What electronic scale?

EventHorizon

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 31, 2009
425
10
NC
Hey all,

I have a brand new Chargemaster Combo that i haven't used yet and before I break it out, I'd like to know what are the best makes/models of electronic scales - just scales, no powder pours/trickers etc. I'm thinking maybe I overbought for my needs and a good, fast accurate scale would do.

I currently load with a balance beam scale and while very accurate, it's s-l-o-w...
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tac243</div><div class="ubbcode-body">dillion D-Terminator Electronic Scale
Accurate to 0.1 grain/0.01 gram
never had a problem with her </div></div>
Not mine. Actually they were the wost piece of dillon equipment ive ever owned so I went back to beams. But about a month ago I bought the chargemasted also. Great combo for me so far. You cant go wrong with something like that for just over $200. Keep what ya got and dont think twice.
 
Re: What electronic scale?

I either have or have had them all(RCBS, Dillon, Hornady, Lyman, PACT) and can tell you the RCBS scale you have is about the best there is, if you don't want to use the dispenser just disconnect the scale and use it by it's self or sell the combo and buy just the RCBS 1500 scale but I would just keep what you have and be happy you have a great scale.
 
Re: What electronic scale?

First, what makes you think you over-purchased? I have the chargemaster and love it. If you are looking for tuned balance beam scale accuracy you will need to get a VIC-123 or the like. even then, they take a few seconds to settle out and are also sensitive to environmentals (all electronic scales are). The best would be the prometheus as it is a balance beam, yet dumps charges faster than my chargemaster. Otherwise, the chargemaster is the best of the dispensers between PACT, Hornady, and RCBS.

Josh
 
Re: What electronic scale?

I own the chargemaster also, and I love it! Way faster than using a balance scale, and very accurate! You should definitely give it a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed!
 
Re: What electronic scale?

+1 for the chargemaster. Always accurate. I do however check my match loads on a beam scale and they are always right on.

As for the Dillon Terminator, it's not a good scale. Within 20-30 seconds it is drifting and needs a new zero. Don't buy one.
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can only over do it if you buy a Prometheus Gen 2 and even thats up for debate. </div></div>

What is the debate?
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can only over do it if you buy a Prometheus Gen 2 and even thats up for debate. </div></div>

What is the debate? </div></div>

The debate is whether the significant other is going to cut your nuts off for buying one! In my case, I was safe as she realized I spent a lot less time at the reloading bench after I got one.
smile.gif
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mudcat-NC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can only over do it if you buy a Prometheus Gen 2 and even thats up for debate. </div></div>

What is the debate? </div></div>

The debate is whether the significant other is going to cut your nuts off for buying one! In my case, I was safe as she realized I spent a lot less time at the reloading bench after I got one.
smile.gif
</div></div>

MC.....

YA just dont tell them.....
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can only over do it if you buy a Prometheus Gen 2 and even thats up for debate.</div></div>

I just googled Prometheus Gen 2 and I come up with about everything other than what I'm looking for. Where is a good place to buy one from? Thanks

Mike
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EventHorizon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey all,

I have a brand new Chargemaster Combo that i haven't used yet and before I break it out, I'd like to know what are the best makes/models of electronic scales - just scales, no powder pours/trickers etc. I'm thinking maybe I overbought for my needs and a good, fast accurate scale would do.

I currently load with a balance beam scale and while very accurate, it's s-l-o-w... </div></div>

I started with a Lee Perfect Powder Measure and a Lee Safety Scale.

I upgraded scales to the RCBS Rangemaster 750 and was pleased.

I recently upgraded to the Chargemaster 1500. It greatly increased the speed of my reloading. Accuracy is about the same, but time is money. I don't really get my rocks off reloading. It's a chore I have to do to be able to shoot the volume I like.

I think once you get the Chargemaster setup, reprogrammed and install the McDonalds Straw you will see that it's a great setup for the cash.
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
EventHorizon said:
Hey all,

I have a brand new Chargemaster Combo that i haven't used yet and before I break it out, I'd like to know what are the best makes/models of electronic scales - just scales, no powder pours/trickers etc. I'm thinking maybe I overbought for my needs and a good, fast accurate scale would do.

I currently load with a balance beam scale and while very accurate, it's s-l-o-w... </div></div>

Ok I went and looked at the CHARGEMASTER COMBO and I don't know much about reloading but am reading and have ordered a few books. This unit about how many 308 shells could be loaded or the powder in the cases and ready for loading in lets say an hour? Trying to figure out how fast the machine is.

Thanks Mike
 
Re: What electronic scale?

