Here are my thoughts on the scales and methods used to weigh pellets.
We should focus on three key aspects:
**Accuracy** - Is the measurement correct when the scale indicates that a pellet weighs 1.175 grams? Is it necessary for us? Alternatively, are we more concerned about consistency so we can categorize all pellets of a given weight together?
**Precision**—Your scale should be able to read at least two decimal places, but preferably three. If a scale with two decimal places shows that two pellets weigh 1.15 grams each, one pellet could weigh 1.15 grams, while the other could weigh 1.59 grams. Therefore, three decimal points are necessary for precise measurements.
**Repeatability**—This is the most critical aspect. If I weigh a tin full of pellets, I need to ensure that the weight of each pellet reads the same at the beginning and end of my session. Otherwise, what's the point?
Additionally, when choosing a scale, consider the weight of the pellets you are measuring. If you shoot pellets that weigh between 1 to 3 grams, a scale that can measure 50 grams or more may not be ideal, as your measurements would be at the lower end of its range. Instead, look for a scale rated closer to the weights you typically measure. Since I only shoot .22 caliber pellets, I prefer a scale measuring 0 to 20 grams. (Finding a budget-friendly scale with a smaller range can be challenging.)
It's also worth noting that most scales include a calibration weight for their upper weight limits. For example, a 50-gram scale often comes with a 50-gram weight. My scale, however, has a 10-gram weight, which allows me to verify its accuracy much closer to what I typically measure.
Scales come with valuable instructions, such as allowing them to stabilize at the ambient temperature where they are being utilized and ensuring that the surface they rest on is level and stable.
I routinely check the calibration of my scale with the designated weight approximately every twenty pellets to ensure that it hasn’t drifted and to confirm that its accuracy has not been affected by my overloading it during pellet insertion or removal. It doesn't take much.
Please let me know if any of this was helpful.
Geneeus
We should focus on three key aspects:
**Accuracy** - Is the measurement correct when the scale indicates that a pellet weighs 1.175 grams? Is it necessary for us? Alternatively, are we more concerned about consistency so we can categorize all pellets of a given weight together?
**Precision**—Your scale should be able to read at least two decimal places, but preferably three. If a scale with two decimal places shows that two pellets weigh 1.15 grams each, one pellet could weigh 1.15 grams, while the other could weigh 1.59 grams. Therefore, three decimal points are necessary for precise measurements.
**Repeatability**—This is the most critical aspect. If I weigh a tin full of pellets, I need to ensure that the weight of each pellet reads the same at the beginning and end of my session. Otherwise, what's the point?
Additionally, when choosing a scale, consider the weight of the pellets you are measuring. If you shoot pellets that weigh between 1 to 3 grams, a scale that can measure 50 grams or more may not be ideal, as your measurements would be at the lower end of its range. Instead, look for a scale rated closer to the weights you typically measure. Since I only shoot .22 caliber pellets, I prefer a scale measuring 0 to 20 grams. (Finding a budget-friendly scale with a smaller range can be challenging.)
It's also worth noting that most scales include a calibration weight for their upper weight limits. For example, a 50-gram scale often comes with a 50-gram weight. My scale, however, has a 10-gram weight, which allows me to verify its accuracy much closer to what I typically measure.
Scales come with valuable instructions, such as allowing them to stabilize at the ambient temperature where they are being utilized and ensuring that the surface they rest on is level and stable.
I routinely check the calibration of my scale with the designated weight approximately every twenty pellets to ensure that it hasn’t drifted and to confirm that its accuracy has not been affected by my overloading it during pellet insertion or removal. It doesn't take much.
Please let me know if any of this was helpful.
Geneeus