What's the deal with RCBS? (scale).

[Joe Meyer]

I have used the RCBS 505 scale for a few years and always thought it read a little heavy.

I got some RCBS check weights today and, low and behold, It was reading 1.5 grs heavy.( a true 50 grains read 51.5)

I clean it about every week (blow it out with air) and keep it covered when not in use.

Do they set them like that from the start for "safety"?

Anyone else had this problem with a 505?

 

[GP100man]

Do you have another scale ??

It`d be nice to "check" the checker !!

 

[Joe Meyer]

I got a friend with a Lee scale. I gess I'll find out.

But the RCBS scale read 1.5 grs high on all the check weights, from the .5 grain one, all the way up to the 20 grain one, and all of them mixed and matched.....

 

[45lcshooter]

I use an electronic scale and check it to my Ohaus beam scale. And visa versa. I don't understand why it would be off. I also use Lee dippers, makes it super quick.

 

[LiveLife]

RCBS 505/Ohaus 1010 user here. Have you tried cleaning the "V" notches of the agate stones?

The triangle knife edges pivot on the notches and if dirt/debris accumulate in the notches, it may affect the scale's ability to maintain zero.

Also, the agate stones must "free float". If the cleaning of the "V" notches don't resolve your drifting zero problem, remove the stone covers with a Phillips screwdriver and check for dirt/debris that may be keeping the stones from free floating.

If you are still having issues after a detailed inspection/cleaning, I would contact RCBS customer service.

 

[higgite]

I got a friend with a Lee scale. I gess I'll find out.

But the RCBS scale read 1.5 grs high on all the check weights, from the .5 grain one, all the way up to the 20 grain one, and all of them mixed and matched.....

How about with an empty pan, no weight.... does it zero out okay?

 

[gamestalker]

Something is deffinitely wrong. 1.5 grs. is by no means an intended standard for a powder scale, any scale for that matter. Someone loading light pistol charges could get into some serious trouble with a 1.5 gr. variance. I have an RCBS beam that is well over 30 yrs. old, and it has always been spot on.

I also wouldn't get into over cleaning as you could easily ruin something. The best thing to do is send it off to RCBS to fix. It sounds like a counter weight is missing, or something to do with counter weight on the beam?

GS

 

[rcmodel]

How about with an empty pan, no weight.... does it zero out okay?

This!

Does it??

rc

 

[Joe Meyer]

How about with an empty pan, no weight.... does it zero out okay?

Nope. It reads 1.4 grains.

I'll try cleaning the agate stones. But it never zeroed out when it was brand new...

 

[Joe Meyer]

Thanks for the pictures, bds!

your drifting zero problem

It isn't really a drifting problem, it reads a very consistent 1.5-1.4gr heavy.

 

[presspuller]

But it never zeroed out when it was brand new...

That is when you should have been on the phone with RCBS. They will make it right.

 

[Jasper1573]

Since you now have the check weights, I suppose my question would be, "Have you used the adjustment wheel to balance it and see if it then will hold that zero?"

Or is it so far off that it can't be adjusted to balance at zero?

 

[rcmodel]

Nope. It reads 1.4 grains.

You do understand the front leg screws in and out to Zero the pointer every time you use it don't you????

Maybe you need to read the directions.
I know it isn't manly, but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.
http://www.rcbs.com/downloads/instructions/Model505ScaleInstructions.pdf

rc

 

[edfardos]

won't zero out? You can't make it read zero with nothing in the pan and all poises (weights) set to zero? No matter how much you twist the foot?

also there's some lead shot in the pan holder for ballast (if you can't zero the scale).

curiously,
edfardos

 

[rcmodel]

Don't even think about the lead shot under the pan until you understand how to zero the scale using the Leveling Foot!!!

rc

 

[LiveLife]

it reads a very consistent 1.5-1.4gr heavy.

+1 to rcmodel's comments. I really think you are not properly zeroing the scale.

With the scale set on flat surface (check with a level) and the poise set on zero, use the threaded feet on the left side of the scale to raise/lower the scale body to set the zero.

 

[kelbro]

And if that doesn't work, you can adjust the screw that the poise runs on to move the 'zero'.

 

[fguffey]

Check weights, I checked the price of a replacement set for my check weight set, $1.000 dollars + a few. When adjusting a set of scales I use a hammer to flatten lead shot then cut it into small strips. Problem when using one check weight the scale can be close through one range of weights but not accurate for the length of the beam. Leveling, I have a machinist lever graduated in thousandths per foot, a scale should not be adjusted with the leveler without a +/- height adjustment.



A note pad can be used like a feeler gage when leveling, up or down, just turn the page until level is acquired, Point? The scale should respond to the thickness of a piece of paper.



F. Guffey

 

[9w1911]

is the table level?
I have spots on my tale that are uneven and have to zero my scale when I move it around the table normally it lives in the same level spot.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It sounds like the OP didn't know the front foot is used to zero out the readings. I'm feeling this will solve his problem.