How to Choose an Electronic Powder Reloading Scale

Reloading ammunition requires filling a brass case with smokeless powder (this is a powder charge) before the bullet is seated into the open case mouth. For most situations, the powder charge must be accurate to within 1/10 of a grain (437.5 grains equals 1 oz.), the equivalent to 1/4375th of an oz. Incorrect powder charges, either too little or too much, can produce pressures within the cartridge during firing that can cause a gun to explode. When you select an electronic powder reloading scale, ensure that the scale provides the accuracy and weight range required for specific cartridges.

Instructions

    • 1

      List the minimum and maximum powder charges for all cartridges that you anticipate reloading. Use the recommended powder charges found in your reloading manual, since these have been tested and approved by the Small Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI) and are considered safe for normal reloading.

    • 2

      Arrange the list of powder charges from minimum to maximum. Do not be concerned about specific cartridges, calibers or bullet weights. This list will consist only of numbers arranged from smallest to largest.

    • 3

      Determine the minimum accuracy needed of a scale by reviewing your list of powder charges. The numbers to the right of the decimal point will show the level of accuracy needed. For example, if any powder charge has one number to the right of the decimal point (such as xx.1), then 1/10 grain accuracy is required. Two numbers to the right of the decimal point (such as xx.12) means that 1/100th grain accuracy is required (this level of accuracy is needed only for the highest level of competition shooting).

    • 4

      Find the smallest and largest quantity of powder needed on your list of powder charges. Do not be concerned about the powder type or bullet caliber. For example, the .22 Hornet can use a powder charge of 8.5 grains of H110, while a Winchester 458 can use a powder charge of 79.0 grains of BLC2. (H110 and BLC2 are different types of smokeless powders.) In this case, you will be interested only in 8.5 grains as the smallest and 79.0 grains as the largest.

    • 5

      Select an electronic powder reloading scale that provides the minimum level of accuracy based on your list (usually 1/10 grain is sufficient) and a range sufficient to weight the smallest and largest powder charges on the list. In some cases, if the smallest and largest powder charges differ greatly, two electronic powder reloading scales will be needed (this rarely occurs, however).