Author Topic: Electronic Scales (Read 587 times)

Darrell Davis · « **on:** December 29, 2004, 07:39:31 AM »

Morn'in Reloaders,

Questions which have probably been already been answered, but how about another go around.

I have thought about adding an electronic scale to my loading equipment, but the one time I tried one it was not a good experience.

A couple of years ago, a friend loaned me his unit with the comment that he didn't find it very consistant. I gave it a try and soon came to the same conclusion.

So, the question(s) is what brand seems to have the edge with the folk on GB and what are the things that make for consistant weights (not having to constantly reset zero etc.) while weighing cases, bullets etc.

Keep em coming :wink:

Duffy · « **Reply #1 on:** December 29, 2004, 08:27:22 AM »

Darrell,
A friend had a pact that I used and liked it very much, I bought the RCBS because at that time it was available with the powder measure also. Both are made by Pact. I like mine very much but like any precision instrument there's a few rules. I helps to have it sitting on a sturdy surface,(I have a marble plate) You should let it warm up a bit before starting. Mine will usually let me know when it's ready, it will come on with zeros and then after about 5 min or so will begin flashing error. Just re-zero and go. Need to keep them away from drafts, cell phones and sometimes florescent lighting. Usually 3+ feet is good but a bit farther for cell phones. They are great for weighing bullets or comparing components. If your eye's are getting a bit shaky there's also a plus, it's easier to read those numbers than that little line on the balance beam.

My loads have seem to become more consistant also.

sgtt · « **Reply #2 on:** December 29, 2004, 07:38:58 PM »

I purchased an RCBS yrs ago. I believe it was made by Ohaus. I paid a bunch for it. I could not be more pleased. Especially when I read about some of the other problems encountered. I think I have had to recalibrate it two or three times in 15 yrs. It is not affected by anything but my fat fingers. The ONLY issue I have is that it maxes at 500 grns. I think I would purchase an RCBS or Dillon because of their service reputation.

bconway84 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 30, 2004, 08:06:20 AM »

Can't say which one is the best, but will repeat what I have read and experienced after buying it one to stay away from.

The Cabelas name brand is not sensitive enough when trickling powder in to reach your exact charge. You have to touch the scale with you finger to make the weight change then it will do weigh OK. I also recalibrate it every reloading session, just for my own piece of mind. I will also check the first couple charges with a beam scale for accuracy.

Just wish I had read about this before my purchase.

rickyp · « **Reply #4 on:** December 30, 2004, 03:12:04 PM »

I have a pact BBK scale that has seen quite a few years of service. I no longer have any other scale and I use it every time i reload.
I found if the 9 v battery gets down to about 1/2 power it starts to mess up. I went to radio shack and got a 9v converter this plugs in the wall.
If you have any air movement it trows off the scale you must calibrate it every hour or so.
with proper use they are better then a B.B. scale
one last thing BECAREFULL OF WHAT YOU PUT IN THE PAN IT MAY DAMAGE THE WEIGHT SENSOR, THEY ARE VERY DELECATE.

Darrell Davis · « **Reply #5 on:** December 30, 2004, 03:45:05 PM »

Hey there and THANKS,

RICKYP, do you mean care must be taken on "HOW" things are put in the scale pan, OR are there things which could damage the unit if they were weighed?

I like the info which has come in so far, hope it keeps coming!

I have used the old balance for so long that we get along OK.

However, for weighing cast bullets, cases and .22LR rounds the electronic scale seems like it may have real possibilities as none of those items can be weighed with any kind of speed.

Keep em coming! :wink:

rickyp · « **Reply #6 on:** December 30, 2004, 03:53:17 PM »

Quote

RICKYP, do you mean care must be taken on "HOW" things are put in the scale pan, OR are there things which could damage the unit if they were weighed?

Both if you drop something you can damage it or if you put something that weights too much it can damage it as well. You could even damage it if you bump the scale to hard with the pan in place.

tony212 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 31, 2004, 09:24:52 AM »

I have an RCBS also and couldn't be happier. I did have some problems when I first got it but like Duffy said once you know how they work they're great. One other thing you need to know, don't keep them anywhere where humidity is high. I leave mine in my living room and only bring it into my cellar/reloading room when I'm using it. When I'm done it goes back upstairs. Its too humid in my cellar during the summer and the humidity plays havoc with the scale. Hope this helps.
Tony212

Graybeard · « **Reply #8 on:** December 31, 2004, 09:47:11 AM »

My old and I do mean OLD RCBS is made by PACT. It's the same one they now have in the system with the dispenser to measure charges automatically but mine is way too old to have that feature.

You calibrate it before each use and let it warm up before calibrating it. Seems pretty steady to me. From time to time it will tell you it's giving an error and you just rezero with the pan on scale with nothing in it and right back it comes.

I know from experience my pan weights 138.2 grains. So after calibration I can tell if there is any error when I set it on the scale to zero it. The worst it's ever been off was 0.2 grain.

Bullseye · « **Reply #9 on:** December 31, 2004, 06:04:46 PM »

I have the PACT with the powder dispenser. I do need to let it warm up for about 10-15 minutes before use. I built a little shelf on the back of my workbench to set it on because it is so sensitive that the readings would jump around if you seated bullets while dispensing the next charge. I have never had problems with interference.

Overall, I would highly recommend it. I have sold one of my balance scales since getting it and it has been many months since me RCBS 10-10 has seen the reloading bench.

Tc300mag1 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 31, 2004, 06:25:55 PM »

I have a pact BBk and its great only time ive ever had a problem with it is if i have heat set low in house then i have to turn it on for about 20 mins to warm up or it drifts... once it warms up then its fine .

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 31, 2004, 07:00:23 PM »

My is a new RCBS that is made by PACT. Greatest reloading accessary I bought for reloading.

I have the dispenser and scale.

Bart Solo · « **Reply #12 on:** January 04, 2005, 02:27:14 AM »

what advantage is gained by using an electronic scale? Except for a scale dispenser combo are they faster?

rickyp · « **Reply #13 on:** January 04, 2005, 05:56:33 AM »

Ron Byers Posted:
what advantage is gained by using an electronic scale? Except for a scale dispenser combo are they faster?

they are faster to read, more accurate, if it is out of whack it will let you know, the screen is easer to read with aging or not so good eyes, the list can go on and on.

Duffy · « **Reply #14 on:** January 04, 2005, 07:58:03 AM »

Not to nit-pick, but they are not nessasarily more accurate, more consistent yes. I guess you could call it more accurate if it meant you couldn't see the white line's on the balance beam anymore. :eek: They do make it much easier to trickle to that last tenth VS the beam type.