Reloading Scale Recommendations

[bigt5150]

Can anyone recommend a good accurate reliable reloading scale? I'm currently considering Dillon, RCBS, and Hornady. I only reload for handguns at present. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

 

[jat4]

I got the RCBS Range Master 750 several years ago and have been very pleased with it. I use it both for powder for pistol reloading as well as weighing 500+ grain Minies for black powder. Around $100, can't beat the price.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I've used the RCBS 10-10 scale for over 20 years. I'm sure the others are good too.

 

[125JHP]

I have a RCBS 502 and a 10-10. I find the 502 faster to change tenths on but the 10-10 to have finer adjustment between tenths (which I rarely use). I would say the RCBS 505 would be a good choice as it is like a 502 but has the magnetic dampening of the 10-10. I would stay away from digital as a first scale and only use my PACT for gross quick weighs of cases and bullets as it is at least .1 gr off from my scales and it varies up to .3 depending on temp. so I don't trust it as much. I had a range master but gave it away.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

I have an RCBS 5-0-5, it works fine and has a long track record (and RCBS has a great warranty department). I've also heard some good things about the Dillon "Eliminator" scales, it's probably made by the same company as the RCBS. One thing you can do is visit various sites, Midway, Cabelas, etc, and check the reviews for the scales you're considering. The only other advice I would give is spend a little more money on quality and stay away from anything electronic.

 

[lebomm]

Like so many others, I use an RCBS 10-10, and have done for over 20 yrs.It's made by Ohaus (same as Ohaus 1010) and I can vouch for its accuracy, range and consistency. Among other things, Ohaus makes precision balances for the jewelry and precious metals industries. Ya can't go wrong.

Larry

 

[Oscarflytyer]

RCBS 5-0-5 - for last 25 yrs. Recently bought a digital, but barely use it. TRUST the 5-0-5! has always been very accurate and consistent.

 

[Titegroups]

If a mechanical scale is what you want pretty much anything accept Lee will work. Most of what you'll be using it for when loading handgun ammo is checking charge weights so you'll be leaving it set for one weight and checking with it and not adjusting the weights so using a mechanical unit isn't as cumbersome as one would assume relative to a digital.

 

[fredj338]

There are no good cheap dig scales IMO. The RCBS & Dillon are top of the line for the money. The Dillon beam is the best value in a quality beam scale. The Lee doesn't even make a good door stop. If yo uwant a relaible dig scale, expect to pay $100+.

 

[novalty]

I had an RCBS 5-0-5 and it was a great scale. Ending up picking up a Redding #2, and had a hard time trying to decide between the 2, as they both had pros and cons. The RCBS platform seemed a little more stable, and you could zero the scale height without having to work around the beam, it also had deeper notches for the slides. The Redding balances well and I like the fact that it has point indicator in .1 grains to let you know how much you are over or under. I ended up keeping the Redding, because of that reason.

I also have a PACT electronic that once I have cross checked with my Redding, I use it to check loads to see if they are staying consistent during larger batches. Works quicker than putting the pan on the beam.

 

[Big Fred]

I have two Redding beam scales that I've had for around 35-40 years and both work excellent.

 

[tappedandtagged]

Ohaus makes the RCBS scales. They are very accurate and simple. I wish I had of bought my 505 scale a long time ago.

 

[SMSgt]

My RCBS 505 has worked perfectly for years. Very quick to stabilize. I highly reccommend it, unless you just have to have one in blue, red, or any other color.

 

[PMWIZARD]

I saw mentioned that the Lee is not recommeded, isn't it very accurate?

 

[TAROMAN]

Had a Lee scale that came with my Classic Turret Press.
Better than nothing. That's about all I can say for it.
Very light weight plastic. Not very stable. Fiddly adjustments.
Now use an old cast iron Pacific triple beam scale.
Solid as the Rock of Gibraltar.

 

[parabarbarian]

I used to use an RCBS beam balance. It is now retired in favor of a Dillon D-Terminator. Both are accurate, quality scales. I prefer the electronic scales but YMMV.

 

[PMWIZARD]

I also got one with my Lee turbo press. Haven't set it up yet, but reading from those have already gone down the road I am about to embark. I want to nake sure that the scale works well so I don't over/under load my reloads.

 

[hotrod150]

........you'll be leaving it set for one weight and checking with it and not adjusting the weights .......

I have limited space on top of my reloading bench/computer desk, so don't leave the scale ot except when using it. Therefore I do have to adjust it down every time to zero it, then reset desired charge weight.
I have an RCBS 10-10, don't know if they make it any more but they do make the 5-10. Lists for $80 in my newest Cabelas catalog. The Lee safety scale is $25. Cabelas CB-50 digital scale is $30. I woudn't mind trying either one of those. IMHO a scale isnt subject to heavy duty use like a press, so lightweight construction might not be as bad as some are making it out to be.
Kind of depends on your handloading mission-- I load my handgun ammo using a little dandy powder measure, it's got a fixed rotor cavity with no adjustments so basically you check the charge weight once with every fresh batch of powder & that's it.

 

[Granddad]

I like the RCBS beams, but I now use a Dillon e-terminator most often. The Dillon is so easy to use and dead-on accurate.
Ha, I just read parabarbarian's post and could have saved my breath....

 

[Steve in Vermont]

I like the RCBS beams, but I now use a Dillon e-terminator most often. The Dillon is so easy to use and dead-on accurate.
Ha, I just read parabarbarian's post and could have saved my breath....

Buy quality and don't be concerned about paying for it. The price of something can be cheap, but usually the quality is also. And consider the safety factor of accurately weighing something that's going to go bang while you're holding it in your hand.