Electronic (digital) scales. I've given up on them.

[Bang]

I've been using a Lyman-Ohaus M5 balance scale since about 1971 for rifle cartridges. I tried to use an electronic scale for pistol loads, thinking a wider +/- wouldn't be critical for mid-powered target loads.

The first one was a Caldwell that went south almost instantly. Caldwell replaced it. It lasted a short while, and I trashed it. I later bought a Hornady GS-1500 that seemed reliable.

A couple of days ago I got an intuitive doubt about the Hornady and loaded 50 .38 Spl using the M5 balance.

Tonight I weighed a (newly purchased 500 Xtreme 148gr DEWC plated) and the Hornady read 160.4gr. Several others read over 160 grains. On the M5 balance beam they weighed 148gr + a smidge, as they should.

Back to the Hornady, following directions, I calibrated it at 100 grams and it read passed. Now the wad cutters that had weighed 160+ grains are weighing 134 + grains.

AAA (2) batteries are 1.58 and 1.62 volts.

These digitals were in the $20-$25 range. I guess much more expensive units are more reliable and accurate? They work on strain gauges that produce digital read-outs. They are pretty touchy, kind of demanding the load being weighed be placed in the center of the scale else different weights will register. Maybe more expensive units have better pans and suspensions.

Meanwhile, I can't trust the Hornady. Be careful, everyone.

[Ricochet]

If you got the cash, try getting a small laboratory scale or "balance".
We use them all day and night in pharmaceutical manufacturing and they're really reliable even after a lot of usage.

[streaker69]

Just so you know, you can't really trust the balance beam type scale either. Those counter weights can lose mass over time.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/release...0921110735.htm

[Bang]

Same problem with JO Blocks. Gotta be certain temperature and preserved from oxidation.

[ExFlyinguy]

and I thought maybe I was crazy using a digital and then verifying on a beam, and then re-verifying back into the digital.

[Gunsnwater]

Volume is the way to go.

[frankski]

I have an RCBS Chargemaster 1500 and a 5-0-5 beam on the bench. Occasionally I verify against the check weights, which I keep in a case. Sometimes I cross-check the digital and the beam against each other when doing precision rifle.

Most of the time, though, after I start up the 1500, I put on the powder pan and check the reading. I know the pan is 160g, so if it is off more than .1g I re-calibrate. That has been very rare.

[Bang]

I discovered in reading sites that a nickel weighs .5 grams. 20 brand-new nickels weigh 100 grams, for anyone who needs a standard of 100 grams with which to calibrate something.

I also found a highly-recommended scale, the Gem Pro 250. Accurate to 2/100ths, about $140. The second digit refines the .1 to .10, so you know whether you're at .10 or .19, which would make a difference in long-range ballistics.

[IV_Warrior]

I discovered in reading sites that a nickel weighs .5 grams. 20 brand-new nickels weigh 100 grams, for anyone who needs a standard of 100 grams with which to calibrate something.

I'm not the best at math, but I'm pretty sure yours isn't right there.....

[Bang]

LOL....yeah..pretty bad, huh? ^^ Oh God, take me....I'm getting dangerous.

Let me attempt to fix it. First, I gotta find it again. BRB.

(Meanwhile....prolly a nickel weighs 5 grams?)

Back. Yep. Here's additional discussion:

https://www.bing.com/search?q=what+d...e1762531cff12f