How do I use Check Weight ?

Waitone · May 5, 2002, 10:14 AM

I was quite dismayed to see the zero point on my Dillon Scales move around from day to day. So I purchased RCBS check weights.

Now the question: how do I use them? For now I zero the scale and mix up the throw weight I intend to use with Check weights. Say I want to throw 4.2 grains of powder, I assemble in check weights 4.0 grains. Put the weights on the scale and when it settles down is should read 4.0 grains on the scale. If it doesn't I move the zero point until is reads 4.0 grains on the scale. I move the scale to the desired weight of 4.2 grains, remove the check weights and begin reloading.

Am I right?

**Mal H** · May 5, 2002, 10:21 AM

Yes, that procedure will work. However, once you have confidence that your scale is accurate using both light and heavy check weights, it is usually not necessary to check it all the time, only every now and then.

Assuming beam scale, not electronic, the scale shouldn't change zero from day to day if it is always in the same place and that place doesn't move (table/bench top). But if you move the scale from time to time and it is tilted differently, even a little, then it is not uncommon for the zero to need adjustment.

Fatelvis · May 5, 2002, 11:28 AM

If you are using Dillons electronic scale, it would be wise to "re-calibrate" your scale frequently, using the instructions, included with the scale, and the included 700 grn. check-weight. If you dont have the instructiuons, let me know, I`ll walk you through the procedure. If you dont have the check-weight, I`m sure Dillon will send you another. Good luck-

Waitone · May 5, 2002, 10:40 PM

Thanks one and all. I keep my Dillon balance scale in a cabinet on my loading bench. So it is moved everytime I clean up. I do place it in the same spot (marks on the wood).

I do have a lot more confidence in my powder throw now that I have a check weight.

labgrade · May 6, 2002, 10:16 PM

Waitone,

Think of a balance type scale as a really good level. The beam itself when zero'd (assuming all is A-OK) is horizontal to the earth. The "problem," if any, is with the base, as its supporting structure quite likely isn't.

Since the base has the graduations on it (delineating any variance from "zero"), it appears that the beam is off. The opposite is actually the more true statement.

C.R.Sam · May 7, 2002, 12:15 PM

Treat your check weights like fine diamonds. Keep them clean and unmarred. Scratching will usually make them lighter, dirt will usually make them heavier.

Agree with the above posts.

Sam

Shoney · May 7, 2002, 01:21 PM

Also do not touch the weights with your fingers. Over a period of time, the oil build up from your skin will increase the weight. Use tweezers or forceps to handle them.

Best, Shoney

WESHOOT2 · May 8, 2002, 07:33 AM

I use the check set EVERY TIME I set up my scale for a specific load.

If I leave the room I use it again when I return.

I use it lots......... ('cause a mistake offers interesting consequences).

**Mal H** · May 8, 2002, 11:52 AM

I can't disagree with paranoia in this bidness. It'll keep you aliver more often than not.

[aliver - more alive. Sam taught me all I know bout spellin.

]

May 5, 2002, 10:14 AM	#1
Waitone Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2000 Posts: 2,904	How do I use Check Weight ? I was quite dismayed to see the zero point on my Dillon Scales move around from day to day. So I purchased RCBS check weights. Now the question: how do I use them? For now I zero the scale and mix up the throw weight I intend to use with Check weights. Say I want to throw 4.2 grains of powder, I assemble in check weights 4.0 grains. Put the weights on the scale and when it settles down is should read 4.0 grains on the scale. If it doesn't I move the zero point until is reads 4.0 grains on the scale. I move the scale to the desired weight of 4.2 grains, remove the check weights and begin reloading. Am I right?

May 8, 2002, 07:33 AM	#8
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	JUST ME I use the check set EVERY TIME I set up my scale for a specific load. If I leave the room I use it again when I return. I use it lots......... ('cause a mistake offers interesting consequences).

May 5, 2002, 10:21 AM	#2
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 17,067	Yes, that procedure will work. However, once you have confidence that your scale is accurate using both light and heavy check weights, it is usually not necessary to check it all the time, only every now and then. Assuming beam scale, not electronic, the scale shouldn't change zero from day to day if it is always in the same place and that place doesn't move (table/bench top). But if you move the scale from time to time and it is tilted differently, even a little, then it is not uncommon for the zero to need adjustment.

May 5, 2002, 11:28 AM	#3
Fatelvis Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2001 Location: Lockport, IL Posts: 490	If you are using Dillons electronic scale, it would be wise to "re-calibrate" your scale frequently, using the instructions, included with the scale, and the included 700 grn. check-weight. If you dont have the instructiuons, let me know, I`ll walk you through the procedure. If you dont have the check-weight, I`m sure Dillon will send you another. Good luck-

May 5, 2002, 10:40 PM	#4
Waitone Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2000 Posts: 2,904	Thanks one and all. I keep my Dillon balance scale in a cabinet on my loading bench. So it is moved everytime I clean up. I do place it in the same spot (marks on the wood). I do have a lot more confidence in my powder throw now that I have a check weight.

May 6, 2002, 10:16 PM	#5
labgrade Member In Memoriam Join Date: November 29, 1999 Location: west of a small town, CO Posts: 4,346	Waitone, Think of a balance type scale as a really good level. The beam itself when zero'd (assuming all is A-OK) is horizontal to the earth. The "problem," if any, is with the base, as its supporting structure quite likely isn't. Since the base has the graduations on it (delineating any variance from "zero"), it appears that the beam is off. The opposite is actually the more true statement.

May 7, 2002, 12:15 PM	#6
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	Treat your check weights like fine diamonds. Keep them clean and unmarred. Scratching will usually make them lighter, dirt will usually make them heavier. Agree with the above posts. Sam

May 7, 2002, 01:21 PM	#7
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	Also do not touch the weights with your fingers. Over a period of time, the oil build up from your skin will increase the weight. Use tweezers or forceps to handle them. Best, Shoney

May 8, 2002, 11:52 AM	#9
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 17,067	I can't disagree with paranoia in this bidness. It'll keep you aliver more often than not. [aliver - more alive. Sam taught me all I know bout spellin. ]