Powder scale(s)

[Cyrille]

 I have two powder scales one a balance type that I've been useing since the 1980's and the second an electronic type that was bought eairler this year. Yesterday, for the first time I decided to check and see if there was any variation between the two, imagine my surprise when I discovered that there was a 1/10 grain diffrence between the two, the electronic scale measures 1/10 gr. heavier than does the balance scale.
 Both scales literture says "accurate within 1/10 grain." Which one should I trust the electronic or the balance scale? I am thinking that it should be the balance scale since it depends soley on weight to balance out whereas, I believe that the electronic one is subject to electric impulses and thus may be sligthtly off kilte at times, I did notice, however, that both are disturbed by air movement. any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
   

[Ozark Tracker]

Cyrille, the electronic scale I have came with a weight where I can check it's accuracy, It can be reset if incorrect.  the balance beam may be a checked with the same weight.  after 20 some years of use, it could be a little off,  the knife edges they balance on may be starting to round off a little.

[Arcey]

Once ya lose trust, they're worthless.

I'd throw both 'em away 'n buy a new one.  The most expensive ya kin find.

[Advertising]

[Silver_Rings]

I go along with Ozark Tracker.  My digital scale came with a couple of thest weights that I use to check both my balance scale and the digital scale.  I also bought a set of test weight so that I could use them to test a weight close to that of my load.  Think they cost about $6 at Sportsman Wharehouse.

SR

[El Peludo]

One of the suppliers of reloading equipment (maybe Dillon) sells a shield that goes around their electronic scale, to keep most of the (big word warning) extraneous air movement away.  Any device that depends on balance, or senses pressure, will be effected by air movement aroud it; how much depends on the sensitivity and accuracy of the device.  Some labs that I have been in had their scales inside of completely closed cabinets with windows to see them through.

[Cyrille]

I have two powder scales one a balance type that I've been useing since the 1980's and the second an electronic type that was bought eairler this year. Yesterday, for the first time I decided to check and see if there was any variation between the two, imagine my surprise when I discovered that there was a 1/10 grain diffrence between the two, the electronic scale measures 1/10 gr. heavier than does the balance scale.
 Both scales literture says "accurate within 1/10 grain." Which one should I trust the electronic or the balance scale? I am thinking that it should be the balance scale since it depends soley on weight to balance out whereas, I believe that the electronic one is subject to electric impulses and thus may be sligthtly off kilte at times, I did notice, however, that both are disturbed by air movement. any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
   

Ok, I've considered all hints and suggestions, even Arcey's which I quickly discarded I even tried the 20g weight that came with the RCBS eletronic scale in my Pacific Manufactored balance scale It did't register 20g unless 20g means 20 grams and not grains. Soooo I borrowed my nephew's RCBS balance scale  and guess what; both the Pacific & RCBS balance scale are right on! It is the Electronic scale that is OFF at least that is the conclusion that I've reached. Any comments on this lastest post will be studied  Thanks for the help.

[Delmonico]

Sounds like to me they are both within tolerance if you really think about it.  It's gonna take dozens of checks all over the range to be sure.  Don't see how if it's only a 1/10th of a grain all over the range how it's a problem.  Best listen to Arcey and then never check again.

[Cyrille]

I couldn't see where 1/10 of a grain would make much diffrence either unless I would be pushing the envelope, so to speak, but I always stay within the low to midrange of the powder recomendations I never load the lowest or the highest recomended powder charge for the bullet weight I'm shooting.
   I believe Arcey means well, however I'm on a fixed income and will just have to make do with what I have until I at least finish paying for my Henry BB and the mule-eared shotgun and the Walker /Colt one more payment on the Henry and then the shotgun and perhaps around Christmas the Walker. But most of that is contengent on whether we survive hurricane season.

[WyrTwister]

I have two powder scales one a balance type that I've been useing since the 1980's and the second an electronic type that was bought eairler this year. Yesterday, for the first time I decided to check and see if there was any variation between the two, imagine my surprise when I discovered that there was a 1/10 grain diffrence between the two, the electronic scale measures 1/10 gr. heavier than does the balance scale.
 Both scales literture says "accurate within 1/10 grain." Which one should I trust the electronic or the balance scale? I am thinking that it should be the balance scale since it depends soley on weight to balance out whereas, I believe that the electronic one is subject to electric impulses and thus may be sligthtly off kilte at times, I did notice, however, that both are disturbed by air movement. any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
   

     .1 grain , you are in fine shape .  Now go find something important to worry about .  Like those black helocopters slowly circling your house .  Or , wait , are they big buzzards ?

     Seriously , you are cool .   :-)

God bless
Wyr

[Cyrille]

Thanks for that "cool" answer My lady thinks I'm cool too but she sure knows how to turn on the heat!

[Chev. William]

Once ya lose trust, they're worthless.

I'd throw both 'em away 'n buy a new one.  The most expensive ya kin find.

The 'foreign' manufacturers must love you.

The most expensive is NOT the best suited for 'day to day' reloading, it is kept in a temperature and humidity and dust controlled room under a shield to protect it from any breezes while weighing, and re calibrated often, by trained Meteorology (Calibration Laboratory) Technicians.

Best Regards,
Chev. William

[Bugscuffle]

You may not have a problem at all. If one measures 1/20th of a grain high, within tolerance and the other measures 1/20th of a grain low, also within tolerance, they would measure 1/10th of a grain different and still both be in tolerance.

[pony express]

   I believe Arcey means well,

That would probably be a surprise to Arcey, what he probably means is to give you a hard time.

Seriously, if you get a bunch of scales that only vary by 1/10th of a grain, that just shows how good most of the scales are, especially considering how little most of them cost.

[Shotgun Franklin]

First get the weight in grains of a penny, nickel and quarter. ( I don't have'm handy). Now get a new penny, nickel and quarter and use them to occasionally check your scales. The balance scale is made to be corrected. The electronic may not be.
I avoid the hottest loads like plague. Generally the mid-range loads are more accurate and the target doesn't seem to notice the difference.