Placement of the pan on the platen is critical to consistency on these small inexpensive scales. It helps to make a "nesting" location on the platen so the pan is in the exact same place every time, including the direction/location of the handle of the pan!
My father was a chem engineer, and when I started reloading I got a CH scale. It is a balance type scale, and every once in a while it would do something like if you went a 1/10 grain over, you take some out and then you are still a tenth grain over after the scale settles down. I showed him this problem and asked him what to do about it. He said, "this happens, just be as consistent as possible and if you have one that won't co-operate, toss it back in the batch and start over." I have always followed this advice and it has always worked for me.
And um. And uh. Which one is best? Which one is most reliable? Which one broke on you? Which was the easiest to use? How about an inexpensive precise cooking scale that measures in grains from Bed Bath and Beyond made entirely out of stainless steel and glass for $29 with a less than .01 deviation and variance? I'm building a reloading kit and I need to learn and acquire info quickly.
I have been using the Franklin Arsenal scale for a couple years and found it to be very accurate, but very temperamental. I have even contemplated buying a high end digital scale but fear they would be the same way. I think you've solved my problem and saved me a lot of money with this review. Thanks
Preacher's Day Off ... yeah... the funny thing is... that exactly been my experience and the same reason why I haven't changed my situation. . I settled for the idea that the improvement wouldn't be by much! thanks for the comment. ....; )
hey JRB! I can't believe it! These no name brands get no play! We seem stuck with name brand crap! Thanks for sharing this with us! Your putting out a a great month over there... Enjoying it!
I bought a Lyman as a cheap Lee scale wasn't cutting it. The Lee was very hard to balance to Zero and it keeps going out of Zero just by sitting empty. The Lyman has been working for me just fine and I've been checking it against the crappy Lee. It calibrated my powder measure to perfection.
There are a few factors that play a role with scales, either cheap or expensive : resolution, repeatability, linearity and damping . You should use your cheap scale the way it’s designed to work. An expensive analytic scale will take seconds to stabilize but that’s a different league . The cheap scale work surprisingly well if you make it re-weigh by just touching it . A kernel of powder often ist enough to trigger the scale. If you know this these scales a useable for normal use ( to periodically check a powder load). For trickling loads for f class it’s a different story
I also have tested around 20 low cost digital scales and I really liked the smart weight high precision milligram digital scale.It weighs to the hundredth of a grain.
Bought one of those as a Homgeek. Same scale. Only note is that it has a math issue where it will only increment by two in the last place (.02) gns, not a problem. One thing that's handy is to cut a piece of say aluminum to a weight close to what you often charge to, say 6 gns for 9mm. Mine is 5.82 gns, checked with a balance. Then any time you can check your scale for confidence.
One thing about digital scales that I know, the sensitiity is is such that the bench surface transmits any disturbance like whether your hand and arm is on it or both arms not only air movement. Even floor deflection. If you've ever been where truely precision scales are used they are mounted to a separate table designed to not transmit any variances in the environment. My point being some issues are not the scale but where you have it and what is going on with it's surroundings. That being said I've experienced similar problems with rcbs digital scales and mtm and pace, all of which cost significantly more than 20$. I'm definitely interested in the waoaw as it thinks fast on it's feet
I have the Lyman pocket scale and it is a hassle. I have a 70.0 grain pan i use and the tare value on the screen will vary with the pan off during the first 5 minutes of use. If it is not reading -69.9, -70.0 or -70.1 when i pick up the charge, I will dump the powder back in the container, re-tare the pan and start again. And yes the reaction time is very slow. I usually trickle a tiny bit, then pick up the pan and put it down to get a new reading. I feel at best my charges are + or - 0.1 grain, but more than likely + or - 0.2 grains. The scale i believe is also affected by the slightest amount of static electricity.
20:43 It is more sensitive, because of that it has more resolution with less noise between readings and is able to average them more precise. Other ones are setup to show the same amount of digits, but work at the limit of their resolution and so have trouble with repeatability of result due to averaging algorithm (internally it takes a bunch of readings in a row and only displays averaged number, otherwise it would just constantly fluctuate) ending up higher or lower every other time.
For well over 45 or more years I used a couple different brands of balance beam scales for pistol and rifle loads and had zero problems provided that the scale was zeroed out first and balanced. In the last 10 years or so I acquired a Dillon digital scale along with my xl650 press and other pieces of Dillon equipment. I soon learned that the slightest breeze including breathing on it would make the numbers vary. In the summer it gets quite hot in my garage so I have a fan running about 5 feet away from me. This very slight breeze will cause the scale to vary. Very sensitive I'd say. I'm not really concerned about a powder load being off by 1/10ths of a grain. I have not seen any negative effects on the accuracy of either rifle, revolver, pistol or rifle. Just my opinion. Nevadajim775
Yeah... for sure .. I don't get to crazy about measuring beyond a tenth... Now if my shot was for the world record or a big wad of cash, Well then I might get it exact! But there are those who like to do this with each load.. Ok with me but I have a happy life! : ) This cheapo scale actually does pretty well for the reasons you named... even the breathing will move some of em....
Thanks Elvis. I bought a cheepo like fortune cookies Gemeni 20 but had no name on it in 2015. I paid $16.20 for mine. I just looked again on ebay, They are now selling for $2.90 delivered! Now I use mine to measure under 2.5 grain charges. And mine is aggravating. It will grow just sitting there. I found that a little vibration will make it fluctuate. A little breeze will make it fluctuate. I wanted to get a different one but I was afraid I would get another squirrely one. NOW I KNOW WHICH ONE TO GET! Yay, thanks Elvis.
patience grasshopper ... franford arsenal scale tends to give 1/10 grain increments but slowly ... slow down on that trickler ... what's the rush? Also even your breathing can affect the scale and be on a level surface and center the pan and TARE before you weigh each load ... works for me
Late to the video, but did you calibrate the scale. On the black one, press and hold the Mode button. It should pop up as value. In mine it is 20 Grams. Press and hold the Mode button again until says CAL. Place a know calibration weight of 20 Grams on it. Wait until it is say’s Pass then you should be good to go. I would calibrate it each time you use it. It is quick and easy.
