Questions on Mechanical scales and check weights

[Luked]

For you guys with the Mechanical beam scales.
Do you use the check weights that some of the companies like RCBS have to verify your scales?
If so how often have you ever noticed an issue with the scale being off?

Reason for asking is I keep thinking that my RCBS M500 is off but I don't have any of the check weights to be sure or not and am thinking about getting some to check it.

Was just curious if any of you have ever had any issues doing this.

 

[wind gypsy]

yes, for any scale really.

Kits are cheap insurance.

Amazon.com

 

[Castle Rock]

Just weigh a couple of bullets, they mostly are close enough to the stated weight to let you know if there is a problem

 

[RagnCajn]

Yes. Get a set. I probably have to adjust the scales more often than not to match the check weight so they definitely have some utility.

 

[wapitibob]

yes, always, but unless I move the scale a bunch it's within a 1/10

 

[EdP]

I set my beam scale on the bench and adjust the screw foot until the beam pointer is at zero, then don't move it until I am finished. The scale came with a 400 gr weight that I have checked it against and found it to be on. Even if it is a bit off, I don't see why it matters as long as I use the same scale properly zeroed to measure to the loads I developed. Maybe I'm missing something but I don't think so. An electronic scale I would not trust w/o checking every time it is fired up. Note: you can add or remove lead shot from the pan hanger bottom if your scale is off. If you have already developed loads using it and do add/remove weight from the hanger, you will need to update your load data.

 

[A382DWDZQ]

I usually check mine when I’m get started on doing my charging, or if I’m changing to a charge > 20gr +/-. That way I always know my weight is consistent.

 

[Wolfshead]

I have a check weight I use every time I set up my beam scale.
I will not use an electronic scale.
Not bashing anyone who does, I just don’t trust them from experience.
I set up my scale, adjust with the check weight, and proceed to weigh.
I’m in the same belief as EdP as I don’t see why it matters as long as everything is the same, and consistent.

 

[N2TRKYS]

I quickly tired of the inconsistency of a beam scale and switched to an electronic scale. I would quit reloading, if I had to go back to a beam scale.

 

[Wolfshead]

I quickly tired of the inconsistency of a beam scale and switched to an electronic scale. I would quit reloading, if I had to go back to a beam scale.

That’s funny because I feel the same about electronic scales.
I could never get them to be consistent using the same weight.
I might get two of the same readings in a row but never three.

 

[Mike D Texas]

Unless you buy a cheap electronic scale, they will be extremely accurate and repeatable.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Choupique]

I use a lee beam scale and Lyman check weights. I check it every time I change the charge weight. Its never been off by much, I don't think enough to every really matter. Its not hard to conceive how it could very easily get off though, so I check it.

Before I got weights, I used to use a dipper and a powder I had on hand to check it. Not super precise but it'll at least tell you if you're within a half grain or so.

 

[doverpack12]

I bought a Lyman check weight set to calibrate a really old Redding beam scale with my chargemaster lite. I do check them, typically each time I load. The beam scale never moves, they are both on the same shelf on a solid wall. Throw charges on the chargemaster then put that on the Redding pan while it throws the next charge. If I need to trickle or remove a couple kernels I do and usually have that in the case with a bullet seated before the next charge is thrown.