It is so nice to sit down with morning coffee and watch a short, informative video. No B.S., no hypen, no "only i have the secret to correct reloading, thou shall do it my way or be castigated as a failure" Well done, and much appreciated!
Good call, everyone should have one like you said. Or two or three 😁. Or one really nice one along with a progressive and automatic digital powder dispenser.
I have both of the scales you have on the video. I use the RCBS charge master for rifle loads. I use the Hornady to set up my powder drop for my progressive press.
I like the autocharge digital scale. I also use a beam balance scale to check powder charges since they are very accurate and don't have issues with batteries, zeroing or timeouts like digital scales. Always good info here thanks!
These are nice, I have both but it’s good to have a set of check weights to verify the scale before you begin. RCBS makes an inexpensive set of check weights for this purpose.
My main scale now is an old Redding beam scale, as far as digital scales go I always saw the batteries being an issue, I figured it would give out at midnight when I couldn't get a replacement. That Hornady scale is one I'm going to look into now. ;-)
...my gold standard has always been the Ohaus micrometer adjustable, balance bean scale that came with the RCBS Ammo Crafter's Kit I bought while stationed in Germany FIFTY years ago from the Illesheim Rod & Gun Cub..I originally bought as digital scale as 'neighborhood' scale to weigh unknown object to get them in the 'neighborhood' of a weight that I would determine on the Ohaus...got to where I actually like (and trust) the digital scale...it's especially good for finding unknown weights (I always confirm power weights on the Ohaus - guess I'm too old - 72 - to totally trust it) I've got a set of check weights to keep both of them honest...
I have tried RCBS, Hornady, Frankin Arsenal small digital scales, they all drift and give inconsitent readings. The mechanical scales on the other hand are very consistent but tale longer to measure.
I too use one with a progressive reloader just to ensure no double loads, hell I use one with a single turrent also. Just another way to QC your reloads.
If I want to double check my RCBS Chargemaster, I use my 5-0-5 balance beam scale. I got one of those flat Hornady electronic scales in a starter kit. It was so clearly inconsistent, I went and got the 5-0-5 and threw the Hornady out. Chargemaster came much later. Instead of an electronic scale, get yourself quality check weights. They will enable you to ensure that whatever scale you are using is consistent and accurate (or not). BTW the calibration weights that come with many electronic scales aren’t necessarily high quality. I eventually got certified weights to calibrate the Chargemaster and my accuracy improved, both in terms of powder charges and at the range. Consistency counts!
I couldn't figure out why my charges were not consistent. Come to find out all my powder is falling out of the case because I can't find primers to plug the small hole in the bottom.
I guess I'm old fashioned but I trust my RCBS beam scale more than the electronic. I have tried several digital scales and they all suffered from inconsistent readings . Maybe someday but for now I'll stick with mechanical.
I use an electronic scale with a large lcd display for reloading so that if my left eye shuts down (traumatic brain injury does fun stuff) I can still see the display and don't have to stop and wait for my vision to come back in that eye. I use to use as smaller electronic scale along with a web cam projecting through my laptop so that I could see the numbers, the large display is so much easier to use.
CALIBRATION 1. For optimal performance, turn unit on and allow 5-15 minutes to warm up. 2. Press CAL button once and unit will display "0.00g". 3. Verify the red scale plate is empty. 4. Press CAL button and the unit will then calibrate while displaying "====". 5. When "10.00g" is displayed, place the 10g weight on the center of the scale plate and press CAL. The unit will then continue calibrating while displaying "====". 6. When "50.00g" is displayed, remove the 10g weight, and then place the 50g weight on the center of the scale plate. 7. Press CAL. The unit will then finish calibrating while displaying "====". 8. After calibrating, the unit will briefly display "PASS" before returning to normal operation.
You were lucky. Maybe you were loading rifle cartridges, in which case there would be a significant difference. With straight wall pistol, cast bullets, mixed head stamp, the powder charge may or may not offset the difference in case or bullet variance enough to be definitive. For target ammo, yeah, mixed head stamp isn't a game changer, a lot of us "just do it" and still end up with better than factory consistency. As for the scale, as stated in previous comments, a bit too quirky. Beam scales are my go too, bullet weight check, a cheap digital. If the one you find doesn't do grains (many don't) write the conversion formula on a piece of tape stuck to the unit.
Question, I have the digital flat one that you mentioned. However, I'd like to know, how can I do just powder measurements accurately without the weight of the tin cup altering the numbers? For instance, I also have the Rcbs 505 mechanical scale, it has that small tin pouring pan. I'm assuming that tin cup weighs some grams also. So how can the weight of the tin cup be excluded from the powder weight needed? Can the digital scale be calibrated to be Zero "0" with that tin powder tray or cup?