Hello elvis ammo, one thing I should say that it's critical to use a hard surface under the scale. Looks like you have a towel under. That's cause inconsistency on use. I use mine with a piece o glass under. This way you minimise the error in the sensors. Thank you for your channel
Thanks for the review. I have the Frankford scale and have the same frustrating problem. I just now ordered the WAOAW scale. Just in in time to work up the new loads.Thanks!! Love your videos.
I watched this vid when it first posted. I finally got around to replacing my Frankford Arsenal, like yours in this vid., with the WAOAW that I found on Amazon. @ $16. Mine works great and much faster. Thank you for posting Elvis.
I watched this video when it was originally posted. I work in the tech world, and still missed something the first time I watched it. The WAOAW scale has the letters CE RoHS on the bottom. That is a safety and quality assurance mark used in Europe, much like our UL Standards marking. I also read some of the comments today, and agree with "Bippi23456", the placement of the load on the load sensor is very important, and the fact that the WAOAW scale forces you to center the load, by the shape of the platten. Great video.
Getting what you pay for really is a very out dated ol wives tail. The old beam scale that I bought in 1960 of 1961 is STILL working and when tested with weights from my PACT electric scale, is right on the mark.
Hey archersfriend....yep .. I got a very old lyman beam scale and it still reads PERFECT. I like the compact little digital scales. But not if I can't get an accurate reading... This one sure is impressive. Didn't expect this!
Impressive. Thank you for comparing and explaining the pros and cons of each. BTW in 2024 Amazon's price is $33.00 I do my critical loads with a beam scale. I suspected errors on my Lyman, but, after comparing the two scales I found the beam was more consistent. I didn't like the scales faults, so, I returned to the tried and true beam scale.
I have had the same problem with my F.A. scale. Would have liked to see a comparison of the same charge on each scale to see if one was more accurate than the other. Other than that...good video.
Thomas Bogart ...yep good question. .. it is almost the same as the others , if they stop bouncing around sometimes. . I compared several several charges on my lyman balance beam scale and it's right on! been using it for at least 2 weeks..
Elvis Ammo, thanks for the tip on the scale! I was thinking about a electronic scale just this morning. I sent you a few messages and pictures on facebook about the rainier wedge bullets I am modifying. Let me know what you think!
When adjusting my powder measure I usually throw 10 charges, weigh total, then average, that way overcoming the LSB problem on my cheap digital scale (0.2 grain increments)
I have had ZERO issues with my Frankford Arsenal scales that I bought 7 years ago from Midway on sale. If I recall correctly ... they were $5 on sale after a purchase of $50 or more. I ended up buying 3 of them. I'm wondering if the old scales are better than the new ones.
Hey roostershooter76... I loaded lots of good ammo with the frankford arsenal. But fussy it is.. 5 bucks would have sounded good, But 20 for a not so fussy sounds better! : ) My frankford is probably 3 years old. We have to learn how to read them, give em a bump, lift the pan and set it back. Then translate?? : ) Funny stuff..
My old school Lyman balance beam scale has served me well for 20+ years. Like you said it never lies to you. For $20 I may take a look at this one and see how the 21st century scales work! LOL
Older video but I like the information, I've got an old Lyman Ohaus balance beam I've used for years and been thinking about getting a digital for checking weights on different bullets and things like that where you aren't 100% sure what it is
Thanks for the tip. Just purchased one right off the link you left at the bottom. I've been trying to make a decision on one you helped me out. I appreciate i. From New Mexico. Shoot Straight and stay blessed. 👍🇺🇸✌
Hey, Elvis! Just ordered the Woohoo scale off of Amazon. I have the Frankfort Arsenal and I'm not really happy with it. Like you've shown, if you trickel, it takes a while to catch up. (Katchup}? Anyhow, thanks for your comparison. It won't replace my beam scale, but it should be a lot closer than the Frankfort. Thank you, thank you very much. I think the REAL Elvis said that once. LOL!
Elvis clearly this is a subject near and dear to my heart. Getting good weights for us is very important. I think once you get to know a scale and it's deficiencies you can work around them. Having taken a few of these scales a part and looking at the chips used there seems to be a desire to make them very power efficient as a primary requirement. In reality that chip cost more when they make the scale, but the effect we see is two fold. One the first issue being sensing the scale has weight on it under a certain weight will interrupt the sleep cycle hence from nothin to a few grains does not interrupt its desire to go to sleep on this Lyman scale. I own this scale as well as the Frankford arsenal scale. The second issue is sampling time. When a scale samples it uses more juice as opposed to at rest. Where it uses very little power and if the weight doesn't change enough the sampling rate shuts down into a get ready to sleep state. IMHO there should be an option to disable the energy saving features all together but that is not an option here. Since the object is cheap price + good battery life you get a Lyman and Frankford each with their own way to use a power saving method that directly effects us but in different ways. Once you know what method they are using you can work around it for the most part. As for the third scale it looks like they are not concerned with over sampling at all. They seem to be checking weight non stop. Which is a good thing. So the issue is the sample speed and the other is the wake up to weight from at rest sleep counter. I typically touch the scale with a bit of force just to get it to sample and that seems to help both the Lyman and the Frankford. Again these are lil cheap scales and do a decent job. I'd love a scale that would let me set those options though or a switch to disable all power saving modes and even increase sampling speed. (I hope I didn't just geek you all out)
Hey NYC Reloader... ha ha .. At first I said wow this is long. But after reading this all seems to make sense and was glad you shared! Very informative. And simple explanation I might add!!! Thanks!
I wanted the instant readout of the cheap scale. I sent my Frankford scale back without opening it. Your video saved me $25 and disappointment. I ordered cheap instant scale today. Thank you, sir.
ive had those issues for as long as I remember with the digital scales ive got. I even bought one of the higher dollar frankford arsenal ($100ish battery and wall outlet larger scale) and its no where near as fast as the waoaw is showing in the vid. ill definitely be getting one and putting it through its paces in precision loads (1000yds plus)
I have 2. I got another one sent to me by FA because my first one lost its marbles after 11 months. But it got them back somehow and the other one started acting wacky. So i bought a chargemaster and use them for reference.
