Electronic powder scale vs. mechanical balance scale

[DeplorabusUnum]

How many folks are using the old fashioned mechanical scales as opposed to the electronic versions? The reason I ask, is that I have 2 electronic scales, and the drift on both is becoming really annoying. I'm continually having to re-zero while loading a batch of brass. They both drift .2 gr and most of the time every fifth or so throw of the powder dispenser, I notice the charge is off. I re-zero and find the charge was actually fine but the scale is off. I'm thinking of going back in time to the old balance type.

 

[stansdds]

I have considered many scales, but I have only one, my old Lyman 1000 beam scale. Reliable, accurate, never requires batteries or electricity.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Ditto on my Ohaus...

 

[STCM(SW)]

I have considered many scales, but I have only one, my old Lyman 1000 beam scale. Reliable, accurate, never requires batteries or electricity.

Same here......

 

[gmiller0737]

I have Both A RCBS 5-10 that I purchased new in the mid 1980's & a Newer (maybe 6 no old) Electronic Scale (forgot the Brand purchased @ Midway) electronic is great for things like weighing a bullet & I do use it to measure powder but always verify on the Older scale


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[6string]

I have noticed the same thing as the OP regarding the type of electronic scales typically sold to, and used by, reloaders.
Having said that, I don't think one "type" is inherently superior to the other. But, you'll likely need deep pockets to acquire the very best of either.
However, for the price range of a consumer product, like a scale being sold to the general public that can at least display values on the order of one tenth of a grain (actual repeatable accuracy aside), the electronic scale offers the manufacturer and retailer the higher profit margin. The "brand name" on them is immaterial. They're all made in China (at least as far as the "guts" are concerned), in massive quantities for pennies apiece.
In contrast, I doubt you could make a "cheap" mechanical balance scale without it being obviously so to the consumer. The cost of manufacturing is likely higher and thus the profit margin is smaller.

The mechanical balance scale requires a bit more attention on the part of the user to get the highest level of repeatable accuracy. Oh, and you need simple math skills. If your methodology is consistent, your results will be consistent.
By contrast, as the OP has observed, even with great care, inexpensive electronic scales will show quirky shifts in value. It might be unpredictable jumps on the display while trickling that last tenth of a grain, or it might be disturbingly different values when you re-weigh the same item a few minutes later. In either case, I don't trust cheap electronic scales for critical usage.

I bought a Lyman 500 back in the 1980s. It's been a great investment.
Keep the fulcrum contact areas clean and dust-free, and make sure no dirt or other foreign matter is adhered to the pan, etc. Use on a level surface away from any cross breeze (air vent duct, open window, etc.).

 

[Twoboxer]

Feels a bit like groundhog day, but here goes . . . Scales can be affected by air currents, static electricity, and (for electronic scales) both line and transmitted (RF) "noise".

While air currents and static electricity can affect any scale weighing the small quantities reloaders care about, they are relatively easy to counter whether your scale is beam or electronic. "Noise" will not affect beam scales.

All electronic scales under ~$500 use the same base technology, ie, strain gauge load cells. Unfortunately these are very susceptible to "noise", often being sarcastically referred to as "noise gauges". Noise can come over the line or OTA from many sources . . . anything that transmits (cell phones, wireless phones, WiFi), motors, fluorescent lights and ballasts, microwaves and more. These scales interpret noise as changes in weight.

Scales above this price point begin to use different technologies, eg, magnetic force restoration. Such scales are not susceptible to noise. [The lowest priced scale I and others have seen while watching many reloading forums is the A&D FX120i which can be had from Cambridge Environmental for ~$5XX depending on the Canadian exchange rate.]

Some people claim their digital scales are rock stable and accurate. While that may be true for them, it may be that their reloading room is relatively noise-free. Apparently your room is not noise free.

So it is unlikely that any sub-$5XX digital scale is going to behave any differently in your room . . . regardless of line filters, UPSs, or battery power if your noise is RF . . . than the one you have.

That's what happened to me until my A&D FX120i became my 7th scale. I also added devices called AutoTrickler and AutoThrower (you can google them) that converts the A&D to a Chargemaster that really works in any room.

BTW, I kept my beam scale for backup.

