BALANCE BEAM?

[J. R. WEEMS]

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??

 

[RobertJ.]

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.

 

[Dennis]

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

 

[Fishinfool]

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

 

[rwsmith]

If I had $65......

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

 

[DWalt]

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.

 

[Troystat]

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

 

[fordson]

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.

 

[raygo]

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

 

[stu1ritter]

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.

 

[Boogsawaste]

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.

 

[DWalt]

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.

 

[Skeet 028]

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

 

[MichiganScott]

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.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Balance Beam used here...own no other.

 

[imakmst]

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

 

[Beemer-mark]

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.

 

[gwpercle]

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.

 

[snowman]

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

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

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.