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I got burned
#6847589
08/06/17 11:52 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,568
garyrapp55
OP
Extreme Tracker
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OP
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,568 |
I bought a Lyman beam scale from eBay but it won't hold zero. It varies at a maximum of .2 grains. I've got a $10 digital I bought years ago that is more accurate, according to the check weights. At this time I think my options are, tune the beam scale and re-check accuracy or buy a new beam scale from a store so I can return it if it's a piece. I've heard beams at $100 or less are more accurate than digitals at that price point. Have any of you guys tuned your beams? Any other options I have?
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Re: I got burned
[Re: garyrapp55]
#6847722
08/07/17 01:24 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523 |
I'd give Lyman a call. If they're anything near as good as RCBS, they'll fix you up. I have an RCBS 5-10 that I noticed acting weird back in the early 90s. I called RCBS and they said "send it to us." I got it back in about 10 days, totally refurbished and good as new. I believe Lyman's scale was an Ohaus scale, just like the RCBS scales.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: I got burned
[Re: garyrapp55]
#6848314
08/07/17 04:13 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,549
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,549 |
My experience is the beam scale that came in my starter loading kit is more accurate than my chargemaster, but my chargemaster when calibrated has never failed to measure the check weights exactly either.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: I got burned
[Re: garyrapp55]
#6848615
08/07/17 08:54 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,768
jeh7mmmag
gramps
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gramps
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,768 |
Try this. Take a make up brush and windex and clean the small pillow block groves on the base. Blow dry to make sure they are clean. Then look at the knife edge on beam and make sure they are shape and smooth. If not gently clean them us with a whit stone.
�Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.� ~ John Muir
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Re: I got burned
[Re: redchevy]
#6848642
08/07/17 09:17 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,424
jeffbird
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,424 |
My experience is the beam scale that came in my starter loading kit is more accurate than my chargemaster, but my chargemaster when calibrated has never failed to measure the check weights exactly either. The problem is the Chargemaster scales drifts over a loading sessions by up to 0.3 grains. Once I started finishing powder measurements on a beam, groups shrank noticeably on paper and flyers became rare.
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Re: I got burned
[Re: jeffbird]
#6848663
08/07/17 09:35 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173 |
My experience is the beam scale that came in my starter loading kit is more accurate than my chargemaster, but my chargemaster when calibrated has never failed to measure the check weights exactly either. The problem is the Chargemaster scales drifts over a loading sessions by up to 0.3 grains. Once I started finishing powder measurements on a beam, groups shrank noticeably on paper and flyers became rare. Yup, yup!
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: I got burned
[Re: garyrapp55]
#6848710
08/07/17 10:06 PM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,389
BassCat'99
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,389 |
how much of that variance in the Chargemaster could be due to you lights as some stated that florescent lights interfere with electronic scales?
22 Creedmoor
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Re: I got burned
[Re: J.G.]
#6848730
08/07/17 10:14 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,979
Buzzsaw
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,979 |
My experience is the beam scale that came in my starter loading kit is more accurate than my chargemaster, but my chargemaster when calibrated has never failed to measure the check weights exactly either. The problem is the Chargemaster scales drifts over a loading sessions by up to 0.3 grains. Once I started finishing powder measurements on a beam, groups shrank noticeably on paper and flyers became rare. Yup, yup! I loaded for my new Barrett today, all measured one at a time on a beam scale, trickled to "zero" Going back old school I guess.
SPACE FOR RENT
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Re: I got burned
[Re: J.G.]
#6848845
08/07/17 11:41 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523 |
My experience is the beam scale that came in my starter loading kit is more accurate than my chargemaster, but my chargemaster when calibrated has never failed to measure the check weights exactly either. The problem is the Chargemaster scales drifts over a loading sessions by up to 0.3 grains. Once I started finishing powder measurements on a beam, groups shrank noticeably on paper and flyers became rare. Yup, yup! Yes, they WILL drift. I re-zero mine after each fifth charge. Keeps it honest.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: I got burned
[Re: BassCat'99]
#6849258
08/08/17 01:08 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,424
jeffbird
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,424 |
how much of that variance in the Chargemaster could be due to you lights as some stated that florescent lights interfere with electronic scales? It happens even in the middle of the day with the lights off. My experience is the beam scale that came in my starter loading kit is more accurate than my chargemaster, but my chargemaster when calibrated has never failed to measure the check weights exactly either. The problem is the Chargemaster scales drifts over a loading sessions by up to 0.3 grains. Once I started finishing powder measurements on a beam, groups shrank noticeably on paper and flyers became rare. Yup, yup! I loaded for my new Barrett today, all measured one at a time on a beam scale, trickled to "zero" Going back old school I guess. I use the Chargemaster to throw to 0.3 under the desired end weight, and then finish on the beam with a trickler. Good luck with the new rifle.
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Re: I got burned
[Re: garyrapp55]
#6870851
08/28/17 01:23 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 473
killen
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 473 |
get one of scott parker tuned scales
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Re: I got burned
[Re: garyrapp55]
#6871144
08/28/17 01:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950
Gravytrain
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950 |
I've been pretty lucky with used scales. Got an rcbs 10-10 and a little Lyman Digital that runs on 9v batteries and both are GTG. Then again the rcbs 505 that came with my set still works too, but it just feels cheap.
Last edited by Gravytrain; 08/28/17 01:05 PM.
Upon us all, upon us all, a little rain must fall
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Re: I got burned
[Re: garyrapp55]
#6871573
08/28/17 06:52 PM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,198
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,198 |
There are places to pinch pennies but a reliable scale is a critical piece of gear for a reloader. Either the RCBS or Hornady beam with magnetic dampening will do what it should out of the box. Either can be had new for less than $100. My advice is "buy one and be done".
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: I got burned
[Re: garyrapp55]
#6883000
09/10/17 02:35 AM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 392
Undercoverdog
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 392 |
Dillon beam scale. you will not regret it, about 80 bucks.
I ain't got a dime but what I got is mine, I ain't rich, but Lord I'm free..."
Son,If I say sic em you better find something to bite.
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