How off can regular scales be

[halberg]

G'day,

How much if anything would you say regular balance beam scales can be off by when measuring powder?

I figure between gauging the line with your eye, and maybe the beam stopping due to friction a fraction more or less before perfectly balanced there must be a little give here and there?

I read a review of Redding digital scales and RCBS ones and they said the scales have a .01 - .02 of a grain margin of error on weight.

With the factors above, is it fair to say balance beam scales are the same, or better still?

[Chronos]

you'll find there are no reloading digital scales that are "accurate" to .01 - .02, they might read to .01gr but thats just the digital display

beam scales if operating correctly can be extremely accurate, the markings are in .1gr and it's easy to read 1/4 of that by eye

make sure you use your beam scales in an area away from open windows and make sure they are level. then calibrate them (set to zero then add a known weight, calibration weights are available but are not cheap (i've used a 32gr bullet)

Chronos

[Herdsman]

Balance beam scales in the wind, good times...

[halberg]

make sure you use your beam scales in an area away from open windows and make sure they are level. then calibrate them (set to zero then add a known weight, calibration weights are available but are not cheap (i've used a 32gr bullet)

I'll only ever be doing this inside, no windows, so that's no worries.

Cheers.

[Bills Shed]

Only analytical balances are good to .01 of a grain. The rest is just spin.

A good balance beam will work every time. Make sure the pivot point is grit free. As Chronos said make sure it is zero and use a test weight. I Use the test weigh five times with the balance weights set for the test weight. Ensure the beam always stops at zero If it does not, there is an issue with something touching somewhere.

That said, I prefer the electronic balance for the speed factor, but I use a analytical balance and not a reloading balance. I know it is good for three decimal places but still only use one decimal place. You need some serious OCD to chase down 0.01 of a grain.

On the matter of a electronic balance reading .01 of a grain. Why would you do it? 0.1 of a grain is very small and if you can see a difference in splitting that into another 10 segments and see a change in POI more power to you.

I did some testing with a 17 hornet and a 0.1 grain change is about 40 fps change. If you broke that down to 0.01 of a grain you might be dealing with a change of 4fps.

The change in POI was not noticeable until there was at least .2 of a grain change. Even then it was minor.

Bill

[Lorgar]

That said, I prefer the electronic balance for the speed factor, but I use a analytical balance and not a reloading balance. I know it is good for three decimal places but still only use one decimal place. You need some serious OCD to chase down 0.01 of a grain.

Gotta sat it was the best bit of reloading equipment I ever got when I got my RCBS Chargemaster dispenser and scales combo.

I was loading for a couple of different calibres at the time and was completely over adjusting the powder throwing up and down and waiting for the beam to come to rest If nothing else it removes some frustration...

Only loading for 1 calibre now, and occasionally an extra one for a mate. Even for the one though, the auto dispense is handy... Have the next charge filling/weighing while I seat the bullet.

TBH I couldn't say how much variance it has as I've never bothered to test it, it make be off a fraction of a grain, but my loads shoot 0.4MOA so who cares...

[Elek]

If nothing else it removes some frustration...

I'll take two

[Lorgar]

It still has it's moments.

Over throws in hot weather are common which is annoying.

[von_klitzing]

make sure you use your beam scales in an area away from open windows and make sure they are level.

Chronos

That goes for fans as well Don't be running fans while measuring powder on your beam scales.

[Kelix]

I just build a little cardboard half moon that backs around my scales.

Saves a little gusting from open doors or windows in other parts of the house.