after a long warmup.

 

[esheato]

It sounds as if the scale itself might be the problem.

But....something to consider. Make sure you're not running a fan or an A/C unit around the scale when you're trying to use it. My PACT is very air sensitive. Without the A/C or fans running, I get very stable readings.

Ed

 

[rick_reno]

Somewhere I read about problems with the PACT battery powered scales. I've got the wall powered one (not sure of the model) and it's been the best reloading tool I've bought.

 

[Ak Guy]

Thanx for all the replies..........looks like it's not an unusual problem. So I've returned it to PACT and will take the " $$$ Back " option, and start over w/ another brand, although it looks like all the others are much more $$$. I guess you do get what you pay for after all !!

Any suggestions out there on a "good" brand / model ?? Thanx............

 

[redneck2]

My PACT is fantastic. I can leave it turned off (temp controlled room) and come back a week or two later and it's dead on. I usually re-calibrate anyway since it's so easy

I wouldn't give up on the PACT...I wouldn't take twice what I paid if I couldn't get another. Single best piece of reloading equipment I've gotten.

Make sure you don't have any fans running, floor movement, or plastic utensils (bowls, etc.) close. I sit mine on the counter across from the reloading bench. Zero problems.

 

[robctwo]

I had the same problem. Returned it to Pact for $. Bought a Hornady GS 1000. Very happy. Went through Boses Guns. Good price.

 

[alzwel]

I have lost my calibration instructions for my BBK2. Can anyone send me the procedure?

Thanks,
Frank

 

[redneck2]

....

 

[Randy1911]

I had the same problem with mine. I checked around and found out the problem was the florscent light above my reloading bench. I took it into the kitchen where there was no florscent lights and it worked fine.

 

[Randy1911]

I had the same problem with mine. I checked around and found out the problem was the florscent light above my reloading bench. I took it into the kitchen where there was no florscent lights and it worked fine. I just went back to my RCBS 10-10 scale.

 

[Silverado6x6]

Mine gave me some similar problems and then I used a better power source that had minimal voltage fluctuations. Another thing is it will react to the slightest puff of air, I actually blow on mine real shallow like when I'm getting down to the 10th of grains to get a new figure. Make a three sided cubicle to keep any draft off of it, and also I have mine sitting on a piece of thin rubber. I love it though, I wish I had the matching trickler.

 

[Sport45]

My BBKII has been working fine for 10 years or so. I've never put a battery in it so I can't report on that part of it's operation.