Dillon D-terminator scale troubles - what do you use?

[Lou_NC]

My lightly-used and well-cared-for Dillon D-terminator scale (about 10 years old) is now giving me a "CAL E" message instead of "CAL F" message when I calibrate it following the procedure outlined in the manual. It still seems to measure the 700 gr. calibration weight correctly, and small charges match the reading on my RCBS beam scale.

But, I'm paranoid and Dillon also tells me that they don't recommend trusting the scale anymore. I paid around $160 for the thing, and of course it's not covered by their warranty (one year on electronics). To their credit though, they offered to send me a new one for $85 and the return my old scale. They say the old one is not repairable (or at least they don't want to do it, and could not recommend anyone who could).

Is the current Dillon D-terminator a quality scale? I see electronic scales priced from $30 and up these days. I don't mind spending some additional $$ for real quality but if they don't last anyway, what's the point of spending more than $30?

So, what electronic scales do you all use, and do you like it?

Thanks,
Lou

 

[Skip Sackett]

I use a Texan beam scale for all of my setups. After that I may, or may not, use an electronic scale to check them with. I have a Hornady digital. It is almost a pocket scale. They don't make them anymore either. On the cheap side.

I trust the Texan. I have check weights and it is always right on. Air currents don't affect it as bad either.

FWIW

 

[BE Mike]

I would take Dillon up on the new scale for $85.00. I have a Lyman 1200 DPS 3 that I have been using for about a year and it does what it is supposed to do. It is just the ticket for target rifle loads where I want to weigh each charge or any other cartridges where I am loading small volume, i.e. hi-velocity hunting or personal defense pistol rounds. I use it instead of a powder measure. It is an accurate scale, too, so I use it to set up my Dillon powder measures when I'm going to load a large volume of light target loads.

 

[Bart 44]

I use and like the PACT scale, PACT Inc. - Home, seems to be very good quality and works well. The one RCBS sells is the same scale. Stay far away from the low priced scales.

Dennis.

 

[chickenfried]

My Terminator also went a little wonky. Wouldn't display a stable weight, started wavering a few tenths(or was it hundreths) of a grain. A friend loaned me his rcbs chargemaster. Very nice scale and if I ever start reloading rifle on the Rockchucker I'm sure I'll love the dispensing features.

When he wants the chargemaster back I'm going to give this one a try from brian enos. $75, twenty year warranty.
BrianEnos.com Electronic Digital Powder Scale

 

[Rickkster]

My electronic scales...

I use a three year old Dillon D-Terminator electronic scale and a one year old RCBS 1500 ChargeMaster Combo. I weigh all of the charges for both pistol and rifle.

The Dillon I use for small quantity/new loads, and to weigh my cast boolits. I use the RCBS once I have a load worked up and am ready to load multiple boxes.

I also occasionally use a Dillon Eliminator beam scale as a final check. It has been rock solid for many years. All of the scales are checked with a Lyman scale weight check set before I start loading.

My system is slower; but it works for me. I am very happy with both electronic scales.

Rick

 

[fredj338]

I also had an early Dillon. WOrked fine, then gave up the ghost & wouldn't hold a zero. The new one has been flawless for 3yrs now. A good deal for $85. There are no bagains in dig scales IMO.

 

[Paul5388]

Here's my loading bench at one time in the past.

You'll notice there are three scales on the bench, an Ohaus 505, a Dillon D-Terminator and a My Weigh Gempro 250 ( I have three more beam balances). The Dillon is the least accurate and tends to drift. The My Weigh has a lifetime warranty and is accurate to .015 gr/.001 g and comes with an F2 standard weight. I also have this Mettler H80 that is accurate to .0015 gr/.0001 g, if you can find a stable enough place for it (the certified grocery scale is for weighing lead for alloying purposes.)

The cheaper digitals need to be checked for repeatability, using a check weight and taking multiple readings. The scale specifications should tell you what the repeatability is and it should be verified by you. The Brian Enos scale doesn't state the brand or the repeatability.

Chinese scales don't have to be bad scales, but some of them are bad scales! Mettler, Sartorius, Ohaus and Acculab all have scales made in China and they are the analytical scales used in industry and laboratories.

 

[m657]

My Dillon finally blitzed out after about 20 years.

In my angst of replacement I fell for a Pact, thinking eventually on the dribbler accessory being useful.

It is very susceptible to RF sources such as overhead tube lights, fan, or case cleaner being activated within about 6' of it, producing wandering zero. If I shut off that stuff, it stabilizes fine.

I still prefer the DTerminator.

 

[Paul5388]

Speaking of RF interference, I've been noticing my cell phone is sending a signal that can be heard on my am radio. It's just static, but it may be a factor when using digital scales.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Showing your age or what kind of area you live in!

Speaking of RF interference, I've been noticing my cell phone is sending a signal that can be heard on my am radio. It's just static, but it may be a factor when using digital scales.

Paul,

Who listens to AM radio anymore? (Our conservative station just made the move to FM.)

Kinda dating yourself or your area! Maybe your station turns off it's signal at dusk too!

Just kidding around brother!

 

[Paul5388]

Conservative radio? I listen to rock-a-billy!

Just kidding about that music (?). They do cut the power back at dusk and I start getting Memphis bleeding over to where it's hard to hear Rusty Humphries. We have pretty much a non-stop lineup of Beck, Rush, Hannity, Savage and Humphries from 8 am to midnight.

 

[matsu]

My local AM station changes the direction of it broadcast after midnight