Which scale

[hambam105]

I don't know a single competent Handloader that doesn't or hasn't used both types of

1st item of thought:
Handloaders constantly measure and weigh component's.

2nd:
Many a Handloader is unfamiliar or at least uncomfortable using a non-digital beam scale and therefore do not use or recommend one.

3rd:
Professional Handloaders do not financially skimp on having, and developing the skills to properly use, any scale on their workbench.

I'd have to learn more about the OP's attitude and reloading plan before further recommendations on the positive & negative features inherent in either type of scale.

[JagerDog]

1st item of thought:
Handloaders constantly measure and weigh component's.

2nd:
Many a Handloader is unfamiliar or at least uncomfortable using a non-digital beam scale and therefore do not use or recommend one.

3rd:
Professional Handloaders do not financially skimp on having, and developing the skills to properly use, any scale on their workbench.

I'd have to learn more about the OP's attitude and reloading plan before further recommendations on the positive & negative features inherent in either type of scale.

Well....he's already said he wants to weigh commercial completed cartridges and is years away from any actual handloading.

I think most handloaders know how to use a beam scale. But weighing 100 cartridges, adjusting the balance for each to zero out is extremely time consuming.

Beam scales are quite good for adding volume to a preset weight. They suck for gathering what's likely 100 data points in 100 cartridges.

[hambam105]

JagerDog:

Absolutely. If the OP is years away then he has plenty of time to save up for a decent scale.

[jimmykan]

OP why are you trying to weigh factory ammo?

Did you accidentally mix together different bullet weights that look the same, and you need to sort them apart again?

Like 115 FMJ and 124 FMJ?

Or 124 JHP and 147 JHP?

[beanz2]

[/B]

No. It's a stack-up of variables, with the case typically being the largest variable. Bullets will vary a grain or so. I've never weighed primers, but being they don't weigh much to start with they prolly don't vary a whole lot. Powder weight within a given lot is one of the smallest variables. Expect your completed rounds to vary by 5 or more grains if you're not handloading with pre-selected components. Even when pulling out all the reasonable stops, there will be variances. Benchresters will weigh brass and bullets and segregate them. Maybe one or more will pipe in what they regularly see as variances with even the best of components.

That $25 pocket scale is more than ample. Mine's been rock solid. Sets up in seconds, calibrates in seconds, weighs in seconds. Readings don't wander. A bit of hysteresis and a slight lag to changes are the only caveats.

If you're trying to enhance accuracy by segregating completed commercial rounds by overall weight, forget about it.

Thank you for the insight. Very informative. So I guess all I can do now is buy good match commercial ammo if I need the consistency until I can get into handloading?

So, even if the case is from one manufacturer and from one batch, the weight still can vary significantly?

1st item of thought:
Handloaders constantly measure and weigh component's.

2nd:
Many a Handloader is unfamiliar or at least uncomfortable using a non-digital beam scale and therefore do not use or recommend one.

3rd:
Professional Handloaders do not financially skimp on having, and developing the skills to properly use, any scale on their workbench.

I'd have to learn more about the OP's attitude and reloading plan before further recommendations on the positive & negative features inherent in either type of scale.

I just have no time (yet) to learn the art of ammo hand loading. I think for now I'm relegated to commercial match ammo until I have more free time after retirement. Hand loading seems very interesting and offers so much potential, I'd like to get into it eventually.

I don't mind buying a nice scale if it means buying a good one only once (instead of buying mediocre then upgrading in a few years) but based on JagerDog's post above, if a scale does not guarantee a uniform powder load in commercial ammo, there is probably no point for me of getting it now.

Am I right in my conclusion?

[beanz2]

OP why are you trying to weigh factory ammo?

Did you accidentally mix together different bullet weights that look the same, and you need to sort them apart again?

Like 115 FMJ and 124 FMJ?

Or 124 JHP and 147 JHP?

No, just trying to get better consistency. I had just taken a medium range rifle marksmanship class (75-350yd) at Front Sight and once a while I get a flyer. While I think most of them are my fault, I can't help wondering of other factors.