1 gram = grains 15.4324 The scale that you said is great only measures grams and not grains. grams are for jewlery and grains for powder so how are you measuring the actual weight of the powder with this scale? Please set me straight if I am wrong.
Thank you! I've been having a lot of trouble with my Frankfort Armory scale out here in Hawaii I believe due to its temperature sensitivity because I am across the street from beach. At least now I know it's not my powder measure that's the problem...
Great video demonstrating the Frankfort issues, I was laughing at all the true problems it has, however I have made good accurate ammo with it. But it's a learning curve how to get it to read consistently
Hey West Desert Shooter... I bet you and others laughing with me about all the issues! : ) Yep i've made good ammo with it as well. We learn how to read them. But this new one tells a better story without bumping it and taking the tray off and back on... No back flips or nothing! : ) Great shooting to ya brother!
Hey Elvis. I'm using the Frankford Arsenal just like on your video. I also have a Lee safety scale that came with my kit. There is almost a grain difference in the weight between the two. Which one do I believe? I'll be ordering the waoaw scale tomorrow. Thanks, man.
I don't trust any of the electronic scales or mechanical powder measures. I use the yellow plastic Lee dippers for all my loading. For MOH (Minute of Hog) hunting loads they are the most reliable and fastest. No circuits or gizmos to screw up.
brushed274............ your right, and there are no batteries needed,and you can drop the yellow Lee dippers on the ground and it still works. Try that with the digital scale!
I bought a Dillon D-Terminator back in 2007 and it has been a great scale. It was not cheap even back then and over a hundred bucks. Today as of this post in March 2021 they are $149.99 now. That's a bit pricey for a scale and if I was buying one now I would not spend that much. The cheap ones have gotten a lot better over the years with advancements in technology. You can buy 3 or 4 of the ones you are showing and still have change left. It's a good idea to have more than one so that you can check the accuracy and calibration yourself. If one of them measures way off and different than the others you know you have a problem with that one. Also it is a good idea to get a set of calibration weights so you can verify and confirm accuracy. My Dillon came with one that I always use when I turn it on before throwing and weighing the first charge.
Since this video my favorite is still the waoaw but I do have another one that I have been trying for a while I’ve been thinking about doing a video on👍
Your issue with the Frankford is that you need to have the pan exactly on the ring in the scale base. You did not pay attention the the instruction of the importance of this. Each and every time you layed the pan on it was in a different position. Also need to just give the scale time to think.
A little breeze causes it to go wacky. I was pretty sold on these until I got a bad one. I have an RCBS beam type to check against but that doesn't save me any time.
The best advice i can give for these scales is: Turn off your phones, radios, TVs and keep them Far far away from them. And pick a number the scale likes. If you are working on a load. 41.5, 42.0, 42.5 etc. If you use a dipper and hand trickle and the scale never hits 41.5 but hits 41.4 all the time because it likes that number, than use 41.4. If it likes 42.6 better than 42.5 and lands on it a lot, use that number.
If you search eBay for 50x0.001g scale you will find the scale you have and the scale I found for $40 that measures 0.02gn, and does it very well. I think you'll find this one very useful.
Yah lol I got that scale after seeing it on Johnny's. Just began reloading for a hobby. Beats all the other digital scales save the 800 dollar ones used for chemistry. NO backup scale...JUST that one. And no problems. 13 bucks on ebay delivered in two days.
Great. I'm interested to know if it's just my particular scale, or others are like that too. Mine's like 2/10 of a grain difference sometimes. Thanks !
I've had good luck with my Frankford. I calibrate before each time I use it, place on the loading bench in a certain spot and don't move it for the length of the loading sessions. Being from the far north eh, I ordered from Amazon.ca, think it was around 45$ with free shipping. The WAOAW model is around 75$. Never use it for powder, only brass and projectiles. When it comes to counting beans, as Tim Robinson says I rely on the trusty old 5-0-2. Cool video tho Elvis, always watching brother.
Elvis, Thank you so much for this review. I related to everything you said lol. I presently fuss with a Hornady GS-1500. This scale drives me bonkers. I kinda have an OCD when it comes to measuring powder. It jumps around just as your scales. I have watched all of Johnny's videos as well with this scale. I think between you and JRB, Ive been talked into another scale purchase. Thank you for the great info. I think this is an issue with many of us in the reloading community! Keep up the great work. Take care!
Hey Elvis! ! Another video where you hit the nail on the head. I think we all cuss at those lil suckers once in a while. especially when your trying to work out precise work up loads. My little mtm from academy works pretty well. I'm gonna have to get one to try. maybe it'll aggravate me a lil less. Lol. Good video my friend
I know I'm late to the party on this but all these digital scales I'm coming across are in grams. Does that Frankford silver one do grains? My son has one exactly like that. Wondering if I can use it.
Hey Rtwo Comm... Yeah theres no doubt that our balance beams are the very best! But lets face it we don't like to use them all the time for production.. Nice to have some alternatives!
I bought that scale about the same time you did of course Johnny twisted my arm until I did and I'm telling you I'm not regretting it one bit that's the best little scale right in there with my balance beam scale RCBS 505
I've been watching JRB use his and been thinking bout gettin one but you sold me on it just ordered mine. I've had the same problems with my hornady scale of the same size
Works great much faster than my hornady and dead nuts accurate checked against my rcbs beam scale and was right on . Saving the hornady for sorting brass and bullets.
MrParts4sale ...cool beans. ..great decision on the primers ...gotta have them! and the scale is a bonus to make our lives easier for less!!! thanks for letting me know! : )
Those scales absolutely rock i have had mine about a month and only use itnow, Other than checking it every now and then. i do have to let mine warm up about 30sec to a min but thats what i do anyway.
Frankford Arsenal, Lyman, Etc don't manufacture electronic scales. They buy them cheap and have their name printed on it and mark the price up. You can get the same scale as the Frankford for $5. You can get that WAOAW scale for $12. Look on eBay and skip the middleman.
