My old (appox 1990) RCBS digital scale finally bit the dust and is no longer covered by a RCBS warranty. In calling around to repair facilities it looks like it will cost me around $ 130 to get it repaired. I think at that cost I could probably buy a new digital scale with a warranty. I load for handguns and rifles. Any recommendations for a good, reliable digital scale would be appreciated. Thanks, Ray.
Recommendation help for a digital scale
- Thread starter jsd30
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
My old (appox 1990) RCBS digital scale finally bit the dust and is no longer covered by a RCBS warranty. In calling around to repair facilities it looks like it will cost me around $ 130 to get it repaired. I think at that cost I could probably buy a new digital scale with a warranty. I load for handguns and rifles. Any recommendations for a good, reliable digital scale would be appreciated. Thanks, Ray.
I bought this one; The brand has a lifetime warranty. They also have one that is the next step up and is even more accurate. I have a thread posted on here somewhere.
It is a very nice scale and the wind screen helps. I use it to get close and then check on the beam balance.
Well actually it is a 30 yr warranty.
http://www.oldwillknottscales....gh-ibalance-201.aspx
It is a very nice scale and the wind screen helps. I use it to get close and then check on the beam balance.
Well actually it is a 30 yr warranty.
http://www.oldwillknottscales....gh-ibalance-201.aspx
socal s&w
Member
No connection to this item, I happened to see it on another forum and remembered that there was a post for one on this forum.
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...20#post2116420
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...20#post2116420
I ended up with one from Dillon after going through Pact, RCBS and Lyman scales. The Lyman was the most erratic thing I've ever used and the other 2 just quit working. Even though the Dillon was purchased 'used' it has been the most reliable, accurate and long-lasting scale I've ever had.
couleeflyfisher
Member
Dumb Question. Why do you prefer a digital scale over the tried and true beam scales from Lyman, Ohaus, RCBS, Dillon, etc. I'm not trying to stir up anything, just have been perfectly satisfied with speed and accuracy. Been reloading for approx. 50 years so maybe I'm just too old to adjust. I believe some of the old tried and true methods are preferable to the new, don't even think about working on current production automobiles yourself. I don't want to worry about drafts, electrical interference, or other cautions you hear about. Ahh, the good old days!!
Thanks for the responses. I am looking at the Dillon and the Pact scale currently. The better warranty seems to be with the PACT scale, although I am not positive it is the best scale at this point.
As for couleeflyfisher 's question: I have a balance beam (RCBS), but had a bad auto accident in 1990 that left me with one eye and two c-spine surgeries and the resultant cervical arthritis. It is a real b!tch to try to use a balance beam scale now, as opposed to the large digital numerals I can easily see on a digital scale. I guess we become "victims" of our physical lack of abilities over time. My old balance beam scale is accurate and still works perfectly ... it's just me who's the "weak link".
social s&w ... that link is now a dead end ... couldn't see what scale it referred to.
As for couleeflyfisher 's question: I have a balance beam (RCBS), but had a bad auto accident in 1990 that left me with one eye and two c-spine surgeries and the resultant cervical arthritis. It is a real b!tch to try to use a balance beam scale now, as opposed to the large digital numerals I can easily see on a digital scale. I guess we become "victims" of our physical lack of abilities over time. My old balance beam scale is accurate and still works perfectly ... it's just me who's the "weak link".
social s&w ... that link is now a dead end ... couldn't see what scale it referred to.
Storm52
Member
If you are looking for ±.02 grains, you might want to take a peek at: www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1251
I still prefer my old RCBS 505 and Dillon balance scales. I had a Pact years ago but I could not keep it zeroed or from drifting. Fluorescent lights were a nightmare for it too.
I still prefer my old RCBS 505 and Dillon balance scales. I had a Pact years ago but I could not keep it zeroed or from drifting. Fluorescent lights were a nightmare for it too.
Paul5388
US Veteran
This is the same scale, but $30 cheaper.
http://www.oldwillknottscales....eigh-gempro-250.aspx
I've been using one for almost a year now and like the features it has, including .02 gr readout. There are times when the light is too strong coming in the window for good visibility of the readout, but that's just the hazard of when I have it placed.
It does have some quirks, but nothing that can't be worked around pretty easily. When trickling, it may need a light touch to the pan to ensure it can see the new weight added. It's certainly more sensitive to added weight than the Dillon D'Terminator I have.
http://www.oldwillknottscales....eigh-gempro-250.aspx
I've been using one for almost a year now and like the features it has, including .02 gr readout. There are times when the light is too strong coming in the window for good visibility of the readout, but that's just the hazard of when I have it placed.
