Made a good catch today!

[Rgarbarino]

I'm new to reloading.

I was setting up my RCBS powder measure and getting ready to start loading some 223 rounds. With H322 I was going to start with 10 rounds loaded with 21.5gr, 10 rounds with 22gr and 10 rounds with 22.5 and see what results I would get with those loads.

I have a digital scale that I use for archery that measures in grains so I thought I could use that. While trying to dial in the first load of 21.5gr I noticed that I could adjust the powder drop and get 21.6gr. As I kept making adjustments I found I would get the exact same weight on the scale evan after adjusting the load. I kept adjusting until the next weight I got was 23.1gr.

I thought that was weird so I took a small plastic cup, set it on the scale and zero'd it. I started sprinkling in powder with a small spoon and noticed that the weight would only jump in certain increments.

So...my digital scale isn't sensitive enough to accurately measure small differences in the adjustments to the powder measure.

Glad I caught that before loading up a bunch of rounds of unknown loads!

Time for a bar scale I guess.

[jericho89]

I use a jewelers scale that does a variety of different weights, but in grains it weighs out to 0.00 . But for any scale it is a good idea to always check and make sure it is working properly. I knew someone who was loading 45 and thought he was loading it at 4 grains, but his scale was not moving freely. He was actually loading it to 7.8 grains, way over the max safe limit. He was firing them out of a couple of RIA 1911's and they held up to over 100 rounds of that ammo being pounded through it.

[Divernhunter]

Many electronic scale will not work well with a trickled powder. You need to place more powder than a few kernels at a time on one. The trick is to weight the powder Then add a bit. Then remove the pan/cup from the scale and place it back on to get the current measurement. Another way is to put a bit of pressure on it(not much is needed just need to change weight a few grains) and release. Then the scale will give a correct measurement. Some scales will even state this in the instructions.
I use my powder scale to measure arrow/broadhead weights.

[kcheung2]

Is this for a 55 grain projectile? Those loads sound to be at or below minimum if it is. If it's for 62 grain, then carry on.

[stilly]

I'm new to reloading.

I was setting up my RCBS powder measure and getting ready to start loading some 223 rounds. With H322 I was going to start with 10 rounds loaded with 21.5gr, 10 rounds with 22gr and 10 rounds with 22.5 and see what results I would get with those loads.

I have a digital scale that I use for archery that measures in grains so I thought I could use that. While trying to dial in the first load of 21.5gr I noticed that I could adjust the powder drop and get 21.6gr. As I kept making adjustments I found I would get the exact same weight on the scale evan after adjusting the load. I kept adjusting until the next weight I got was 23.1gr.

I thought that was weird so I took a small plastic cup, set it on the scale and zero'd it. I started sprinkling in powder with a small spoon and noticed that the weight would only jump in certain increments.

So...my digital scale isn't sensitive enough to accurately measure small differences in the adjustments to the powder measure.

Glad I caught that before loading up a bunch of rounds of unknown loads!

Time for a bar scale I guess.

What you want is a Milligram scale like mine.

American Weigh has some EXCELLENT scales and I was so happy I have stopped looking elsewhere.

For $23 you can get a 20G scale. https://www.amazon.com/American-Weig...american+weigh

For about $35 you can get a 50G scale that ACTUALLY seems nicer. https://www.amazon.com/AWS-ZEO-50-La...rican+weigh+50

I have been using the 20G for the past 4+ years. I still have all my fingers and toes and most of my left cheek...

These scales are fast, accurate and they are the hit of the reloading parties...

[Rgarbarino]

Is this for a 55 grain projectile? Those loads sound to be at or below minimum if it is. If it's for 62 grain, then carry on.

No, those powder weights are right in the mid range for H322 in the hornady manual.

[Rgarbarino]

I think I will try again with a heavier pan, I was trying it with a plastic medicine cup just to adjust the powder measure. Maybe a heavier pan will make the scale more sensitive to small weight changes.

[jericho89]

I think I will try again with a heavier pan, I was trying it with a plastic medicine cup just to adjust the powder measure. Maybe a heavier pan will make the scale more sensitive to small weight changes.

I have always had issues with pans. I use a single case that I have zeroed in the scale. I then dump the powder into that case and get my reading. The case always sits flat and had a foot print that is always on the scale with nothing to hang up. Once I confirm weight I dump the powder into the hopper, and will not start production till I get a run of consistent powder dumps. I will then do a spot check every now and then to make sure I am on par.

[stilly]

With my Gemini 20G I will take a shell and place it on the scale and it fits nicely. I will tare out the weight and then charge the case and weigh it again. Then make adjustments on the powder dropper if needed.

If I place the plastic funnel on top of the shell as I am filling it up with it tarred out, the weight is off by about a gr or two. Weird.

[Jon Road King]

For $23 you can get a 20G scale. https://www.amazon.com/American-Weig...american+weigh

These scales are fast, accurate and they are the hit of the reloading parties...

+1 on that scale. Stilly recommended it to me at a reloading class way back... very pleased with it.