Hey Jason Fife... Yeah I have no doubt that's true! Most companys either have their name put on someone elses product or have another company make it for them and put their name on there! thanks for the info!
Hey Prepare2Survive... I was just thinking about you this morning... Here you are! : ) I might have to check that one out.. I was just reading about it! Another option. these name brand scales... Not so impressive! Good to hear from ya!
My gs-1500 scale is trash. Reads diffrent ever time you place the pan on the tray. Build a charge, re-check it and it's off. Sometimes as much as 1.5 gr.
Hey Elvis. You did a really good job on the video very instructive. I'm glad that you did it, I was watching Johnny's mansion thinking about purchasing that very same scale. Now it's confirmed I think I'm going to buy two. I have a Hornaday that is similar to those three it's terrible would not recommend it. I like your powder drop base as well. I think I'm gonna copy that I have the same powder drop. It's the first time I seen you use it, was wondering if it stayed still. Love it.
Infidel777 Patriot ... I still use and like the cheapo scale! the powder drop base works great on one and the other one is not smooth at all for some reason it gives me trouble. ..So if it's smooth to start with you'll love it... ; )
the basic problem is that you're trying to make very accurate measurements (within a mg) using a very cheap tool. Weighing things to the mg (1/1000 of a gram) is not an insignificant task...it requires industrial tools and lab work conditions to do accurately. if your goal is to be that accurate in your home garage you either have to accept a certain level of inaccuracy or really upgrade your tools. there really isn't another solution yet. If you were running a pharma lab the scale you would be using to meet industry standards of accuracy would probably be about $2000 ... on the cheap you might be able to find something for not less than $500.
@@8a3p8gbes6 your scale should have (either on the box or their website) the accuracy of the scale. But this is misleading...the way you use the scale in your home is very likely to create more inaccuracy than the device itself. the big problems with accuracy in cheap mg scales is the method you use to measure. if you need a more accurate measurement on one of these the only way to do it is to weigh multiple times. I also find that it is much more accurate to take the pan off the scale, add material, put the scale back on and repeat. adding 1 or 2 mg to the pan while its on the scale isn't always going to register (that's when you get the annoying jumps).
@@8a3p8gbes6 the ones in this video are about as good to have in your home if you don't want to spend about $500...I've had good results with the one recommended in this video, but you have to be very careful. I would say I'm confident I can hit within 5 mg 100% of the time when I am careful using this scale. If you are actually doing work that requires measuring accurately for safety within 1 mg (like risk of overdose, etc.) then there is no scale I am aware of that you can rely for $20.
Placement of the pan on the platen is critical to consistency on these small inexpensive scales. It helps to make a "nesting" location on the platen so the pan is in the exact same place every time, including the direction/location of the handle of the pan!
Maybe that is what I was doing wrong started getting inconsistency with it shortly after I got it
My father was a chem engineer, and when I started reloading I got a CH scale. It is a balance type scale, and every once in a while it would do something like if you went a 1/10 grain over, you take some out and then you are still a tenth grain over after the scale settles down. I showed him this problem and asked him what to do about it. He said, "this happens, just be as consistent as possible and if you have one that won't co-operate, toss it back in the batch and start over." I have always followed this advice and it has always worked for me.
And um. And uh. Which one is best? Which one is most reliable? Which one broke on you? Which was the easiest to use? How about an inexpensive precise cooking scale that measures in grains from Bed Bath and Beyond made entirely out of stainless steel and glass for $29 with a less than .01 deviation and variance? I'm building a reloading kit and I need to learn and acquire info quickly.
I have been using the Franklin Arsenal scale for a couple years and found it to be very accurate, but very temperamental. I have even contemplated buying a high end digital scale but fear they would be the same way. I think you've solved my problem and saved me a lot of money with this review. Thanks
Preacher's Day Off ... yeah... the funny thing is... that exactly been my experience and the same reason why I haven't changed my situation. . I settled for the idea that the improvement wouldn't be by much! thanks for the comment. ....; )
I am glad to see all of you guys having luck with this scale. It really is an amazing little thing!
hey JRB! I can't believe it! These no name brands get no play! We seem stuck with name brand crap! Thanks for sharing this with us! Your putting out a a great month over there... Enjoying it!
Johnny's Reloading Bench hey can you help me? I can’t figure out how to get my tray off my scale to clean it
What scale you recommend Johnny's Reloading?
@@jaml32 they all suck. I've tried them all. Expect them to fail after 500 rounds. But they are cheap so. 🤷♂️
I bought a Lyman as a cheap Lee scale wasn't cutting it. The Lee was very hard to balance to Zero and it keeps going out of Zero just by sitting empty. The Lyman has been working for me just fine and I've been checking it against the crappy Lee. It calibrated my powder measure to perfection.
I use both my Franklin Electronic Scale & my Lyman Beame Scale to just double check the weights etc.
There are a few factors that play a role with scales, either cheap or expensive : resolution, repeatability, linearity and damping . You should use your cheap scale the way it’s designed to work. An expensive analytic scale will take seconds to stabilize but that’s a different league . The cheap scale work surprisingly well if you make it re-weigh by just touching it . A kernel of powder often ist enough to trigger the scale. If you know this these scales a useable for normal use ( to periodically check a powder load). For trickling loads for f class it’s a different story
A good Tip is to always make sure that the Batteries in your Scales are Fresh, Other wise you will not get an Accurate Reading out of them also.
good tip MyREDTAIL.. I should have mentioned that.... And checking with the balance beam!
I also have tested around 20 low cost digital scales and I really liked the smart weight high precision milligram digital scale.It weighs to the hundredth of a grain.
Bought one of those as a Homgeek.
Same scale. Only note is that it has a math issue where it will only increment by two in the last place (.02) gns, not a problem. One thing that's handy is to cut a piece of say aluminum to a weight close to what you often charge to, say 6 gns for 9mm. Mine is 5.82 gns, checked with a balance. Then any time you can check your scale for confidence.