 

[smithra_66]

How many folks are using the old fashioned mechanical scales as opposed to the electronic versions? The reason I ask, is that I have 2 electronic scales, and the drift on both is becoming really annoying. I'm continually having to re-zero while loading a batch of brass. They both drift .2 gr and most of the time every fifth or so throw of the powder dispenser, I notice the charge is off. I re-zero and find the charge was actually fine but the scale is off. I'm thinking of going back in time to the old balance type.

I always use a beam scale to verify anything. I don't trust e-scales.

I have been using the RCBS automatic powder measure system and it does seem to hold good accuracy, but i still always check it every 25 or so rounds with my beam scales. I would never have just an electric scale.

 

[tlawler]

I have both, an RCBS 5-10 and a Dillon electronic. I use the Dillon mainly when I'm switching loads and readjusting my powder dispenser. It quickly gets me close to the proper setting on the dispenser, then I fine tune it with the RCBS. When weighing random charges, or every tenth charge during loading, I use the RCBS that's locked into its weight setting. Another thing the Dillon is good for is weighing mystery bullets.

 

[Univibe]

My scale is my RCBS beam balance scale, purchased new in 1979. It's weighed many a load with no drift. Works for me.

 

[growr]

I use an electronic scale and always use a commercial 55, 100, 150, 168 and 230 grain bullet to check for accuracy. Just like a set of weight standards.

Has worked well for me......my balance beam scale collects a lot of dust right now.

Randy

 

[muddocktor]

I guess I am of the old school persuasion as I don't own any electronic scales; just don't trust them in the price ranges I can afford. I have 2 beam scales, RCBS 510 and 1010 scales. I find they both do the job for me and weigh out quick enough, so I don't see the need to get some electronic scales.

 

[Golphin]

I have both and check them against each other at times.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

Just bought a FX120i for around $700. Haven't used it yet.
Will report back later!

 

[AlHunt]

How many folks are using the old fashioned mechanical scales as opposed to the electronic versions? The reason I ask, is that I have 2 electronic scales, and the drift on both is becoming really annoying. I'm continually having to re-zero while loading a batch of brass. They both drift .2 gr and most of the time every fifth or so throw of the powder dispenser, I notice the charge is off. I re-zero and find the charge was actually fine but the scale is off. I'm thinking of going back in time to the old balance type.

I trust nothing electronic. Simple, mechanical things that I can see work with my own eyes. The zero has never drifted on my old 505.

 

[Roofuss]

Been using a Dillion electronic digital for several years and many thousands of rounds of different calibers....never any problems. After sitting unused for a time, I always calibrate it just to be sure.

 

[ddixie884]

All I use anymore is the RCBS Charge Master. I guess I am lazy in my old age...........

 

[rg1]

I bought a RCBS Reloading kit in the early 80's with an RCBS 5-10 beam scale. In 1994 Pact introduced the first electronic scale for reloaders and I bought a Pact Precision. My RCBS beam scale has been in a drawer since 1994. Some years back I bought a Gempro 250 just because it measured to the second decimal and accurate to two hundredths. Just a couple years or so ago I bought a RCBS Chargemaster Lite dispener. Would never think about going back to a slow tedious beam scale. The dispenser scale really speeds up powder charging as I weigh every pistol and rifle charge. Plus the electronics weigh cases, loaded rounds, bullets and just sit them on the platen and it gives the weight. No issues with any of my electronic scales. They sit 4 ft. below and old 4 ft. flourescent light plugged into the same outlet. Main thing is my scales sit on a separate table from my bench. I use scale check weights and test often. Changes in room temperatures makes me re-tare a few times in a long session but not a problem. My scale check weights gives me confidence that loads are precise. My 26-27 year old Pact Precision is still my favorite scale.

 

[SMSgt]

I still use an RCBS 505 since about 1979. It literally takes a second or two to settle. What the heck are people doing where that is not fast enough? I've never had to let it warm up, never had to change its batteries, never had the lights make it change readings. Even the overhead AC vent causes little disturbance, but that would affect an electronic scale too.

 

[BE Mike]

Been using the Lyman 1200 DPS 2 for years. I do have a set of Lyman weights that I use once in a while to check it, but so far, so good. I keep my Lyman 1200 in the basement with a dust cover on it when not in use. My basement is very dry. I used a Dillon electronic scale before this without any problems. Maybe those who have problems with e-scales are using cheap models, have the scale situated where air is moving or have problems with their home/ shop wiring that is showing up in the scale.