Issues with RCBS 5-0-5 scale.

[cruddymutt]

I won an auction for a used 5-0-5 scale and it came today. Tried zeroing it and had no luck. Couldnt get it to do anything.
I noticed however that the silver pan seemed to have something inside of it. I took it apart and found 11 small lead balls. As a test I cut open a 12 gauge 7 1/2 shot and poured the shot into the pan until it zeroed. Took maybe 6 balls. I put those in with the lead balls and it zeros fine now. Did I fix this correctly? There was no binding or anything prior to the addition of the balls.

[BACKTOSHOOTING]

Your good to go

[Bill Steele]

Yes, the ballast is there to get zero. Usually takes many many little ones to get exact zero with the base perfectly level.

[cruddymutt]

How many balls are in there from the factory? Im assuming someone removed some of the balls.

[Bill Steele]

I think it depends on the scale, I have a 1010, but there were like 4-5 larger ones, say 8-10 medium to small and 20+ that run from very small to tiny, like a grain of BL-C(2) sized. When I got my latest 1010, I had to take a few of the tiny ones out to get it to be exactly zero when the base was level.

[Cheep]

This scale was probably zeroed with a tray on top of the tray with the hangar, you fixed it if you don't have the other one.

[TKM]

I think Cheep is right.


Did you get one of these?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/177229/rcbs-scale-pan-for-rcbs-scales-502-505-510-1010

[XDRoX]

Maybe the previous owner lived on a hill.

[Quinc]

Did you run out of adjustment in the leg?

[SixPointEight]

I think you're good to go. Check it with a couple know weights, but you should be golden. I was freaked out when I got mine because it had some of the weights in there, but it's normal.

[ExtremeX]

Did you run out of adjustment in the leg?

this... and/or , are you even using the adjustment in the leg?

[cruddymutt]

Yes it had both scoops although the removable scoops handle is broke off. Need to order a new one. I weighed the powder that came out of the shot shell I cut open and it weighed 19.5 grains. Tried finding what it is supposed to be But no luck. It was federal 12 Gauge 2 3/4, 7 1/2 shot if anyone knows. Target loads I think. The cheap stuff from Wallworld.

[ExtremeX]

You should have check weights to help calibrate your scale… my poor man check weight is just to use a match bullet like a 68gr or 77gr SMK for example… weight a few of em.

Have you adjusted the leg/foot on the scale, that’s the correct way to zero the scale…

[cruddymutt]

Yes I was using the leg. Had that puppy unscrewed all the way And the scale would budge. It floats like a champ now

[Revoman]

I would be very leery without weight checks to verify that your scale is good to go. Anything but a real check weight just isn't correct. How would you know what anything else actually weighs? You don't know for certain....unless you use a check weight. "Close enough." just isn't.