texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
nmmuledeerhunter, Dzia-Dzia, TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed
71989 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,030
Posts9,719,594
Members86,989
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
I got burned #6847589 08/06/17 11:52 PM
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,560
G
garyrapp55 Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
G
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,560
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?

Re: I got burned [Re: garyrapp55] #6847656 08/07/17 12:25 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,422
J
jeffbird Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
J
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,422
Been down this road and wasted lots of money trying to save money.

Buy a brand new beam and a trickler and they are plenty accurate and sensitive right out of the box.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101297...-grain-capacity


Re: I got burned [Re: garyrapp55] #6847722 08/07/17 01:24 AM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
R
RiverRider Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
R
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
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.


[Linked Image]

"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty."

-Augustus McRae
Re: I got burned [Re: garyrapp55] #6848314 08/07/17 04:13 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
R
redchevy Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
R
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
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
Re: I got burned [Re: garyrapp55] #6848569 08/07/17 08:01 PM
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,560
G
garyrapp55 Offline OP
Extreme Tracker
OP Offline
Extreme Tracker
G
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,560
found this, supposed to be accurate to .05 grains, I think I might get it
http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/jennings-jscale-jsvg20.html

Re: I got burned [Re: garyrapp55] #6848615 08/07/17 08:54 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,768
jeh7mmmag Offline
gramps
Offline
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
Re: I got burned [Re: redchevy] #6848642 08/07/17 09:17 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,422
J
jeffbird Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
J
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,422
Originally Posted By: redchevy
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.

Re: I got burned [Re: jeffbird] #6848663 08/07/17 09:35 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G. Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
Originally Posted By: jeffbird
Originally Posted By: redchevy
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!


[Linked Image]
800 Yard Steel Range
Precision Rifle Instruction
Memberships and Classes Available
Re: I got burned [Re: garyrapp55] #6848710 08/07/17 10:06 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,389
BassCat'99 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
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
Re: I got burned [Re: J.G.] #6848730 08/07/17 10:14 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,799
B
Buzzsaw Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
B
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,799
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: jeffbird
Originally Posted By: redchevy
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


Re: I got burned [Re: J.G.] #6848845 08/07/17 11:41 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
R
RiverRider Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
R
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: jeffbird
Originally Posted By: redchevy
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.


[Linked Image]

"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty."

-Augustus McRae
Re: I got burned [Re: BassCat'99] #6849258 08/08/17 01:08 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,422
J
jeffbird Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
J
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,422
Originally Posted By: BassCat'99
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.

Originally Posted By: Buzzsaw
Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Originally Posted By: jeffbird
Originally Posted By: redchevy
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.

Re: I got burned [Re: garyrapp55] #6870851 08/28/17 01:23 AM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 473
K
killen Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
K
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 473
get one of scott parker tuned scales

Re: I got burned [Re: garyrapp55] #6871144 08/28/17 01:03 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 46,950
G
Gravytrain Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
G
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
Re: I got burned [Re: garyrapp55] #6871573 08/28/17 06:52 PM
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,157
S
Smokey Bear Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
Online Content
THF Trophy Hunter
S
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,157
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.
Re: I got burned [Re: garyrapp55] #6883000 09/10/17 02:35 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 390
U
Undercoverdog Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
U
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 390
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.
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3