OzFclass

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?

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.

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.

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

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%

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

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

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.