Electronic scales

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Since I first mentioned fluorescent lights I will explain. It was an old desk lamp, with the transformer in the base and the lamp head elevated on a pair of tubes. Probably from the 50s. Haven't tried a phone, I know my portable home unit does mess with an AM radio.

Maybe we should all try something and report with the scale make & model and the results of what we tried.
 
I havent noticed my scales messing up but I do know that florescent lights will keep me from using my remote control unless I hold it right up to the tv. Turn the lights off and everything is fine.
 
I use a smart reloader digital scale and once it has warmed up it works just fine. It is sensitive to air moving and frankly should be as air pressure will push on the scale and should register - simple physics. Has a check weight that I've used to check it regularly with and re zero / tare as needed. The scale is accurate enough for me to trust with the obvious precautions.
 
I have used the old FA digital scale bought from MidwayUSA like almost 20 years ago and it has worked well as long as I used it within specified operating temperature range of 59F to 95F. When checked with Ohaus 10-10, RCBS 5-0-5 and Lee safety scale, it usually read within .1-.2 gr and I used it for faster weighing of bullets and .308 cases.

When I bought a "new in box" Ohaus 10-10 scale, I gave my wife the old 10-10 and FA digital scale to use on her reloading bench and I got the new FA DS-750 digital scale from MidwayUSA on sale for $20 - http://www.midwayusa.com/product/17...50-electronic-powder-scale-750-grain-capacity

It has flip cover, larger blue back-lit high contrast LCD for very easy readout and counting feature which is convenient with 120 second auto shut off. It specified 50F-86F operating temperature range but I have only used it indoors so I haven't tested it for temperature sensitivity. When checked against two Ohaus 10-10 scales, it read within 0.1 gr variance. As to fluorescent lights possibly affecting digital scales, I use two 13 watt CFL clamp lights on my bench and I have not seen any influence on the digital scales. The auto shut off is not an issue for me as the DS-750 turns fast.

For those that may had issues with digital scales, you may want to consider using within operating temperature range specified for the scale and calibration after sufficient warm up. The DS-750 came with following instructions:
Avoid any exposure to extreme heat or cold. Your scale will work best at normal room temperature (50F - 86F). Always allow the scale to acclimate to normal room temperature for at least 1 hour before use.

Give your scale significant time to warm up. Usually 30 seconds will give the internal components a chance to stabilize before calibration.
Click to expand...
 
bds,

You have his and hers reloading benches?:)


"I gave my wife the old 10-10 and FA digital scale to use on her reloading bench"
 
Not only that, when I enclosed the 14'x24' patio for a man cave, she took it and turned it into her woman cave! :eek::mad:

As to OP, 1/10th grain variance is practical enough for reloading. I really do like the FA DS-750 and plan to replace the old one on the other reloading bench when it goes on sale.
 
I always use my digital after it has settled in temp in my kitchen...the basement shop is pretty cool in the Winter. Likely done in the 50's F. I let it come to room temp over an hour or more and let it sit/warm up for at least 1/2 an hour and then check it with check weights above and below the charges I am gonna throw.

So if I'm gonna load 9mm at 5 gr. or Unique I'll check it with 2 gr. weights, .5 gr. weights and then on up to 10 gr to make sure it is linear and consistent. I also use a level counter top and level the scale. Watch for drafts and away fro strong electric/magnetic fields like lights and power supplies/motors.

Jeez...maybe that's why I'm so impressed with the digital performance which is easily .01 gr. for me. I'm really specific about the setup and seriously finicky about trying to get consistent and reliable results instead of dropping 100 loads in 5 minutes or so.

VooDoo
 
For those who may want a good set of check weights I ended up with RCBS Deluxe Scale Check Weights 510.5 Grains some time ago. Before I retired I dragged them to work and had them tested in our lab. To use a metrology industry technical term they were found to be dead on balls accurate.

Below are the weights and the old RCBS scale I mentioned earlier. Actually the scale was made by PACT.

Weights%201.png

Scale%201.png

Scale%202.png

Scale%203.png

Scale%204.png

Scale%205.png

Nice thing about good check weights is you get the ability to check the scale in the range you will likely be using it. If your charge is 5 grains you can check the scale with a standard 5 grains applied.

