Scale gone bad

[TexasShooter59]

Save your scale for checking postage weight!

I recently got a digital scale with the intention of using it for checking for double charges. A double charge will be more than the few tenths variance that the scale delivers. I have been playing with it and the balance beam to see how they compare, and I definitely don't want to use the scale for charge weights, but it should, work for its intended purpose.

 

[jcwit]

To many variables to use a scale for findinf double charges, not a wise thing to attempt.

 

[earplug]

Shoot them

Shoot a couple of rounds to see if there safe for your gun and purpose.
If you set up a mechanical measure that has worked in the past it is working now. MY RCBS measure is a set and forget device.
I adjust it using a known accurate scale at a marked location that does not change.
So, you scale changed not the powder measure.
Any why are you loading at near max? What are your trying to do?

 

[wingman]

My RCB 750 works great backed by a Lyman Balance beam I cross check first weight of each reloading session and last. I had two sets of cheap electronic scales prior to the RCB neither was any good but the 750 has been excellent for 2 years would not enjoy reloading as much without it, so there are good electronic scales out there.

 

[bear375]

If your scale has been working fine and now is acting up it is probably something environmental. something running in the house, interference in the power lines, etc.
I've had a Pact scale and dispenser for a long long time and it never gave me problems till this week. I moved it to another location, about 6' away, and had to plug it into another outlet with an extension cord. Scale was acting up and had to check every charge on the balance beam. Moved the scale back to the old location and it is fine. Haven't done enough troubleshooting yet to see if power was the problem, I need to get an oscilloscope from work, or if it was the new location.
Don't wad up the power cords for the scale and dispenser, this can create an inductance and cause flaky operation.

 

[pandc]

I have use both the hammer puller and the Hornady collet puller...prefer the collet puller if you have a lot to do and it is clean and quiet

 

[DuncanSA]

Thanks for the tip re ziplock bags with a kinetic bullet puller - I shall use it from now on.

Re electronic scales; I bought the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 from Midway and it worked OK for about 7 months, then started giving erratic readings and finally stopped working at all. This was not a battery problem as new batteries made no difference. I knew when the readings first became suspect, as I regularly compared them with those of a reliable balance-beam scale.

In my opinion the DS-750 is an overpriced piece of Chinese rubbish. I have high regard for Midway and will continue dealing with them but this scale was not up to their usual high standard.

I shall not waste my time or money on electronic scales again.

 

[Captaingyro]

The best "anvil" for a kinetic (hammer-type) puller is a hockey puck. About $2, and it also does double duty as a handy bench block.

It's pricey, but the RCBS Chargemaster combo has been flawless for me. I keep a balance scale right next to it, and double check about every twentieth charge just to make sure, but it's always right on. Big time saver too.

 

[Krogen]

If your scale has been working fine and now is acting up it is probably something environmental. something running in the house, interference in the power lines, etc.

It has been written that fluorescent lights over a loading bench can cause erratic readings. I haven't experienced it, but it bears consideration. Likewise, I suppose dimmers can also be a problem.

I have had problems with a cell phone, though. I listen to music with an iPhone plugged into some speakers. If the phone or the speaker cables are too close to the scale, it operates erratically. Moving the speakers and phone about 4 feet away corrected the problem.

 

[Muddydogs]

Back 30 years ago I used my Dad's balance beam scale and hated how slow it was, 20 or so years ago when I put together my reloading set up I purchased an RCBS digital scale. Not sure of the price but I am sure it didn't cost a ton. This is the only scale I have used for reloading, it has been packed around in camp trailers and moved with me many times over the years and it still works fine. I check it every time I am working up a new powder thrower setting or change calibers but if I set up an already set powder thrower stem and the scale reads what it should or close I figure its good to go. I know it works good when it finds the one check weight that is .1 grains light, I think its a 5 grain stick check weight from RCBS.

 

[Mike 27]

I have and use 2 scales one digital and one beam when I load. Neither one expensive but just gives me a warm and fuzzy, and finding my charge wt's is fast on the digital. During the process I will run 10 on the digital and the next 10 on my beam. Just my technique but I like it.