electronic scale

Hey friend...I use those too when weighing loads for a Satterlee test where I only load 3 rounds of each charge. I can get really close with the scoop then trickle the remaining tenths in the pan.
Yes sir! That is exactly how I do ALL of my reloading! Pick the correct scoop and trickle up to your final weight...very quick and accurate.
 
Any electronic scale is going to be sensitive. I use the CreedmoorTRX- 925 to help verify the load to about 20 thou. I have seen issues here in Colorado where barometric pressure drops and scale goes squirrelly. Watch air flow from duct work as well.
As well as fluorescent and LED lights ... or for that matter, all other electronic devices within the periphery of any digital scale.
 
It isn't just accuracy, it is time. I used several cheaper digital scales and was always frustrated by:
1. Their accuracy - it might say 87.0 grains but tap the scale pan and it comes back at 87.1
2. Constantly in need of calibration - almost always had to recalibrate when starting a new session
3. Too much time to provide a reading. Drop in a few kernels and it takes several seconds for them to register (and frequently required me to tap the pan to get it to change).

I use FX-200 scales because they are lighting fast - drop one kernel on the pan and it changes. I rarely have to calibrate it. I have bought plenty of things that in hindsight proved to be a waste of money, but like I have said before, the A&D and AMP (another item frequently criticized for its cost) are such no brainers I have them in both of loading rooms.
A question because I don't know, lets say in a medium cased 30cal round@200-300 yds, I'm curious as to the POI shift with powder charges varying +/- .1gn? Anyone tested this?
 
It isn't just accuracy, it is time. I used several cheaper digital scales and was always frustrated by:
1. Their accuracy - it might say 87.0 grains but tap the scale pan and it comes back at 87.1
2. Constantly in need of calibration - almost always had to recalibrate when starting a new session
3. Too much time to provide a reading. Drop in a few kernels and it takes several seconds for them to register (and frequently required me to tap the pan to get it to change).

I use FX-200 scales because they are lighting fast - drop one kernel on the pan and it changes. I rarely have to calibrate it. I have bought plenty of things that in hindsight proved to be a waste of money, but like I have said before, the A&D and AMP (another item frequently criticized for its cost) are such no brainers I have them in both of loading rooms.
That my friend is why I said the heck with it. I'm moving totally away from electronic scales and going back to my balance scale. I get repeatability and I'm in no hurry. Reloading in a pass time for me.
 
The best bang for the buck in scales right now is this;


Here is a test of its accuracy;



I use a Chargemaster Supreme which is one of the better mid price powder dispensers out there. However in use it is obvious that it over and throws. This annoyed me and it does contribute to higher SDs and ESs. To improve the process without breaking the bank I added the Creedmore scale and the Dandy trickler. Using the Creedmore scale I found the Chargemaster drops to vary by +/- .1 grains. Which is pretty precise but not precise enough.

My set up is now this;


View attachment 652896

My process now is to drop .1 grains under the desired charge with the Chargemaster than top up with the Dandy and Creedmore scale. After loading my first 50 with this system my variation is now +/- .01 grains with 4831SC. The only way to get it more accurate would be to cut the powder grains. That annal I am not. How much impact this makes on velocity SD and ES remains to be seen, but I feel better.......

This is exactly what I do, I really wanted the A&D fx120 set up, but thought the money I would save by buying theTRX925 I could put towards an AMP annealer as I currently use a bench source torch setup, which works but I believe that is the weak link in my current process
 
Jed, a guy on youtube by the name of The4GunGuy tested a chargemaster lite against a V3 trickler at 500 and 1000 yards. He has charts with differences on the video for weight variances and target results. I am just going to keep my chargemaster and Hornady auto pro, will mention I just shoot steel and don't compete.
 
You guys do load to the MIDDLE of your powder node don't you? Most of my powder nodes are almost a ~0.5gr wide...it doesn't take NASA's rocket surgery to hit plus or minus 0.1gr.
 
I went from a dandy to a chargemaster to an AD4 only for speed of reloading. If I'm in a good velocity node, and do my part, a coyote or Pdog will still die.
 
That my friend is why I said the heck with it. I'm moving totally away from electronic scales and going back to my balance scale. I get repeatability and I'm in no hurry. Reloading in a pass time for me.
I have use a balance beam and powder measure for a great many years. I have one of those top of the line electronic. I use a Lyman 55 powder measure to start with. Learn how to get very accurate powder dump and them weight it. I would set measure just a little short of wanted powder load. finish it off on the balance beam and a powder trickler. It's a bear if dump to much and have to reduce the powder charge. Learn the hard way using the powder measure. The trick is not to overload the pan at the time of using the powder measure. Then place the pan on the scale, trickle in to finish the powder load. The trick is "Don't overload the pan" when using the powder measure. Consistence is the name of the game. When measureing powder that's the only thing I am doing. Not seating bullets or placing primers in the cases. Just one step at a time. I generally have 2 case holders. That way nothing gets mixed up. Or which case did I just put powder into. No double charge or overfill cases.
 
I use a Lyman Brass Smith measure for black powder volume dumps to 82 grains of 1-1/2F. I get good .45-70 results out to 800 yards. No complaints.
 
My biggest frustration in reloading has been drifting scales or trying to see balance beam readings. I agree with comments regarding .1 grain meaning little unless you are shooting long range, but confidence is still taking a hit when dealing with drifting scales. The FX 120i solved this issue. I haven't gone with the auto tricker yet. However, I am rarely in a hurry when reloading.
 
My biggest frustration in reloading has been drifting scales or trying to see balance beam readings. I agree with comments regarding .1 grain meaning little unless you are shooting long range, but confidence is still taking a hit when dealing with drifting scales. The FX 120i solved this issue. I haven't gone with the auto tricker yet. However, I am rarely in a hurry when reloading.
Drifting is the main thing that's turning me away from them. I can get within 0.1 grain with my balance/beam scale. And I load as a hobby so I take my time. But I can still load 50 preprimed cases in an hour easily.
 
I've been thinking about going electronic but every time I start researching it I get a headache and give up. It seems the cheaper ones just are not worth it.
 

Recent Posts

Back
Top