Scale check weights

[Tn Jim]

Does anyone have a set? Or are they really needed? I have a RCBS 5-10 scale that I got second hand (but rarely used), so I don't know it's true age. I got it in 1991. As far as I can tell it still works perfectly, nice and smooth. Do I need to check it? My only concern is it's age and not anything it's doing. Thanks in advance.

[Savage]

You have one of those new scales I see! My Ohaus 5-0-5 is about 20 years older than yours. If your scale has not been physically damaged, it should be perfectly accurate. I think Midway carries check weights if you want them.
Savage

[Tn Jim]

I am getting a order ready for Midway very soon. That was one of the reasons for this post. Thought if I needed a set this would be a good time to order them. Who says something ain't good just because it's old?

[Gun Runner]

Tn and others. I have the 10-10 scale and had a bad habit of laving the dust cover off of it. Over the years I started having a prob with it. I live 53 miles from RCBS so went up to have it checked out. Charlie the guy in charge of the shop now gave me a new one in the box. This was after he took a couple chunks off my back side for not using the cover. Said fine dust had built up  in the cradle and thats why I was having a prob. Ifin you call them they will probable trade you a new one for your old one. Just a thought ifin your having a prob. Heres their info: 1-800-533-5000 From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST Mon thru Thur.

Gun Runner

[1sourdough]

 My 'check weights' system is using a bullet from a box you know is true. I  like it better than the weights used as such.

[nodlenor]

I wouldn't go so far as to say they are necessary but they sure do put your mind at ease. I've got some check weights and I like to check my scales every so often. I think most brand name scales will be ok unless they are misused or damaged (or neglected) but it sure is nice to make sure. Bullets will get you close but they are not as accurate as the check weights. I also use a lot of RCBS products and have had good luck with them but there are other good brands too.

[Glanceblamm]

My 'check weights' system is using a bullet from a box you know is true. I  like it better than the weights used as such.

Ditto on the bullets as most seem to be accurate to the penny from 55gr to 300gr (on my beam scale) You can also trade a particular bullet with a friend to cross check the weights.
Course a scale check weight set may be priced pretty reasonable? I have not looked at any for a while.

[beemanbeme]

I'd use some bullets to proof it.  I've got a Ohaus 10-10 (they make the RCBS scales) that I've had for @ 45 years and I bought it used.  I had Ohaus send me a new set of cradles about 25 years ago. One of these days I'm gonna send it back to the Ohaus for a refurb.  I use it to proof my Lyman 1200. Or maybe I use my Lyman 1200 to proof my 10-10. Anyway, they match. 

[Savage]

Didn't mean to sound as if I were dismissing the idea of using check weights to verify accuracy on your scale. I actually think they are a very good idea. They give you confidence in your equipment. I have two scales on my bench. One digital, the other is a beam. It's quick and easy to check one against the other. The digital came with check weights, in Grams of course.
Savage

[Grumulkin]

I got a set of weights which I use from time to time so see if the scale is still accurate.  I think it's a good idea to check now and then but I've have no problems with my scale in about 25 years of use.

[PaulS]

I used bullets too. I used them to check an electronic scale and the first time it was ok, but I could never get close to the same weight for the bullet twice. I gave the scale to my wife to weigh letters. I would be interested to try it on some of the scales that the other guys here are using. Try weighing the same bullet 10 times in a row and see how close the scales are each time. It might scare you!