Had to buy my reloading equipment a couple of components at a time. Couldn't afford to get everything at once. First two things I bought: digital scale and Dillon dial caliper. For some reason I like the dial calipers better than digital. Maybe a video showing pros and cons of both would be nice?
I spent hundreds of dollars on digital scales and powder dispensers that all ended up in the trash eventually. One started throwing heavy charges that, thankfully, a visual inspection caught before I blew up a rifle. My bottom line is that they worked fine for a little while, then would go off the reservation. Now, to be fair, I don't have a climate controlled loading room, I use my garage and it gets HOT here in Vegas. That may be the issue, but it doesn't matter. The damn things don't work for ME. When one started throwing inconsistent charges, I sent it back to the factory. They returned it telling me nothing was wrong with it BUT I needed to be sure that no flourescent lights or cell phones were close by. Right. So who would use lights like that in a workshop? The good news is that I still had my original balance-beam scale tucked away and brought it out of retirement and got a traditional, manual powder dispenser. Also I have found that inexpensive digital scales from Frankford work well, but now I seriously cross-check between the two.
I still prefer my vintage Redding No 2 hydro dampened beam scale. I've thought about getting a digital scale for plinking loads, but beam for precision always. Unless it's a lab grade balance. Yes lab grade "scales" are called a balance.
Steve humbly reviewing the humble digital scales. 👍 review
I use a couple of digitals and still have a beam around for cross checking. Also have weights for checking accuracy of the scales.
The digital scale and caliper, the essential QC tools for the reloader. When in doubt... measure!
It is so nice to sit down with morning coffee and watch a short, informative video. No B.S., no hypen, no "only i have the secret to correct reloading, thou shall do it my way or be castigated as a failure"
Well done, and much appreciated!
I've had a couple of the digital scales, they seem to be very quirky (won't hold zero, warm up issues etc.) Leaning on my beam scale more now.
Yup. I weigh every charge with a beam scale.
Good call, everyone should have one like you said. Or two or three 😁. Or one really nice one along with a progressive and automatic digital powder dispenser.
I recently put the lyman pocket digital scale on my reloading bench it is a fantastic tool
I also have a little collection of vintage beam scales too
I'll keep my beam styled ones thank you.
I have both of the scales you have on the video. I use the RCBS charge master for rifle loads. I use the Hornady to set up my powder drop for my progressive press.
I like the autocharge digital scale. I also use a beam balance scale to check powder charges since they are very accurate and don't have issues with batteries, zeroing or timeouts like digital scales. Always good info here thanks!
Used an RCBS 10-10 forever. These digital scales are the cats meow!
These are nice, I have both but it’s good to have a set of check weights to verify the scale before you begin. RCBS makes an inexpensive set of check weights for this purpose.
My main scale now is an old Redding beam scale, as far as digital scales go I always saw the batteries being an issue, I figured it would give out at midnight when I couldn't get a replacement. That Hornady scale is one I'm going to look into now. ;-)
I also use an old Redding beam scale. Mine has a little spot for adding oil to dampen the beam movements and get a quicker read. Awesome scale
...my gold standard has always been the Ohaus micrometer adjustable, balance bean scale that came with the RCBS Ammo Crafter's Kit I bought while stationed in Germany FIFTY years ago from the Illesheim Rod & Gun Cub..I originally bought as digital scale as 'neighborhood' scale to weigh unknown object to get them in the 'neighborhood' of a weight that I would determine on the Ohaus...got to where I actually like (and trust) the digital scale...it's especially good for finding unknown weights (I always confirm power weights on the Ohaus - guess I'm too old - 72 - to totally trust it) I've got a set of check weights to keep both of them honest...
I have tried RCBS, Hornady, Frankin Arsenal small digital scales, they all drift and give inconsitent readings. The mechanical scales on the other hand are very consistent but tale longer to measure.
I too use one with a progressive reloader just to ensure no double loads, hell I use one with a single turrent also. Just another way to QC your reloads.
If I want to double check my RCBS Chargemaster, I use my 5-0-5 balance beam scale. I got one of those flat Hornady electronic scales in a starter kit. It was so clearly inconsistent, I went and got the 5-0-5 and threw the Hornady out. Chargemaster came much later.
Instead of an electronic scale, get yourself quality check weights. They will enable you to ensure that whatever scale you are using is consistent and accurate (or not). BTW the calibration weights that come with many electronic scales aren’t necessarily high quality. I eventually got certified weights to calibrate the Chargemaster and my accuracy improved, both in terms of powder charges and at the range. Consistency counts!