One thing about digital scales that I know, the sensitiity is is such that the bench surface transmits any disturbance like whether your hand and arm is on it or both arms not only air movement. Even floor deflection. If you've ever been where truely precision scales are used they are mounted to a separate table designed to not transmit any variances in the environment. My point being some issues are not the scale but where you have it and what is going on with it's surroundings. That being said I've experienced similar problems with rcbs digital scales and mtm and pace, all of which cost significantly more than 20$.
I'm definitely interested in the waoaw as it thinks fast on it's feet
I have the Lyman pocket scale and it is a hassle. I have a 70.0 grain pan i use and the tare value on the screen will vary with the pan off during the first 5 minutes of use. If it is not reading -69.9, -70.0 or -70.1 when i pick up the charge, I will dump the powder back in the container, re-tare the pan and start again. And yes the reaction time is very slow. I usually trickle a tiny bit, then pick up the pan and put it down to get a new reading. I feel at best my charges are + or - 0.1 grain, but more than likely + or - 0.2 grains. The scale i believe is also affected by the slightest amount of static electricity.
40 years today Elvis pass away! But whe are lucky we have Elvis ammo stil rocking !thanks you knowledge!
Hey Eric T ... God Bless! Still rocking Brother! Your welcome, Thanks for watching!!! : )
20:43 It is more sensitive, because of that it has more resolution with less noise between readings and is able to average them more precise.
Other ones are setup to show the same amount of digits, but work at the limit of their resolution and so have trouble with repeatability of result due to averaging algorithm (internally it takes a bunch of readings in a row and only displays averaged number, otherwise it would just constantly fluctuate) ending up higher or lower every other time.
For well over 45 or more years I used a couple different brands of balance beam scales for pistol and rifle loads and had zero problems provided that the scale was zeroed out first and balanced. In the last 10 years or so I acquired a Dillon digital scale along with my xl650 press and other pieces of Dillon equipment. I soon learned that the slightest breeze including breathing on it would make the numbers vary. In the summer it gets quite hot in my garage so I have a fan running about 5 feet away from me. This very slight breeze will cause the scale to vary. Very sensitive I'd say. I'm not really concerned about a powder load being off by 1/10ths of a grain. I have not seen any negative effects on the accuracy of either rifle, revolver, pistol or rifle. Just my opinion. Nevadajim775
Yeah... for sure .. I don't get to crazy about measuring beyond a tenth... Now if my shot was for the world record or a big wad of cash, Well then I might get it exact! But there are those who like to do this with each load.. Ok with me but I have a happy life! : ) This cheapo scale actually does pretty well for the reasons you named... even the breathing will move some of em....
Thanks Elvis. I bought a cheepo like fortune cookies Gemeni 20 but had no name on it in 2015. I paid $16.20 for mine. I just looked again on ebay, They are now selling for $2.90 delivered! Now I use mine to measure under 2.5 grain charges. And mine is aggravating. It will grow just sitting there. I found that a little vibration will make it fluctuate. A little breeze will make it fluctuate. I wanted to get a different one but I was afraid I would get another squirrely one. NOW I KNOW WHICH ONE TO GET! Yay, thanks Elvis.
awesome Hans Pcguy.. Man, I just last night was testing how much breeze it can take.. I was surprised.. just not fussy : )
patience grasshopper ... franford arsenal scale tends to give 1/10 grain increments but slowly ... slow down on that trickler ... what's the rush? Also even your breathing can affect the scale and be on a level surface and center the pan and TARE before you weigh each load ... works for me
Late to the video, but did you calibrate the scale. On the black one, press and hold the Mode button. It should pop up as value. In mine it is 20 Grams. Press and hold the Mode button again until says CAL. Place a know calibration weight of 20 Grams on it. Wait until it is say’s Pass then you should be good to go. I would calibrate it each time you use it. It is quick and easy.
Hello elvis ammo, one thing I should say that it's critical to use a hard surface under the scale. Looks like you have a towel under. That's cause inconsistency on use. I use mine with a piece o glass under. This way you minimise the error in the sensors. Thank you for your channel
Thanks for the review. I have the Frankford scale and have the same frustrating problem. I just now ordered the WAOAW scale. Just in in time to work up the new loads.Thanks!! Love your videos.
therealrg ... your welcome. .. if ya don't mind. . report back, let me know how ya like it! thanks for watching!
I watched this vid when it first posted. I finally got around to replacing my Frankford Arsenal, like yours in this vid., with the WAOAW that I found on Amazon. @ $16. Mine works great and much faster. Thank you for posting Elvis.
use the same rotation speed with Frankfort and Lyman, and maybe the results will be comparable...
I watched this video when it was originally posted. I work in the tech world, and still missed something the first time I watched it. The WAOAW scale has the letters CE RoHS on the bottom. That is a safety and quality assurance mark used in Europe, much like our UL Standards marking. I also read some of the comments today, and agree with "Bippi23456", the placement of the load on the load sensor is very important, and the fact that the WAOAW scale forces you to center the load, by the shape of the platten. Great video.
Great info, Thanks for coming back and taking the time to share!
Getting what you pay for really is a very out dated ol wives tail.
The old beam scale that I bought in 1960 of 1961 is STILL working and when tested with weights from my PACT electric scale, is right on the mark.
Hey archersfriend....yep .. I got a very old lyman beam scale and it still reads PERFECT. I like the compact little digital scales. But not if I can't get an accurate reading... This one sure is impressive. Didn't expect this!
Impressive. Thank you for comparing and explaining the pros and cons of each. BTW in 2024 Amazon's price is $33.00 I do my critical loads with a beam scale. I suspected errors on my Lyman, but, after comparing the two scales I found the beam was more consistent. I didn't like the scales faults, so, I returned to the tried and true beam scale.
I have had the same problem with my F.A. scale. Would have liked to see a comparison of the same charge on each scale to see if one was more accurate than the other. Other than that...good video.
Thomas Bogart ...yep good question. .. it is almost the same as the others , if they stop bouncing around sometimes. . I compared several several charges on my lyman balance beam scale and it's right on! been using it for at least 2 weeks..
elvis ammo thanks for the reply. Think I'm gonna order one. The F.A. is frustrating.
