Time for my last powder measure and scale

[mike06]

Bit the bullet and ordered the scale.

 

[Crackerbacks]

I have the full 419 kit; I've loaded 1.5k-2k rounds on it at this point. If I were doing it now that the V3 is released, I wouldn't go the 419 route...

Here's what I'd do.... get the V3 auto-throw/auto-trickle kit form CE.

Get the following from 419:
Clear plastic top (allows you to see what's going on)
Auto Trickler stand (very heavy, billet knob adjustable, won't walk on you....I know the V3 one is updated, but the 419 one is better).
Billet base (this replaces the 'platter' on the 419, and has guides to ensure your cup is perfectly aligned every time).
Billet powder cup (this replaces the medicine cup from the kit above; and it fits perfectly into the billet base).


Given the V3 auto throw unit is better than the Area 419 V2 style, I wouldn't replace that. Secondly, the powder hopper from 419 is needlessly heavy, and doesn't do anything better than the included Lee hopper. I've actually gone back to using the plastic Lee one. You'll probably need to refill the hopper every ~100-150 rounds, but that's easy enough.

If you get this scale, invest in some ferite magnets to loop through your power cords, as well as a legitimate power conditioner (a Tripp Lite 1200 or the like; something more robust than just a power strip).

You'll also need to ensure you don't have any flouro lights or air currents around the scale. To say it's sensitive is an understatement.

Edit: As far as never buying another setup...this will get you close...but rest assured in the next 10-15 years, a larger/traditional reloading company is going to figure out an 'all in one' type solution (similar to the chargemaster) that will be this accurate, smaller, and easier to clean up/switch powders etc.

The auto-throw/auto trickle 120i is very nice, don't get me wrong, but it's still very much a hyper sensitive scale with a bunch of reloading crap adapted to it after the fact. Somebody is going to make something 'purpose built' one of these days.

Thank you for the detailed answer!
So is the V3 the only high quality option out there? I'm surprised there are not more quality reloading setups out there.

 

[MikeMcCasland]

Thank you for the detailed answer!
So is the V3 the only high quality option out there? I'm surprised there are not more quality reloading setups out there.

There are a bunch of quality setups out there; don't get me wrong. It all depends on what type of shooting you're doing.

If your shooting goals/discipline require 'to the kernel' accuracy, and you want the powder auto thrown/auto trickled, you're looking at an FX-120i, Sartorius, or Prometheus. Of those three options, the FX120i is probably the least expensive way to get there, and generally speaking, offers the most 'aftermarket support'.

If you're not looking for auto throw/auto trickle, there are several standalone scales, and standalone tricklers that will be just as accurate (if not more so); just more time consuming.

All that said, a chargemaster may be good enough for what you're doing...and all things considered it's pretty good for what it costs...different tools for different jobs.

 

[mike06]

Got my Fx 120i last night ups. Do you that have one leave it plugged in and on standby or disconnect all power when not using? I also hooked mine into a APC Power controller. It sure is fast at getting the weight. Loaded few rounds this morning.

 

[Twoboxer]

My reading of the manual tells me the scale can be left in standby mode (ie, plugged in but not turned on) without harming the scale. But it recommends warming up the scale for 30 minutes before using. (Page 11, item 3.4)

Warming up the scale seems to require turning it on. (Page 32, item 8.5, Steps 1-2).

So there doesn't seem to be any advantage to leaving it plugged in, but there is some risk (eg power surge) in doing so.

 

[mike06]

Do any of you using the FX 120i have it setting on a piece of granite or marble?

 

[Shooter13]

You will be set to go with that setup. I would get the area 419 powder cup to go with it as an upgrade.

I know this is an old thread but why on the powder cup? The new V3 has a glass cup (maybe the old one did too, I don't know). Thanks

 

[Fuj]

In not afraid to spend the money......

THANKS

"Promethius" if your not afraid to spend money. Every time
I look on the shelf and see my Harrel's/Culver thrower collecting
dust, I would think it would look nice on top of one of those

 

[Gb300wm]

I know this is an old thread but why on the powder cup? The new V3 has a glass cup (maybe the old one did too, I don't know). Thanks

The first style powder cup was plastic. Everything is much better with the V3...

 

[Shooter13]

The first style powder cup was plastic. Everything is much better with the V3...

Okay, thank you. The glass cup works really well. This thing was easy to set up and after playing with the adjustable "leg" on the trickler does a phenomenal job!

 

[Nature Boy]

Do any of you using the FX 120i have it setting on a piece of granite or marble?

Yes

I put felt pads on the bottom so I could move it around on the bench and not have to re-level it.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I load at the range. So I use the most range friendly setup I can find.

That is a Charge Master Lite, which is a much better unit for outdoor loading than anything I have seen. The wind guard really works.

Personally, I wish RCBS would make a unit that did nothing but throw the charge. I don’t care about programming, round count, or any of the other features I never use. Punch in the load, let it cycle, charge the case, repeat. All that other crap is useless.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

For those of you not wanting to spend the coin yet for fx120, the Grizzly Bald Eagle scale works good. It measures to the 100ths. It’s a strain gauge type, so you have to keep the air from blowing directly at it. $49 now and Grizzly has free shipping from July 23-29th for a heads-up.

 

[KenOath]

Not at all. It's just a big investment for a poor boy like me.

You won’t regret investing in this system, it’s a pleasure to use...

 

[mike06]

Well here is my finished set up. Scale sitting on a piece of granite with felt pads on the bottom so I can slide it a bit. The plexiglass shield prevents any air movement form bothering the scale plus protects it from me dropping something on it.

 

[antelopedundee]

For those of you not wanting to spend the coin yet for fx120, the Grizzly Bald Eagle scale works good. It measures to the 100ths. It’s a strain gauge type, so you have to keep the air from blowing directly at it. $49 now and Grizzly has free shipping from July 23-29th for a heads-up.

Is it still on closeout? Thought about one, but what I have is ok. I have an old 45 years or so Bonanza unit that I still use most of the time. I also have a little battery operated portable so I use it for less critical work since it's accurate to about +/- .2 grain.

 

[mike06]

Is it still on closeout? Thought about one, but what I have is ok. I have an old 45 years or so Bonanza unit that I still use most of the time. I also have a little battery operated portable so I use it for less critical work since it's accurate to about +/- .2 grain.

There is code to get a discount CAMBRIDGE
out of Canada https://ceproducts.shop/ Think it still works. BTW be sure to get a 100g test weight from them it is not on the page with the scale.

 

[Ranger007]

You won’t regret investing in this system, it’s a pleasure to use...

I just added another v3 with Area 419 upgrades. I giggle every time they dispense and I charge a case.

 

[antelopedundee]

There is code to get a discount CAMBRIDGE
out of Canada https://ceproducts.shop/ Think it still works. BTW be sure to get a 100g test weight from them it is not on the page with the scale.

My error. I was referring to the Bald Eagle unit which is on closeout at Grizzly. Looks like they still have some left.

https://www.grizzly.com/products/Bald-Eagle-Powder-Scale/BE1188

 

[jimcasey01]

At the risk of sounding totally uninformed, let me make a "low cost" alternative. I use a Harrells powder measure, drop slightly light, then trickle with a Hornady battery powered trickler. Harrells is about $240 (new), Hornady trickler is about $30 (new). Hits within .001 mg in a few seconds. 1 mg = .0154 grain. I use an old Ohaus Lab scale (<$100 on Ebay). Accurate enough for Benchrest. Use the savings for powder, bullets and primers.