Powder Scales Matter: Accuracy You Can’t Afford To Skip
Ever wondered why using a dedicated powder scale is essential for safe and accurate reloading? Or how you even use a powder scale? This article will cover the risk in guessing your charge weights, why general-purpose scales don’t measure up, how reloading scales work, plus a practical guide to the pros and cons of mechanical and electronic scales and dispensers – plus how to use them. When it comes to reloading, accuracy isn’t optional.
What kind of powder scale is best?
INTRODUCTION TO SCALES
Precision and accuracy are critical when reloading ammunition, and the scale you use to measure gunpowder plays a major role in achieving consistent loads. Two primary types of scales dominate the reloading world: electronic (digital) scales and balance (mechanical beam) scales. Each type has distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on the reloader’s needs, preferences, and budget.
It is important to use scales specifically designed for gunpowder, no food grade or hardware type scales will do. These general-purpose scales are not meant to measure to the 0.1 to 0.01 grain increments commonly utilized on reloading scales.
And yes, every reloader needs a scale. Without an accurate measurement of your powder charges – what you are loading into your case – you run the risk of an overcharge or undercharge. Both can be dangerous and pose a serious risk. For a modest investment in a quality scale or dispenser, you’ll keep yourself safe and ensure the ammunition you are reloading is consistent and high quality.
What’s the difference between powder scales and powder dispensers? Powder scales, either electronic or mechanical, simply weigh a powder charge that’s already been dispensed – coming from a powder measure, powder trickler, powder dispenser or other source. Powder dispenser’s job is to throw or dispense a powder charge. They don’t necessarily weigh this charge, however, some modern electronic powder dispensers both dispense a powder charge and weigh the charge on a built-in scale. We’ll cover some examples of all these types of equipment in this article.
Electronic Powder Scales & Dispensers
OVERVIEW
Electronic or digital scales and dispensers use sensors (typically strain gauges or load cells) to convert the weight of the gunpowder into an electronic signal, which is then displayed on a digital screen. These scales are powered by batteries or electricity and offer fast readings.
Advantages
- Speed: Electronic scales are much faster than balance scales. They provide an instant digital readout, making the process of weighing charges significantly quicker — a huge benefit when loading large batches of ammunition.
- Ease of Use: Most digital scales are user-friendly. With simple buttons for calibration, taring, and unit switching, they reduce the learning curve, especially for beginners.
- Precision and Resolution: High-quality digital scales offer resolutions down to 0.01 grains, which allows for extremely precise measurements, especially when working with small charges for precision shooting.
- Additional Features: Many digital reloading scale models come with advanced functions such as automatic powder dispensing, memory functions, and even Bluetooth connectivity for data tracking.
Disadvantages
- Vulnerability to Interference: Electronic scales can be affected by environmental conditions such as electromagnetic interference, vibration, drafts, and temperature changes. These can cause unstable or inaccurate readings.
- Calibration Dependence: Calibration is required to ensure accuracy. Most digital scales come with calibration weights, but this step can be time-consuming.
- Power Dependency: Since electronic reloading scales require electricity or batteries, electronic scales can be inconvenient in power outages or remote settings where power sources aren’t reliable.
- Cost: High-quality digital scales, especially those with built-in powder dispensers, are typically more expensive than mechanical balance scales.
RCBS Electronic Scale & Dispenser Options
If you’ve decided to use an electronic powder scale and/or dispenser, RCBS has options for every budget. For scales, we offer an affordable and portable 1500 grain Pocket Scale, as well as the precision Rangemaster 2000 scale. RCBS also sells a line of popular electronic powder dispensers, that each come with a scale built into the machine. Whether you choose the Chargemaster Link, Chargemaster Supreme, or high-end MatchMaster dispenser, you can accurately and precisely dispense and weigh each charge. RCBS’s electronic powder dispensers can also help you store your load data in the RCBS app, and come with many other features to help you load faster and more accurately.
Balance (Mechanical) Gunpowder Scales
OVERVIEW
Balance scales, also called mechanical powder scales, use a traditional balance beam and weight system to measure powder. The user adjusts sliding weights along a beam to find a balance point, this indicates the weight of your charge.
Advantages
- Stability and Reliability: Balance scales are unaffected by electromagnetic interference or small environmental changes. This makes them extremely consistent in a wider range of conditions.
- No Power Needed: Mechanical scales are entirely manual, making them perfect for situations where batteries might fail or electricity is unavailable. This can be a big advantage for reloaders in remote locations or survival scenarios.
- Durability: With fewer electronic components, mechanical scales can be more robust and have a longer lifespan. Some reloaders report using the same beam scale for decades with little maintenance.
- Cost-Effectiveness: In general, mechanical scales are more affordable than high-end electronic models, making them a budget-friendly option for new reloaders.
Disadvantages
- Slower Operation: Mechanical scales require manual balancing and more careful handling. This process is slower, which can hinder productivity when working with large volumes.
- Learning Curve: Properly reading and adjusting a beam scale takes practice. Beginners might find it challenging to get consistent measurements at first.
- Lower Resolution: Most beam scales have a resolution of 0.1 grain, which is typically sufficient for general reloading, but less precise than the 0.01 grain offered by some digital scales.
- Lack of Automation: Beam scales do not support modern features like automated powder dispensing or data storage, which may be a drawback for tech-savvy users or high-volume reloaders.
RCBS Balance Scale Options
RCBS offers two different mechanical, or balance, powder scales. The M500 and M1000 are current iterations of scales that reloaders have relied on for decades. The M500 is an entry-level option great for reloaders on a budget. The M1000 Mechanical Scale is a step up with more precision measurement available, still at a reasonable price point. RCBS also offers scale check weights for sale, a handy accessory for confirming your scale’s accuracy – and work on electronic scales too.
How to Use a Powder Scale
As each type of scale and the scales themselves operate a little differently, it’s best to read the instructions that come with your scale, or watch a how-to video from a trusted source. RCBS has a line of videos showing you exactly how to use our mechanical and digital scales and dispensers. For more, check out the links below.
Conclusion
Both electronic and balance gunpowder scales have their place in the reloading world. If speed, convenience, and modern features are top priorities, an electronic scale—especially one with auto-dispensing capability—might be the best fit. However, if reliability, durability, and independence from power sources are more important, a mechanical balance scale could be a better choice.
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