hating my scale

vtrguy

vtrguy

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I have a RCBS 5-0-2 balance scale.
I just hate how long it takes, how after doing 5 cartridges and checking the zero its off a bit and how the zero arrow is never steady.

Don't get me wrong, I've made some good accurate loads so far but its just getting to the point of frustration that I have to stop.

I was researching digital scales and came across the RCBS Chargemaster Combo.

Is it worth the price?
Is this accurate at all and consistent for measuring 24gr-28gr Varget?
 
I have no experience with the chargemaster, although most everything I've read has been positive.

But definately treat yourself to a digital scale. Doing so kept me in reloading.
 
vtrguy said:
I have a RCBS 5-0-2 balance scale.
I just hate how long it takes, how after doing 5 cartridges and checking the zero its off a bit and how the zero arrow is never steady.

Don't get me wrong, I've made some good accurate loads so far but its just getting to the point of frustration that I have to stop.

I was researching digital scales and came across the RCBS Chargemaster Combo.

Is it worth the price?Is this accurate at all and consistent for measuring 24gr-28gr Varget?
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Oh, yes it is. I went from the 5-0-2 to the Chargemaster. I brings reloading into a whole new world and makes it fun again. Go for it, you won't regret it.

Signed: Happy Reloader :D
 
gitrdun said:
Oh, yes it is. I went from the 5-0-2 to the Chargemaster. I brings reloading into a whole new world and makes it fun again. Go for it, you won't regret it.

Signed: Happy Reloader :D
Click to expand...

hahaha, did you manage to get accurate loads/charges with your 502 or did the Chargemaster just make things faster?
 
vtrguy said:
hahaha, did you manage to get accurate loads/charges with your 502 or did the Chargemaster just make things faster?
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I got accurate loads with both. The Chargemaster speeds things up. I kept the 502 as a means to check up on the Chargemaster every 20 or so rounds. It's always on.
 
fogducker said:
you dont by chance have a ceiling fan going over your scale do you?
as i know this will make your scale act weird
Click to expand...

no celing fan at all, its just that when i get an accurate reading when all 2 arrows line up... I'll wait like 4 seconds and than it'll go up and than go down. I mean its probably just like 4-5 kernals of powder but I'm looking for really accurate charges.
 
The Chargemaster definitely makes loading easier, but they are still only good to +/- .010 grains as is your 5-0-2 beam scale, 10-10 beam scale, 5-10 beam scale, Lyman, Redding, Lee & Hornady beam scales.

Take a look at Natchez.com for Chargemaster.

I have both a Chargemaster and 5-10 Beam scale and both are equally as accurate. The Chargemaster takes a bit of getting used to and knowing to wait for the charge to weigh, count and redisplay before dumping the powder into the case.
 
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vtrguy said:
no celing fan at all, its just that when i get an accurate reading when all 2 arrows line up... I'll wait like 4 seconds and than it'll go up and than go down. I mean its probably just like 4-5 kernals of powder but I'm looking for really accurate charges.
Click to expand...

Is your loading area on an upstairs floor or are you set up on a solid concrete floor? Also, are there any fluorescent lights nearby as their magnetic field can play with beam scales. I just say because the 5-0-2 is a pretty good scale as long as its kept clean.
 
303carbine said:
Scales should be levelled before each reloading session,if this is such a bother then buy factory ammo.
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I level it all the time and reload all the time with it and get great results!
I just hate having to wait that is all and was wondering if the Chargemaster was a good one.
 
denydart said:
Is your loading area on an upstairs floor or are you set up on a solid concrete floor? Also, are there any fluorescent lights nearby as their magnetic field can play with beam scales. I just say because the 5-0-2 is a pretty good scale as long as its kept clean.
Click to expand...


I agree too that this scale is good, but for the price. i'm upstairs with no fluorescent lighting.... I'm just going to opt and get the Chargemaster Combo and keep this as a verifying scale.
 
You have to realize too that there are 2 ways to measure with your beam scale, both of which will yield different results.

Option 1: Throw a lower than required load and trickle up.
Option 2: Use your powder thrower to throw required load and "drop" the pan on the scale from a touching position.

I use option 2 to verify my chargemaster throws and it is accurate 99% of the time. If you use option 1 you will have a heavier load than you set on the scale.

Go ahead and try. Set your scale to say 30g. trickle up to weight. Then, try taking the load you just trickled and "drop" the pan on the scale. You will notice that the end of the beam makes contact with the top of scale measure then dips below the "charge line" and then back up and will rest above the "charge line".

****By "Drop" I mean rest the pan on the scale base and let it pull the beam down under it's own free weight.
 
I recently got a RCBS 750 digital scale from Natchez. It took two week and Customs just let it through - no taxes, surcharge, nothing. It was about CAN$130 to my door.

It beats the hell out of the 5-10 I've been using forever.
 
vtrguy: It sounds like you are waiting for the beam of your scale to come to a dead stop before you think it's proper. That isn't necessary and you can be mislead if the pivot gets bound up and get a false reading. Most newer scales don't do that very much but some of the older ones did it frequently enough to be a concern.

As the beam swings up and down watch it until you can see that you are getting near equal movement above and below the zero mark. I usually let it settle so it only swings a couple of the increment marks each way- above and below zero. You won't get identical swings as on each indicator pass the movement declines slightly but it will be very close to equal . You will be able to judge it after a few tries very accurately.
 
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