Ron
 
I use and am satisfied with the performance of a MTM DS-1250 digital that I picked up online someplace for about $30.

I use it to verify the powder throw of Win 231/HP-38 thru the Pro dispenser on my Lee turret which has really very good repeat performance with this powder so it is close enough for MY needs. I do not weigh every load.
 
Vodoun da Vinci said:
I weigh every charge 'cause I use Unique...I have a custom dipper for doing my .32 loads but started weighing them all again.

I use a Gem Pro 250 digital and it is fast and uber accurate. I have no problems with it. I have a beam scale as well but it sits on a shelf in a box now. We all use what works best for us/suits our style. I think the beams are awesome and I find my new digital to be better for the way I load and uber accurate according to my check weight set.

VooDoo
Click to expand...
I also have a GemPro 250. It has been 100% accurate down to 0.02 grains and 100% repeatable. I also have a beam scale that collects dust mostly now that I have the GemPro.
 
Those check weights look very cool.

I have shot thousands of rounds trying to optimize various rifles. In no case did any of my rifles make any difference at all due to 0.1 grain. In fact, the error due to that 0.1 grain was pretty negligible; I once calculated it. It is swamped by all the other errors and even more so, if you have a decent barrel.

I'm always somewhat surprised by people whohave so many problems with electronic scales. I have an RCBS Chargemaster, and its digital scale is alwasys perfect. I measured the little serving dish that comes with it, and wrote its weight in Sharpie on the bottom side. It is always within 0.1 grain every time.

I even bought a $29 MTM scale that I figured would be inaccurte -- but it always AGREES with the RCBS within 0.1 grain! It also weighs its serving dish accurately every time. Amazing.

One can also pick out a few bullets, weigh them carefully, and then keep them to check their scale at various grains -- from 22LR bullets all the way thru 200 grain .308's if need be.

Temperature changes the performance of my rifle and the bullet ballistcs way more than 0.1 grain, as far as I can tell.....
 
I agree, those check weights are slick.

Man, this thread has some good traction to just be about scales!
 
I use a Lyman Acculine balance scale along with a Hornady electronic powder dispenser, which in my humble opinion works close to flawless. You just have to know what speed to use to dispense certain type powders, but it is almost always (99.9%) on the dot.
 
Potatohead said:
1/10th grain variance is practical enough for reloading
Click to expand...

Agreed but I load .32 ACP and find that .02 is more gooder. Better....more accurate. You get the point. :banghead:

.1 gr. is the minimum accuracy for me with .32s. I frequently try to weight a charge at 3.12 gr. as I'm shooting a max load for that pistol and 3.02 or 3.22 is not good enough for me. In larger calibers or sub maximal loads .1 is way fine.

VooDoo
 
No matter where ya'll go there is always a thread about electronic scales, mostly negative, mostly positive. Yup cheep ones leave something to be desired, expensive one too pricey.
 
I've reloaded a LOT of rifle rounds with my RCBS auto dispenser.

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This one is off topic but I like the picture. :)

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The auto dispenser makes it quick even to push out a lot of ammo for linking. (Although I really need an 8mm setup for my Dillon progressive... sigh.)

ApQbym2h.jpg

I use this scale for my backup / check scale.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/415607/rcbs-model-1010-magnetic-powder-scale-1010-grain-capacity

Because I also have an inherent distrust of electronics, and I frequently load ammo that needs to be very accurate (for F-Class shooting), I frequently check it against the calibrated beam scale.

It hasn't ever let me down, but I still do checks and balances to make sure I don't get surprised at the range (haha! Finally the proper situation to use the phrase!).
 
Got a RCBS rangemaster 750 whe I bought a complete reloading setup from a neighbor. Plugged it in and left it on and worked good. Decided to make a leveling table for it so I unplugged it for a while. still worked on battery. When I finished leveling table I plugged it in again and it wont come on with the transformer now.
going to call RCBS when they open after the first and ask them if they have any idea to get it working on transformer power again.
 
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