bigt5150
Member
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,
Thanks,
Reloading Scale Recommendations
- Thread starter bigt5150
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jat4
Member
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.
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I've used the RCBS 10-10 scale for over 20 years. I'm sure the others are good too.
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
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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.
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
Larry
Oscarflytyer
US Veteran
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
Member
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
Member
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
Member
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.
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.
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Big Fred
Member
I have two Redding beam scales that I've had for around 35-40 years and both work excellent.
tappedandtagged
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Ohaus makes the RCBS scales. They are very accurate and simple. I wish I had of bought my 505 scale a long time ago.
TAROMAN
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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.
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
Member
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.
hotrod150
Member
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
Member
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....
Ha, I just read parabarbarian's post and could have saved my breath....
Steve in Vermont
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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.
RIKMAN
Member
The Dillon D-Terminator is very good.Just sold mine to get a Sartorius Scale.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I don't care if you buy a RCBS 502, 505, 1010 or a RCBS electronic scale, as long as you buy RCBS. They are IMO the best darn company anywhere. They have the #1 customer service department and policies of any company in the world. (how can you tell they treated me better than I thought anyone ever could?) I have bought and own reloading equipment from Lyman, Hornady, Forster, Lee, RCBS and probably a few more but RCBS is tops in my book and will get all my future business.
Here's why! In a move I lost the arm, pan and pan holder to my 5-0-5 scale. I wrote them and told them I LOST the parts and they told me to send the scale to them for WARRANTY! That's right, I told them I lost the parts and they replaced everything anyway. I highly doubt any other company would do something like that!
Here's why! In a move I lost the arm, pan and pan holder to my 5-0-5 scale. I wrote them and told them I LOST the parts and they told me to send the scale to them for WARRANTY! That's right, I told them I lost the parts and they replaced everything anyway. I highly doubt any other company would do something like that!
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novalty
Member
ArchAngelCD, I have also had really good experience with RCBS and their customer service. In regards to scales, my father-in-law bought a bunch of used stuff back in the 90's, it included an old Redding scale, also missing the pan and hook. He contact Redding, and they told them to ship it in. They replaced the beam, gave him a new pan and hook and calibrated it before sending it back. Don't think you would go wrong with Dillon's scale either--all excellent in customer service.
I have an RCBS 505 (1974), Dillon electronic (1998), and a Midway $20 electronic from 2008. All three accurately weigh a 50 grain bullet. I have not had a problem with drifting off Zero on either electronic scale.
If I was buying a new scale today, I would buy a Midway electronic for about $20 when on sale. I would also buy the Midway digital dial caliper for about $15. It is as accurate as my mechanical Mititoyo machinist grade caliper.
I do not weigh a single 3.5 grain pistol powder charge. I weigh 10 consecutively thrown powder charges. When 10 charges weigh 34.9 grains to 35.1 grains, I am good to go.
If I was buying a new scale today, I would buy a Midway electronic for about $20 when on sale. I would also buy the Midway digital dial caliper for about $15. It is as accurate as my mechanical Mititoyo machinist grade caliper.
I do not weigh a single 3.5 grain pistol powder charge. I weigh 10 consecutively thrown powder charges. When 10 charges weigh 34.9 grains to 35.1 grains, I am good to go.
Titegroups
Member
I use a RCBS also a 505 IIRC, I keep mine in a cabinet with my powder in my shop so it won't get damaged while I work on other things. Whatever you buy take care of these sensitive instruments as they have a critical job to do.
Harrison
US Veteran
I have been using an Ohaus 1010, same as RCBS 1010, since 1973. It is still accurate and easy to use.
RCBS: Yes! I have used the customer service on two occasions. They have been superb. RCBS gets my business before any other suppliers.
I bought an RCBS Model 90 scale when electronic scales first appeared on the market. I still use it and it has never needed calibration. I regularly verify it with a check weight set. It's spot on; not even off by a tenth of a grain. I have complete confidence in it and haven't used a beam scale for years. With that said, I constantly hear of negative experiences with the current crop of electronic scales. As in this thread's earlier comments, a lot of people just don't trust them. Folks often promote beam scales after buying a cheap electronic scale. I can sure understand that. . . .
One of my pals is, like me, is an anal-retentive obsessive-compulsive engineer (grin). We are experienced in using precision electronic equipment and know how to judge performance/reliability. The pal just got into reloading and was disgusted with the electronic scale that came in his kit. Valuing his fingers and eyes, he went to a beam scale; an RCBS. After that experience, he now has no use for electronic scales. I believe this duplicates others' experiences.
All-in-all, I think cheap electronic scales have given the entire electronic scale segment a black eye. Beam scales are so simple, they can be inexpensive and still work well. Electronic scales - no so, IMHO. To get a reliable electronic scale, you'll need to fork over some cash. If you get a good electronic scale, I bet you'll never go back to a beam scale.
I bought an RCBS Model 90 scale when electronic scales first appeared on the market. I still use it and it has never needed calibration. I regularly verify it with a check weight set. It's spot on; not even off by a tenth of a grain. I have complete confidence in it and haven't used a beam scale for years. With that said, I constantly hear of negative experiences with the current crop of electronic scales. As in this thread's earlier comments, a lot of people just don't trust them. Folks often promote beam scales after buying a cheap electronic scale. I can sure understand that. . . .
One of my pals is, like me, is an anal-retentive obsessive-compulsive engineer (grin). We are experienced in using precision electronic equipment and know how to judge performance/reliability. The pal just got into reloading and was disgusted with the electronic scale that came in his kit. Valuing his fingers and eyes, he went to a beam scale; an RCBS. After that experience, he now has no use for electronic scales. I believe this duplicates others' experiences.
All-in-all, I think cheap electronic scales have given the entire electronic scale segment a black eye. Beam scales are so simple, they can be inexpensive and still work well. Electronic scales - no so, IMHO. To get a reliable electronic scale, you'll need to fork over some cash. If you get a good electronic scale, I bet you'll never go back to a beam scale.
snowman
Member
I use the Redding #2, pictured above in novalty's post. As he said, it has an indicator which tells you exactly how far off a charge is, which is really helpful, particularly if you are loading a near-maximum charge. The only downside, in my view, is that the little metal poise which measures tenths on the pan end of the beam will move on you if you aren't careful to let the beam down gently when lifting the pan from the beam. If you let it drop with a jolt, the poise will tend to jump slots and if you don't catch it right away it's not good.
Andy
Andy
I have to agree with everyone that RCBS customer service is #1.
Not long ago I somehow broke the small primer cup on my RC so I called them to order another, while I was at it I wanted to order a new scale pan and wire hanger for my 10-10 that had also gotten lost at some point in time. They rep sent me all of the parts at no charge even though I told him twice I was the one that broke and lost them.
That is the reason my bench will stay green.
Not long ago I somehow broke the small primer cup on my RC so I called them to order another, while I was at it I wanted to order a new scale pan and wire hanger for my 10-10 that had also gotten lost at some point in time. They rep sent me all of the parts at no charge even though I told him twice I was the one that broke and lost them.
That is the reason my bench will stay green.
olskool
Member
rcbs 10-10 user for over 20 years, they can't be beat. before that 505s i think i wore them out after 20 years.
