On beam scales part IV or V

[sparker]

As you may already know, I only work on two poise beams. Why? You might ask.
Each poise is a potential source of error. I’d rather have two sources of error than three.

I prefer Ohaus and Redding scales to RCBS. This is largely due to the physics of the beams. RCBS 5-10 and 10-10 beams are quite heavy, their fulcrums located far towards the right end and have that ridiculous poise drum to adjust for tenths. The physics of these are not favorable for high sensitivity.

You may have noticed that I recommend different scales for different applications.

If you are loading for pistol and rifle, an Ohaus D5 or M5 is the way to go.

If you only load for rifle, a Redding can’t be beat for sensitivity.

 

[chromatica]

Is the RCBS 5-0-5 a good platform for rifle loading?

 

[sparker]

It has a three poise beam. I do not like them.

 

[6.5 forever]

It has a three poise beam. I do not like them.

Good to know.

 

[Fast14riot]

Have you tested different weight fluids on the old Redding beam scales? I had several different weights of silicone shock oil for my rc cars and tried them. I think 20w worked best with speed and dampening.

 

[AZmark]

I have an old Ohaus 505 that my step grandfather gave me around 1976 and I've been using it since then. I check it with calibration weights and it's still right on.

What about the Ohaus 505, is it a two or three beam. What about its sensitivity, accuracy, etc.?

 

[sparker]

There are unfortunately, at least 5 iterations of the 505 scale. Most have been 3-poise beams. A pic will tell all.

Scott

 

[justinp61]

I understand with the three poise 505 there is more potential for error, but I have one from the late 80's or very early 90's that repeats great and checks well with check weights.

I also have two M-5's, a beautiful red and creme colored two poise 505 and an old gray 10-10. None of them repeat well with check weights no matter what I do to them. I've cleaned the bearings and made sure they're free in the housing, stoned the pivots and made sure the wire cradle is free/centered on the pin on the beam. They sit on the shelf with my other supplies.

 

[sparker]

I understand with the three poise 505 there is more potential for error, but I have one from the late 80's or very early 90's that repeats great and checks well with check weights.

I also have two M-5's, a beautiful red and creme colored two poise 505 and an old gray 10-10. None of them repeat well with check weights no matter what I do to them. I've cleaned the bearings and made sure they're free in the housing, stoned the pivots and made sure the wire cradle is free/centered on the pin on the beam. They sit on the shelf with my other supplies.

You are simultaneously fortunate and unlucky.

 

[hoz53]

You are simultaneously fortunate and unlucky.

youre talking about the latest model reddings or the older ones? does the flat plate that the pan sits on help or hurt?

 

[justinp61]

You are simultaneously fortunate and unlucky.

It would appear.

 

[sparker]

youre talking about the latest model reddings or the older ones? does the flat plate that the pan sits on help or hurt?

I don’t think the flat pan carrier is any more or less accurate. I do think it is much easier to end up with powder all over your bench with the flat pan carrier.