Scales for reloading

This section is for reloading and ammunition only, all loads found in here are used strictly at your own risk, if in doubt ask again.
All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should treated as suspect and not used.

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Forum rules
All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.

Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
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Sonofsammo
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Scales for reloading

#1 Post by Sonofsammo »

I've just started out in my reloading journey and have already hit a wall of frustration with scales.
I had these: https://www.henrykrank.com/reloadr-mark ... m-100.html
Now tbh, I'm not sure what my expectations were, but the scales certainly didn't meet them.
Little things like removing the pan with a charge on it and replacing it and it having gone up by 0.4gr.
Taking the pan off and adding to it, but it either staying the same or going down.
Etc, etc.
Just totally inaccurate, especially considering the variation between loads I was aiming for was 0.4gr, which it couldn't agree with itself on.
Now to my question - What digital scales can I replace them with, that won't bankrupt me?
I currently have the Lee PPM, but wouldn't be averse to using a powder measure / scales combination if that's better and not extortionate.
All I want is a set of digital scales where the reading goes up when you add stuff, down when you take stuff away and stays the same when you don't change anything - and does all that consistently. And if possible, under £100 if it's just scales.
TIA :D
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dromia
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Re: Scales for reloading

#2 Post by dromia »

You will be lucky to get reliable digital scales at the £100 mark.

I won't trust my handloads to such scales and always use a good beam balance scale combined with a good set of check weights.

Reliable scales are the difference between safe handloads and possible disasters, do not skimp on this item of handloading equipment.

Good scales are not cheap but they are essential.
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Sonofsammo
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Re: Scales for reloading

#3 Post by Sonofsammo »

dromia wrote: Sat Jan 08, 2022 4:22 pm You will be lucky to get reliable digital scales at the £100 mark.

I won't trust my handloads to such scales and always use a good beam balance scale combined with a good set of check weights.

Reliable scales are the difference between safe handloads and possible disasters, do not skimp on this item of handloading equipment.

Good scales are not cheap but they are essential.
So what £££ are well talking then?
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Re: Scales for reloading

#4 Post by bradaz11 »

as Dromia says, you'll need to pay a lot more for electronic scales. I have the venerable RCBS 5-0-5 scales and love them. sadly RCBS no longer make them and I'm not ready to sell my spare set.
most of the reloading companies make their own sets,
https://www.reloading.co.uk/hornady-bal ... scale.html
https://www.reloading.co.uk/redding-mod ... scale.html
https://www.1967spud.com/shop/reloading ... tal-scale/

1066 is the man in the know with RE. to scales, so he may be able to advise you beter, but the lyman set looks very similar to my 5-0-5 and the redding looks really well built.

I have my scales sat on a wooden block, with rubber feet to dampen any vibration through the bench, and blocks screwed to it so the scale sits in a returnable position, and the location of the block marked on the bench, so when I need the bench space, I can move it and when needed again it only takes a few seconds to zero and check it.
zeroing on these types of scales is done by an adjustment screw which lifts the non pivot end of the scale up and down to set the zero, then pop in a known weight (light bullet works fine, no need for check weights, but you obviously need to know and trust the weight will be right then just keep it somewhere to use again) and check the weight. if it is off, ythere is a weight you adjust on the bar until that reads right, and returns to zero with the weight removed.
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Re: Scales for reloading

#5 Post by The Gun Pimp »

Even if you pay £100 plus for electronic scales I wouldn't trust 'em. I always tell new reloaders - but a cheap scale like the Krank one but buy TWO! Use them in tandem to double check your weighings. I came close to a nasty accident using cheap scales when reloading on the firing-point.
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Re: Scales for reloading

#6 Post by stottycake »

There's a set of rcbs 5,-0-5 beam scales for sale on S/D
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Re: Scales for reloading

#7 Post by bradaz11 »

stottycake wrote: Sat Jan 08, 2022 6:29 pm There's a set of rcbs 5,-0-5 beam scales for sale on S/D
£35!! jump on them!!
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Re: Scales for reloading

#8 Post by Sonofsammo »

stottycake wrote: Sat Jan 08, 2022 6:29 pm There's a set of rcbs 5,-0-5 beam scales for sale on S/D
Please forgive my ignorance, what's S/D?
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Re: Scales for reloading

#9 Post by PeterN »

I have been using a set of Hornady beam scales since I started reloading in the late 1980s. I also have a set of Ohaus 10-10 scales that I bought at a local auction house but have never used them. I have not used proper check weights, but I have a set of Avery weights from 7lb to 1/4 oz. 1/4 oz is 109.4 grains and the Avery weight zeros on the scale at 109.5 grain so very close. I am happy with the beam scale and have no plans to change it.
Regards
Peter.
PS. I don't know what S/D is either.
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Re: Scales for reloading

#10 Post by stottycake »

Stalking directory,=sd
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