I chronoed a few rounds from one batch and posted it here, so I'm thinking of ways of getting more consistent ammo without going the hand loading route. The school also mandates factory new ammo only until I can pass the test to graduate to the higher level. I believe only then they allow hand loads.

I suppose I can pay for some Federal Gold Medal Match or SSA ammo, but I was too cheap and only used mid-grade ammo (IMI 69 gr Razor Core). I figured as long as my abilities are not up to par, why spring for the top of the line factory ammo.

[JagerDog]

Thank you for the insight. Very informative. So I guess all I can do now is buy good match commercial ammo if I need the consistency until I can get into handloading?

So, even if the case is from one manufacturer and from one batch, the weight still can vary significantly?





I just have no time (yet) to learn the art of ammo hand loading. I think for now I'm relegated to commercial match ammo until I have more free time after retirement. Hand loading seems very interesting and offers so much potential, I'd like to get into it eventually.

I don't mind buying a nice scale if it means buying a good one only once (instead of buying mediocre then upgrading in a few years) but based on JagerDog's post above, if a scale does not guarantee a uniform powder load in commercial ammo, there is probably no point for me of getting it now.

Am I right in my conclusion?

Brass varies quite a bit in contrast to other variables. Maybe one of the benchresters who pay particular attention can add some quantitative data for that.

I can tell my loaded 45 ACP rounds will vary 5 grains, even though the bullets vary a grain or so and powder is within a tenth or so and there's only 6 grains of powder to start with. That's all one headstamp, but could be different lots.

While a scale could be "fun", it's not likely to take you where you want to go. "Fliers" could be a host of things. More likely projectile oriented than powder charge. Garden variety "match" brass is mostly just a head stamp. Match quality bullets on the other hand generally shoot more consistent. They're going to be better matched for weight, their cores will be more concentric. They're less likely to be dinged or have other flaws.

The "art" of handloading allows the handloader to start with components he chooses (from mild to wild), then find what the rifle likes, while addressing other inconsistencies. Even distance from the rifling with identical components can make significant differences.

[JackEllis]

You can probably find lots of threads like this one, which will give you some sense for how much case weights can vary: http://forum.accurateshooter.com/thr...iance.3869863/

I load for three rifle calibers and try to keep the variation in powder charge to about 0.1 grains. Variations in brass weight will swamp any variation in powder charge by at least an order of magnitude.

[beanz2]

You can probably find lots of threads like this one, which will give you some sense for how much case weights can vary: http://forum.accurateshooter.com/thr...iance.3869863/

I load for three rifle calibers and try to keep the variation in powder charge to about 0.1 grains. Variations in brass weight will swamp any variation in powder charge by at least an order of magnitude.

Thanks, JackEllis. Well, there goes that plan.

Thanks to everyone replying. It has been very helpful

[hambam105]

Knowing the purpose for the purchase should be a plus for the consumer. Having time on your side to make the decision should be in your favor.

Speed of use favors an electronic scale as compared to a balance beam scale.

[Rockzilla]

If you have some time before you start reloading,, watch for a nice older RCBS-OHAUS 10/10 beam scale... Digital scales you can wait on as they get better every year ..One you buy today will be obsolete in a couple of years.. Having one of each type is very handy to check each other,,, and ease of use in alot of cases...
Cheers...

Have both, use both, but the beams verify the digitals, a good set of check
weights should be part of your setup. As mentoned find an Old RCBS / Ohaus
10/10 or the Lyman M5, there are a bunch that come up on Fleabay (ebay)
just bought 2 Lyman M5's, should have enough now, Send them to Scott Parker
to have tuned, may wait a while to get them returned, but does great work,
repeatable, etc. Digitals what's high tech today is low tech in a few months like
computers, phones, etc.
You will get different opinons, different brands, different types, when you got no
power, or battery dies which one will work, or reload at the matches, I know plug
it in or battery.....

Anyway it depends on whom you ask, same can be said for Reloading presses, dies,
bullets, powder, primers, the process all together it will run the gambit......
I'm not out to set records in how many I reloaded, stopped counting a while
ago, just as long as they are safe....


to just weigh cases "digital" completed ammo these would be okay...

-Rock