I started reloading in 1964 with a Lyman Ammo-Maker kit (310 tool, casting pot, dipper, and mould). The caliber was .38 Special/.357 Magnum and my revolver was a Colt .357 that I bought used for $60. My next purchase was a can of Bullseye powder, 200 primers, and a Redding powder and bullet scale. I now reload 15 different cartridges from .25 ACP to .454 Casull. The 310 tool lasted about 1 year before I traded up to a Lyman Spar-T turret press.

However, I still use the original Redding balance beam 325 grain scale for all my reloading. It's still in the original box or out on my bench. When I got the scale I was a graduate student in chemistry and used some of the finest Mettler analytical balances. I used one of these to make a set of 5 check weights from lengths of copper wire. They weigh between 3.11 and 14.75 grains, which pretty much covered my powder weights at the time with Bullseye, Unique, and 2400. I use the check weights periodically and they are always spot on, which amazes me. I just used them and that's what prompted this thread.

My Redding scale is relatively new compared to yours; hardly more than forty years old. Unless one spends a lot of money, electronic scales don't come close to the accuracy and long-term reliability of a balance beam scale, even an inexpensive model.

My old 505 balance bar scale is still working but I need to tap the tip
now and thento make sure it is working right.

It is just telling me it is almost time for a cleaning, to remove all the dust
and what ever, that has settled on it, since the last cleaning, 2 years ago ?

I toss a light weight cloth over it when I am through using it, which works for me.

If you don't drop them, they will last a long time and keep ticking.

I started with a Pacific model M balance beam scale. I have no idea how many thousands of charges I weighed with that scale. I retired it about 20 years ago when I went digital. Now I use a RCBS Chargemaster. It's a great piece of equipment. The Pacific scale now lives in its original box with the $17.50 price tag on it.

I started loading in 1968, my group of family deer hunters wanted to load all our 3006 deer guns for less pay at the store, so we bought a complete set of reloading stuff from Herters. Somewhere in the early 1970s I bought an Ohaus 10-10 scale. Wow at the loads it has weighed over the years. I have never bought into the digital scale idea, using the old 10-10 for everything. They bring huge money today, because they appear to be still at the top of the heap in 2021. I think I sold our joint ownership old Herters scale decades ago. I have not shot factory ammo in anything in the past 40-50 years. The guys that are wining at the rifle precison long range stuff do not use digital scales, only beam scales. That is a huge statement for those that want to listen.

They may not want to listen. In today's world of speedy appeasement, it's probably a real chore for some to sit still long enough to use a balance beam scale. Second rate is good enough.

Have been using the same Redding scale since back in the 1970s. It still works fine. Like you, I once made up a set of weights myself using an analytical lab balance. I haven't used them for a long time. When I first started reloading in the 1960s I started out using an old (very old) 2-pan pharmacy scale, would weigh up to 15 grains without weights on the other pan.

I use my RCBS 5-0-5 scale so much over the years the blade seat wore out. I called RCBS to see if it could be repaired and they said send it to them. They changed the blade and the blade seat and also replaced the beam because they said it was worn past their specs. They sent it back within 2 weeks, no charge, not even the for postage. I only paid to send it to them. I'm one of the few I have heard of that actually wore out a 5-0-5 because they are so good. But, after all, it was used a lot over the past 25 years lol.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

How long have beam scales been around? Prettty much since weighing began. At least the concept of a beam scale.

Balance beam scales are pretty much “bullet proof”. I use an electronic scale now but always check the first load with a hornady balance beam.

I use the same RCBS balance beam scale that I bought in the early 70's. It just keeps on working perfectly. I think it will see me through until the estate sale. I wish I knew how many thousands of loads I have put together using that old scale to set up and check weights. I just guess it was made pre China everything which could explain partly the longevity.

A tip................Or how I fixed my RCBS 10-10 scale that wouldn't balance anymore. Take off the white pan that the powder pan sits on. On the bottom your see a screw. Take this screw out and you will see the bottom is filled with shot. Set the adjusting foot on the scale to 50%. You can add or subtract lead bird shot till you get a balance.........Fixed mine once years ago and it's good ever since.

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S&W Accumulator

Still using my 1979 RCBS balance beam scale. Works.

I have a few scales.

The first was a Ohas/RCBS 5-0-5 that is fantastic.

