Well, at least until I can find a reliable powder scale! First, I'm not automated, and don't care to be, I enjoy loading my relaxed one at a time method. When I load powder charges I set 100 cases out in a tray then use the scale shown below that came with my Hornady Lock N Load set to weigh the powder. I use the Hornady Lock N Load powder measure to dispense slightly below my target weight then use a trickle tube to top the powder off at the exact weight I want.
Last night I was loading 5.9 grains and all was well until I noticed one measure was taking more than the others and filled the case noticeably higher than the others so I zeroed out the scale, set the tare and poured the powder back into the measuring pan and it showed 7.2 grains! I took a close look at the other filled cases and noticed very slight variations among them as well so remeasured everything. The bottom line was that I was loading between 5.5g to 7.2 according to the scale I had but at this point had lost all faith that it was even giving me accurate readings at all!
Obviously I am going to replace this scale with one that I can be confident in but having a look around, most of the scales are electronic as well hence my dilemma.
If you do have one of the better electronic scales how do you know yours is accurate other than sitting a weight and calibrating it now and then? After the misreadings last night I calibrated mine again and it LOOKED fine but was still giving erroneous readings even after replacing the batteries.
I am leaning towards the Hornady "Lock N Load" Auto charge scale for $170 which appears to be a nice scale and dispenser combined but part of me tells me to go with one of the "Balance Beam" mechanical scales instead.
Any thoughts, recommendations or suggestions?
Last night I was loading 5.9 grains and all was well until I noticed one measure was taking more than the others and filled the case noticeably higher than the others so I zeroed out the scale, set the tare and poured the powder back into the measuring pan and it showed 7.2 grains! I took a close look at the other filled cases and noticed very slight variations among them as well so remeasured everything. The bottom line was that I was loading between 5.5g to 7.2 according to the scale I had but at this point had lost all faith that it was even giving me accurate readings at all!
Obviously I am going to replace this scale with one that I can be confident in but having a look around, most of the scales are electronic as well hence my dilemma.
If you do have one of the better electronic scales how do you know yours is accurate other than sitting a weight and calibrating it now and then? After the misreadings last night I calibrated mine again and it LOOKED fine but was still giving erroneous readings even after replacing the batteries.
I am leaning towards the Hornady "Lock N Load" Auto charge scale for $170 which appears to be a nice scale and dispenser combined but part of me tells me to go with one of the "Balance Beam" mechanical scales instead.
Any thoughts, recommendations or suggestions?