Reloading scale help? Which one?

[joshb]

if youre just getting into reloading why dont you start with a good beam scale like a lyman M-5.. then after you get involved more you can decide which direction you want to go from there. you would always have the beam scale for a backup. if the cheaper Aand D would work shooters would be using it instead of the fx120, so why waste your money on it

Exactly! I've been reloading for upwards of 40 years and the only scale I own is the RCBS Ohaus that came with my original press kit. It still registers a kernel or two of powder. If you want to join the "equipment race" when you're just starting, by all means go ahead. Now, I don't compete but my groups can be pretty tight when I pay attention. Just sayin!

 

[ranger3]

I've been reloading for over 30 years. I have used a Chargemaster since they have first come out. I have now gotten into long range shooting and finally discovered that you can't rely on the Chargemaster scale. I have since acquired two more 10-10 OHAUS scales which including my first one weight single kernels of Varget, H4350 and seem to be very sensitive to any minor variations. The second weighing by the OHAUS has improved my consistency more than significantly. I would love a higher priced scale getting to the .01 level, but can't justify it. A well tuned beam scale will help you tremendously.

 

[rotortuner]

Sounds like your on a budget. You can weigh powder just as accurately on a good used Lyman M7 mechanical balance. I have one and I can see a single kernel deflect the beam, check weights assure me that I can weight accurately and to the kernel. The down side? ya its take a while. Im transitioning over to electronic just to speed things up. If you only shoot a couple hundred high precision rounds a year, the mechanical balance might be the answer but if your looking to do a significant volume, then look into tricklers etc etc.

 

[dgeesaman]

I’m getting into reloading. Not for bench rest, but I do like the precision end of things. I figured if I could not afford the A&D fx, I would at least get an A&D if they have a good reputation. Even if is a cheaper one

Sounds like my situation. Accuracy on some budget and no competition.

I went w a Chargemaster Lite and the manual scale in my Rockchucker kit. I use the electronic scale to measure out the powder and check each one on the manual scale before I dump it into the case.

The CM consistently throws the value +0 / -.2 grains, which is enough. If that’s too tedious, manually check a portion. When I’m feeling extra dedicated, I’ll manually add some grains until it measures perfect on the manual scale.

For short range accuracy you don’t need highly accurate charges, but it helps to have that variable under control and should help nodes be more apparent. Great longer than 200y then the charge variance starts to contribute to vertical dispersion.

David

 

[hoz53]

I've been reloading for over 30 years. I have used a Chargemaster since they have first come out. I have now gotten into long range shooting and finally discovered that you can't rely on the Chargemaster scale. I have since acquired two more 10-10 OHAUS scales which including my first one weight single kernels of Varget, H4350 and seem to be very sensitive to any minor variations. The second weighing by the OHAUS has improved my consistency more than significantly. I would love a higher priced scale getting to the .01 level, but can't justify it. A well tuned beam scale will help you tremendously.

right--if you get to the point you need more accuracy than a good beam scale will provide the chargemaster generally wont do it anyway. if it would guys wouldnt spend 1k on an aandd fx120 with trickler. i never had a chargemaster but the only thing i can see they are good for is speed if you dont need the greatest accuracy/consistency. i would rather dump a lighter charge with a powder measure and trickle it into the pan of my M5. i think its about as fast and i know its consistent. IMO of coarse

 

[DngBat7]

Sounds like my situation. Accuracy on some budget and no competition.

I went w a Chargemaster Lite and the manual scale in my Rockchucker kit. I use the electronic scale to measure out the powder and check each one on the manual scale before I dump it into the case.

The CM consistently throws the value +0 / -.2 grains, which is enough. If that’s too tedious, manually check a portion. When I’m feeling extra dedicated, I’ll manually add some grains until it measures perfect on the manual scale.

For short range accuracy you don’t need highly accurate charges, but it helps to have that variable under control and should help nodes be more apparent. Great longer than 200y then the charge variance starts to contribute to vertical dispersion.

David

Do you like the charge master lite? Is it accurate? I am newbe and just setting up to reload. I just feel like the balanc beam type would take all day on a 100 rounds. But I don’t know much at this point

 

[hikfromstik]

I've have my AD ej123 for 3 monthsand really like it . If you load 500 rounds a week then get the fx120 . If you load 200 or less then I would get an ej 123 . I saved my ej123 box because I thought I would be sending it back to swap for a fx120 , but I was very happy with my purchase . It blows the cheaper scales away . It's always a good idea to have a backup beam scale too .

