Scale thoughts???

[KennVFRidr]

Getting ready to replace a disappeared Dillion D-Terminator scale, wondering if there is any real reason I should look at anything else first?

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[Certaindeaf]

Getting ready to replace a disappeared Dillion D-Terminator scale, wondering if there is any real reason I should look at anything else first?

If Dillon still uses those big titted models in their catalogs, probably not.

 

[P7M13]

If Dillon still uses those big titted models in their catalogs, probably not.

Anemic, big-titted models.

I use this one. Works great.

U.S. Solid 200 x 0.001g Analytical Balance, 1 mg Digital Lab Precision Scale

U.S. Solid

ussolid.com

 

[Explorer1]

What's your budget? Like everything, there are what I call overkill devices out there for sale.

V4 Auto Trickler and A&D FX120i Kit - Unknown Munitions

This kit includes the V4 AutoTrickler and an A&D FX120i scale. All kit components are new in original manufacturer packaging. Please see each manufacturers websites for details. We do not open either the FX120i scale box or the Autotrickler kit, they are shipped to you as packaged from the...

www.unknownmunitions.com

 

[aasbra]

I have several. A Gempro digital scale I picked up from a member here some years back, and a couple RCBS balance beam scales. I've used both, but prefer the Gempro digital for most of what I do (checking handgun charges periodically that are thrown from a dillon powder measure on a progressive). When loading rifle, I charge cases on a RCBS chargemaster which has an integrated scale. I do/have checked the accuracy to one of the other scales from time to time, and do so when I first drop a couple charges initially on the chargemaster after it has been sitting for a while.

I like Dillon stuff. But when it comes to their electronics, I don't think the lifetime warranty applies. So not sure paying the dillon premium is worth it to me for a scale? Your perspective may differ though.

 

[Explorer1]

I have several. A Gempro digital scale I picked up from a member here some years back, and a couple RCBS balance beam scales. I've used both, but prefer the Gempro digital for most of what I do (checking handgun charges periodically that are thrown from a dillon powder measure on a progressive). When loading rifle, I charge cases on a RCBS chargemaster which has an integrated scale. I do/have checked the accuracy to one of the other scales from time to time, and do so when I first drop a couple charges initially on the chargemaster after it has been sitting for a while.

I like Dillon stuff. But when it comes to their electronics, I don't think the lifetime warranty applies. So not sure paying the dillon premium is worth it to me for a scale? Your perspective may differ though.

I too like Dillion but when my scale failed, I found out the warranty didn't cover the load cell? What else is there? OK, the LCD...

 

[ferret427]

+1 on the chargemaster. They can be finicky, but there are lots of videos you can check out on how to tune/modify them if needed. Mine is an older model, but still meters within +-.1gr 80 or 90% of the time.

 

[Greg S]

Biggest question is use? Are you just checking powder throwers and occassional load development, shooting beyond 600m ect. Beam scale and a set of check weights. Alot of load development an automated (chargemaster) scale. Beyond 6 a scale that reads to 2/100ths.

 

[orygun]

+1 on the chargemaster. They can be finicky, but there are lots of videos you can check out on how to tune/modify them if needed. Mine is an older model, but still meters within +-.1gr 80 or 90% of the time.

I have a Chargemaster, too. I never use it anymore. I use my Ohaus 5-0-5. Much more consistent.

 

[Snip]

I use this one. Works great.

U.S. Solid 200 x 0.001g Analytical Balance, 1 mg Digital Lab Precision Scale

U.S. Solid

ussolid.com

I have a pretty similar scale. Works great. Also have a FA DA70 scale? The US Solid unit is so much more precise.

 

[Greg S]

I've had a 505 crap the bed on me, almost overloaded some cartridges but the level of powder didn't look right. Re-zeroed the scale and it still appeared wrong. Went to the store and picked up a scale weight check set and sure enough it was off a bunch. I could not adjust it back into range so I bent the beam and threw the scale away. I'm a firm believer now in having something to verify your scale whether it be a penny with what it is supposed to weigh, a bullet, anything. Just get in the habit of verifying your scale is reading accurately during set up.

Flutter or zero drift on electronic scales, particularly in an area illuminated with fluorescent lights can sometimes be stopped with ferris oxide line filters on the power supply cord.

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[KennVFRidr]

Biggest question is use? Are you just checking powder throwers and occassional load development, shooting beyond 600m ect. Beam scale and a set of check weights. Alot of load development an automated (chargemaster) scale. Beyond 6 a scale that reads to 2/100ths.

Scale use...not realistically defined at this point, but...probably moderate and varied use. Getting my brain aligned with available setup space limitations, local shooting locations & availability, as well as a variety of other time eating interests has made it a slow (but very enjoyable) process complicated by expanding calibers I'll need to load for.

I need to setup and refurbish the RL550B after sitting in storage for 20 years, and I have a Rock Chucker Supreme new in the box waiting for a bench. I learned to reload on the 550B and have never used a single stage press, so I'm coming at this from a different perspective this time, as opposed to simply running batches of 9mm and .223 for range playtime. My my firearms/reloading interests began reasserting themselves as the covid shutdown set in, and I've worked my way into 3 new additional calibers to load for since then. Timing and space have been the controlling factors for bench setup but I'm finally prioritizing resolution of the space issue.

So...initially I'll be in load development mode, developing short to mid range rounds for .44 Mag, 10 mm, 300 BLK, .450 Bushmaster and .223 Wylde...so scale usage will likely be high for a while...and I never liked using my little Hornady balance beam scale. I looked at the Chargemaster...and while it might be overkill at this point...combining the powder measure and scale might make it worthy...so I'll be doing a bit of research.