Hello I have 2 questions about scale

First

I would like to know if the bench I am working on is not level, can it affect the precision of my scale?

Second

Do you use anything to confirm that your scale is working properly, exemple a 25 cents which is 4.4 grams X 15.432 = 67.9 grains

The scale should be level for accuracy. If it is an electronic scale, make certain that you calibrate as per the instructions with the scale. From time-to-time, recalibrate as they will drift. With balance beam scales, as well as electronic scales, use a set of check weights occasionally to verify the accuracy of your scale. The check weights available from RCBS or Lyman will work just fine.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobletroutcul:
Hello I have 2 questions about scale

First

I would like to know if the bench I am working on is not level, can it affect the precision of my scale?

Second

Do you use anything to confirm that your scale is working properly, exemple a 25 cents which is 4.4 grams X 15.432 = 67.9 grains

I use Sierra bullets to check my scale from time to time. There are few Sierras that are much over .1 of a grain different from what the box says.

However, if you are really sincere about knowing exactly what your scale is doing, you can buy a set of check weights....

For reloading, repeatability is more important than absolute accuracy. Since you no doubt have worked up your load, and know that it is safe & accurate, it is more important to be able to set your scale for that same weight of powder next time, and have confidence that that setting is going to give you the exact same amount of powder as it did last time, regardless of what the scale says the load weighs in terms of grains.......

You can level the scale by adjusting the foot. As others have said you can check the accuracy by weighing a bullet. If I throw a 270gr Barnes TSX on my 20+ year old RCBS scale it weighs out at exactly 270 grains. Close enough for me.

My scale has a small bubble level on it, so I am assuming that the lever has something to do with the accuracy. I think a set of check weights might be a good investment.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobletroutcul:
Hello I have 2 questions about scale

First

I would like to know if the bench I am working on is not level, can it affect the precision of my scale?


Second

Do you use anything to confirm that your scale is working properly, exemple a 25 cents which is 4.4 grams X 15.432 = 67.9 grains

first:
The bench doesn't have to be level, but you do have to "zero" your scale. Regardless whether your bench is level or not, should have no affect on your scale as long as the scale has been zeroed!

second:
I just use bullets of known weight to verify the accuracy of my scale.
I have 32gr, 50gr, 100gr, 150gr & 200gr. For my heavy, I use a 12ga. 1 ounce slug!
I also have a second scale which is a plus.

I like the idea of a level bench so I mountd my scale on it's own dead level shelf. This also keeps bench vibrations from affecting it. Most elec. scales come w/ a precise check wt. but you can use anything that is a known wt. Bullets are not a know weight per say. Even good match bullets can vary 0.2gr, but if you have weighed a bullet, coin, what ever on an accurate scale, then you can mark it & just use that as a check wt.

I never considered building a bench that was not level, so I have never worked on one that was not. Check weights are worth having and are available for any quality scale. Bullets can vary too much for me to use them as check weights.