Anyone still use these? I have an RCBS 5*10 that is like new. Was going to ask about $65.00 SHIPPED, but not sure if there is a need any more?? Also have a cover for it. Just Wondering??

I've reloaded since 1979, and I've yet to own a digital. The RCBS 505 has been the only scale for me. So, there are those around that prefer old school.

That's a decent price. Post it over at the FS forum, and see what happens. It could go quickly.

Had my 505 since 1976. I use it all the time.

I own an electric scale, but still depend on my RCBS 5.0.5. for most all my reloading. They just plain work. I have seen too many "weird" readings with digital scales to trust them 100%. Sure, it will sell, but I would keep it if you still reload.

Larry

If I had 65 bucks, I'd ask you to send it to me right now.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I have both digital and balance beam scales. I use my Redding balance a lot more than I use my Lyman digital, mainly because these days I load a lot more handgun ammo than rifle. For rifle, I use the Lyman digital more.

I have one, works fine. Get a set of check weights if you can.

I have both a RCBS 10-10 and a commercial grade digital. The 10-10 is my primary scale; the digital is for quick weight checks. Check eBay to see what they sell for there.

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"Your other right........."

I thought about getting a digital scale , and hearing about fluctuations on readings . decided to stay with my lee beam scale, I sure do trust it a lot, and the way I use it doesn't take any more time to use than anything else. they are very dependable

I have a PACT digital and a Redding beam. I use the PACT to rough in the setting of the beam and then nothing but the beam for final weight. The PACT gets me to within .1 gr, more or less. All you need to do is run test weights on the digital and see if there is any consistency. I haven't found any yet having tried 3 digital scales. I always come back to my Redding magnetic which damps very fast and is always DEAD NUTZ to my test weights.

Sold my rcbs 10-10 but still have my lyman d5. I doubt I'll ever make the switch to digital. Had 2 fail me in relatively short order. My d5 is showing it'd age but still reads true (check weights used). I'd like to find another of this style as a back up though. Like a 5-0-5 or another d5 etc. great scale and quick to set up.

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Jim

The problem with my Lyman digital is drifting over time. About the only way to cope with this is to hit the auto zero button fairly frequently while weighing. It's now second nature for me to do that. I make 4 or 5 weighings, then punch the zero button. Another feature I do not care for is that after you plug it in and turn it on, it needs to "warm up" for about 15 minutes before you can use it. Not too objectionable, but my Redding has no warmup period requirement.

For a long time, back in my early period of reloading, I used an antique double pan pharmacist's balance (which was graduated in grains). A little slow, but it worked OK. I still have it, but don't use it. You could weigh up to 15 grains using the slider alone without any counterweights, but I made up a number of 10 grain and 25 grain counterweights for making heavier weighings.

I also have an Ohaus quad-beam damped lab balance for weighing heavier stuff, which will go up to 300 grams (not grains), roughly 4500 grains, with a precision of 0.01 grams (about 0.15 grains). But you must convert from grams to grains (15.4 grains/gram). Excellent for checking bullet and case weight consistency.

Personally, I feel the 510 is the best scale for the money ever sold by RCBS. 65 seems a bit high to me but it will probably sell quickly cause that is a delivered price. I bought an Ohaus 10-10 recently for 45 bucks at a gun show

I've used a RCBS 5-0-5 (badged Ohaus) since 1974 and am in no hurry to change. I've read too many complaints about wandering zero, inconsistent weights, long warm up, etc., to be in a big hurry to change.

I've got a set of laboratory weights that I use as check weights and my unit is always right on.

Balance Beam used here...own no other.

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C & L

RCBS 5-0-5 here too, don't use anything else, and don't expect to

I've used the RCBS 510 for decades. Bought the RCBS digital about 18 months ago. Love it. However, I still check the the digital powder weighed out on the balance beam before I begin full production, and then check it again every 50 rounds.

Still don't truct electronics but I got say the RCBS digital doesn't drift.

Old school and smart reloaders use them. My first was a Redding #1, bought in 1967. RCBS 5-0-5 was next, in 2012 . Bought used on E-bay for $35.00.
Should always keep one to double check electronic and if the batteries fail right in the middle of a loading session.
The RCBS is a good unit and someone will want it. If I were you I would keep it.... if you ever want to buy one it's going to cost you a lot more than $65.00.

Been using a beam scale since I started loading 12 years or so ago and will never get a digital. Price + problems(regularly reported here) rule them out for me.

