Which Scale Check Weights?

[JFrank]

Ahh Jim, the old scale in the picture would more properly be called a balance, it doesn't weigh anything. You need to zero it using a known mass. This particular one was made by Pacific, and at a total guess, probably dates from the 1950's. It's not damped in any way and just so simple there's very little to go wrong.
The balance was supplied with a set of grain checkweights, including some little 10th gn weights.
I also have another of this type, also Pacific, oil damped, I would guess of a slightly later date.

Very nice, I’m assuming a high level of repeatability as well.
Towards the the op topic… I’ve settled on a pair of 20 grain checks that actually come in at 20.02 on my E scale and confirmed on my beam scales.
Added: when I’m done with a session and my scale pointer isn’t quite at zero I’ll place my 40.04 weights in the pan to verify it’s still perfectly calibrated.

 

[Doom]

Sorry you feel so strongly about my posts. Maybe i should be on your ignore lists so as to not cloud up your reloading prowess. If your scale check bullet varies in weight you should invest in a new scale.

Been using the same 40 Gr VMAX for 14 years.

 

[6MMsteve]

Exact weight matters none. The best check weight is a bullet that you scratch the weight into and keep with the scale. No need to waste money on check weights

I use a bullet, A 150gr SMK I chk my scale for zero and 150grs but I use beam scales, that I tuned myself under the shadetree, I done the work in the Lab at work, where I use to work it has some very accurate equipment, scales, Zeiss CMM, blah blah 23 computers, and quiet room where there is no dust, temp is controlled no vibrations blah blah, lab coats, nice surface plates, tools, Renshaw equip

 

[Richard Jones]

36 grain Starke FB

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

A very entertaining (and a little old) thread.

still very good reading/

 

[lgwatson]

This has got to be one of DUMBEST POSTS i have seen,bullets vary in weight,JOIN the NIT CLUB

Apparently you didn't read and absorb what Varget said. He said keep the same bullet with the scale to check it.

 

[cmysix]

Ohaus

 

[Rocketvapor]

I use ASTM Class 1 and 2 weights.
Getting ready to do some sorting (3.700 grains).
Check weights 200mg, 30mg, and 10mg.
Using gram mode, low range on my EJ-54D2 gives me 0.0002g resolution (0.00309grains).
0.2398g +/- a count should do it.
I'll use my A&D ER-182A to spot check results.

 

[Webster]

I use ASTM Class 1 and 2 weights.
Getting ready to do some sorting (3.700 grains).
Check weights 200mg, 30mg, and 10mg.
Using gram mode, low range on my EJ-54D2 gives me 0.0002g resolution (0.00309grains).
0.2398g +/- a count should do it.
I'll use my A&D ER-182A to spot check results.
View attachment 1539407

5 year old original post.

 

[Rocketvapor]

YUP, but I didn't wake it up

 

[Dave M.]

This has got to be one of DUMBEST POSTS i have seen,bullets vary in weight,JOIN the NIT CLUB

You clearly don’t understand what Dusty and many other people are doing as well. No true need for a calibrated weight because you really don’t care if you are putting 31.2 or 31.4gr of powder in the case, just that you are putting the exact amount that the rifle was tuned to. Dusty most likely has a bullet or a dummy round that has a mass of 208.50grains and before he starts dispensing charges, he will zero the scale out and then weigh the dummy round. Certain reasons may cause the dummy round to weigh .14gr high, then he will know that to get the same charge in his rounds that normally use 30.0gr, he should be dispensing 30.14gr. I’m not sure I can explain it any better than that for you. Dusty, correct me if I have stated anything incorrectly.
Dave

 

[JFrank]

Very nice, I’m assuming a high level of repeatability as well.
Towards the the op topic… I’ve settled on a pair of 20 grain checks that actually come in at 20.02 on my E scale and confirmed on my beam scales.
Added: when I’m done with a session and my scale pointer isn’t quite at zero I’ll place my 40.04 weights in the pan to verify it’s still perfectly calibrated.

I wish I could remember who sent me these two little check weights, I’d thank him again as they have been super handy.

Thanks again..

 

[Rocketvapor]

Things found around the kitchen or reloading room that can be accurately measured, expected to remain stable over the years are fine.
Relative measurements, for sorting, don't really require high accuracy, just long term stability. They possess 'SAMENESS'. Same today as yesterday.
Don't lose your sameness standard.
For those with scales that CALIBRATE @ 50, or 100 GRAMS, linearity and drift at smaller values are the problem. Full scale calibration is likely good for a year, with a few ppm temperature coefficient.

Your check standard, near your target weight should be a few times more accurate than what your desired weight tolerance is. A 1 gram, 2 gram, a 3 gram and a 5 gram check standard, would be great for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ,6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11 grams.
They can be intercompared to detect a damaged/worn individual weight.
Not that hard to convert to grains.
Non-magnetic stainless steel won't develop a patina like brass weights.

If you really expect your FX120 to weight charges to a kernel, calibration at full scale might not enough. Some scales allow you to pick a calibration point.

If your scale has a 1 milligram resolution, pick a few check standards with a tolerance BETTER than 1 milligram.