The second is an 30 year old Hornady "Magnetic Dampened" beam scale. I works a little faster than the 5-0-5 and may be a little more accurate than the 5-0-5 too, I believe it is the 50% longer bar and the larger graduations for the weight!

My third scale is a 9V Dope scale, I got from a pile we couldn't set out during an eviction! It goes to the range when load development is happening. These are, "Bring your own powder pan" but for around $20, not bad!

My fourth is a Dillon Beam scale. What a piece of junk $69.95 + tax wasted!

Ivan

We won't talk about the lying bathroom scale!

Oh yeah, those Mettler balances were incredible! I worked as a lab tech
in the late 60’s. We used both the regular balances and the micro balance too. My RCBS used beam balance continues to work well. Willyboy

On an early teeter - totter it was one Goliath vs. 2 Davids, or so I'm told...?

re: the 1st balance beam scale.

Cheers!

I could tell a similar story, loading for about 35 years, but I recently took the plunge and bought a digital scale. I also have check weights for testing. I now find myself using the digital scale almost always. It’s nice because I start adjusting for one charge, then fine tune my measure by throwing ten charges on the scale at one time. With the digital, I don’t have to reset a beam for this. I just use the simplest Hornady battery powered scale, and I’m pleased with it.

However, the old beam scale is still scary accurate and can get the job done.

I have only one scale, the one I bought in the 1980's when I started reloading. It is a Lyman 1000 and it has never failed.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I, too, started out with a Herter's Model 3 reloading kit 1975. The scale was undampened and just thinking about air movement would cause it to start rocking. In '79 I upgraded to an RCBS 505 that I've been using ever since without issue. It stays in the original box until used. An occasional wiping of the pivot points with a lint-free cloth once in a while keeps it going just fine.

My first scale was a Redding #1 , oil dampened ... you had to fill the little reservoir with 3 N 1 oil ...that was a messy situation if I ever saw one . I used it for 40 years ... it was stolen in a home break in ...
I had to buy another ...a RCBS 5-0-5 with Magnetic Dampening !!!
Oh sweet Lord , why did I wait so long to discover Magnetic Dampening ... I wish that guy had stolen the Redding #1 abot 35 years ago ... The RCBS 5-0-5 is nice to use and you don't have to change the oil every 3000 miles !
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

I have four beam type scales and three electronic scales. The one I use most is my old Redding No.1 that my father used in the 1950's. He gave it to me when I started reloading.

Just added pictures of the scale. It is about 64+ years old.

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	Redding1.jpg (197.8 KB, 38 views)

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I prefer a beam scale over all those electronic gizmos. My RCBS 505 has performed flawlessly for years.

My Redding 1 started getting a little glitchy but I thought it would be nice to have a bit of statuary in the loading area so I bought a new one with the magnetic damping. Ahhhh, such a nice scale.

Stu

I use an RCBS 5-0-2 but I keep my Dad's old Webster WR-1 scale on the bench for sentimental reasons. It was purchased about the time I was born in '62 and of all the toddler-mesmerising gadgets on his bench I remember liking that scale best.

The info sheet makes great emphasis of the "hydraulic damping" feature, which involves a paddle that dangles into a small jar of oil (this was before magnetic dampening). It was missing the pan when bought used but Dad expertly crafted one that looks great. It is still as accurate as my RCBS and I'd use it except I know I would be spilling that oil jar at least twice a month.

Dean in Arkansas

I've got 2 scales, with both over 20yrs old. 1st one is an Ohaus/Rcbs 505 that I purchased in '87. 2nd one is a Dillon digital, bought around '97. Found that when loading for my 6.5 Creedmoor, I could get SD's in the 7-9 range while using the Dillon SD's were around the low 20's.

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Peace was my Profession

I started reloading around 1975, and the powder scale I started with, and still use today is an old Redding beam scale that my dad bought in the mid '50s. It worked great 65+ years ago and still works great today. I never saw a need to update.

Best regards,

Look sort of like the one that I posted Post#21. Works good, lasts a long time.........

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

My RCBS 10-10 scale is 35 years old and works perfectly fine. The KEY to having a mechanical scale last a long time is to NEVER leave it set up when you are not using it.

Or maybe they just realize that super-precision is pointless in handgun and hunting ammo. That's like putting a race-tune on your Smart Car.