Regards,
Andy

I just bought a used, made in the USA by Ohaus, RCBS 1010 for less than 70.00 bucks. Very little wear and with the help of RCBS, it will be back in like new condition in a few days. They are sky high on ebay.

I have used a Pacific M since the mid 70's and it is still in good shape. I have no need for a digital.

I have a RCBS 10-10 scale and a 5-10 scale. So I have no real need of any electronic backup. Electronics fail, as do batteries. But with proper care, those mechanical scales will not, as long as you don't damage the bearing surfaces and pivot arms.

BTW, the first scale I used when I was a kid was a Redding #1 my Dad had too, in the 1960s.

I've used an RCBS 10-10 ever since the water dried up and land re-appeared after the BIG flood.......Have an RCBS pro 1000(I think) that is NIB that has been sitting on the shelf for years.......Dat ansa yo?

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S&W Accumulator

Almost immediately, this thread drifted into the " old guy/ balance beam vs. electronic scale" debate, but I'm with you. Tried an electronic scale once and found no advantage.

Purchased a used 505 from a forum member. Got some check weights. I put in on a dead level shelf that is off my reloading table. I have had to adjust the zero once. Check weights on dead on.

Just don't see the need for something else.

"Ain't broke, so I'm not fixin' it."

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Reg. Magnum wants/Rossi wallet

Took an offer so I guess that is that- THANKS for all the input--

A debate on the "reloading section? Say it isn't so!

Where are the Blue Kool-Aid drinkers or the wet tumblers?

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Still Running Against the Wind

Same story here! I had a conversation with a PA "Weights and measures" guy once and he told me as long as a "beam balance" scale had no damage and would "zero" it will work just fine. It happens that when it it get's to firearms and related things I'm getting a bit antsy about anything with batteries. Weapon lights excepted of course, just buy top notch is all.

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Stay safe people!

Are we older guys being attacked because we have old tools that still work? I saw it on another thread just minutes ago about why ole guys carry wheel guns. I like electronic gadgets as much as anybody, have a "smart" phone, several computers, electronic tuners for my musical instruments, but being old fashioned about our likes and dislikes doesn't mean we are out of date. A fine wheel gun, shotgun or a nice Martin guitar that doesn't have to be plugged in doesn't make me out of touch.

Now wait a gosh darn minute!. Did someone call refer to me as "old"

A quality balance beam trumps a cheap arse electric any day of the week! A high quality electric is fine. but most are not, unless you pay some good money for one.

I have both and prefer the balance beam, it will always work anything electronic (anything) not a matter of if but when it will malfunction.

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Still Running Against the Wind

Don't take my post wrong, I think the digital scale is the way to go. I bought the RCBS after a lot of research. it's the most expensive but it's very reliable. Per the instructions, I calibrate it before every use. Then I check it agaisnt my balance beam. My cartridge block holds 50, so I charge 50 and usually move to the press. If I don't, I weight another round and check it against my balance beam.

The digital has taught me that a smidgen off on the balance beam (which I used to accept) is up to 2 grains over. So the digitial is way more consistent. I won't give up the balance beam but I won't go back to using it fro every charge.

I hope you mean .2 grains!

My d5 has .1 marks on it and it's on with the check weights. I have grown accustomed to those marks and to be .2grain off would be noticed right away. I'm not hammering you on your decision for digital, just saying maybe your beam was not working right?

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Jim

[QUOTE=Beemer-mark;

The digital has taught me that a smidgen off on the balance beam (which I used to accept) is up to 2 grains over. So the digitial is way more consistent. I won't give up the balance beam but I won't go back to using it fro every charge.[/QUOTE]

My old and new Redding beam scales show 1/10th grain per graduation and it is dead nutz accurate.

Stu

I use a Lyman DOS 1200 and verify with a balanced beam scale. Where a digital scale really comes n to play is weight sorting cast bullets and as a system. I like the ability to do something else while the powder is being dispensed, just do not trust it without verifying every 10 rounds.

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Front sight and squeeze

For weighing individual powder charges, it's hard to beat a beam scale for simple, consistent reliability. I started with a 505 and used it for more than a decade. Decided I ought to modernize and got a Dillon digital scale, which was just peachy for a year or two - as long as I turned it on and let it warm up for a while before use. But after a while it started to drift pretty quickly after a zero, and finally I just gave up on it.

Research seemed to indicate that any of the commonly offered digital reloading scales were not likely to offer long term accuracy and stability. Since I didn't want to spend a grand on a powder scale, I went back to the 505 beam.

