Scott Parker Scale Tuning

[sparker]

I like antiques too but not on my reloading bench. Sure I've got a beam but it collects dust because my time is valuable and my V4 is above and beyond a beam scale and if you are loading in a black out or the end of the world you are a day late and a dollar short.

Some folks enjoy using analog instruments.
There’s an acumen to be developed in using them efficiently. Furthermore, not everyone wants to throw down $$$$ for a digital.

 

[justinp61]

Reloading is a hobby for me, it just happens to feed another hobby. I'm not a high volume reloader, so a beam scale works fine for me. The web cam and old lap top computer sure makes it easier on my neck.

I have a green three poise 505 that I bought back in the 80's, two M5's, a beautiful creme and red 505 with the large pan and a D5. The green 505 is the one I use, it'll react to one grain of Varget, it repeats and always check dead on with the check weights. The D5 is my second choice, it just takes longer to dampen.

The other three don't repeat. I've removed and cleaned the bearings, lightly stoned the knife edges, made sure the cradle is centered and cleaned the beams and they still don't repeat like the 505 and D5. All of my scales have had the same treatment.

 

[lotech]

I'm curious and unfamiliar with Scott Parker or the tuning and/or overhaul (or whatever the correct term may be) of balance beam scales.

I purchased a new Ohaus-made RCBS 10-10 scale forty or so years ago. I also bought a Redding (the more expensive of the two Reddings made then, whatever that model is) about the same time. Both have given good service and I may use a scale more than most, at least several times a week. I have no electronic gadgetry on my loading bench and likely won't ever have such.

If check weights reveal all is okay, what more needs doing with balance beam scales? I've always thought the tenth-of-a-grain wheel on the 10-10 was a bit awkward, but that's a very minor point and not a condemnation of the scale. Others may prefer the wheel.

I make this post to find out if I'm missing out on something that others have discovered.

 

[Mastershot]

Scott, which one of these scales can you tune for me? The RCBS is made by Ohaus in the usa by looking at the box and under it. I don’t know much about the 505 scale, I have the box but no longer have the instruction manual.

 

[Tesoro]

Reloading is a hobby for me, it just happens to feed another hobby. I'm not a high volume reloader, so a beam scale works fine for me. The web cam and old lap top computer sure makes it easier on my neck.

I have a green three poise 505 that I bought back in the 80's, two M5's, a beautiful creme and red 505 with the large pan and a D5. The green 505 is the one I use, it'll react to one grain of Varget, it repeats and always check dead on with the check weights. The D5 is my second choice, it just takes longer to dampen.

The other three don't repeat. I've removed and cleaned the bearings, lightly stoned the knife edges, made sure the cradle is centered and cleaned the beams and they still don't repeat like the 505 and D5. All of my scales have had the same treatment.

I have used tweaked m5's for over a decade now. If I want to hump it, I can average 5 loads a minute with varget for my 6br. I use a lee perfect thrower and a hand trickler. All loads spot on. I swapped out pan for a 35mm cut down film canister as works faster and no splash with thrower.
I recently shot a 5.25in. 5x group at 1100 and vertical dispersion was about an inch.

I wouldnt call 20 sec a load slow!! I could have 150 rounds loaded up before one of those $$ digitals was warmed up enough to start weighing.
KISS

 

[sparker]

M-5’s are pretty simple to tune to a reliable state, I’ve done a couple. I had a 10-05 that kicked my ass, I finally sent it to Scott and he had to replace the beam.

I remember! That one was possessed.

 

[sparker]

I have used tweaked m5's for over a decade now. If I want to hump it, I can average 5 loads a minute with varget for my 6br. I use a lee perfect thrower and a hand trickler. All loads spot on. I swapped out pan for a 35mm cut down film canister as works faster and no splash with thrower.
I recently shot a 5.25in. 5x group at 1100 and vertical dispersion was about an inch.

I wouldnt call 20 sec a load slow!! I could have 150 rounds loaded up before one of those $$ digitals was warmed up enough to start weighing.
KISS

Solid tip there with the film canister.

 

[sparker]

I'm curious and unfamiliar with Scott Parker or the tuning and/or overhaul (or whatever the correct term may be) of balance beam scales.

I purchased a new Ohaus-made RCBS 10-10 scale forty or so years ago. I also bought a Redding (the more expensive of the two Reddings made then, whatever that model is) about the same time. Both have given good service and I may use a scale more than most, at least several times a week. I have no electronic gadgetry on my loading bench and likely won't ever have such.

If check weights reveal all is okay, what more needs doing with balance beam scales? I've always thought the tenth-of-a-grain wheel on the 10-10 was a bit awkward, but that's a very minor point and not a condemnation of the scale. Others may prefer the wheel.

I make this post to find out if I'm missing out on something that others have discovered.

I'm curious and unfamiliar with Scott Parker or the tuning and/or overhaul (or whatever the correct term may be) of balance beam scales.

I purchased a new Ohaus-made RCBS 10-10 scale forty or so years ago. I also bought a Redding (the more expensive of the two Reddings made then, whatever that model is) about the same time. Both have given good service and I may use a scale more than most, at least several times a week. I have no electronic gadgetry on my loading bench and likely won't ever have such.

