Before Christmas, I got the itch for a digital scale and powder measure. Well what do you know was under the tree?
Not sure what I was expecting, but these things are not ALL THAT. Sure they work OK, just not too great together. Again, I don't know what I was expecting, but they don't impress me.
Let's be clear. I LIKE the digital scale. It is fast, fast, fast. I have not calibrated it by the RCBS 505 balance beam scale I still have. Probably should for peace of mind. But putting an individual bullet, case, cartridge, primer, etc. on there and instantly knowing within 0.10 grains is worlds faster than the balance beam. Now separating cases of like capacity by weight is a breeze. Component "equalization" (i.e. matching case, bullet, primer, and charge for cartridges of equal weight and length) for optimizing performance is much quicker and easier.
Problems begin when the IR connection is made between the scale and measure (they have to be close enough to catch the powder), there is a modicum of interference between the powder trickler and the receiving pan of the scale. That is to be expected to a degree. Proximity is a relative thing.
I have had numerous overcharges delivered and could have made up time with the balance beam if I had not been trying to improve my habits and the functioning of the electronics. Overcharging is SERIOUS. Watch every charge. Discard (throw back) overcharges. I don't know the timing mechanics between the measure and the scale, if relative position (tilt between IR sending and receiving units) is critical, if close proximity is critical, if there is crud in the IR line of sight, or the exact reason the measurer is lagging behind the scale while throwing a charge.
Bridging of powder is problematic (using "stick" powder IMR 4381 and potassium nitrate pellets for the kid's smoke bombs). The rotating electric trickler element of the measure "cuts off" pieces of powder (brute force method) that interfere in the course cycle. How those pieces react in a cartridge is to be determined (TBD). Pieces of powder stop the trickler altogether in the fine cycle. Makes me worry about early motor failure running at reduced rates and powering through difficult parts with effort. Kind of like putting too little electrical power into your TV or sterio (100V instead of 120V). Underpowering will overheat earlier and burn components out sooner.
It is still early in "testing" and your results could vary. I say again, I am not impressed at this time with their combined workings.
