Powder Scale Recommendations

[Empe]

Looking for recommendations for a beam powder scale....something accurate , reliable , reasonably priced and of good quality .

 

[leadhead2]

Any good beam scale made by Ohaus will be a very accurate
scale. I have 3 extra scales that I have in reserve that just
sit on the shelf. An RCBS 502, A Redding #2 and a Lyman
D5. Where in Pa. are you located?

 

[OKFC05]

I prefer RCBS for both beam type and digital (I have Rangemaster).
Beam type is $100.
Rangemaster digital is $150.
Pocket digital is $40.
Not sure how familiar you are with scales; be aware that air flow
control is key to accurate use with any type. Unless put in a clear
box to protect from drafts, any will vary readings when the ECU comes on.

 

[rockquarry]

I doubt there are any balance beam scales on the market that aren't of good quality and accurate. I've used a Redding and an RCBS 10-10 for years but wouldn't hesitate to try others if necessary. You're on the right track going with simple and reliable non-electronic.

 

[DWalt]

I have used a Redding balance for many years. No idea if they are still made. I think digital is better, I have one but I still use the Redding more often. Mainly because there is a 10 minute warmup period needed before using the (Lyman) digital. I also have a quad beam Ohaus centigram Lab balance which goes up to 500 grams (not grains). It could be used for powder but I use it mainly for weight-matching cases and bullets for which it is much better suited than the Redding. Its precision is +/- 0.01 grams, about 0.15 grains.

I started reloading using an ancient drugstore apothecary two-pan balance a very long time ago and still have it. It works fine but it is much larger and slower to use than the Redding. So it is mainly a decorator item.

 

[TheTinMan]

I used an RCBS 5-0-5 for years. May have bought it used. Somehow I managed to chip one of the knives the beam balances on. I paid to ship it back to RCBS. They fixed it, re-calibrated it and returned it to me quickly.

P.S. get check weights no matter what scale you’re using, and use them every time you use the scale.

 

[rockquarry]

I used an RCBS 5-0-5 for years. May have bought it used. Somehow I managed to chip one of the knives the beam balances on. I paid to ship it back to RCBS. They fixed it, re-calibrated it and returned it to me quickly.

P.S. get check weights no matter what scale you’re using, and use them every time you use the scale.

Good point - check weights are inexpensive and essential. I don't use them as often as I should, but it doesn't hurt to use them regularly.

 

[DWalt]

You can use uncirculated coins as check weights. Their weights are very consistent and precise. Look up coin weights. They will be given in grams, multiply grams by 15.432 to get weight in grains. See: Coin Specifications | U.S. Mint

 

[Skeet 028]

Look on ebay.. If you can find a RCBS 510 scale you will have the best scale for the money you can find. I buy them eery chance I can usually for under 25 dollars. I sell them on ebay for usually the 50-60 dollar range. Quick easy 505 on steroids. And with check weights...easy to recalibrate...I have an electronic scale or two but do not really trust them exclusively

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm not sure about the new RCBS scales but their older line were very good.

I have an Ohaus/RCBS 5-0-5 scale and their 10-10 scale. I would get one of those if you can on the used market. All are good, the 5-0-2, 5-0-5, 5-10 and 10-10 are all outstanding depending upon how much range you need.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

About 15 years ago I evicted a dead-beat. In the piles of junk left behind were 3 AA electronic scales he used to sell drugs. At the time they were $10-15 at shops that cater to such people! $5 more at shops that cater to coin and gold dealers. They measure in 1/100th grams, 1/10 grains, Penny weight, and Troy ounces.

I installed an Eveready Lithium AA battery when I found it and it's still measuring accurately! You will need a pan, I use Lyman's with the built in reverse funnel. This is a great set up for field reloading. I knew a guy that reloaded the same 87 brass every knight on a 5-day Prairie Dog hunt using this set up with Wilson Arbor press dies.

Ivan

 

[Skeet 028]

I use either/or a 510 a 10-10 a 304 by RCBS or a triple Beam Ohaus...I also have a Dial O gram Ohaus for weighing cases...or an old 1st generation Dillon electronic for cases too

 

[jculloden]

try to find a RCBS 10-10 tuned by Scott Parker..outstanding

 

[IAM Rand]

Look on Ebay for reloading scales. You can usually get a good deal there. You might be able to get weights there as well. Get a couple of different weights. Good to see if everything is good at different weights.

I have an old Redding that was my father's. I also picked up a RCBS scale at an estate sale/auction. I am now using a Frankford Arsenal electronic scale. Blue tooth and all that. I still double check it with a beam scale.

 

[Skeet 028]

I recently picked up a 510 at an auction...25 dollars in the box

 

[rockquarry]

try to find a RCBS 10-10 tuned by Scott Parker..outstanding

I've had a 10-10 for forty or more years, but I've never heard of one being "tuned" and don't know who Scott Parker is. If check weights show the scale displays accurate readings, is there some advantage (unknown to me) for having a scale tuned?

 

[Rule3]

I've had a 10-10 for forty or more years, but I've never heard of one being "tuned" and don't know who Scott Parker is. If check weights show the scale displays accurate readings, is there some advantage (unknown to me) for having a scale tuned?

Something to waste your money on. Tune it to one (1) kernel of powder.


Tuning Balance-Beam Scales For Precision and Repeatability << Daily Bulletin

 

[rockquarry]

Something to waste your money on. Tune it to one (1) kernel of powder.


Tuning Balance-Beam Scales For Precision and Repeatability << Daily Bulletin

Your response is likely correct. If check weights show your balance beam scale reads as it should, then going beyond that, or attempting to do so, if it's even possible, may be indicative of abnormal or obsessive behavior.

 

[gwpercle]

Redding and RCBS 5-0-5 are good bets .
Make sure it has magnetic dampening ... old oil dampeners work , but the oil is messy .
I like the ones with triple poise settings ... easier to set the scale precisely (RCBS 5-0-5 is a triple poise )

Redding Number 1 ... is a two poise , oil dampned... it works but magnetic beats oil dampening Seven Ways to Sunday and then some ... but they can be found cheap on E-Bay .
Gary

 

[ggibson511960]

All of the RCBS scales private label manufactured by Ohaus are excellent. Gravitational attraction and mass do not vary. My ancient 5-10 scale still checks dead on with check weights despite suffering abuse from dust from being left uncovered for years. The knife edge bearings fill up with goo, easily cleaned. You can pay for better scales with covers and oil damping, but I find it unnecessary for a scale called upon to weigh within 0.1 grain. More expensive scales have oil damped dashpots, but the magnetic dampers on the cheap units work just fine. I keep my scale on a separate table from my loading operation to isolate vibration and accidental bumping. Extreme air currents will oscillate the beam, but if it's oscillating around the balance point, it's O.K. and reassures that the beam is free to move. I see vintage RCBS (Ohaus) scales on Ebay for $20-$30. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. They are far more dependable than cheap electronic drug dealer scales.