Gem scale? - The Firearms Forum

CampingJosh · 03-11-2011, 10:31 AM

Anyone use a gem scale for reloading?

I'm slowly purchasing stuff to start reloading (reading the Hornady manual now), and one of the local guys I've talked to uses this gem scale. It weighs up to 308.6 grains, and it is accurate to 0.02 grains. It's priced relatively closely to reloading scales.

Any opinions?

woolleyworm · 03-11-2011, 11:09 AM

My opinion is that yes, it will work and the tolerances are acceptable; BUT :

There is one major characteristic of scales made for reloading; they default to grains. This is a very very good reason to stick with scales designed for reloading. I've seen some RCBS 750's going for decent prices here lately and some 10-10's also.

My advice, stick with a purpose designed scale and you'll be better off in the long run.

LDBennett · 03-12-2011, 07:18 AM

CampingJosh:

The accuracy of the "GEM" scale is an order of magnitude more than you will ever really need. Making up charges that are within plus or minus a couple of tenths of a grain is more than accurate enough for even bench rest shooters. It turns out that all the other variables of the power, the primer, the cartridge and the gun totally swamp out the change in velocity caused by errors in the charge weight less than that. John Barsness of Handloader Magazine has been on a recent campaign to quell the myth that every load has to be measured to the tenth of a grain.

Today there are many digital scales that easily do the job, in addition to balance scales that work just fine but are a bit tedious to use and slow to use, but usable and cheap. My Dillon digital scale that is their first version works fine as I assure by checking it regularly with Lyman test weights. There are others available today that work just as well.

LDBennett

CampingJosh · 03-12-2011, 05:26 PM

Thanks guys. I consider this resolved.

03-11-2011, 10:31 AM	#1
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,788	Gem scale? Anyone use a gem scale for reloading? I'm slowly purchasing stuff to start reloading (reading the Hornady manual now), and one of the local guys I've talked to uses this gem scale. It weighs up to 308.6 grains, and it is accurate to 0.02 grains. It's priced relatively closely to reloading scales. Any opinions? __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do. -->

03-11-2011, 11:09 AM	#2
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,885	Re: Gem scale? My opinion is that yes, it will work and the tolerances are acceptable; BUT : There is one major characteristic of scales made for reloading; they default to grains. This is a very very good reason to stick with scales designed for reloading. I've seen some RCBS 750's going for decent prices here lately and some 10-10's also. My advice, stick with a purpose designed scale and you'll be better off in the long run. __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

03-12-2011, 07:18 AM	#3
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,718	Re: Gem scale? CampingJosh: The accuracy of the "GEM" scale is an order of magnitude more than you will ever really need. Making up charges that are within plus or minus a couple of tenths of a grain is more than accurate enough for even bench rest shooters. It turns out that all the other variables of the power, the primer, the cartridge and the gun totally swamp out the change in velocity caused by errors in the charge weight less than that. John Barsness of Handloader Magazine has been on a recent campaign to quell the myth that every load has to be measured to the tenth of a grain. Today there are many digital scales that easily do the job, in addition to balance scales that work just fine but are a bit tedious to use and slow to use, but usable and cheap. My Dillon digital scale that is their first version works fine as I assure by checking it regularly with Lyman test weights. There are others available today that work just as well. LDBennett

03-12-2011, 05:26 PM	#4
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,788	Re: Gem scale? Thanks guys. I consider this resolved. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.