Which scale to believe

[CHM]

I have been using the RCBS low end scale for years without any problems. I doubt safety is an issue with whatever scale you choose (unless you are approaching MAX load data), but consistency in whatever you are loading is important for accuracy in terms of charge weight and OAL. I weigh each piece of brass and bullet when loading 308 match for consistency, but do not worry so much with most handgun loads.

 

[Mal H]

bigedp51 - That price tag on the dippers looks very similar to some I have on some old gear, almost the same handwriting. You didn't happen to buy them in the northern Virginia area, did you? Maybe "Potomac Arms" or "The Loading Bench"?

 

[bigedp51]

bigedp51 - That price tag on the dippers looks very similar to some I have on some old gear, almost the same handwriting. You didn't happen to buy them in the northern Virginia area, did you? Maybe "Potomac Arms" or "The Loading Bench"?

Shelly's Sporting Goods
New Cumberland P.A.
approximately 1973
Lee Target Loader requirement
(the lee loader only had one scoop)

The receipt for the first rifle I bought after I got out of the service.
(And the Lee Target Loader used for it........for about a month before I bought my Rock Chucker press)

Those prices make me sick thinking what they cost today.

 

[noylj]

bigedp51

I happen to like and use the Lee Dippers. My complaint to them was that I wanted 0.4 and 0.6cc dippers for more pistol loads. Lee said they saw no need.
Nice thing about dippers is that it is hard to get an over-charge. Also, the Lee recommended loads are so far on the safe side that a balance is NOT needed if you stay with just the loads they show.
I have recommended that in terms of things "needed" to reload, you need at least the little Lee Reloading Press, a set of Lee dies (with the shell holder and the dipper), and the proper bullet weights and powder for the dipper (as found in the die instructions or Richard Lee's book). Also, for bottleneck cartridges, the appropriate Lee Case trimmer and the special shell holder.
This will get you into reloading for little money and you can work out what you want from there.
I don't even mind fossils that love beam balances--I just don't think that they are "the best."
Likewise, I find the Dillon SDB and 550 to be unsuitable for my reloading needs and could never recommend them--just as I could never recommend the Lee Pro1000, with only 3 stations.
I also dislike those who recommend what ever they have bought as though it is the best, without knowing anything about the competition.
You know the posts: "as a newbie, what press should I buy?" and the one word answer is: "Dillon (SDB, 550, or 650)"
I can say that I have always been quite content with the Hornady progressive presses I have had (I went through several upgrades with them (to stay up to date) and then got the L-N-L a few years ago. Is it the best press? No, that is a personal choice. However, I have used the 550 and a 650 and know that I like my Hornady better.
I also prefer my 1050s over any other press I have used.
I have owned a beam balance and got the Ainsworth digital as soon as I could afford it.
Likewise, I argue about what are "required" reloading steps when people start to discuss the convoluted steps they take (cleaning primer pockets, "uniforming" primer pockets, weighing individual charges to +/- 0.02 gn, etc.) and tell beginners that these are steps they also must take and then draw up a list of "required" items that call for over $500 to be spent.
As above, I can get you into reloading for less than $60.

 

[bigedp51]

noylj

The subject here are types of scales and what people prefer, I have seen people cut grains of powder with a razor blade trying to get the exact weight.

I have seen bench rest shooters loading their cases at the shooting bench with a homemade scoop shooting bug size groups.

CHM above said it best.

"consistency in whatever you are loading is important for accuracy in terms of charge weight"

I have also been in a forum where a person adapted a torque wrench to his loading press to "achieve" a constant "click" in his resizing results.

My reply to him was to ask "How do you get the handle thingy to click"?



Just think about the "dark ages" of reloading and the Ideal Nut Cracker reloading tool and a simple scoop.

 

[amlevin]

My reply to him was to ask "How do you get the handle thingy to click"?

When it slaps against the limit of travel!

 

[bigedp51]

amlevin

When it slaps against the limit of travel!

The man was using a torque wrench on a Lee Collet die to get uniform force on the mandrill and thus get consistent neck tension and diameter??????????????????

Its a long story about people arguing on how to set up a Lee Collet die when they can't read and understand the directions.