Let me know what ya think?
Elvis Ammo, thanks for the tip on the scale! I was thinking about a electronic scale just this morning. I sent you a few messages and pictures on facebook about the rainier wedge bullets I am modifying. Let me know what you think!
My lyman pocket touch worked great for years but just took a dump & I was looking to buy the Frankford Arsenal scale but I'll keep checkin reviews
When adjusting my powder measure I usually throw 10 charges, weigh total, then average, that way overcoming the LSB problem on my cheap digital scale (0.2 grain increments)
Hey Stemer114... yeah that works... I made mine work too.. just got tired of jumping hoops for 20 bucks!! : )
Your local drug dealer's partner in crime. 😂
I have had ZERO issues with my Frankford Arsenal scales that I bought 7 years ago from Midway on sale. If I recall correctly ... they were $5 on sale after a purchase of $50 or more. I ended up buying 3 of them. I'm wondering if the old scales are better than the new ones.
Hey roostershooter76... I loaded lots of good ammo with the frankford arsenal. But fussy it is.. 5 bucks would have sounded good, But 20 for a not so fussy sounds better! : ) My frankford is probably 3 years old. We have to learn how to read them, give em a bump, lift the pan and set it back. Then translate?? : ) Funny stuff..
My old school Lyman balance beam scale has served me well for 20+ years. Like you said it never lies to you.
For $20 I may take a look at this one and see how the 21st century scales work! LOL
Papa's Place I was impressed! always fussy these things! I almost hated to say I like it! ; )
Older video but I like the information, I've got an old Lyman Ohaus balance beam I've used for years and been thinking about getting a digital for checking weights on different bullets and things like that where you aren't 100% sure what it is
Sir, There is a reason for the circle on that middle model.
I have a myweigh Gempro 250 scale for reloading. It was pretty sharp resolution at .02 grains. I use it to reload 308.
Thanks for the tip. Just purchased one right off the link you left at the bottom. I've been trying to make a decision on one you helped me out. I appreciate i. From New Mexico. Shoot Straight and stay blessed. 👍🇺🇸✌
Hey, Elvis! Just ordered the Woohoo scale off of Amazon. I have the Frankfort Arsenal and I'm not really happy with it. Like you've shown, if you trickel, it takes a while to catch up. (Katchup}? Anyhow, thanks for your comparison. It won't replace my beam scale, but it should be a lot closer than the Frankfort. Thank you, thank you very much. I think the REAL Elvis said that once. LOL!
Good stuff I am going to order one today. Thanks for sharing.
Elvis clearly this is a subject near and dear to my heart. Getting good weights for us is very important. I think once you get to know a scale and it's deficiencies you can work around them. Having taken a few of these scales a part and looking at the chips used there seems to be a desire to make them very power efficient as a primary requirement. In reality that chip cost more when they make the scale, but the effect we see is two fold. One the first issue being sensing the scale has weight on it under a certain weight will interrupt the sleep cycle hence from nothin to a few grains does not interrupt its desire to go to sleep on this Lyman scale. I own this scale as well as the Frankford arsenal scale. The second issue is sampling time. When a scale samples it uses more juice as opposed to at rest. Where it uses very little power and if the weight doesn't change enough the sampling rate shuts down into a get ready to sleep state. IMHO there should be an option to disable the energy saving features all together but that is not an option here. Since the object is cheap price + good battery life you get a Lyman and Frankford each with their own way to use a power saving method that directly effects us but in different ways. Once you know what method they are using you can work around it for the most part. As for the third scale it looks like they are not concerned with over sampling at all. They seem to be checking weight non stop. Which is a good thing. So the issue is the sample speed and the other is the wake up to weight from at rest sleep counter. I typically touch the scale with a bit of force just to get it to sample and that seems to help both the Lyman and the Frankford. Again these are lil cheap scales and do a decent job. I'd love a scale that would let me set those options though or a switch to disable all power saving modes and even increase sampling speed. (I hope I didn't just geek you all out)
Hey NYC Reloader... ha ha .. At first I said wow this is long. But after reading this all seems to make sense and was glad you shared! Very informative. And simple explanation I might add!!! Thanks!
I wanted the instant readout of the cheap scale. I sent my Frankford scale back without opening it. Your video saved me $25 and disappointment. I ordered cheap instant scale today. Thank you, sir.
ive had those issues for as long as I remember with the digital scales ive got. I even bought one of the higher dollar frankford arsenal ($100ish battery and wall outlet larger scale) and its no where near as fast as the waoaw is showing in the vid. ill definitely be getting one and putting it through its paces in precision loads (1000yds plus)
thanks for the feed back natewesselink... I'd love to hear back from ya on your thoughts after trying it out! thanks for watching!
I wish I would have seen this video, before purchasing my frankford.
I have 2. I got another one sent to me by FA because my first one lost its marbles after 11 months. But it got them back somehow and the other one started acting wacky. So i bought a chargemaster and use them for reference.
Ordered from Walmart
Thanks for the tip!
Homegeek was the name on the front.
1 gram = grains 15.4324 The scale that you said is great only measures grams and not grains. grams are for jewlery and grains for powder so how are you measuring the actual weight of the powder with this scale? Please set me straight if I am wrong.
My scales ALL measure in grains.
I shoot holes in paper. I'm not worried about it. I've got bigger issues to concentrate on.
I just bought the same scale for the same reason. Shoutout Johnnys Reloading Bench. 👍🏼👍🏼🍻
Watched jrb and your reviews of this little guy. Looks like I need to get one on the way.
Thank you! I've been having a lot of trouble with my Frankfort Armory scale out here in Hawaii I believe due to its temperature sensitivity because I am across the street from beach. At least now I know it's not my powder measure that's the problem...
Yo
I bought the scale from Amazon. It does work better than my other electronic scale. As such, I'm quite please with it. Thanks
Great video demonstrating the Frankfort issues, I was laughing at all the true problems it has, however I have made good accurate ammo with it. But it's a learning curve how to get it to read consistently
Hey West Desert Shooter... I bet you and others laughing with me about all the issues! : ) Yep i've made good ammo with it as well. We learn how to read them. But this new one tells a better story without bumping it and taking the tray off and back on... No back flips or nothing! : ) Great shooting to ya brother!
