RCBS CHARGEMASTER 1500 DIGITAL SCALE VS 505 WHICH IS MORE ACCURATE AND BETTER?

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Guys I got so much helpful info from this forum. I just bought a Lyman's Accu-Touch 2000 and it got bad reviews. The RCBS got great reviews. But considering I am only using a Lee Precision Hand Press, will the electronic one be more accurate?

I decided however to buy the RCBS 10-10 mechanical scale as a result. I hope I made the right decision. I don't care about speed because I am using a hand press.
 
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I have both - the old RCBS/Ohaus twin-beam scale with a dial for setting the tenths of a grain and the RCBS ChargeMaster digital scale/powder dispenser. I get the same readings with both but the ChargeMaster is, of course, faster.

I had a Lyman digital scale/powder dispenser and even after a software update from Lyman, it was never dependable. That flaw added to a 30-minute warm-up period got it removed from my bench before very long.

Ed
 
Both digital and traditional balance beam reloading scales can be accurate, with some brands admittedly getting better reviews than others. Digital scales are, all things being equal, clearly easier to use but balance beam scales were the only game in town for many years and continue to be used, even preferred, by many reloaders.

First, there is no relation whatsoever between the type of press you are using and the scale you use. A scale that is accurate and reliable is suitable for use with any press; one that is not is suitable for no press.

Although possible (I suppose), it's highly unlikely that a scale could malfunction or drift off zero to the point where you could get a double load without noticing - double loads occur from poor reloading technique or inattention, not from malfunctioning scales. A malfunctioning scale could, however, result in an unsafe load. There are two things you can do with your setup to avoid that happening:

1. Get or make one or more check weights to verify the accuracy of your scale and then use them from time to time before, during, and after a reloading session. Check weights can be purchased for relatively short money or, if you have access to a scale of known accuracy, you can make your own by (for example) cutting short lengths of wire and noting their weight on the accurate scale (and then labeling them so you'll know what they are when you need them). Having satisfied yourself that your scale is accurate, you can then use it periodically - your idea about checking every 10th charge is a fairly common practice - to ensure that your charges are accurate.

2. Know what the correct charge of powder looks like in the cases you are reloading, in terms of how much it fills the case, and then look in each and every case to verify the charge before you seat the bullet. Get a flashlight and use it if you have to. That's something like what you're suggesting to do using the Lee measuring spoon(s), but it's more direct and you can, and should, do it for every round.

Edited to add: I see you added the part about the 10-10 while I was typing. The RCBS 10-10 is pretty much the standard of the industry in terms of balance beam scales and it will serve you well. Knowing you have a good scale, however, doesn't change anything I recommended about making sure it's accurate using check weights, using the scale often during a reloading session to verify charge weights, and looking into every case before you seat a bullet.
 
thanks guys! I think I will stick to the mechanical 10-10 because I don't trust any load cells that can malfunction. Someone else on amazon said their RCBS electronic scale worked great until it failed and then RCBS said they would sell them another one for $200. Yikes! I think mechanical will outlast electronic ones.
 
My RCBS reloading kit bought in the early 1980's included a RCBS 5-10 balance beam scale. Same features as the 10-10. It's a great balance beam scale, either the 5-10 or 10-10. In 1994 Pact marketed the 1st electronic reloading scale the Pact Precision and I bought one. It's still being used a lot today nearly 20 years later. It's accurate, fast, and has been reliable. You can fast and easily weigh bullets, cases, entire loaded rounds, and of course powder charges. Difficult or impossible to do on a balance beam. My 5-10 has been stored in a drawer since as a back-up and hasn't been used in 20 years. I do highly recommend a scale check weight set for either electronic or balance scales. Gives you piece of mind and verifies your scale is accurate and doesn't have a problem. I use my check weight set nearly every reloading session and my Pact has never varied and has been accurate to all weight ranges. I know some have had issues with electronics but I've been a lucky one. I wouldn't load without my electronic scale and if it should be damaged I'd order another tomorrow. Not familiar with the Lyman scale but what I've read is that Pact makes some scales particularly for RCBS. Get a check weight set for your electronic scales until you verify it's accurate and you trust it. Only negative thing I can say about electronic scales is that you have to turn them on and wait 1/2 hour or so until they have warmed up and stabilized or you can do like some and leave them plugged in to the receptacle and use the on-off button which just turns on the display. The scale will remain on and electronics stay warmed up. Still use the check weights to start a session.
 
With dig sales, go expensive or go home. IMO, there are no good/cheap ones. The RCBS, bigger Hornady & Dillon are all gtg. The RCBS 10-10 is a really good scale. If weighing every charge, dig are just easier to use. Few, beam scales can fail too. Keep the engagement points clean. Set it up Oana shelf & leave it if possible.
 
I think I will stick to the mechanical 10-10 because I don't trust any load cells that can malfunction.

I tend to trust my mechanical balance beam scale more than my electronic scales. But don't believe for a second that mechanical scales can't malfunction. Invest in scale check weights regardless which scale you use.

I have 3 mechanical scales and my oldest Redding oil dampened scale is my favorite. But my Chargemaster 1500 is by far the best.
 
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