If check weights reveal all is okay, what more needs doing with balance beam scales? I've always thought the tenth-of-a-grain wheel on the 10-10 was a bit awkward, but that's a very minor point and not a condemnation of the scale. Others may prefer the wheel.

I make this post to find out if I'm missing out on something that others have discovered.

I make beam scales more accurate, more precise and repeatable. You can count individual kernels with them.

Scott

 

[sparker]

Scott, which one of these scales can you tune for me? The RCBS is made by Ohaus in the usa by looking at the box and under it. I don’t know much about the 505 scale, I have the box but no longer have the instruction manual.

The 10-10 would be my first choice of the three.

 

[Bat Rastard]

I like antiques too but not on my reloading bench. Sure I've got a beam but it collects dust because my time is valuable and my V4 is above and beyond a beam scale and if you are loading in a black out or the end of the world you are a day late and a dollar short.

A tuned scale, and one of these, http://www.targetmasteruk.com/page3.htm is quite fast and accurate. They are dependent on a few batteries and gravity. Batteries I have always had. If gravity fails, I will have issues larger than reloading.

Allen (1066 on here) makes the TargetMaster. He is a fine gentleman. Were he not in England, I think we would hang out.

 

[rwj]

Some folks enjoy using analog instruments.
There’s an acumen to be developed in using them efficiently. Furthermore, not everyone wants to throw down $$$$ for a digital.

My hand loading journey started with a beam scale and mechanical measuring devices that all worked well. But as time passed it became harder to see, technology improved, and disposable income became available, I’ve transitioned to digital devices. They are not necessarily better, but they sure are very convenient! However, all of my original mechanical tools are well cared for and available for immediate use if the SHTF!

 

[Tesoro]

Solid tip there with the film canister.

The next tip is to combine the balance beam with the cheapie Lee perfect powder thrower (30 bucks)! It dumps measures more consistently spot on than any of the others. Stick powder is its forte. This is why I am able to process so fast because I need very little trickling to put my needle on the zero. And half the time the Lee thrower is dead on and needs no trickle. Amazing. As they are so inexpensive I have one set up for different charges. I dont know how long they last at this point, as the patented wiper blade is plastic, but I dont care.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

A tuned scale, and one of these, http://www.targetmasteruk.com/page3.htm is quite fast and accurate. They are dependent on a few batteries and gravity. Batteries I have always had. If gravity fails, I will have issues larger than reloading.

Allen (1066 on here) makes the TargetMaster. He is a fine gentleman. Were he not in England, I think we would hang out.

There’s not much on his website that shows how the trickler works. Do you have any links of videos? Thanks.

 

[Mastershot]

The 10-10 would be my first choice of the three.

Thanks Scott.

 

[Bc'z]

The next tip is to combine the balance beam with the cheapie Lee perfect powder thrower (30 bucks)! It dumps measures more consistently spot on than any of the others. Stick powder is its forte. This is why I am able to process so fast because I need very little trickling to put my needle on the zero. And half the time the Lee thrower is dead on and needs no trickle. Amazing. As they are so inexpensive I have one set up for different charges. I dont know how long they last at this point, as the patented wiper blade is plastic, but I dont care.

I have my original Lee thrower, 24 years in service and still working as you described.

 

[lotech]

I make beam scales more accurate, more precise and repeatable. You can count individual kernels with them.

Scott

"Kernel counting" or similar wording was used by Redding in their catalog (maybe ads) years ago. I don't know about now.

 

[Tesoro]

My hand loading journey started with a beam scale and mechanical measuring devices that all worked well. But as time passed it became harder to see, technology improved, and disposable income became available, I’ve transitioned to digital devices. They are not necessarily better, but they sure are very convenient! However, all of my original mechanical tools are well cared for and available for immediate use if the SHTF!

Me too. I started mechanical at age 15, when In 40's I got 'rich' and bought all the expensive digital equip and then in my 50's I transitioned back to all mechanical!! ( expect for a digital viewer of my needle!)

 

[Bat Rastard]

There’s not much on his website that shows how the trickler works. Do you have any links of videos? Thanks.

I tried shooting a video on my phone. It was too big to put on here. This is one of several links on youtube.
Simplicity, repeatability. Can't be beat.
At my house, Allen (1066), is right in the mix with Keith Richard, Monty Python, and Benny Hill for the greatest Englishman ever.

 

[sparker]

I concur

I tried shooting a video on my phone. It was too big to put on here. This is one of several links on youtube.
Simplicity, repeatability. Can't be beat.
At my house, Allen (1066), is right in the mix with Keith Richard, Monty Python, and Benny Hill for the greatest Englishman e

 

[sparker]

I tried shooting a video on my phone. It was too big to put on here. This is one of several links on youtube.
Simplicity, repeatability. Can't be beat.
At my house, Allen (1066), is right in the mix with Keith Richard, Monty Python, and Benny Hill for the greatest Englishman ever.

Decidedly low tech, but works quite well.