First criteria should be 'Sameness'. Long term sameness.
A precision mass standard is only used to calibrate working standard, the ones you touch when calibrating everyday devices.
Precise standards are made from a non-magnetic (or nearly so) Stainless Steel and are reported with respect to
'apparent mass vs a stated density' at standard conditions. It used to be App Mass Vs Brass, and when changing bases a correction is required.
Find a mass that isn't susceptible to nicks and scratches or corrosion. A FMJ bullet if protected from abuse would be fine for a 'test weight'. I use this for my 22 Nolser loads around 10 carats or so. I think I know the weight of this 'adjusted dime' to at least +/- 0.002 grains.

Also remember that when comparing two equal or nearly equal weights, the balance/scale is basically an uncalibrated substitution device. Weigh a 31 grain test weight, weigh 31 grains of powder. Should indicate the same (except for high precision work with materials less dense than the test weight).
For a scale that can weigh to 1500 grains, and your target weight is 30 grains or 80 or 150, then a test weigh near those values would be best if you want to have confidence in your measuring process. You were probably sent a 50 gram or 100 gram weight. That sets the full scale value which is likely never used. If 30 grains indicates 30.05 grains (indicates high) then you could even pad your full scale calibration to get a more accurate reading at lower values.
If you buy a cheap weight like off Amazon or Ebay, expect it to be Chrome Plated Magnetic Steel. Sort of OK.
Accuracy grades of M1, or even M2 would be adequate for all but the most anal reloader
If you bought a 'Set' with multiples of 1,2,2,5 or 1,2,3,5 then combinations can be used as a confidence check for any single weight.
Sure a tenth or two grains isn't gonna matter much at all but with a little attention to technique is will be so far into the noise that it WON'T MATTER AT ALL. Buy that $$$ 0.02 grain scale, a full scale cal weight, and a check weight near each of your most common/important values.
EX-NASA Senior Metrologist (not the weather kind)
A precision mass standard is only used to calibrate working standard, the ones you touch when calibrating everyday devices.
Precise standards are made from a non-magnetic (or nearly so) Stainless Steel and are reported with respect to
'apparent mass vs a stated density' at standard conditions. It used to be App Mass Vs Brass, and when changing bases a correction is required.
Find a mass that isn't susceptible to nicks and scratches or corrosion. A FMJ bullet if protected from abuse would be fine for a 'test weight'. I use this for my 22 Nolser loads around 10 carats or so. I think I know the weight of this 'adjusted dime' to at least +/- 0.002 grains.

Also remember that when comparing two equal or nearly equal weights, the balance/scale is basically an uncalibrated substitution device. Weigh a 31 grain test weight, weigh 31 grains of powder. Should indicate the same (except for high precision work with materials less dense than the test weight).
For a scale that can weigh to 1500 grains, and your target weight is 30 grains or 80 or 150, then a test weigh near those values would be best if you want to have confidence in your measuring process. You were probably sent a 50 gram or 100 gram weight. That sets the full scale value which is likely never used. If 30 grains indicates 30.05 grains (indicates high) then you could even pad your full scale calibration to get a more accurate reading at lower values.
If you buy a cheap weight like off Amazon or Ebay, expect it to be Chrome Plated Magnetic Steel. Sort of OK.
Accuracy grades of M1, or even M2 would be adequate for all but the most anal reloader

If you bought a 'Set' with multiples of 1,2,2,5 or 1,2,3,5 then combinations can be used as a confidence check for any single weight.
Sure a tenth or two grains isn't gonna matter much at all but with a little attention to technique is will be so far into the noise that it WON'T MATTER AT ALL. Buy that $$$ 0.02 grain scale, a full scale cal weight, and a check weight near each of your most common/important values.
EX-NASA Senior Metrologist (not the weather kind)
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