HAWKEYE10
Member
I don't think I would buy one but I was just wondering about them. Are there any big advantages to using them? Are there a lot of you guy's using them. Don
Digital powder scales.
- Thread starter HAWKEYE10
- Start date
I don't think I would buy one but I was just wondering about them. Are there any big advantages to using them? Are there a lot of you guy's using them. Don
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socal s&w
Member
I do have one. It's a PACT BBK II and while it works some of the time, I really don't trust it enough to rely on it 100% if the time. Things like wireless phones, florescent lights and power fluctuations affect how it reads, or doesn't read.
Constantly zeroing it to assure it's okay, then after a few minutes, it's on the fritz so I zero it again.
I use my beam scale for most of the work, only if I wish to check a weight while loading do I use the digi. I also double check the digi with the beam and vice-versa.
It's too bad because it would speed things up a bit for measuring, but not worth the chance if relied upon 100% of the time.
Maybe it's my brand, but I have heard many stories similar.
Constantly zeroing it to assure it's okay, then after a few minutes, it's on the fritz so I zero it again.
I use my beam scale for most of the work, only if I wish to check a weight while loading do I use the digi. I also double check the digi with the beam and vice-versa.
It's too bad because it would speed things up a bit for measuring, but not worth the chance if relied upon 100% of the time.
Maybe it's my brand, but I have heard many stories similar.
Az Rick
Member
I have one and love it. It's a RCBS 750 and is accurate. To me it's much faster than scales. I load several powders that don't meter well and it's easier with the digital. I also weigh all of my rifle loads, getting the most consistent loads possible. I like them and if this one broke would get another. I think you may have to spend some money to get a good one.
Best, Rick
Best, Rick
I have two of them. A Pact and an RCBS. They both work great. I use a check weight to check them on a regular basis. Never had a problem with either. I have left them plugged in since the day I bought them. This keeps the moisture from destroying the electrical components. One of them is around fifteen years old and still working great. I have several balance beam scales but have not used one since going electric.
ancient-one
US Veteran
I have a RCBS and have had no problems whatsoever. I weight check it several times if I am doing a large qty. of reloads and sometimes reweigh
loads just to see if they repeat.
loads just to see if they repeat.
I have a new RCBS digital scale still in the box. I still use my RCBS 10-10 for 100% of my loading.
For me - Each has it's place. I have 3 digital scales, cheap, medium and an old but good Ohaus lab scale. I also have around 25 beam scales, from old oil damped Webster's and Reddings to M5 and 10/10's
I weigh all my cases and bullets on the digital scales and all my powder on beam scales, usually my trusty 502's.
RCBS 502 scales with Targetmaster trickler - YouTube
I weigh all my cases and bullets on the digital scales and all my powder on beam scales, usually my trusty 502's.
RCBS 502 scales with Targetmaster trickler - YouTube
MDMarauder
Member
I have a Lyman 1000XL digital scale, works well and I always check it against a beam scale.. One thing that I have noticed if I unplug the scale then at a later time plug it back in, it does not zero and is off a 1/10 or 2.. It's like it needs to worm up, so now I just leave the scale plugged in..
ChuckS1
US Veteran
I have an RCBS digital scale and I've been using it for a couple of years now. I leave mine plugged in and i zero it before each session. I haven't seen any difference between it and my beam scales.
Hobie1
Member
I've used a Dillon e-scale for years and enjoy it's speed and accuracy. I check it with it's provided weight before each load session. I zero it from time to time even if it's still reading zero just make sure it's spot on.
I also bought these to check calibration through a range of weights. http://tinyurl.com/6tq8t8x
Works for me.
Hobie
I also bought these to check calibration through a range of weights. http://tinyurl.com/6tq8t8x
Works for me.
Hobie
Responses in this thread remind me of an old joke:
"How many bluegrass musicians does it take to change a lightbulb?"
"Four"
"One to change the bulb and three to sit around and complain because it's electric."
Electronic scales have been used for most every task imaginable for the past 50 years. They are accurate and reliable.
They do have the bugs worked out of these new fangled gadgets.
Buy with confidence.
"How many bluegrass musicians does it take to change a lightbulb?"
"Four"
"One to change the bulb and three to sit around and complain because it's electric."
Electronic scales have been used for most every task imaginable for the past 50 years. They are accurate and reliable.
They do have the bugs worked out of these new fangled gadgets.
Buy with confidence.
Frank237
Absent Comrade
Been using an RCBS 750 model scale. VERY fast and accurate. My old scales simply take up space on the bench now. NEWER can be better.
FN in MT
FN in MT
ChuckS1
US Veteran
For what it's worth, I use my old beam scale when I reload .44 Special Skeeter loads for my pre-24.
I have an RCBS beam and electronic. I have found both accurate; I check the electronic each re-load session. The advantage to the electronic that I like over the beam is that I can put anything (bullet, case, powder, etc) into it and get a weight reading directly. Doing that with a beam is more time consuming. That direct read is the advantage for me.
I suppose those that still use beam scales are so young as to have not contemplated their mortality. I know my time is limited and am not going to sit and watch a beam swing up and down. Good digitals are stable, fast, accurate, and repeatable.
I have a PACT BBK-II and it varies with the temp. Never measures 100% of the check weights - is always under by a small % but that translates into a few 10ths depending on temp. Not much use for working up handgun loads especially around MAX.
Beans
Member
I have two digital scales: a Dillon that is over 20 years old, a newer one, a RCBS Chargemaster that has been replaced once under warranty and a Dillon beam scale.
I use a older (30 years ago) Check scale weight set to check the accuracy of the scales.
If I am in the mood for extreme scale accuracy 1/10 of less. Before using the scale I use the check weight to recheck the scale zero and also to compare the reading with the check scale weight.
I throw a charge with my RCBS and check it again with the Dillon to insure I am getting the charge I want. I have found that both scales are normally right on. If not I discard that drop.
The beam scale is held in reserve incase there is no electric and I have run out of batteries ( depending on which scale I am using).
I use a older (30 years ago) Check scale weight set to check the accuracy of the scales.
If I am in the mood for extreme scale accuracy 1/10 of less. Before using the scale I use the check weight to recheck the scale zero and also to compare the reading with the check scale weight.
I throw a charge with my RCBS and check it again with the Dillon to insure I am getting the charge I want. I have found that both scales are normally right on. If not I discard that drop.
The beam scale is held in reserve incase there is no electric and I have run out of batteries ( depending on which scale I am using).
fredj338
Member
With a dig scale you do get what you pay for. IMO, there are no good dig scales under $100, just not happening. The Dillon is superb as is the RCBS 750. THe upper end Hornady looks promising as well. I have used the cheaper ones, they drift, won't hold zero & are pretty much useless for accurate powder measuring.
medalguy
Member
I have a Dillon and really like it. I did find when I had it on my reloading bench that the little jiggling it got from working the press caused some drift. Then I moved the scale to its own small table that sits beside the loading bench, there's no movement to that at all, and now the readings are spot-on. I also keep it plugged in and turned on all the time.
