Digital Powder Throwers & Scales - Accuracy?

[Quinny]

I currently use a set of RCBS 505 balance scales and thrower for my powder charges - I throw a "near enough" charge, then use the trickler to top it up. This seems to work, but is quite slow. It is also a pain when reloading for multiple cartridges with different powder charges.

I have often considered an electronic thrower/scales set up like the RCBS Chargemaster or similar, however, while more convenient, I am not sure it would necessarily be more accurate.

Does anyone here prefer a digital thrower over a balance scale for their competition ammo? and for what reasons?

Basically what I am getting at, is whether it is worth the investment, and will it be accurate and consistent enough to load match ammo without worrying about double checking each load?

[Aubrey]

My chargemaster has been great for many years, and its reasonably quick. A promethius is the ultimate. Accuracy is consistent and if you are shooting within the load spread of a node then any minor variation will never be a issue. There are other brands out there which may be better value.

[Barry Davies]

Quinny
If you want accuracy and speed with reliability get yourself a good electronic such as an A&D 120 Fx.
Repeatable accuracy to within 0.02 Gn ( one granule of powder)
Shop around as you can pick one up for around $850
Resolution of such a scale is one milligram (1/1000gram) anything courser than this is no good.
Forget the digital thrower type, they have too many issues.

[AlanF]

Quinny,

I do what you do, and I've tried the other ways, including a high end Sartorius lab scale reading to 0.001 grams. My Redding #2, if well maintained, gets to nearest kernel. I still find the powder part of the reloading process only takes about a third of the total time involved. Keep doing what you're doing and spend the money on something that'll give you a return on the scoreboard e.g. another barrel.

PS I have a flexible tube from the thrower directly into the pan on the scale, which eliminates a step.

Alan

[Brad Y]

I use a digital scale- an RCBS one, throw about 0.3gr low and trickle up. I know its only an RCBS but I've used it for a while and know its habits and calibrate it every time. Its accurate enough for now- Im still the weak link in the whole equation.

I also load the same way for hunting ammo apart from Benchmark 2 and Benchmark 8208 as my hornady benchrest thrower will throw them the same every time. 2208 and 2209 however needs trickling to be 100%

[Gadget]

Thats a clever idea Allan, it would save quite a lot of movement and shoulder ache.
Good one, I'm off to set it up and try it.

Graham P

[Brad Y]

Yes it is, might have to try that one myself too.

[AlanF]

Pretty rough but it works. Just a bit of soft wire spiralled round a plastic tube. Note the "mat" in the pan to stop the powder from splashing out.