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Gem 20 scale

jelenko said:
Thanks. I'm just guessing, but 2 hundredths of a grain usually won't make the difference between safe and not safe.
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A single kernel of Varget weighs ± 0.02 grains and the FX-120i increments in 0.02 grain divisions (0.02 gn > 0.04 gn > 0.06 gn, etc) and the linearity (or accuracy) is ± two(2) divisions or ± 0.04 grains. When shooting .308 ammo, on average, a single kernel of Varget roughly changes the velocity by 1.3 fps. So just a few kernels of variation can easily double the extreme spread in velocity. Out to 500+- yards it does not seem to make much difference, but beyond that and things can get ugly fast. Buying the right balance is just another tool to put more bullets closer to the desired point of impact.
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I am assuming that the guy who wrote that has zero ES on all his loads or maybe he just wants to sell more 1500 dollar scales. Me I am happy if the ES of my loads are in the low teens but then I am not a long range benchrest shooter
 
Right. It can make a difference in accuracy in long range loads - just not the difference between safe and unsafe. Of course, there is always the point a which something breaks or doesn't break. But, we should have noticed the pressure signs way before getting to where a kernel makes it go kaboom.
 
skeeljc said:
Seriously? A $20 scale?
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kinda scary in a way, isn't it?

20 gram max weight with pan, battery only, and auto shutoff are the limitations. When the batteries get low it will start to drift but the batteries last a long time. Great for weighing bullets or doing case volume checks. I used it as my main scale for a while before I got my A&D
 
Some time back, a well spoken poster mentioned this scale and given the low cost (at the time about $25) I thought what the heck and got one, to use verifying thrown charge weights when loading at the range. It is a phenomenal little scale. I have a three tuned balance scales and a Bald Eagle. I have also used other strain gauge scales that cost a LOT more. If you doubt me, don't buy one. But if it fits a need, I suggest that you take the small chance. Generally I agree that few cheap things are worth anything but this scale and Collet dies are IMO exceptions. On the auto off, if you are going to take more than 40 seconds between weighings, just touch the pan or platen very lightly with your little finger tip. I use the pan from one of my RCBS scales. The one that comes with it is useless for my purposes.
 
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Here is a link to a review on this scale that Boyd posted a little over a year ago:

Remarkable little scale

Some time back in a thread about scales, one poster mentioned a scale, almost apologetically, I think because it is so inexpensive. His post seemed to indicate that he was an intelligent and experienced person, so I took a very small chance, and ordered one. Boy, was he right. I am delighted...
forum.accurateshooter.com

After reading Boyd's post, I bought one just to see what it was all about. It was only $20, right? I was pleasantly surprised when I weighed various calibration weights and powder samples side-by-side on both the Gem 20 and my several thousand dollar Mettler Toledo analytical balance. The Gem 20 is a very nice little balance, and I wouldn't hesitate to use it to load for regular club matches if the Mettler went down. To reiterate, it's $20. Even if you decide to buy an additional balance after trying out the Gem 20, you'll have a very nice and inexpensive backup scale in the event something happens to your other balance. That's worth $20, easily.
 
I also purchased one of these. I use it in concert with my chargemaster 1500 which I tweeked the programming on and it pretty much throws +.00grs -.06grs. Once I get a rhythm going I avoid the auto shut off and after 10 to 15 throws it becomes very consistent. Don't know if it's the scales or me that has to get warmed up but, it really works well. I just keep 30 or 40 kernels of powder on a note card and add what I need to bring it to .00

Paul
 
Lucky Shooter said:
I'm tempted-----any way to zero it ?

Two year warranty ? Wouldn't mind having that on myself.

A. Weldy
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yes it can be calibrated and zeroed, it comes with two 10 gram cal weights. That pic I posted above was taken after the unit had not been used for several months. It was less than a minute after I had installed the batteries.
 
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