 

[CharlieNC]

Getting the CM to perform is all about achieving a fine, metered control during trickling. Two elements are required to achieve this. First, you can read about adjusting the control parameters such that the initial charging is fast; then switching to slow trickling speed approx .2gr below the targeted charge. The trickiest part involves mechanical changes to drop extremely small amounts during trickling. I tried the straw insert and the purchased inserts; both were improvements but still lacking. While searching for an alternative I noticed the writing end of the cheap Bic pen was finely tapered, and with a little sanding the pen body holding the tip inserted just right. Now it dispenses single kernels of extruded powder and minute amounts of ball/flake powder, which is essential for accuracy. Weighing on a Bald Eagle with .01 resolution for characterization, the CM now averages within +/- .02 with no worse than +/-.04. The internal scale is obviously better than the 0.1 display, and the auto-zero function provides absolutely no drift on mine over the period of months that it stays on. Historically I have used a tuned beam for loading Fclass, and I am gaining confidence that the CM may be better. The nice aspect of using the CM is that the bullet can be seated while a charge is being dispensed. I have been pleasantly surprised at the accuracy of the CM.

 

[dgeesaman]

I find it takes about the same amount of time to have the CM meter a charge as it does to check on a charge on the manual scale. So I get measuring on both at the same time and it does not slow me down much.

The CM Lite is a solid product but I do wonder if I would enjoy the bonus features of the regular CM. Turning off the beep would be nice, and tweaking the trickle for more accurate charges would too. But the Lite is doing the job for me.

David

 

[DngBat7]

I find it takes about the same amount of time to have the CM meter a charge as it does to check on a charge on the manual scale. So I get measuring on both at the same time and it does not slow me down much.

The CM Lite is a solid product but I do wonder if I would enjoy the bonus features of the regular CM. Turning off the beep would be nice, and tweaking the trickle for more accurate charges would too. But the Lite is doing the job for me.

David

Seems to be highly Recommended. I picked one up at cabelas today which I had a 100 gift card for. Very nice unit. I do not have the patience for the balance beam type.

 

[sparker]

Do you like the charge master lite? Is it accurate? I am newbe and just setting up to reload. I just feel like the balanc beam type would take all day on a 100 rounds. But I don’t know much at this point

Powder thrower, beam scale and auto trickler, plus or minus a kernel.
A charge every 10-12 seconds.

Scott Parker
Single Kernel Scales

 

[hoz53]

Powder thrower, beam scale and auto trickler, plus or minus a kernel.
A charge every 10-12 seconds.

Scott Parker
Single Kernel Scales[/QUOTE

Powder thrower, beam scale and auto trickler, plus or minus a kernel.
A charge every 10-12 seconds.

Scott Parker
Single Kernel Scales

i guess we are just dinosaurs--

 

[dgeesaman]

Seems to be highly Recommended. I picked one up at cabelas today which I had a 100 gift card for. Very nice unit. I do not have the patience for the balance beam type.

Like I said, it takes time for the CM to throw a charge. Checking the charge on the balance beam scale takes about the same amount of time. So in total I spend very little extra time checking some/all of the charges.

Edit: I have not modified my CM Lite. It's something I will get around to experimenting with at some point.

Getting perfectly accurate powder charges takes time, there's no way around it.

 

[L W P]

I'll probably get some negative responses from the high dollar shooters but here goes. Not sure how much you want to spend and what your end goal is? As far as hunting or competitive shooting, but I use a Pro 250 and it's quite reliable to me. It's obviously not a high dollar scale but it has been very accurate for me. Check one out and decide for yourself with the reviews and comments. Good luck.

GEMPRO - 250 PRECISION SCALE

 

[Jimmy James]

Had a cheap digital scale when i got into USPSA 20+ yrs ago. Only used it to check Dillon powder bar charges A bud gave me a cheap Ohaus when i thought i was going to get into rifle reloading. I threw it in the trash and did not load rifle until the Chargemaster came out. 5yrs later and i can see the A&D 123 in my near future along with Hornady trickler.

 

[sparker]

i guess we are just dinosaurs--

my charging system

Scott Parker
Single Kernel Scales

 

[JimSC]

Do you like the charge master lite? Is it accurate? I am newbe and just setting up to reload. I just feel like the balanc beam type would take all day on a 100 rounds. But I don’t know much at this point

I can throw a charge on my powder throw and trickle to the grain on my Lyman M5 in less than a minute. Takes me about an hour to load 50 rounds and seat the bullet including setup and cleanup. I only do 50 at a sitting normally.

I only use that method for load workups and match rounds. I have a progressive and just use the throw for pistol and plinking and have a Chargemaster if needed. However if I could have only one scale it would be a good beam and not a electronic.

I have tried to justify the cost of a high end lab balance but after considering the results I get from my beam I think I will use that money on something else

 

[1066]

I'm in the dinosaur club too Accurate to a kernel and quicker than a Chargemaster.

 

[Liven The Dream]

Exactly! I've been reloading for upwards of 40 years and the only scale I own is the RCBS Ohaus that came with my original press kit. It still registers a kernel or two of powder. If you want to join the "equipment race" when you're just starting, by all means go ahead. Now, I don't compete but my groups can be pretty tight when I pay attention. Just sayin!

Like your post .
I have Pal with money buys every Big Buck Shooting Gun Or Equippment Toy .
He can’t figure out Why he can’t Win ???
Spend your way to the Top ???

 

[ranger3]

some of the top shooters competing in my rifle club have only a beam scale. So while it's fun to have the newest and greatest, It's obviously not necessary.