I couldn't figure out why my charges were not consistent. Come to find out all my powder is falling out of the case because I can't find primers to plug the small hole in the bottom.
I always double check my beam scale weight on the digital before dropping powder in a batch.
I guess I'm old fashioned but I trust my RCBS beam scale more than the electronic. I have tried several digital scales and they all suffered from inconsistent readings . Maybe someday but for now I'll stick with mechanical.
@@joshuagibson2520 Since the late 60's started with a Lee Dipper set and Ohaus scale.
I use an electronic scale with a large lcd display for reloading so that if my left eye shuts down (traumatic brain injury does fun stuff) I can still see the display and don't have to stop and wait for my vision to come back in that eye. I use to use as smaller electronic scale along with a web cam projecting through my laptop so that I could see the numbers, the large display is so much easier to use.
Good Video.
THANKS
CALIBRATION
1. For optimal performance, turn unit on and allow 5-15 minutes to warm up.
2. Press CAL button once and unit will display "0.00g".
3. Verify the red scale plate is empty.
4. Press CAL button and the unit will then calibrate while displaying "====".
5. When "10.00g" is displayed, place the 10g weight on the center of the scale plate and press CAL. The unit will then continue calibrating while displaying "====".
6. When "50.00g" is displayed, remove the 10g weight, and then place the
50g weight on the center of the scale plate.
7. Press CAL. The unit will then finish calibrating while displaying "====".
8. After calibrating, the unit will briefly display "PASS" before returning to normal operation.
You were lucky. Maybe you were loading rifle cartridges, in which case there would be a significant difference. With straight wall pistol, cast bullets, mixed head stamp, the powder charge may or may not offset the difference in case or bullet variance enough to be definitive. For target ammo, yeah, mixed head stamp isn't a game changer, a lot of us "just do it" and still end up with better than factory consistency. As for the scale, as stated in previous comments, a bit too quirky. Beam scales are my go too, bullet weight check, a cheap digital. If the one you find doesn't do grains (many don't) write the conversion formula on a piece of tape stuck to the unit.
I like a digital scale for weighing every cartrige after I I'm done.
I have an old Frankford Arsenal mini one that keeps fluctuating by .1 or .2 gr, need to upgrade to that Hornady.
Question, I have the digital flat one that you mentioned. However, I'd like to know, how can I do just powder measurements accurately without the weight of the tin cup altering the numbers? For instance, I also have the Rcbs 505 mechanical scale, it has that small tin pouring pan. I'm assuming that tin cup weighs some grams also. So how can the weight of the tin cup be excluded from the powder weight needed? Can the digital scale be calibrated to be Zero "0" with that tin powder tray or cup?
I would like to get one to work up loads for my black powder shooting.
Can I ask what is the maximum weight in grams that the G3-1500 can weigh? thanks.
Had to buy my reloading equipment a couple of components at a time. Couldn't afford to get everything at once. First two things I bought: digital scale and Dillon dial caliper. For some reason I like the dial calipers better than digital. Maybe a video showing pros and cons of both would be nice?
Dial calipers you can find the diameter better with than the digital. You can also see if you're squeezing it.
I spent hundreds of dollars on digital scales and powder dispensers that all ended up in the trash eventually. One started throwing heavy charges that, thankfully, a visual inspection caught before I blew up a rifle. My bottom line is that they worked fine for a little while, then would go off the reservation. Now, to be fair, I don't have a climate controlled loading room, I use my garage and it gets HOT here in Vegas. That may be the issue, but it doesn't matter. The damn things don't work for ME. When one started throwing inconsistent charges, I sent it back to the factory. They returned it telling me nothing was wrong with it BUT I needed to be sure that no flourescent lights or cell phones were close by. Right. So who would use lights like that in a workshop? The good news is that I still had my original balance-beam scale tucked away and brought it out of retirement and got a traditional, manual powder dispenser. Also I have found that inexpensive digital scales from Frankford work well, but now I seriously cross-check between the two.
"Grams"....kill me please 🤣🤣
That's for weighing your dope. LOL.
I still prefer my vintage Redding No 2 hydro dampened beam scale. I've thought about getting a digital scale for plinking loads, but beam for precision always. Unless it's a lab grade balance. Yes lab grade "scales" are called a balance.
Most of the little flat ones that do letters do not have an option for GRAINS.... only GRAMS.
How; and how often, do you calibrate an electronic scale?
Digital vs beam scale!
i would love to learn how to reload.. and where and how to start..
Balance beam scales will last a lifetime, electronic scales maybe a year
Don't get a super cheap one. I recommend getting one from Japan.
According to a lot of reviews most digital powder scales are junk. Very inaccurate, lose zero and require a lot of checking between rounds.
Horndy BOO NO THANKS