Reloading question - digital powder scale

[Mitch1352]

I have a digital powder scale for some of my reloads. Will using it around a flourescent light or other type of electrical device effect the readings?

[Griff]

Yes, electrical current will induce a magnetic field disrupting its ability to produce accurate readings. Only use it in the dark!
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Wait, I'm only teasing, whether electrically or battery operated, the unit itself will produce a magnetic field! I don't own one, maybe one of the guys that actually owns one will let us know if the manufacturer of theirs states any precautions on that subject. Hoever, common sense tells me not to have it right next to another electrical device, but... if you calibrate it before each use or with both the oher device on & off, you should be just much more aware of any real effect on the scale.

[O.S.O.K.]

I've never heard of that being an issue - I'd refer to the owner's manual and maybe do a test - weigh a bullet away from those items and then again near them.

[Blaine]

I can't believe I've been reloading for five years and have not bought a set of test weights for the scales......It's really the only way to tell for sure what your scale is doing.

[Andrew]

...test weights......It's really the only way to tell for sure what your scale is doing.

Bingo.

[Chuck 100 yd]

I agree, Test weights are the way to go.
I have a Pact electronic scale. It worked great for about a year and went to krapp on me. I sent it back to Pact and they repaired it free under warranty just to have it fail again a month later.
When it was working it would go nuts if the slightest air movement came near it or if it was below about 65 degrees it wouldn`t read. It is just setting on by bench waiting for the day I decide to shoot it and put it out of my life for good!

[Leverdude]

I can't believe I've been reloading for five years and have not bought a set of test weights for the scales......It's really the only way to tell for sure what your scale is doing.

I dont have check weights yet either.

I have two scales tho & check one aainst the other often. If theyre off they are doing so evenly.

[TedH]

The instructions that came with my digital scale only warned of using the scale near heat/ac vents as the air current would affect the readings. I've also heard from others that using the AC cord with the scale would screw up the reading and that they only use it with batteries. I have not found that to be true, at least with my scale.

[AJMD429]

Test weights are probably cheap, but in a pinch if you have an accurate way to measure distilled water by volume, you could tare a container and put exactly that much in it. You could also ask a pharmacist to weigh a given amount of hard tablets (i.e. advil tablets) and tell you what they weigh on his/her scale. It would be in grams, but you could convert to grains.

My scale is calibrated in grams, so on the rare occasion I use it, I have to convert; I used to have all my common reload data on a spreadsheet and converted to grams!

How do you guys in the UK weigh stuff? grains or grams...?

[Ben_Rumson]

I have the first model RCBS and I've used it under fluorescent lighting with no ill effects...Just sensitive to breathing on it or drafts...The thing I've noticed with my electronic scale is when the Batts get low it tends to wander off of zero by a couple of tenths every few cycles of powder or bullet..I like to use it w/o the AC adapter because I've got tangled in the cord & wound up jerking the scale..I always let it warm up 10 min or so before I use it...It likes the pan centered on the platen or it will vary too..same for bullets..YMMV

[mikld]

I asked a question on another site, PLG.C (Pre Leverguns.com) regarding weights of common items (so I wouldn't have to buy check weights) and got this reply;

The new dime weighs 35.0005gr,
the quarter is 87.5013gr,

the half dollar is 175.002gr

the new fake gold dollar is 125.0001gr.

These numbers came from the US Treasury dept and a gram to grain calculator. I have more than one scale and cross check mine with these weights.

[Nazgul]

I work for a forklift company. One of our customers is an armored car service. After you sign in they bring you into the bay where they load the trucks, with two guards carrying shotguns. After the door closes, they go about their business and leave you alone. Last time I was there, they were loading totes, 4'x4'x4' containers of money for a casino. A tote of quarters is at the capacity of the lift they were using. Had to weigh right at 5,000lbs. Always meant to weigh a quarter and figure out how much $ that was. The other totes had $20, $5, $10.

[Gobblerforge]

I recently solved this by using washers. I found that by picking through my washers, I found several different sizes to use. I filed a flat on the edge until they were exactly on a round number. If the washer was 107 grains to start, I filed it until it was exactly 100 grains. I did this several times until I could make up to two ounces in various weights. Then I just stamped them and stacked them by the scales.
Gobbler

[mikld]

But...
If you used the scale to check your check weights how can you check your scale?

[2571]

Bullets can be used as cheap test weights. Factory stuff doesnt' vary appreciably. You may have to do some simple math & combinations to come up with the right sample

[Shasta]

I have never experienced any problems with my electronic scale under flourescent lighting. In my opinion, though, any powder scale should be calibrated and weight checked before each reloading session.

A set of scale check weights costs less than $25. They will easliy last you the rest of your life. They may even prolong your life! Skip one night at the movies, or skip eating at a restaurant one time, and you have the money.

Get a set of check weights and you will know exactly how accurate your scale is!

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... mid=212586