I bought the Acculab VIC-123, which is the same as the Denver Instruments mxx-123. If I could do it again, I would like to try out the Denver Instruments.

This scale is terribly finicky and even when you get it set up right, even though the resolution is +/1 .02gr, I really think the accuracy is more like +/- .04gr.

That said, I used it to confirm loads thrown by my Chargemaster. The Chargemaster can be off as many as .2 grains. That is quite a departure. The vast majority of the time it is within .1 gr... and I am talking what the scale reads, not what it throws (it will overthrow and still tell you what the scale reads.

Most people think the Chargemaster is accurate to the tenth of a grain because they never confirm what it is doing.

That said, is there really a need for accuracy greater than .1/.2 grains? I haven't run a test yet, but when I get the chance, I will try to compare a 5X5 weighed to the .02 grain with a 5X5 weighed by the Chargemaster and see if there is a difference in group size or SD's. If not, I will go back to that. Until then, I throw a charge with a Lee Perfect Powder Measure and then tricle up on my Acculab. I am slightly slower than with my Chargemaster, but a whoel lot more accurate. If the Chargemaster is just as good as this system, I might just buy two Chargemasters and throw very quickly at speeds comparable to a Prometheus.

Or, if I get the cabbage together, maybe I will put in an order for a Prometheus one day.
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My CM would do 46.2 of RL15 in about 25-30 seconds, I never adjusted it's programming or did the McD straw trick. </div></div>

Exactly what is this reprogramming and McD straw trick? Thanks again
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Or, if I get the cabbage together, maybe I will put in an order for a Prometheus one day.</div></div>

So what's the lease cost of one of these Prometheus? I seen it but never seen any cost info?? But if I can get something that is pretty darn accurate then that will be good enough for what I'm doing.
 
Re: What electronic scale?

Thanks everyone for the responses. I had a good chat with RCBS about my concerns and reloading needs. Given that I will be reloading for 4 different calibers it made sense for me to think about a progressive press with a micrometer and use my balance beam to determine the charges and keep them to spec.
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: svencool</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Or, if I get the cabbage together, maybe I will put in an order for a Prometheus one day.</div></div>

So what's the lease cost of one of these Prometheus? I seen it but never seen any cost info?? But if I can get something that is pretty darn accurate then that will be good enough for what I'm doing.</div></div>

I don't know. I think they are around $3-$3.5k? Anybody bought one recently?
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
svencool said:
I don't know. I think they are around $3-$3.5k? Anybody bought one recently?</div></div>

Wow seems pricy,

Does anyone know anything about this Chargemaster setup, reprogrammed and install the McDonalds Straw? Seems like a pretty good deal for the cash your spending..
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MinorDamage</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First, what makes you think you over-purchased? I have the chargemaster and love it. If you are looking for tuned balance beam scale accuracy you will need to get a VIC-123 or the like. even then, they take a few seconds to settle out and are also sensitive to environmentals (all electronic scales are). The best would be the prometheus as it is a balance beam, yet dumps charges faster than my chargemaster. Otherwise, the chargemaster is the best of the dispensers between PACT, Hornady, and RCBS.

Josh </div></div>
Scott Parker in Bakersfield, CA tunes the 10-10 scales and they are very accurate when he's done. For more info, here's his contact info: Scott Parker
661 364-1199
[email protected]
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EventHorizon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey all,

I have a brand new Chargemaster Combo that i haven't used yet and before I break it out, I'd like to know what are the best makes/models of electronic scales - just scales, no powder pours/trickers etc. I'm thinking maybe I overbought for my needs and a good, fast accurate scale would do.

I currently load with a balance beam scale and while very accurate, it's s-l-o-w...

</div></div>

<span style="font-size: 17pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">RCBS</span></span>
 
Re: What electronic scale?

I have a Lyman 1200DPS 3, I really like it. It is accurate and much faster than the old Hornady powder throw, beam scale and trickler...
 
Re: What electronic scale?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gvanhyning</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MinorDamage</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First, what makes you think you over-purchased? I have the chargemaster and love it. If you are looking for tuned balance beam scale accuracy you will need to get a VIC-123 or the like. even then, they take a few seconds to settle out and are also sensitive to environmentals (all electronic scales are). The best would be the prometheus as it is a balance beam, yet dumps charges faster than my chargemaster. Otherwise, the chargemaster is the best of the dispensers between PACT, Hornady, and RCBS.

Josh </div></div>
Scott Parker in Bakersfield, CA tunes the 10-10 scales and they are very accurate when he's done. For more info, here's his contact info: Scott Parker
661 364-1199
[email protected]</div></div>

Thanks I just sent him an email to check out those possibilities
smile.gif


Mike