In the workshop of a gunsmith, ammunition dealer, hunter or sports shooter, the balance determines the exact dosage of the powder charges, whether for match ammunition, test series or customized loads. With long guns in particular, even small deviations in powder weight lead to inconsistent behavior. Weighing errors often start with the wrong purchase decision and lead to unwanted problems.
This article shows how the environment influences the measurement results, how to avoid errors and what is important when buying a powder scale.
1. legal framework: Who is allowed to reload?
Reloading in Germany
Reloading is not a hobby like model making, but the handling of explosive substances. Anyone wishing to buy, store and use propellant powder for cartridges requires a permit in accordance with § 27 SprengG. This requires specialist knowledge (training course with examination), reliability, personal suitability and a need. Without this permit, the manufacture of ammunition is prohibited.
Austria and Switzerland
In Austria and Switzerland, reloading is permitted for personal use, but the regulations on purchase, storage and documentation vary. Propellant powder is sold through gun dealers, usually in return for identification and proof. Commercial operations are also subject to occupational health and safety legislation, for example through risk assessments and storage concepts.
Important: This article does not replace legal advice. Only qualified persons may reload, and any loading must be based on the manufacturer’s data – never on gut feeling.
2. areas of application: Where powder scales are needed
Training in ammunition production in accordance with the Explosives Act
Expert trainers conduct recognized reloading courses in accordance with the Explosives Act for sports and hunting shooters, often in shooting lodges, hunting schools or specialized training centers and sometimes with mobile equipment. The participants acquire the specialist knowledge for the § 27 SprengG permit, practice on the presses and powder scales provided and work under the supervision of the course instructor.
Commercial reloaders and gunsmiths
Here, the focus is on match ammunition, hunting laboratories and test series. Traceability through batch documentation and test protocols is essential.
Special series with auto- or robotic tricklers
In laboratories for long-range or benchrest shooters, automated systems such as SuperTrickler, AutoTrickler or RoboTrickler (Open Source) the powder charges. The scale provides the reference signal while the system doses automatically.
In all cases, the scale is not an accessory, but a central measuring device. Errors have a direct effect on every calibration.
3 Needs & Pains: What moves users
Internal or external calibration?
Scales with internal adjustment (built-in test weight) offer convenience and reduce operating errors. External adjustment is less expensive and enables a clear test chain with certified weights.
Accessories and handling
The powder pan, material, filter settings and reaction speed of the scales influence whether reloading is smooth or frustrating. Professional scales drift only minimally and score points with short reaction times.
Availability and price stability
Many reloaders buy scales from non-specialist stores to save money. However, inexpensive models often fail, and where recommended scales are sold at significantly lower prices, long delivery times, a lack of service and even delivery failures are to be expected – or the store disappears altogether. If the scale is no longer repairable and available, this often affects the entire configuration, such as autotrickler profiles.
B2B procurement
Professional procurement requires proven, reliable products, stable delivery routes and defined services such as maintenance, calibration and repair in your own country. If you buy from exotic low-cost stores, you forgo this or have to look for a service partner nearby first.
4. resolution: 0.001 g corresponds to 0.015 gn
For precise reloading, scales with 0.001 g readability have proven their worth. A&D models in particular, such as the A&D FX-120i or A&D FX-300i are widely used with this resolution, often in combination with automated tricklers.
Advantages:
- Resolution: 0.001 gram corresponds to a rounded 0.015 grain – ideal for rifle calibrations.
- Stability: Temperature-compensated laboratory balances provide reproducible values.
- Interfaces: RS-232 or USB enable the connection for controlling the autotrickler and data logger for documentation.
Important: High resolution is no substitute for a clean measuring chain. Without a stable environment and correct adjustment, even the best scales will drift.
5 Mechanical or electronic? A comparison
Mechanical beam scales
- Advantages: Robust, independent of electricity and insensitive to electromagnetic interference.
- Disadvantages: Slow, operator-dependent, no interfaces for automation.
Digital precision scales
- Advantages: Fast, precise, easy to document, compatible with autotricklers.
- Disadvantages: Sensitive to draughts, vibrations and electromagnetic interference.
