Weighing with an electronic powder measure

Digital or Mechanical Scales?

Weighing can be done in two ways, or rather, using two types of scales – mechanical or digital. They have one thing in common, which is usually the measurement accuracy of 0.1 grain (0.00648 g). It is quite practical to use the imperial unit of weight. Most reloading manuals come from the USA, and fractions of grams are hard to remember and easily confused. Mechanical scales are simple, fairly accurate, and quite compact. They must be calibrated each time they are set up, but this takes only a moment. And if they do not receive a strong blow, they essentially function forever. The disadvantage is the relatively slow process, as powder is added or removed from the pan literally grain by grain.

On the other hand, digital scales offer much more comfortable operation and easy calibration, but they depend on a power source (either batteries or a 240 V adapter). Those who weigh often should get a digital scale, as the price difference is not significant. I managed with mechanical scales for a very long time, but I weigh powder for individual cartridges only occasionally and mostly fill cartridges using an automatic powder measure on a progressive press, so I usually only verify the powder measure setting on the press with the scale.

Another level is electronic scales combined with powder measures. They are worth it for both routine weighing tasks and checking the weight of the powder charge (or bullets, for example), as well as for automated and highly accurate filling of individual cartridges. Dispensing with a powder measure is comfortable and mainly eliminates human error. One of the top products is the RCBS Matchmaster Powder Dispenser, which can measure powder charges with an accuracy of up to 0.1 grs and even weigh with an accuracy of 0.04 grs. However, it is very expensive, costing over 33,000 CZK on our consumer market, which is a bit beyond the reach of most people who reload for fun.

Hornady mechanical scales, used to verify the 13-grain Vectan SP3 charge weighed by the Intellidropper 

Working with the Powder Measure

First, the powder measure needs to be leveled using the built-in spirit level, which is done via four adjustable feet with threads in the corners. It needs to be calibrated using the two included weights (50 and 100 grs) and the CAL button. Then we can pour powder into the hopper and let the powder measure calibrate itself for the specific powder. This is done by automatically dispensing powder into the pan, which is then returned. The scale dispenses approximately 90 grs at various speeds and then selects the optimal weighing and dispensing speed for the given powder granulation. It is advisable to use a plexiglass cover foreach weighing.

Next, it is possible to set the desired charge weight on the display and press Enter. The measured amount will be dispensed from the tube in a few seconds (for 25 grs, it took about 10 seconds). Additional options are offered by the smartphone app. There, you can simply select the recommended load for a specific caliber, bullet, and powder; the powder measure will suggest and dispense the required volume. You can also control the scale directly with your phone. The app remembers charges, so you can choose directly from memory.

The powder measure can operate in Manual or Auto modes. In Auto mode, the powder measure starts filling automatically once it detects the empty pan being returned, while in Manual mode, it needs to be set each time. The Trickle function (button at the bottom right) adjusts the motor to the lowest possible speed for the most accurate dispensing. After finishing with one powder, it can be emptied motorically via a side outlet into a prepared pan or bottle.

The Intellidropper really saves a lot of time and (tedious) work by automating and improving accuracy.

Communication between the phone with the app and the powder measure