Beam scale recommendations?

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Yup lol. 4350 was surely made for a beam scale lol. That powder and even shorter sticks like 4064, N140, etc are sweet but . . . use a powder measure or dispenser, throw low, and trickle or tweezer up to target

That's exactly what I do...

It was the first powder I tried in my 270 Win. I had no idea it was like that.. you can imagine my surprise when I poured the first bunch into my measure and saw all those little sticks in there!! LOL! And then the "CRUNCH" when you throw the lever... That's cool too..

But after trying it I just can't bring myself to monkey around switching powders looking for something that meters better.... I mean, it works THAT good in my 270.

Pic below is workups. Group in top right is 3 different charge levels with no scope adjustment. Group nestled on top of the 2"x2" orange square is 6 shots after making a scope adjustment... Bullet a 130gr SST. Range:100yds.

I just can't bring myself to messing with a good thing.

 

[rockquarry]

I tried a big name electronic digital scale once and quickly found what others did - temperamental with less than 100% reliability and accuracy. However, that was a sample of one only. While technological improvements have likely been made on these gadgets since my experience, I never felt the need to use another. I fail to see how even the latest models could be more reliable or more accurate than a good balance beam scale. Perhaps the expensive laboratory-type electronic digital scales (which few handloaders purchase) might be exceptions.

I've used a Redding #2 and an RCBS 1010 for a long time with complete satisfaction, but there are other balance beam scales that may work just as well.

 

[novalty]

I've used a RCBS 1010, Redding #2, and a RCBS 5-0-5. Originally started with the 5-0-5, then transitioned to the Redding #2, and wish I hadn't made the move. While the Redding #2 was very accurate the cast design of the base was very unstable, and I did not like the leveling adjustment screw being centered under the beam. For me I found the 5-0-5 more user friendly. When I got an opportunity to switch to a RCBS 1010, I gladly parted ways with the Redding #2. The 1010 is worth all the accolades that it receives, truly a well made accurate unit.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Thank you all very much for the plethora of advice!

I will follow it and look to pick up a 505, Pacific/Hornady, or 1010.

I noticed that some of the bad reviews the customer complained that the new scales were not made as well and of flimsier materials than their older scales of the same make and model. This is what spawned this whole thread.

I think I'm going to look for a good used one. Matter of fact, I think one of my LGS has an older used 505... Ill be going to check that out.. I hear his reloading supplies section is newly stocked and overflowing at the moment too... (Honey!! How bout some allowance!!) LOL!

 

[gwpercle]

Maybe my line of thinking is wrong, but I certainly don't consider a beam scale as outdated. I can certainly see the benefit of the higher dollar digital scales. But I use a single stage press, so I don't mind the little extra time.

Besides, being that currently I only have to hand weigh each charge with my rifle rounds, I am more concerned with consistency than speed. The powders I use for my handguns meters nicely out of my measure. Dial in the throw and start charging, checking the weights about every 20-25 charges and finding it to be close to spot on every time.

I used to think Unique metered like garbage....till I found IMR4350! LOL! Makes a person appreciate powders like AA#9, H110, and the like... Like sand through and hourglass....

No, your thinking is not wrong, It's just like mine...beam scale, single stage Press (Bair Super Deluxe) . The younger generation have it ingrained in their thinking that technology, computers and electronics have to be better than anything low-tech. A fully automated loading machine, and digital everything just has to load better ammo.... but you and I know better .
My big upgrade was to replace a 1967 oil dampened Redding #1 with a magnetic dampened RCBS 5-0-5 in 2012, I should have done that years ago.
Load safe...Gary

 

[bbqncigars]

I have a Lyman M (Ohaus 1010) that I bought used and had Scott Parker go through it. The electronic scale is just used for brass/boolit sorting. I am still lusting after an Ohaus Dial-O-Grain, though.

 

[Pocketfisherman]

If the zero is fluctuating on your electronic scale, there are two common causes that will do that. First is air flow. Just having a heating/AC duct nearby can cause fluctuations. A bigger problem is electrical interference. That can come from fluorescent light ballasts and especially from Compact Fluorescent lightbulbs nearby. Also, wall dimmer switches, or fan speed controllers can also cause issues too. Luckily good old incandescent lights cause no problems, unless they are on a dimmer switch. Lastly, a cell phone sitting within a couple of feet of the scale can cause issues too as it polls the cell tower with a pulse every few minutes.