Dillon Eliminator Scale Issue?

jr05 · 02-01-2012, 14:48

Well, I have a dillon eliminator scale that was originally very happy with (the first couple times I used it). However, the more I use it, the more I notice that it does not keep its zero. If I zero it, then put an item on it and measure it, I get one number, take it off and put it back on, different number. Then I take the item off and the scale is no longer zeroed. If I re-zero it (using the foot) and put the item back on, I get the original correct number (calibrated weight set).

It appears the issue is with the pivot points. If you move the beam a little bit to one side you get high values, move it the other way and you get lower values. This can move easily between powder measurements during a batch.

I am assuming this is an issue that I should send it back to Dillon for? It gives the correct readings as long as I am careful with it and keep an eye on balance between every measurement, but still sounds like I got a bum unit.

This is not how they all are right? Should have just gone with lee....

PCJim · 02-01-2012, 16:30

Did someone recommend.... 5-0-5?

unclebob · 02-01-2012, 17:16

Call Dillon and see what they say.

dkf · 02-01-2012, 18:56

What are you sitting the scale on?

njl · 02-01-2012, 19:02

Mine's not that bad, but I've noticed that I have to screw around with the foot every so often to rezero it. I keep it on a heavy chest of drawers next to (not on, not touching) the reloading bench. I assumed this was just normal for something capable of weighing such light things. Keep in mind, 0.1gr is 1/70000 lbs.

PCJim · 02-01-2012, 19:32

Any drafts in the room? Beam scales are also sensitive to air currents.

D. Manley · 02-01-2012, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by PCJim

Any drafts in the room? Beam scales are also sensitive to air currents.

This...and it don't take a lot, any air movement is too much. I might add that any slight movements of the scale itself can create small deviations as well. I "pinned" mine to a fixed position once it was properly leveled up...any number of creative ways to remove possibility of movement.

fredj338 · 02-01-2012, 23:18

AS noted, any movement can throw the scale off. Is it sitting on your bench? The bench top will vibrate as you work the press, that nca be enough, they are really sensative. I mount my press on a shelf on the wall above my bench top.

Gokyo · 02-01-2012, 23:27

Just buy a digital balance

jr05 · 02-02-2012, 06:47

The scale is on a separate bench, not touching my reloading bench.

The variation is not 0.1 grains, but more like 1-2 grains at the extreme, and sometimes you can even feel/hear the beam shift. I do get some variation in the 0.1 range every so often that can easily be associated with air current or something like that...those I am not worried about.

dkf · 02-02-2012, 07:02

A 1-2 grain variation is no good at all. Probably best to contact Dillon.

Beanie-Bean · 02-02-2012, 07:29

Yikes! 1-2 gr. off would have me at all stop and calling Dillon. Do you have a backup scale to check/verify weights?

jr05 · 02-02-2012, 08:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beanie-Bean

Yikes! 1-2 gr. off would have me at all stop and calling Dillon. Do you have a backup scale to check/verify weights?

yes, I have an email in to Dillon. I have a cheap digital I have been confirming on.

unclebob · 02-02-2012, 08:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by jr05

yes, I have an email in to Dillon. I have a cheap digital I have been confirming on.

I think you would be better off if you called them.

Colorado4Wheel · 02-02-2012, 10:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by jr05

yes, I have an email in to Dillon. I have a cheap digital I have been confirming on.

How do you know the Electric isn't off? Are you using the same test weight each time? Just want to be sure.

PCJim · 02-02-2012, 08:58

DON'T TRUST / RELY ON A CHEAP DIGITAL.... Those scales are well known to not produce consistent readings.

jr05 · 02-02-2012, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by PCJim

DON'T TRUST / RELY ON A CHEAP DIGITAL.... Those scales are well known to not produce consistent readings.

Yes, I have only been using it to ensure the eliminator is "on the right hinge point" and giving values in the right range. When the eliminator is zeroed it does give very accurate results.

Regardless, I will be holding off on any reloading until I get the scale replaced from Dillon.

ron59 · 02-02-2012, 09:50

I was having similar problems with my Eliminator. I bought the digital scale that Brian Enos recommended a few years ago, that UniqueTek sells:
http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1250

It's only $65, but I bought it as I saw Brian recommand it, and UniqueTek carries pretty much only quality stuff.

