A scale solution that worked

[BoydAllen]

After a lot of frustration with a load cell type reloading scale that has become inconsistent to the point of my not trusting it, I got my trusty tuned (by me) RCBS 10-10 scale out, rebalanced the beam with the replacement pan that RCBS sent me for FREE (The handle of the old one came off from 35 years of slight adjustments.) and loaded the driver for one of my inexpensive manual focus Chinese web cams into my new (to me) computer. This cams software gives a whole screen image and the camera focuses as close as you could possibly want. I was looking to verify a new measure technique (which works) with 133 and come up with a setting for the SAECO Micro-Measure that would throw 29 grains which is right in the middle of the charge weights that I typically use. It worked perfectly, and given that I was not reweighing, waiting for the scale to zero and re-tareing was actually faster than the digital mess. My stress level is down and my confidence level is up. I don't typically load for distances that would require a fancy digital scale. I usually throw my charges at the range, if possible. Previously 133 had been the most difficult to throw. Now that I am about ready to do my first shooting with H4895 for a new 6BR AI I have figured out how to throw that powder +- .1 gr. and I am quite pleased that I can. That is all the precision that I will need for doing short range testing.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

that sounds real good. I been wanting to go the usb cam route and try that.

 

[linekin]

Thanks Boyd for your post. I'm looking for the right scale & your post comes at a good time.
Keith

 

[Mark W]

that sounds real good. I been wanting to go the usb cam route and try that.

There’s no way I would go back to loading without a camera on the scale. It’s not really necessary but I use a 42” flat screen tv for my computer screen. It’s super easy to see, no parallax, and best of all no bending over to read the scale.

 

[JimSC]

I have been using the balance scale with camera and needle method with a Lyman M5 for a few months now and will never go back to a electronic scale. I can throw and trickle 50 charges faster than I can throw them on my chargemaster and get single digit SD's every time. Total cost was $70 for the used scale on Ebay, and a 8 dollar Chinese web cam, I had a 8 inch tablet and the software was free. A $1500 Sartorius/Auto throw combo might be a bit faster but as far as the accuracy side the beam scale method is right up there with the lab scales and I will put the rest of that money in the barrel and components fund

 

[Dusty Stevens]

If youre using the balance beam and trickling up why would you use a chargemaster? You could throw right into the pan with any powder dump then trickle up. That would cut your time in half.

 

[JimSC]

If youre using the balance beam and trickling up why would you use a chargemaster? You could throw right into the pan with any powder dump then trickle up. That would cut your time in half.

If you are referring to my post I am currently using either my Hornady or Lee powder throw and considering the purchase of a Johnson Quick Measure to eliminate kernal cutting. Perhaps I was not clear but I was referring to the time factor on my RCBS. I throw to a old makeup bottle the wife donated, its shape eliminates any powder splashing onto the bench. Then I just pour the powder into the pan

 

[danny]

There’s no way I would go back to loading without a camera on the scale. It’s not really necessary but I use a 42” flat screen tv for my computer screen. It’s super easy to see, no parallax, and best of all no bending over to read the scale.

I tried the cam and did not like it. I felt that viewing the cam on the pointer took my view off of the powder trickler and the rate at which it was (or wasn't) flowing, actually slowing me down.

Danny

 

[JMayo]

I use my 8" pad camera zoomed in on the pointer. I made a holder from cardboard.
I couldn't imagine trying to look at the 10-10's pointer without some kind of magnification.

 

[Mikemci]

I'm on board with you Boyd.
When I began my reloading journey, I had a clear plan to avoid electronics entirely.
Beam scale, dial caliper, manual micrometers etc. The only reloading tool I own, that has any electrons flowing through it is a battery operated Dandy trickler.

 

[BillPa]

I use my 8" pad camera zoomed in on the pointer. I made a holder from cardboard

I use a cheap used $20 cell and a $8 tripod mount.

Bill