RCBS 10-10 scale

[SW CQB 45]

I have had this scale for some time.

I used it alot in the 90s and 2000s.

I noticed it started giving multiple readings for the same charge and no longer trusted it, so I parked it.

In 2012ish, I read where RCBS would check the calibration and wanted to do that. My plans were to send it back to get it checked out.

I boxed it and then forgot about till last week when I found it. I had been using an old RCBS 304 scale in the mean time. I like the simplicity of the 10-10.

I called RCBS and they will still check the calibration.

anyone get their scale checked by RCBS?

did it come back fixed?

 

[dannyabear]

I have 2 of them bought in the 70s, both still work great

 

[dannyabear]

Do you have the check weight that comes with them? Maintainence is simple, wipe off the blades on the beam and clean the pivot points with a q-tip moistened with alcohol, keep covered when not in use, dust is their enemy

 

[dannyabear]

Also, DO NOT try to put oil on the pivot points

 

[SW CQB 45]

I cleaned it back then.

I also used the check weights.

the indicator showed a different reading for the same powder measure and check weights.

RCBS told me that if they cannot fix it, I have two choices....

get it back
or
replace it will a current model

she said the 10-10 was a better scale than their offerings today.

I might mess with it one more time before I decide to send back.

 

[dannyabear]

I would try to save it, all of the new stuff is made in china

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

It was made for RCBS by Ohas and uses the same name. I have a 5-0-5, my best friend has a 5-0-5 from the early 70's and is still going strong. Before sending it back to RCBS see is Ohas has any tips on their website. (Also check that you have the original pan, they very in weight!)

I also have an older (1986) Hornady scale that has stayed in adjustment all these years, Because I never dropped it!

I also have the Eliminator by Dillon, a $70 piece of junk!

I have the fancy digital scale that works with my electronic powder dispenser. The Hornady is as accurate and faster than a digital!

If you need a new scale, the least expensive way to go is a cheap battery operated scale. Mine does Grams, grains, pennyweight, and karats. I checked it with RCBS check weights, turns out to be the best scale I have. I found a stack of them in a doper's apartment when I evicted him, but they cost about $10-20. Head shops carry them, and coin dealers.

 

[Hairtrigger]

The bearing surface of the balance beam may not be sharp anymore due to wear?
There are people that tune and rebuild these great scales.... don't let RCBS keep it!

 

[chief38]

I have had this scale for some time.

I used it alot in the 90s and 2000s.

I noticed it started giving multiple readings for the same charge and no longer trusted it, so I parked it.

In 2012ish, I read where RCBS would check the calibration and wanted to do that. My plans were to send it back to get it checked out.

I boxed it and then forgot about till last week when I found it. I had been using an old RCBS 304 scale in the mean time. I like the simplicity of the 10-10.

I called RCBS and they will still check the calibration.

anyone get their scale checked by RCBS?

did it come back fixed?

Most likely, they will either repair it or send you a brand new one! They are pretty reputable although not as quick as Dillon. The part that wears usually is the Nylon pivot point. You should never leave the scale in the set up position for any longer than necessary (don't know if you do - just saying) as that is typically what wears them to the point of unrepeatability.

PS: I too like the 10-10 more than I like Digital Scales. No real reason to distrust the Digital ones - but I just like the mechanical version better.

 

[Skeet 028]

RCBS will replace the scale ith one of the newer scales. They don't have parts for the 10-10 or the 510 either. I bought the last 8 a wholesale company had on closeout last year. Sold them in short order for 100 bucks each. The 510 and 10-10 were the best scales RCBS ever sold for the cost.Try to find incomplete 10-10s on fleabay or the parts to make yours whole again. I also buy them at gun shows for (typically) 40-50 bucks in exc condition. I recently got a 510 in the box for 20 bucks. Be bold and make an offer. I still use my RCBS 304s

 

[bigggbbruce]

My 10-10 had been in use for 20 years.. one day while roaming an indoor flea market, I saw one like new, I paid $20 and went home.

Went to load up some rounds using my original scale.. It started acting up and I couldn't get it to weigh correctly.

Put the new one into action and moved on..Lucky find..

 

[H Richard]

My 10-10 has been in use for about 34 years, and using it is just 2nd nature. I have a set of check weights, and do calibrate it from time to time but usually doesn't need much tweaking.

 

[socal s&w]

I too bought one at a sale for $10. Took it to a local O'Haus scale dealership and they checked and verified that it was dead on.
My friend had a 10-10 and his was slightly off. So we made certain that it was on a level surface, adjusted the 'front' leg to midpoint and checked it with the one I just had certified. Sure enough it was off. So we removed the pan holder, which has small lead shot in it and proceeded to adjust by cutting a smashed #8 lead shot ball into very small slivers and added to the pan, then rechecked. It took a very short time to get it squared away, but it has been perfect since.
There is also a guy online that works on and sells these scales, might try a Google (its your friend) search and see if you can locate him.

 

[ron_c]

I too bought one at a sale for $10. Took it to a local O'Haus scale dealership and they checked and verified that it was dead on.
My friend had a 10-10 and his was slightly off. So we made certain that it was on a level surface, adjusted the 'front' leg to midpoint and checked it with the one I just had certified. Sure enough it was off. So we removed the pan holder, which has small lead shot in it and proceeded to adjust by cutting a smashed #8 lead shot ball into very small slivers and added to the pan, then rechecked. It took a very short time to get it squared away, but it has been perfect since.
There is also a guy online that works on and sells these scales, might try a Google (its your friend) search and see if you can locate him.

I was about to post this very same thing. In my case, the tab broke off the original brass pan. I ordered a new pan and it weighed heavier and to adjust, the adjustment screw had to be screwed a long distance.

I did the same thing, first getting it zeroed with the old pan and tab and then opened the holder and started removing shot until it would zero with the new pan.

My 10-10 scale has the Ohaus name on the scale and on the box and is gray in color. This was when Ohaus sold their scale under their own name.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Bought my Ohaus 10-10 in 1974, like new condition in the factory box with instructions. Paid $20 cash to a guy who tried reloading and decided it wasn't for him.

45 years later it is still working perfectly. When not in use it is kept in the factory box. Set it up and use the check weights prior to each use. Never had a single problem.

In addition to reloading scales Ohaus made precision scales for the pharmaceutical industry and for jewelers. Their quality was always excellent.

 

[daboone]

I've collected 5 beam scales, oil damping Redding, Lyman M5, Lee Safety Scale, Ohaus 10-10 and a new Redding #2. Those are the ones I've kept. All except both Reddings were used when I got them. The used ones needed some DIY cleaning and leveling to get them to agree with a scale weight set.

I used isopropyl alcohol rags and q-tips to clean with. The beams, knife edges and their V-pivots all collect crud and need to be cleaned.

I had one M5 thats beam was very slightly bent so check that too.

On the Ohaus and the RCBS Ohaus types (but not the M5) the
magnets can fall out. (See image)

The knife edges should be checked for a nice clean straight edge. Not uncommon for these edges to show dark and bright areas which indicate they need to be sharpened. (good luck)

The micrometer types that have thumb threaded adjustments also need to be gently cleaned. These have been known to get worn and fail to stay put unless the set screw is tightened.

The scale's leveling both fore and aft, port and starboard really does make a difference. Of course the AC and fans can mess up the scales, turn them off or build a covered leveling platform.

These suggestions may or may not help but are worth the effort before giving up on a beam scale.

 

[rkittine]

If it is an original Ohaus made scale from New Jersey, you can send it to Scott Parker (www.accurtateshooter.com) and for $85.00 he will turn it into the second best beam scale there is. First is his Lyman M5 conversions.