I've had this for over two years and it is SPOT ON. I bought a small set of check weights (has weights as small as 1 grain) and anytime I want to weigh some charges I verify that the scale is measuring the check weights properly first. Always dead on. The weight set has multiple small weights, so if my desired charge is 3gr or 4g, I can get either of those with the check weights and verify.

For those of you who say "don't buy cheap digitals", I'd rather have this over my Eliminator any day. Matter of fact... the Eliminator will get sold when I can find a buyer. I'm done with it.

If the digital that I have now ever craps out, I will probably spring for Dillon's D-Terminator.

Colorado4Wheel · 02-02-2012, 10:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by jr05

Well, I have a dillon eliminator scale that was originally very happy with (the first couple times I used it). However, the more I use it, the more I notice that it does not keep its zero. If I zero it, then put an item on it and measure it, I get one number, take it off and put it back on, different number. Then I take the item off and the scale is no longer zeroed. If I re-zero it (using the foot) and put the item back on, I get the original correct number (calibrated weight set).

It appears the issue is with the pivot points. If you move the beam a little bit to one side you get high values, move it the other way and you get lower values. This can move easily between powder measurements during a batch.

I am assuming this is an issue that I should send it back to Dillon for? It gives the correct readings as long as I am careful with it and keep an eye on balance between every measurement, but still sounds like I got a bum unit.

This is not how they all are right? Should have just gone with lee....

If your looking for real help then here is my recommendation.

If you beam is truly not working. Call Dillon they will swap it out. No cost. Easy solution.

BUT

Beams need to be used right.

1) They simply can not move. Mine is ziptied in place. You can use some Poster Putty to lock it in place FROM THE SIDE. Basically, make it so it can't slide.
2) You need to look at the scale head on. Not from above.
3) Make sure the beam moves freely. Zero it. Drop a couple granules of powder in it. Something less then .1 gr should cause it to move if you kinda drop it in.
4) Make sure the beam is not sideways a little on it's pivot. You can knock it off when you put things off and on the scale. Having the scale anchored like I mentioned and being careful is the key.

If you truly think the Lee is a better scale your crazy. Cheaper yes, works yes, better, crazy.

PCJim · 02-02-2012, 13:29

I'm headed over to the Tampa area this weekend to pick up a 1500 combo unit. I'm going to venture into the world of digital scales again, too. The first experiment, with a Midway $30 scale, was extremely disappointing. What's that ol saying, "you get what you paid for?" I shouldn't have paid 2 cents for that scale.

As I'm producing a lot more rifle rounds these days, I figured it might save a bit of time as opposed to the beam scale. It will be interesting to see how it fares against the very trustworthy 5-0-5.

unclebob · 02-02-2012, 14:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by PCJim

I'm headed over to the Tampa area this weekend to pick up a 1500 combo unit. I'm going to venture into the world of digital scales again, too. The first experiment, with a Midway $30 scale, was extremely disappointing. What's that ol saying, "you get what you paid for?" I shouldn't have paid 2 cents for that scale.

As I'm producing a lot more rifle rounds these days, I figured it might save a bit of time as opposed to the beam scale. It will be interesting to see how it fares against the very trustworthy 5-0-5.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm...8923&src=tpMfg
Natchez has them for 290.00. It’s a great combo. I think the RCBS $50.00 rebate is over? It works great. The easiest and fastest way to do load development.

targetbuster · 02-05-2012, 10:42

I use my Dillion scale to confirm the weight of my digital scale , once that is done then I use my digital scale.

F106 Fan · 02-05-2012, 10:56

I would recommend using the RCBS check weights rather than calibrating against something that, itself, is uncalibrated.

Richard

Colorado4Wheel · 02-05-2012, 11:33

People have been loading with un-calibrated scales for decades and decades. Weight a freaking bullet and be done with it. You have been loading with the other scale already as well. Compare the two in the ranges you have been using and see if they are the same. Working up your loads will cover the .1 gr difference that might exist.

GioaJack · 02-05-2012, 11:57

It would appear that Little Stevie is stARting to win the battle with his OCD. Pretty soon he'll be telling people that the .2 grain variance when throwing Unique doesn't make a damn bit of difference and to just load 'em and shoot 'em.

I'm pretty sure someone predicted this would happen.

Jack