Scales?

[Stinger4me]

Using a Lee safety scale for reloading .30-30 loads, seems time consuming but maybe it is the newness of using the scale for rifle loads. I will take some feedback on this subject. THANKS

 

[SMSgt]

I haven't used the Lee scales, but my RCBS 505 settles in a second or two, regardless of the load. You didn't specify what was "time consuming" but I have to guees it's waiting for the beam to settle? Might put better scales on your "upgrade" list. I don't care for electronic scales as all electronics seem to go haywire in my presense. Besides, my 505 never needs new batteries or time to warm up.

 

[lebomm]

I'm with SMSgt, but I have the 1010 scale, the next larger one, also mfd. by Ohaus. High volume production is not a prority for me. Precision yields more consistent ammo.

Larry

 

[RobsTV]

The scale should be used just to confirm.

You should have an accurate and consistent method to throw charges.
Then, depending on how familiar you are with the round and how good you can see inside case, weigh on a scale starting with every couple rounds, and later perhaps every 20 rounds or so (as long as cases keep looking like they are filled equally).

After fighting with 2 electronic scales, bought the Lee safety scale as a temporary backup until a 3rd scale could be found. So impressed with results (speed and easy .05gr accuracy) of the Lee scale that I no longer intend on getting a replacement. It is now the top dog.

 

[OKFC05]

If you want to weigh every load, there are some techniques to save time.
1. Use a dipper or measure that throws slightly light, and put that charge on the scale.
2. Use a trickler to bring it up to the weight you want.

Not sure why you wouldn't just use a good powder measure and spot check with the scale, unless you are at MAX.

 

[Granddad]

I used to use and still have a Lee, but like you it was always slow and tedious to use. I agree with the above, there are much easier to use beam scales out there. For me, I've most recently been using an electronic, the Dillon D-terminator, and have been very satisfied with its performance.

 

[smithnframe]

I have been using an Ohaus 505 for about 40 years now and it has given excellent service. I also have a newer Redding scale that I have never used that was purchased at a gun show. Also two digital scales that I mostly use for weighing cast bullets.

 

[David LaPell]

I started off with a Lee Safety Scale and it worked pretty well. I then bumped up to a RCBS 750 which works ok and is portable if you ever wanted to load at a range or say at camp. I plan on getting another Safety Scale for a back up again.

 

[Wee Hooker]

If your using a good powder measure, you shouldn't have to weight but every 10-20 rounds. If your scale is "slow, just load it with a charge and then load the cartridge with a new charge while the scale settles. The Lee works well. I used one for years before graduating to a second hand RCBS unit.
Whatever you do, stay with the ballance beam type vs electronic. Physics don't lie.
anyway

 

[Fredo Batali]

+1 on what they said. I have been using the same RCBS 505 scale for 35 years. The man's right, physics don't lie and it never needs batteries. I weigh every tenth revolver charge thrown from my RCBS measure, and use a powder trickler to bring "close" rifle loads up to weight, just to be sure. Haven't had any issues yet.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The Lee scale is time consuming to set but very accurate. The RCBS is also very accurate and a little easier to setup.

I recently bought a Hornady 1500 digital scale which is every bit as accurate as a beam scale and it's only ~$30.

 

[BE Mike]

I've heard, even from Lee lovers, that their safety scale is pretty much junk. I used to use a balance beam scale, but many years ago switched to digital. I've been very pleased with the Dillon and Lyman digitals.

 

[snowman]

I used the Safety Scale for awhile but got fed up trying to set the thing up and bought a Redding Model 2, with which I'm satisfied. Its only weakness is that the counterpoise which measures tenths of a grain can bounce out of position if you remove the tray too quickly. But then that might be true of other beam scales, too -I don't know.

Andy

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The Lee beam scale is a PIA to setup but it is very accurate IMO.

 

[Rule3]

I have a Lee scale, it came with my reloading "kit" it is accurate but a real PITA to use and read correctly. I have nothing but Lee equipment (dies, presses, powder measure) and I consider the Lee Scale next to useless. I bought the Dillon (also made by Ohaus ) along with some check weights. It is perfect and not expensive. Lifetime warranty. Where electronic ones are not,

I have tried the cheap electronic scales and just do not trust them. I have a fairly expensive My Weigh that never gets used, it is warrantied for life.(30 yrs) It is very accurate but no better than the Dillon and takes longer to fiddle with.

Dillon Precision: Reloaders, Reloading Equipment, Bullet Reloading, Bullet Reloaders

My Weigh iBalance 201 (i201)

 

[TheNakedGunFighter]

I've heard, even from Lee lovers, that their safety scale is pretty much junk. I used to use a balance beam scale, but many years ago switched to digital. I've been very pleased with the Dillon and Lyman digitals.

That is exactly how I feel about the Lee safety scale. It is indeed a PITA to set up and if I looked at it the wrong way, it needed to be recalibrated. Even though many have used beams for many years, I could never get mine to the point where I trusted the charge weight. My RCBS electronic scale, while expensive, is accurate and counts every charge.

 

[Twoboxer]

I find the Lee scale easy for me to set up and use *IF* I prop it up so the grain scale is level with my eyes and have good lighting. Once the desired weight is set, it really is just a matter of finding a measure to throw a slight undercharge, and having a good method of trickling in the rest.

OTOH, that shouldn't be necessary lol.

But if you have one . . . put a few reloading books under it lol.

 

[mkk41]

I have an old Redding scale that has a little paddle on the beam that goes in a fluid resevoir in the base to dampen movement. Instructions say to use vegetable oil.

But these days , good digital scales are better and cheaper than ever. Probably haven't used a balance scale in close to 20yrs.