Hey Elvis. I'm using the Frankford Arsenal just like on your video. I also have a Lee safety scale that came with my kit. There is almost a grain difference in the weight between the two. Which one do I believe?
I'll be ordering the waoaw scale tomorrow. Thanks, man.
I don't trust any of the electronic scales or mechanical powder measures. I use the yellow plastic Lee dippers for all my loading. For MOH (Minute of Hog) hunting loads they are the most reliable and fastest. No circuits or gizmos to screw up.
brushed274............ your right, and there are no batteries needed,and you can drop the yellow Lee dippers on the ground and it still works.
Try that with the digital scale!
I bought a Dillon D-Terminator back in 2007 and it has been a great scale. It was not cheap even back then and over a hundred bucks. Today as of this post in March 2021 they are $149.99 now. That's a bit pricey for a scale and if I was buying one now I would not spend that much. The cheap ones have gotten a lot better over the years with advancements in technology. You can buy 3 or 4 of the ones you are showing and still have change left. It's a good idea to have more than one so that you can check the accuracy and calibration yourself. If one of them measures way off and different than the others you know you have a problem with that one. Also it is a good idea to get a set of calibration weights so you can verify and confirm accuracy. My Dillon came with one that I always use when I turn it on before throwing and weighing the first charge.
I still go back and use my Frankford every time and I have all three.
Since this video my favorite is still the waoaw but I do have another one that I have been trying for a while I’ve been thinking about doing a video on👍
Your issue with the Frankford is that you need to have the pan exactly on the ring in the scale base. You did not pay attention the the instruction of the importance of this. Each and every time you layed the pan on it was in a different position. Also need to just give the scale time to think.
A little breeze causes it to go wacky. I was pretty sold on these until I got a bad one. I have an RCBS beam type to check against but that doesn't save me any time.
The best advice i can give for these scales is:
Turn off your phones, radios, TVs and keep them Far far away from them.
And pick a number the scale likes. If you are working on a load. 41.5, 42.0, 42.5 etc. If you use a dipper and hand trickle and the scale never hits 41.5 but hits 41.4 all the time because it likes that number, than use 41.4. If it likes 42.6 better than 42.5 and lands on it a lot, use that number.
I would like to see a update on the 77gr elvis
If you search eBay for 50x0.001g scale you will find the scale you have and the scale I found for $40 that measures 0.02gn, and does it very well. I think you'll find this one very useful.
hey Eric Polly... I'll check that out! Thanks for the info!!!!
Never thought of that! I do have three digital scales ( FA, AWS ZEO-50, and Chargemaster) and will compare three of them! Thanks!
Hey Dale Fine! Kinda nice to see what these crazy things do! : )
where do you get the thing you are putting your stuff in and then twisting it to dispense onto scale?
Yah lol I got that scale after seeing it on Johnny's. Just began reloading for a hobby. Beats all the other digital scales save the 800 dollar ones used for chemistry. NO backup scale...JUST that one. And no problems. 13 bucks on ebay delivered in two days.
Despite the frustration the errors are small and they are much cheaper than beam scales
I only use my scale when using a different powder.. other than that for say , plinking .223 rounds they just get the 1.6 scoop
unless you're shooting competition, I see no need to do otherwise. Tight groups!
Hey I know its an old video but are you still using that scale? I've had one since you done this video and it always weighs heavier than my RCBS 505.
I have a Frankfort. It reads different weights. With the back light is on it's different than when it's off off. Have you experienced that?
that's interesting Okwoodsman... Haven't noticed. But i'll check that out!
Great. I'm interested to know if it's just my particular scale, or others are like that too. Mine's like 2/10 of a grain difference sometimes. Thanks !
Elvis I've seen the nock off Frankfort arsenal scales on eBay for $5 I'm might have to pick me up one & the waoaw.
boddyxpolitic... hey man! this stupid cheap thing is awesome! ;) can't go wrong!
I've had good luck with my Frankford. I calibrate before each time I use it, place on the loading bench in a certain spot and don't move it for the length of the loading sessions. Being from the far north eh, I ordered from Amazon.ca, think it was around 45$ with free shipping. The WAOAW model is around 75$. Never use it for powder, only brass and projectiles. When it comes to counting beans, as Tim Robinson says I rely on the trusty old 5-0-2. Cool video tho Elvis, always watching brother.
Anticipated this so I got one 1 decimal more sensitive than I would see myself needing it, hopefully that will solve this whole catching up issue.
SOMEONE NEEDS TO MAKE A VIDEO.. FOOD SCALE VS POSTAGE SCALE. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE??
Elvis, Thank you so much for this review. I related to everything you said lol. I presently fuss with a Hornady GS-1500. This scale drives me bonkers. I kinda have an OCD when it comes to measuring powder. It jumps around just as your scales. I have watched all of Johnny's videos as well with this scale. I think between you and JRB, Ive been talked into another scale purchase. Thank you for the great info. I think this is an issue with many of us in the reloading community! Keep up the great work. Take care!
Thanks Smokepole.. Yep ha ha.... I knew i'd get some amens!!! Let me know how ya like it when ya get it!!!
Hey Elvis! ! Another video where you hit the nail on the head. I think we all cuss at those lil suckers once in a while. especially when your trying to work out precise work up loads. My little mtm from academy works pretty well. I'm gonna have to get one to try. maybe it'll aggravate me a lil less. Lol. Good video my friend
Steel Punisher 69 ... yep this is one of the frustrations we all have in common.!!! being aggravated less is a good thing! ; )
I've been using the MTM scale for shooting loads but never tested it
JUST the vid I wanted to see! Thanks EA!
Awesome captainpegs07.... your welcome my friend..This is one of those subjects! : )
Man, I really like the WAOAW scale. It works great. Thank you for the video.
I know I'm late to the party on this but all these digital scales I'm coming across are in grams. Does that Frankford silver one do grains? My son has one exactly like that. Wondering if I can use it.
the frankford does grains
Great assessment, but I think I'll stick with my old beam scale.