I've used both. I can't tell the difference on paper. Digital is much easier to use.

Yep, looks just like it except that the pan is a little different.

Best regards,

Yes and my ancestors used a Sears catalog at the outhouse - but times have changed.

I moved away from my Pacific balance beam at least a decade ago and went digital. I can't imagine going back.

Lyman sells a nice check weight set (60 grains total) that covers all my needs.

This is my Ohaus 311 (311 grams) quad-beam balance. While powder can be weighed with it accurately (precision is 0.01 grams = 0.1543 grains), it is more useful for weighing bullets and cases. Of course, you must convert grams to grains, but that is not really necessary if you are grouping bullets and cases by weight. Note the magnetic dampener.

I use the 5-0-5 for setting up the powder measure. I have a digital scale and I find it best suited for sorting cast bullets.

1978 RCBS/Ohaus beam scale. Reliable, Simple, and
Easy to use.

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2429EE4C-521E-4373-85AE-C8E4ACE5283D.jpg (79.0 KB, 14 views)

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SD social distanc'n since 1889

Maybe a poor comparison with the outhouse, though newer often doesn't mean better. It may mean nothing more than different, quite to the alarm of the upgraders. However, with scales, like anything else, there are always exceptions.

If your digital scale is as accurate as a balance beam scale, doesn't have to be frequently checked for such accuracy, and is not temperamental, your unit is far better than most, except for the very expensive models that few handloaders buy. You're fortunate.

$35 for a digital scale that:

• takes up 1/4 the bench space
• sets up in 1/10th the time of my balance beam
• Is quickly verified accurate with check weights
• is 10x faster at settling a measurement
• offers measurement conversions

And mine has lasted 8 years so far.

When it comes to reloading, digital is the way to go - IMHO. I've been reloading since 1970 and I'm still learning new things.

No complaint about digital scales. While I have not abandoned my Ohaus and my Redding by any means, I do have a Lyman digital scale/dispenser I use for some rifle calibers. Have been using it for over 10 years with no serious problems. Only problem is the setup time is fairly long if you don't leave it out on your workspace and plugged in all the time.

When I started reloading I bought a RCBS Rock chucker unit which came with 505 scale a set of dies and some other stuff I don't remember. It wasn't long before I added a Uniflow powder measure and not long after that I figured the time to get the powder measure adjusted I could have loaded several shells. When I started shooting prairie dogs I bought a RCBS electronic measure and scale. It also takes some time to regulate to the powder and needs to be recalibrated several times. Now if I have less than 100 cases to load I use a bowl, spoon and my 505 scale
It's fast and accurate.

All I use now are electronic scales. I use a chargemaster for rifle loading.
I have a Harrels measure set up to drop on a electronic scale. I weigh each charge. Both scales have calibration weights.
Usually I can find a bullet that weighs close to my charge weight. With the Harrels for pistols. I use a paper clip. It weighs 6.5 grains.
I check when I start and several times during a loadind session.

Coins can make good check weights - specifically mint-new. New uncirculated coins are very consistent in their weights. 1 gram = 15.43 grains.
Sizes, Weights, Diameters of ALL U.S. Coins [Imperial & Metric] 2020

My +40-year-old RCBS 5.10 still performs yeoman service!

Just bought this from the LGS for $20.00. Probably came from an estate that they bought.

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RCBS304Scale.jpg (134.5 KB, 15 views)

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I wish I had bought one of those when they were still in production.

Any idea what these sold for? Or what it is worth?

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I think retail was around $125.00 or so twenty years ago, but that's a guess. I don't know when they went out of production. I wouldn't buy one of these (or any other scale) used without being able to examine it first.

Thanks for the info. I am not thinking of selling it. For beam type scales I have a Redding No.1, a Lyman D7, a RCBS 10-10 and Lee scale, and of course now this one. These are in my collection. My Wife, Daughter and Grandkids will get to figure out what to do with it when I cross the Rainbow Bridge. Hopefully, not for a long time yet.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I have a Lyman 505 Accuscale that was gifted to me by a friend and works quite well for my use. I do have a Lyman M5 somewhere in my stash of stuff. Most of my reloading involves blackpowder loads for my Spencer carbine or Trail Boss for my converted 3rd model dragoon in 45LC.