Accurate Scale Needed

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Kevan

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I realize this subject has probably been hashed over numerous times, but here is my problem....my old digital scale has started acting up.
According to check weights it is dead-on at 60.0 gr., 1.9 gr. light at 250, and 2.4 light at 750.
Because I load powder charges up to and over 220 gr., a fairly large capacity scale is needed.
I've also got several balance beam scales which are reasonably accurate at lower weights, but once weight gets over 100 gr., they are so far off its unbelieveable.
I think a tenth or two is tolerable but not much more.
Any suggstions gratefully accepted....would like to hear from some precision rifle shooters as well as fellow hunters...
 
Because I load powder charges up to and over 220 gr., a fairly large capacity scale is needed.

Kevan

I gotta ask what the hey are you putting that much powder in? That must be a big gun:eek:
 
Well -Its unusual that the scale error grows with weight. Are you sure about the check weights? As long it repeats, you can just add the error to the desired weight, ie if its two grains light at 250 gr just measure out 252 grains to get 250 actual...
 
IMHO, the error of the weight doesn't matter provided you know what that error is and that the error is repeatable. If the scale doesn't repeat the same error every time, I would junk the scale. Repeatability is the key to accuracy, but more importantly repeatability is the key to safety.
 
I had found this one and posted in another thread. I don't have one but the specs read pretty good and it is a reputable (overseas) manufacturer. (I am looking at this one as an inexpensive scale)

It reads to 0.005g which will give a true 0.1 gr accuracy. This scale reads up to 100g which is 1500 gr.

The Acculab are also good scales but are more expensive (you get what you pay for) And likewise the Denver Instruments unit. ( I have one of the Denver Instruments Pinnicle series)

i101b.jpg


This is from the same website as posted above, cost is $190 CDN

canadianweigh.com/scales/my-weigh-ibalance-101


http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2925430#post2925430
 
Last edited:
Max Owner said:
Kevan; a few things told to me about electronic scales is that florescent lights and cordless phones can cause them to act up. Wind drafts aswell.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I know about those things, and also I never, never break wind when I'm measuring powder as that is hazardous in more ways than one.

As for the question..what do I load 200+ gr powder...my 50 BMG.
My 338 Lapua AI also uses 110 gr. to a load. :)
 
Kevan said:
Yeah, I know about those things, and also I never, never break wind when I'm measuring powder as that is hazardous in more ways than one.

As for the question..what do I load 200+ gr powder...my 50 BMG.
My 338 Lapua AI also uses 110 gr. to a load. :)
Click to expand...

I've never had a chance to shoot guns that big before but I suspect I might do more than break wind, I probably would crap my pants I would be so excited:50cal:

Sorry to derail thread I just had no idea that anything used that much powder to go boom!
 
Flourescent lights screw digital scales up? I've never heard this one, and I have one of those lamps with the big magnifying glass heads with a circular flourescent tube, mounted on my reloading desk. How concerned should I be?
 
stevebc said:
Flourescent lights screw digital scales up? I've never heard this one, and I have one of those lamps with the big magnifying glass heads with a circular flourescent tube, mounted on my reloading desk. How concerned should I be?
Click to expand...

Cheap scales are not shielded or poorly shielded. Since they rely on strain gauges and other sensitive electronics, things like fluorescent lights MIGHT interfere with them. You would likely notice any interference (erratic readings etc.)

Sort of like buzzing heard when you put a portable radio close to a fluorescent light, electric motor, buzzer, or anything that gives off lots of EM (electromagnetic) noise. The closer the scale is to the EM source, the greater chance of interference.
 
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