DIY check weights for specific loads

Barnes_270

Barnes_270

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So, I got to thinking it might be nice to have some check weights for my beam scale, but I'm cheap... :)

So, got some 1/4 inch brass rod from the hardware store, chucked a short piece in a drill, chamfered it on the bench grinder and ground it down until it was close to my desired load (58 grains), then used an analytical balance for the final steps, taking small amounts off with emery paper.

The result? A custom, DIY check weight that is exactly 58.00 +/- 0.05 grains. Repeated the process to get a 56 grain weight, and more to come! :D
 
Barnes_270 said:
So, I got to thinking it might be nice to have some check weights for my beam scale, but I'm cheap... :)

So, got some 1/4 inch brass rod from the hardware store, chucked a short piece in a drill, chamfered it on the bench grinder and ground it down until it was close to my desired load (58 grains), then used an analytical balance for the final steps, taking small amounts off with emery paper.

The result? A custom, DIY check weight that is exactly 58.00 +/- 0.05 grains. Repeated the process to get a 56 grain weight, and more to come! :D
Click to expand...

Did you use the same scale to arrive at the weight of your piece of brass?
If so, what is the advantage/use of the weight you made?
 
H4831 said:
Did you use the same scale to arrive at the weight of your piece of brass?
If so, what is the advantage/use of the weight you made?
Click to expand...

No, I have access to an electronic precision analytical scale that is accurate to +/- 0.0005 grams.

Yes, making a check weight using the scale you need to zero would be a brain-donor thing to do!
 
Sometimes when I'm feeling paranoid, I throw a 40gr bullet on my scale after I zero it. I have one that I've saved that always reads right on 40.0 with my zero'd 5-0-5. Eh, what harm can it do? I figure it will let me know if something go bent or fell off.
 
Since I have seen what an overload can do, I am extra cautious that my scale is correct when loading.
I have a RCBS Chargemaster Combo, and I like it a lot.
I still check the charge weight it throws from time to time on my 304 Balance Beam.
Also have several check weights that I use on any of my 3 scales.
Regards, Eagleye.
 
I found a set of the RCBS Deluxe check weights (98992) sitting on a shelf for $35.00
I think it was well worth the price.
It contains 1x200, 2x100, 1x50, 2x20, 1x10, 1x5, 2x2, 1x1, 1x.5, 1 forceps).
 
that's a good price for a set of weights, to be sure.

What I like is that I can set up the scale with exactly the weight I want, and then measure charges to match. Very convenient.
 
Ok, here are some pics.

A finished 32 grain weight (for throwing light charges of H4895 for plinking loads)

IMGP3016.jpg


Final check on the scale: 2.0736 grams at 0.06479891 grams per grain = 32.0005 grains. I'd say it's good to go!

IMGP3014.jpg
 
Good DIY tip for sure. Thanks for sharing!

I haven't gone to the trouble of making my own. Every once in a while I use a loonie just to double check my scales. They are pretty much bang on 7 grams. The Mint has the weights for coins on their site. It just lets me know if anything is amiss before I start loading.
 
I've never thought about making custom weights... I typically just check with a few old metric weights (1, 2, and 5 grams) to make sure things are looking okay before I start. I know they aren't equal to the charges I'm throwing, but the process seems to work.

interesting post nonetheless.
 
The check weights dont "have to" match any specific weight.
As long as the object (I use a 1/4" nut) is weighted on a proven scale or standard.

As long as the scale returns to what ever weight the object is proven to weight, good enough.
Dont make it more complicated than it needs to be.

Just have fun, and check your electronic scale periodically with your check weight.
 
dthunter said:
The check weights dont "have to" match any specific weight.
As long as the object (I use a 1/4" nut) is weighted on a proven scale or standard.

As long as the scale returns to what ever weight the object is proven to weight, good enough.
Dont make it more complicated than it needs to be.

Just have fun, and check your electronic scale periodically with your check weight.
Click to expand...

True, it doesn't need to be this complicated. As long as you know the absolute weight of a standard on a proven scale, you're good to go. What I like is zeroing the empty scale, setting up the beam for a specific charge, and then weighing my charge-specific weight. There is something reassuring about seeing the beam exactly at the mark you will be throwing charges for. I can even toss the standard back on at any time in the session without adjusting the scale to make sure all is well. I don't use an electronic scale, so readjusting the beam to check zero is a pain. A charge-specific weight is very useful for a beam scale.

Does it need to be this complicated? Nope. Do I like it? Yep. :)
 
Re:complicated

Barnes_270 said:
True, it doesn't need to be this complicated. As long as you know the absolute weight of a standard on a proven scale, you're good to go. What I like is zeroing the empty scale, setting up the beam for a specific charge, and then weighing my charge-specific weight. There is something reassuring about seeing the beam exactly at the mark you will be throwing charges for. I can even toss the standard back on at any time in the session without adjusting the scale to make sure all is well. I don't use an electronic scale, so readjusting the beam to check zero is a pain. A charge-specific weight is very useful for a beam scale.

Does it need to be this complicated? Nope. Do I like it? Yep. :)
Click to expand...

As long as it gives you confidence and an accurate asessment of your scale, "thats all that really matters".

For "my" shooting needs, I test allot of loads & charge weights. This would make it very impractical.

Have fun guys!
 
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