When I decided I ought to have a backup beam scale, just in case, research suggested that the Lyman M5 was among the most accurate. Found one on ebay, and that's what I use now. VERY sensitive (1 granule of Varget moves the needle). And I have adapted to the 2-poise system it uses. If I had it to do over, I'd get another one.

If I did bullet sorting by weight, there's no doubt that a digital scale is the way to go, and I'd have one of the usual, affordable, models for that purpose. But for powder work, whether setting a measure or trickling up individual long range rifle rounds for a match, I'd take a beam scale any day.

"(1 grain of Varget moves the needle)"

You mean one granule.

I did. It was late. I fixed it. Thanks for the catch.

I pretty much use a balance beam RCBS 304 or the Ohaus version of it for checking powder but I do use a RCBS Chargemaster for close to max or max rifle loads..max pistol loads too I also have an older Dillon Electronic that is very reliable esp when plugged in. Battery power? I might trust it if the battery is new or close to it.

we just sent our RCBS 1010 in for warranty work.. they sent us a NIB 505..free. postage paid.. with the notation that they no longer sell or service 1010's... ours was listed as worn out.

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be safe,enjoylife,journey well

It's not a hard and fast rule, but generally you have to put some money, about $100 plus, to get a long lasting, digital scale that doesn't develop drift or some other problem after a few weeks of use.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I've used my current scale, an RCBS (Ohaus) 1010 for maybe 30 yrs, and had an oil-damped Redding before that. I was a machinist/toolmaker for 35 yrs and don't own a digital caliper, either. Why depend on something that requires a battery? Mechanical for me!

Larry

I have been using the RCBS 5-10 scale since 1979. I don't own a digital scale.

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James
On the Llano Estacado

I still have my Browne and Sharp slide calipers from 1965 or so. But I can't see well enough to read them. I finally bought a cheap digital that works well enough for home projects. No digital scales though.

I have a RCBS 505 and a 40 plus year old Ohaus 1010 that both work very well. However I have a Hornady GS 1500 and a LNL bench scale and both of those electronic scales have been just as accurate as the two beam scales.
In my opinion as long as either work for you and are checked for being accurate then its all good.

Well lets see if the digitals last 40 yrs like the Ohaus! I did have an old Dillon digital that I sold recently. One of the older ones that would weigh up to 1500 grains. It was still working just fine. Power supply thingie quit years ago and I found one at Goodwill to replace it...for a quarter.

Well I really don't think I will be around in 40 years and if I am I'll be drooling and leaking and won't care. Like I said either one works for me. How long will the electronic ones last for? I really don't know but so far they do and that's ok with me.

Question for all the long time users of the RCBS 1010 beam scale.

The "tenths" sticky on scale above the dial: Do you find that the grain lines are accurate with the dial? I received the replacement sticky for mine today. After installing it, I calibrated the scale by adding or taking out shot from the pan holder. Then started checking with check weights and dialing the correct weights. I found the tenth markings to be off. I would think a person must use the dial for accurate weighing and the tenth scale for reference, is this your thinking?

I said that tongue in cheek. The Dillon I sold was about 20 yrs if I remember correctly. Hope the guy that bought it gets 20 more. I do have another old 1500 gr Dillon. I still use the old 304 RCBS and the matching Ohaus. My first Chargemaster lasted 2 days

I'm sure you did. I just don't know what the big deal is though with scales. I use both and have had no issues as of yet with them. One thing that I do with the electronic scales is once the number comes up I remove whatever it is that I'm weighing. I never leave any weight on the scale and zero it often.
Maybe I'm lucky as the two that I have have been right on what Hornady says they will do. But maybe they will **** out next week.
I am a refrigeration tech and use electronic scales all the time. Haven't used a mechanical scale in many years. But if you leave weight on it and are rough with it then yes it goes for ****.

I dunno. Maybe my real problem with the electronics is that almost every one is Made in China. But I had a made in the USA Pact that died fairly quickly and a Hornady and Lymans a couple of times. All crapped out fairly quickly. The 2nd Chargemaster has been ok but the need to zero a lot leaves me questioning the true weight on the digitals. After a year RCBS will replace theirs for half retail cost or so I was told. I saw on the Brian Enos site that he sells a digital with a lifetime warranty....and as someone stated here..the RCBS lifetime warranty on the 10-10 scale is no longer. Not knocking them in particular just kinda thinking out loud. All that said and I still like the idea of a good electronic scale!!

Still using the Redding scale I bought in about '64.
It works for me so I continue with it.
I admit I really don't care for electronic gadgets very much. They frustrate me to no end.

But what ever works for you is best. There are plenty of great products out there for reloaders and we can be thankful for that.