Any recommendations on reloading scale ?

[iouri]

I've been researching reloading option for quite a while now. I am pretty much decided on the press, tumbler but I can't make up my mind about the scale. Beam or digital; what brand. It seems no matter what model I pick there are at least few negative (1 out 5 rating) reviews Please help me there cause I am lost

 

[max]

I started with a set of beam scales 40 years ago and still use them to set up my powder measure. I would suggest you take a look at EBAY.

 

[swampersand]

Beam scales have a lot of merit if you want to use a load that is possible to be duplicated with volumetric measures like are available in sets of more than a dozen sizes like measuring spoons. The benefits include speed and repeatability as long as your load is a full measure. The disadvantages include the possibility of overcharging if your charge consists of more than one measure and you lose count (it will happen) so you need to keep the load to a single measure. You will also need to establish the volume to weight relationship for each powder you load because of the differences in weight and shape of the grains.

Digital scales are very nice and allow simple adustments to the tenth of a grain and are capable of very good accuracy. The downside of digital is that you start believing the number on the front panel and it can be severly affected by RFI (radio frequency interference) which is what you get a lot of with fluorescent lighting, television, computers and many other electronic devices. These common devices are all capable of throwing off the accuracy and repeatability of digital scales causing very flaky operation, frequent recalibration, rezeroing and suspicious readings. Careful attention to placing and using the scale in a location recommended by the manufacturer is essential. This area needs to be carefully studied.

Either type of scale can be affected by wind currents, so fans and air duct placement need to be considered.

All in all, I'll be interested in what others recommend. I think I'd opt for the beam balance and a good set of measuring "spoons" for a small fraction of the cost of a good digital scale and spend part of the difference on a couple of good reloading references that contain detailed steps and safety measures you should think about.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I've had good luck with beam scales. I still have my old Herters from the '50's & it works. But my RCBS wotks well also. I have no experience with the electronic scales.

 

[wuluf]

I bought an RCBS 5-10 beam balance scale used on fleabay for about $50. It's at least 25 years old, accurate and repeatable, and RCBS still honors the life time warranty(or so I'm told). Big improvement over the Lee Safety Scale I was using...

 

[iouri]

Thanks, all for contribution and thanks swamper for a very educational post. Decided to go with beam scale RCBS 505 is on the way

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I've been using a RCBS 505 for a long time and it's an extremely accurate scale and it's easy to use. If you using your scale to verify your powder measure there's nothing like a beam scale. If you're going to weigh every charge you might want to go with a digital scale/dispenser combo. (but they are expensive)

 

[MichiganScott]

I've been using a RCBS 505 for a long time and it's an extremely accurate scale and it's easy to use. If you using your scale to verify your powder measure there's nothing like a beam scale. If you're going to weigh every charge you might want to go with a digital scale/dispenser combo. (but they are expensive)

I've used the same Ohaus 505 since 1974. RCBS even replaced the pan form free back in about 2000. Use a set of check-weights and always be sure that your charge is correct. No RFI.

 

[forestswin]

I see OP already ordered a beam scale. But still wanted to give my 2 cents. I bought a Lyman's XP 1500 for $149. I thought it was great, especially with the mounted trickler over the pan. Ends up it started displaying different measurements when I would lift the pan off of the scale. Say the pan weighs 113.9 G, I would lift pan off and it would read -113.9 - okay good, next time it would be -114.4G, next time -113.3, etc.
Bought some check weights, and display would range from dead-on to .5G high to .5G low. That's on check weights from 1G to 20G. I am loading target loads for handguns, 0.5 G to 1.0 G error just don't cut it. I sent it back to Lyman and they said after its warmup period, it was fine. I wiped it down with Windex as they suggested, and moved it to a "Safe" room, no phones, regular lightsbulbs etc. I even put it in a microwave oven (unplugged) to see if it would shield the scale from any RF interference. Nope - its just a random number generator.

I threw out 6 months of reloading data testing, because of that scale.

I found a Ohaus 10-10 at a gunshow for a good price. Its the weigh to go.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Not a bad choice on the RCBS 505. I bought a 502 a long, long, .........long time ago when money was tight. And you know, it still works just fine. I haven't seen a need to replace it.

 

[blujax01]

This is the 21st century. Quality digital scales are not affected by some mysterious radiation from lighting sources. I have loading manuals from the 1960's that caution reloaders to keep their BEAM scales away from fluorescent lighting!

Whether you choose beam or electronic - you get what you pay for. If you buy it from Harbor Freight, well...

 

[gwpercle]

Good choice...after years of using an old Redding Model 1, I found a used RCBS model 505 on ebay.....LOVE IT ! Only wish I had got it years ago.
gary

 

[tappedandtagged]

Thanks, all for contribution and thanks swamper for a very educational post. Decided to go with beam scale RCBS 505 is on the way

Very good choice. You have done well.

 

[dwpmusic]

I bought Dillon's digital and also their beam scale. I have been using the digital almost exclusively. Thought it was accurate. Still do. But I must say that this thread did tell me a lot I didn't know.

 

[cellllman]

Two ways to use scales; use it to determine your load each time for each round, or use it to set your powder measure and then check it occasionally. When I load for practice rounds I use either my Lee pro 1000 or classic turret press with a Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure which uses preset disks. I then use a small digital scale to determine just what the disk is dropping (and have found they are usually not quite what Lee tells you they will drop per type of powder) and to keep checking about every 10th round I load. When I load for precision I still use the digital to weigh each load, but also separate the brass by weight and length and the bullets by weight. And I only use the turret press to put them together (I would use a single stage press if I was going for match loads). I have used beam scales but feel the time spent is not worth it. With the right digital scale and the understanding of it, you can always load very well.

I would love to know what type of round your going for; precise match grade for the ultimate hope of all shots in the same hole and maybe for competition, or target practice to group your shots close, or maybe just to keep your self proficient with your weapon. I only load handgun so my needs are much different from someone loading rifle. I wish to load good rounds, but lots of them and shoot hundreds at a time. I carry so I am not so concerned with taking my time and getting my shots all within an inch, I wish to place my shots quickly and within about 3-4 inches of where I aim. So in my world type of handgun and amount of practice are more important than a match grade reload! (and before you ask, I DO NOT load with reloads when carrying )

 

[MR835]

The O 505

I purchased my first Ohaus 505 and a pair of LYMAN SPART presses 53 yrs. ago. I purchased them two yrs. before my son was born, He just turned 51. And still use them today. ACTULY. The 505 is a jewel all is needed soft air cleaning and a wipe down. I use antistatic lens cleaners.

SAFE SHOOTING ALWAYS I think you will enjoy using yours.

 

[rck281]

I really like my RCBS Digital and wouldn't consider going back 20 years to my old beam scale. The RCBS scales come with check and calibration weights. They are very accurate, convenient, and reliable.

 

[Granddad]

Good choice on the RCBS. If you ever decide on an electronic, for some time I've been using and would highly recommend the Dillon D-terminator.