6. adjustment and calibration
Internal adjustment
Scales with built-in test weight adjust themselves at the touch of a button. This minimizes operating errors and makes routine tests easier.
External adjustment
External test weights are cheaper and enable a clear test chain. Regular tests should be documented.
Test weights:
- Adjustment weight: For calibrating the scales.
- Test weight: For regular checks.
- Traceability: Certified weights (e.g. class F1) are required for audits or certifications.
7. requirements for automated tricklers
Automated systems expect the scales to do this:
- Stable measured values: 0.001 g resolution is standard.
- Serial interface: RS-232 for communication with the trickler.
- Drift behavior: Scales must warm up before use (30-60 minutes).
Conclusion: Laboratory balances with documented interfaces are ideal. Models without stable firmware or interfaces are a risk.
User test: The A&D FX 120i in a trickle comparison with a G&G scale
8. interference factors: explosion protection, static charging and EMC
Explosion protection (ATEX)
In small ammunition workshops, a potentially explosive area is rare. Explosion-proof scales are usually only required in industrial plants.
Static charge
Static charge interferes with electronic scales. Metal powder pans, antistatic brushes and moderate humidity help to prevent it.
Electromagnetic interference
Mobile phones, WLAN routers and power supply units can affect digital scales. Keep these devices away from the weighing area.
Shocks
Hitting the table leg during weighing can distort the result. Sturdy weighing tables with stone plates that provide stability are helpful here.
9. proven brands and models that are suitable as powder scales
A&D FX and FZ series
The FX (external adjustment) and FZ (internal adjustment) series offer 0.001 g resolution, stable RS-232 interfaces and are compatible with autotricklers. They are legal for trade and can be calibrated ex works supplied. The unit of measurement Grain (gn) is available as a standard unit.
KERN PFB 120-3
The KERN PFB 120-3 precision balance is ideal for manual trickling and QA checkweighing, but can also be used as a balance for the automated trickle process. Grain (gn) is also a standard unit here.
Sartorius Entris II series
The high-class, elegant Entris II precision balance from Sartorius, known for its quality and precision, is undoubtedly something for connoisseurs. Equipped with proven interfaces, a modern touchscreen and internal test weight, it is also compatible with autotricklers and can also supply data to an ERP. Of course, it can weigh in the unit of measurement grain.
More precision scales in the ESSMANN Scales Shop
Conclusion: The choice of scales depends on precision, interfaces, robustness and price. Models from A&D, Kern and Sartorius meet the requirements for use in reloading and can display all grains (gn) as a unit of measurement. The decisive factor is that the scale works reliably and can be integrated into the existing infrastructure.
10. why ESSMANN is a good partner for reloaders
ESSMANN is a Scale construction companywhich has been developing, building and using scales in industry, trade and laboratories since 1860. Today, ESSMANN covers the entire spectrum from ultra-microbalances to rail scales and, according to independent analyses, is one of the fastest-growing medium-sized companies in Germany. The fast and experienced Service covers maintenance, adjustment, calibration, verification and repair and supports you in all matters relating to weighing technology.
For you as a shooting club, reloading company or gunsmith, this means in concrete terms:
- Technical advice instead of carton logistics
We know the typical reloader setups, from simple precision scales with manual trickling to autotrickler integration with A&D laboratory scales, and support you in the selection, interface and integration into your process. - Think measurement chain from a single source
Scales, test weights, environment, documentation and service are planned as a system. A random series of individual purchases from the cheapest store harbors risks in terms of reliability and precision. - Long-term availability and service points
With locations and service centers throughout Germany, ESSMANN is a full-service provider for maintenance, calibration and repair. - B2B processes that suit you
Offers, delivery conditions and services are designed for industry, trade, public institutions and associations – including appropriate documentation for audits and internal approvals.
If your ammunition workshop or company is involved in producing special series with auto-tricklers or high-precision laboratory work as a team, the scales are the heart of your measuring chain, and this is exactly where an experienced scale manufacturer pays off as a partner. Let us check together which scales, which accessories and which service modules will set up your reloading workshop so that you benefit from reliability and consistency.
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