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dodgestdshift · September 9, 2005, 10:53 AM

Yesterday, I forgot to warm up my RCBS (PACT) Powder Pro digital powder scale. After loading about 50 cases, I noticed that when I placed the empty scale pan on the scale it read 1 grain. Sure enough the "zero" had wandered and all of my loads were about 1 grain light. After breaking down the 50 loads, fortunately I had only set the bullets on the belled cases and hadn't seated them, I had to trickle in the the rest of the required load.

Conclusion:

1) MOST IMPORTANT, ALWAYS ALLOW THE SCALE TO WARM UP FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES.
2) Watch what you are doing, frequently check the scale to make sure the "zero" hasn't wandered. This is easily accomplished by setting the empty scale pan on the scale. It should read zero.
3) This may be controversial - Always charge all your cases then check the powder levels in them in good light compared to the others. Empty cases and double charges will stand out. I don't think it is a good idea to charge a case, and immediately seat the bullet.

September 9, 2005, 10:53 AM	#1
dodgestdshift Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2002 Location: Marilla, N.Y. (outside Buffalo N.Y.) Posts: 113	Digital Scale warning Yesterday, I forgot to warm up my RCBS (PACT) Powder Pro digital powder scale. After loading about 50 cases, I noticed that when I placed the empty scale pan on the scale it read 1 grain. Sure enough the "zero" had wandered and all of my loads were about 1 grain light. After breaking down the 50 loads, fortunately I had only set the bullets on the belled cases and hadn't seated them, I had to trickle in the the rest of the required load. Conclusion: 1) MOST IMPORTANT, ALWAYS ALLOW THE SCALE TO WARM UP FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. 2) Watch what you are doing, frequently check the scale to make sure the "zero" hasn't wandered. This is easily accomplished by setting the empty scale pan on the scale. It should read zero. 3) This may be controversial - Always charge all your cases then check the powder levels in them in good light compared to the others. Empty cases and double charges will stand out. I don't think it is a good idea to charge a case, and immediately seat the bullet. __________________ The shortest distance between two politicians is through your wallet. Don N. Last edited by dodgestdshift; September 9, 2005 at 11:55 AM.