In the instruction it tells use it measures every 2 tenths.
Great information ! Thanks
Thanks Elvis, I use the Frankford :-) But I shoot Cowboy ! Don't need super accurate loads.
my wao lasted two reloading sesh and droped 10 gn and then got that back then drifted case was too full had 10 grn over charge.
Just got mine. Simple. Accurate. It just works. I wouldn't drop it on the floor though
I thank.you very much for doing this video . Was a lot of help
your welcome Rick Miller... One of those things I would be glad to find out about as well! Happy shooting
elvis ammo Just received my scale in the mail today your right it's well worth the money. Thanks again
Rick Miller ...very awesome! so far everyone that bought one likes it! thank you for your feedback! ; )
This scale still going strong Elvis 👊
Is it true that best scales are mechanical?
Hey Rtwo Comm... Yeah theres no doubt that our balance beams are the very best! But lets face it we don't like to use them all the time for production.. Nice to have some alternatives!
I have to comment...ten point ten! You made my day!! Thank you! 👍
Thanks Gerald Bondoc... Awesome... Your just the guy im talking too! : ) Glad to find ya...
I bought that scale about the same time you did of course Johnny twisted my arm until I did and I'm telling you I'm not regretting it one bit that's the best little scale right in there with my balance beam scale RCBS 505
Cool beans Timothy Robinson! Sounds like me .... no regrets! : )
I've been watching JRB use his and been thinking bout gettin one but you sold me on it just ordered mine. I've had the same problems with my hornady scale of the same size
Hey Bubba G.. Comment back after you try it. Let me know what ya think! : )
Works great much faster than my hornady and dead nuts accurate checked against my rcbs beam scale and was right on . Saving the hornady for sorting brass and bullets.
Bubba G ... that was fast! Thankyou for the feedback! I love that stupid thing. ...; )
Thanks man I'm just looking for a scale and I'm going to buy that Chinese wuaw whatever the name is. 🤣🤣 Thx
to late on video i bought the lyman. i work slow it seems to work ok. saving for auto powder dispenser
MrParts4sale ...no problem. it takes some time to understand what it's doing is all.. other than that. ..we make em work ..!
decided to buy WAOAW and 10k primers instead of auto power dispenser this month
the WAOAW its amazing. real fast and not jumpy
MrParts4sale ...cool beans. ..great decision on the primers ...gotta have them! and the scale is a bonus to make our lives easier for less!!! thanks for letting me know! : )
Those scales absolutely rock i have had mine about a month and only use itnow, Other than checking it every now and then. i do have to let mine warm up about 30sec to a min but thats what i do anyway.
the bad bad bad bad baddest to the bone cheap scale! : ) good to hear some more positive review!
I have one like it and it’s labeled Fuzion I lucked out
Thank you for a great review.
Frankford Arsenal, Lyman, Etc don't manufacture electronic scales. They buy them cheap and have their name printed on it and mark the price up. You can get the same scale as the Frankford for $5. You can get that WAOAW scale for $12. Look on eBay and skip the middleman.
Hey Jason Fife... Yeah I have no doubt that's true! Most companys either have their name put on someone elses product or have another company make it for them and put their name on there! thanks for the info!
I've tried several and found the $20 Horizon PRO-20B on ebay to be the best.
Hey Prepare2Survive... I was just thinking about you this morning... Here you are! : ) I might have to check that one out.. I was just reading about it! Another option. these name brand scales... Not so impressive! Good to hear from ya!
My gs-1500 scale is trash. Reads diffrent ever time you place the pan on the tray. Build a charge, re-check it and it's off. Sometimes as much as 1.5 gr.
A device or machine does not think. It computes, calibrates, and calculates. But it can not ever think.
🤪
Hey Elvis. You did a really good job on the video very instructive. I'm glad that you did it, I was watching Johnny's mansion thinking about purchasing that very same scale. Now it's confirmed I think I'm going to buy two. I have a Hornaday that is similar to those three it's terrible would not recommend it. I like your powder drop base as well. I think I'm gonna copy that I have the same powder drop. It's the first time I seen you use it, was wondering if it stayed still. Love it.
Infidel777 Patriot ... I still use and like the cheapo scale! the powder drop base works great on one and the other one is not smooth at all for some reason it gives me trouble. ..So if it's smooth to start with you'll love it... ; )
the basic problem is that you're trying to make very accurate measurements (within a mg) using a very cheap tool. Weighing things to the mg (1/1000 of a gram) is not an insignificant task...it requires industrial tools and lab work conditions to do accurately.
if your goal is to be that accurate in your home garage you either have to accept a certain level of inaccuracy or really upgrade your tools. there really isn't another solution yet.
If you were running a pharma lab the scale you would be using to meet industry standards of accuracy would probably be about $2000 ... on the cheap you might be able to find something for not less than $500.
what level of inaccuracy should one expect? Would the measurements be accurate to the nearest 3mg?
@@8a3p8gbes6 your scale should have (either on the box or their website) the accuracy of the scale. But this is misleading...the way you use the scale in your home is very likely to create more inaccuracy than the device itself.
the big problems with accuracy in cheap mg scales is the method you use to measure. if you need a more accurate measurement on one of these the only way to do it is to weigh multiple times.
I also find that it is much more accurate to take the pan off the scale, add material, put the scale back on and repeat. adding 1 or 2 mg to the pan while its on the scale isn't always going to register (that's when you get the annoying jumps).
@@gridcaster ok, would you be able to recommend me a good scale accurate to 1mg that isnt too expensive?
@@8a3p8gbes6 the ones in this video are about as good to have in your home if you don't want to spend about $500...I've had good results with the one recommended in this video, but you have to be very careful. I would say I'm confident I can hit within 5 mg 100% of the time when I am careful using this scale.
If you are actually doing work that requires measuring accurately for safety within 1 mg (like risk of overdose, etc.) then there is no scale I am aware of that you can rely for $20.
@@gridcaster ok cheers mate
I ordered the right scale, thanks to you vid. Hope it works the same..