It does have some quirks, but nothing that can't be worked around pretty easily. When trickling, it may need a light touch to the pan to ensure it can see the new weight added. It's certainly more sensitive to added weight than the Dillon D'Terminator I have.
DougE
Member
I recently got a pact bbk 2. It seems fairly accurate so far but it does drift and needs recalibration occasionally. I'm using unique powder in my loads right now and weigh every charge since unique doesn't meter well. When I have a charge that differs from what my powder measure is set for ..... I throw the charge again ......... if it's still off I then weigh the charge on my beam scale to verify which piece of equipment is off. More often than not, the digital scale is right and the powder measure is not. There are those occasions when the scale is off too, so backing it up with another scale is a wise idea.
socal s&w
Member
Hmmmmmmmmmm......try this one, it's the same guy. He advertises that he is cheaper than oldwillknottscales.
http://www.myweigh.com/pocketscales_Durascale.html
http://www.myweigh.com/pocketscales_Durascale.html
social S&w ... thanks.. that link works fine. I appreciate all the input, and this gives me some scales to research and see what best fits my needs. I like the GemPro 250 that Paul listed also, and need to compare all the above mentioned choices. Thanks again to all for the input and recommendations. Regards, Ray.
Dale53
Member
"myweigh" scales specs state it weighs within .2 of a grain. That is not particularly encouraging.
Whatever scale you get, I suggest you consider the following:
1-Adequate accuracy for your needs
2-I suggest a electrical connection (not just
battery operated).
3-Adequate capacity for present and future
needs
4-Best to buy from someone who has been around
a while if you expect to have to use the
warranty
5-Must have a "zero" - VERY useful when your
using to check powder weight in a case. You
zero the empty case and then weigh case and
powder. I wouldn't be without this feature.
6-I have had an RCBS digital scale for many
years.
A good digital scale is worlds better than a
balance scale when trying to weigh several hundred bullets. My Schuetzen rifle is a 1/2 minute rifle but it requires as good a cast bullet as I can make. I would hate to have to go back to a balance scale.
However, there are GOOD digital scales and there are "less than good ones". I bought a cheap digital scale once, advertised to be of 1/10th grain accuracy, and the only thing it is good for is to weigh letters for the post office. It is not NEARLY sensitive enough for powder and bullets.
FWIW
Dale53
Whatever scale you get, I suggest you consider the following:
1-Adequate accuracy for your needs
2-I suggest a electrical connection (not just
battery operated).
3-Adequate capacity for present and future
needs
4-Best to buy from someone who has been around
a while if you expect to have to use the
warranty
5-Must have a "zero" - VERY useful when your
using to check powder weight in a case. You
zero the empty case and then weigh case and
powder. I wouldn't be without this feature.
6-I have had an RCBS digital scale for many
years.
A good digital scale is worlds better than a
balance scale when trying to weigh several hundred bullets. My Schuetzen rifle is a 1/2 minute rifle but it requires as good a cast bullet as I can make. I would hate to have to go back to a balance scale.
However, there are GOOD digital scales and there are "less than good ones". I bought a cheap digital scale once, advertised to be of 1/10th grain accuracy, and the only thing it is good for is to weigh letters for the post office. It is not NEARLY sensitive enough for powder and bullets.
FWIW
Dale53
ChuckS1
US Veteran
I concur with the recommendation for a good power cord. I never rely on battery power; I always have it plugged in.
G
Guest
Guest
Dale53 has pretty much said it all.
That is true for the pocket scale. The gem scale is good to .02gr.
http://www.oldwillknottscales....eigh-gempro-250.aspx
Dale53
Member
OCD1;
That is more like it.
Dale53
That is more like it.
Dale53
I purchased a Pact digital scale back in the mid-90's. This is the original scale that has an AC outlet. It has worked flawlessly over the years. If you read the manual on this scale, they tell you that this is a delicate instrument regarding the load cell that measures weight. I have always handled my scale like I was moving nitroglycerine. I always remove the powder pan before I put it away. This scale registers to .1 grain and is very sensitive. No running the AC or a ceiling fan while reloading. My Pact has been a solid reloading tool..........I have the target results that prove it........just my 2 cents!
Similar threads
- Locked
- Locked
