Scale frustration

I bought a Lyman 500 back in late '80s. Not an issue with it until I went to move my reloading stuff from the basement to the shed for some major home renos and dropped it. Knocked the little copper damping plate off. I just bought another one last night, same model, almost 30 years later.
 
When Lee first brought out their Safety Scale I was excited! Wow, a beam that weighs only 100 grs must be more accurate than a beam of equal length that weighs 500, so I ordered one before they were on the market for 5 minutes. To say I was let down is an understatement. IMHO, if the LSS I had was representative, and this is not to say that their QC hasn't improved since that time, it did not accurately represent the weight placed on the pan and it was not repeatable. I considered the LSS dangerous and unreliable for handloading, mine went to the land fill. I went back to my 10-10 and never looked back. Perhaps the new ones are better (they could hardly be worse) but if you are going to call the LSS repeatable, put some check weights on it, and test it thoroughly before making that pronouncement.

The scale I use today is the 505, in conjunction with a set of check weights (actually 2 sets combined) and I zero the scale to the load I intend to weigh. When I use a digital scale, I check it against the 505, if they agree, I consider the weight accurate. When using the 505, it must repeat precisely after bumping the pan two or three times before I believe it. I considered upgrading to an Ohaus 310, but it is relatively expensive, and I doubt little would be gained in speed or accuracy. Since the 310 is now only available in metric, converting from grams to grains provides an opportunity for error, even if the chance is slight.
 
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Use an RCBS 10-10 scale. Have RCBS Chargemaster but it dispenses way too slow. Takes 40/50 seconds per charge. The CM scale works reliably and is always with .1 gr of the 10-10 scale. Use a Harrells powder measure and trickler to top up powder charge, if needed. At some point I will purchase the stand alone scale that is part of the CM to avoid that stupid stem that sits over scale pan.
 
Most people who are bashing the Lee scale are not using it correctly.
I dared a few to send them Lee scales to me for testing and only got replies like "I smashed it", "I thew it away" and so on
Kamlooky at least has an excuse.
 
zuke said:
Properly set up, the LEE scale is scary accurate. I bought mine when I was 18 and have never had a problem with it.
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Nathan Foster writes positively about the Lee scale as well, but my experience was so contrary that it makes my hair hurt; what little I have left. The example I had would neither weigh correctly, nor was it repeatable. What I would honestly like to know is: are you assuming your scale is accurate, or, have you have tested it's accuracy and repeatability?
 
I have a 5-0-5 and it's good. I bought check weights and simply go off the scale's indicated weight, then use the check weight to get an actual or constant, and write it down. I had wanted a Gempro but they do not trickle up very well I hear.
 
Boomer said:
Nathan Foster writes positively about the Lee scale as well, but my experience was so contrary that it makes my hair hurt; what little I have left. The example I had would neither weigh correctly, nor was it repeatable. What I would honestly like to know is: are you assuming your scale is accurate, or, have you have tested it's accuracy and repeatability?
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It's accurate and repeatable. I have check weight's. Long ago I drew a rectangle on the bench and each and every time I use it, it sit's there.
youtube has plenty of hint's.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0KmocAH5fo
 
zuke said:
It's accurate and repeatable. I have check weight's. Long ago I drew a rectangle on the bench and each and every time I use it, it sit's there.
youtube has plenty of hint's.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0KmocAH5fo
Click to expand...

Good enough, the early one I purchased might have been a lemon, and that's possible regardless of manufacturer, or perhaps Lee's improved them over the years. Now I'm curious enough that I might buy another one just to see. The low weight capacity of the beam, and the lack of magnetic dampening should make it very accurate.
 
Ohaus 505 that is very old, is what I use, digital as a quick ref, that said some powders don't seem work well , 700 and 800 x and bad for that
bbb
 
Boomer said:
Good enough, the early one I purchased might have been a lemon, and that's possible regardless of manufacturer, or perhaps Lee's improved them over the years. Now I'm curious enough that I might buy another one just to see. The low weight capacity of the beam, and the lack of magnetic dampening should make it very accurate.
Click to expand...

Bought it when I was 18, I just turned 49
 
I've found the Lee to be very accurate BUT it is also very finnicky. I learned a lot of little tricks to get repeatable results but after charging 50 cases I feel like I need a drink and a vacation. You must use the lock on the vernier slider. It will move every time you drop the beam lifting the pan off if you dont. Setting the pan on the beam exactly the same every time is critical as is making sure the pan never touches the work surface as it oscillates. If it does it will slip on the beam and throw your charge weight out to lunch. You have to make sure the beam is centered in its slot, any friction throws things off obviously. And then there's the approach to weight as the beam lifts. It has a very narrow range so it is very easy to trickle past your charge weight. Once you get used to it you should find it very accurate and consistent. After upgrading to a 5-0-5 I haven't used it. The 5-0-5 is much more user friendly, faster and easier to use and seems just as accurate and consistent.
 
Yes that POS is fidgitity. Take a piece of paper and weigh it. Now write your name on that paper with a pencil and weigh it again. It'll measure the difference.
Yes it is that sensitive.
 
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