Amp
Member
Going to buy a new reloading scale but i wonder what brand or style everyone likes.
Beam or electronic?
What brand?
Thanks
Beam or electronic?
What brand?
Thanks
What scale do you like?
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Electronic. It doesn't matter what brand as long as it's a quality product and has check weights.
Reloading isn't rocket science and accuracy to 100th of a grain is overkill in my opinion.
Lots of people will disagree with my opinion; hopefully without being disagreeable.
Reloading isn't rocket science and accuracy to 100th of a grain is overkill in my opinion.
Lots of people will disagree with my opinion; hopefully without being disagreeable.
rkittine
Member
There is a big difference from one Electronic Scale to another. First question is how much measuring do you plan to do? Are you going to set up a powder thrower and check it from time to time or are you going to be weighing every charge? Are you looking for Long Range Rifle Accuracy or short range pistol shooting.
For low check weight count it is hard to beat a quality balance beam scale. A Parker scale will get you to 2 decimal places if you want to set it up right.
A Gem Pro 250 or better scale will work, but you need to make sure you let them really warm up and stabalize and be away from certain types of lighting, electronic equipment etc.
Then you can go to a laboratory level scale, which is what I use for 1,000 yard benchrest. A&D FX 120i. You can go electronic for between $50 and $1,500.
Bob
For low check weight count it is hard to beat a quality balance beam scale. A Parker scale will get you to 2 decimal places if you want to set it up right.
A Gem Pro 250 or better scale will work, but you need to make sure you let them really warm up and stabalize and be away from certain types of lighting, electronic equipment etc.
Then you can go to a laboratory level scale, which is what I use for 1,000 yard benchrest. A&D FX 120i. You can go electronic for between $50 and $1,500.
Bob
I have only one scale, the one I bought over 30 years ago, a Lyman 1000. If you want to spend big bucks, Ohaus makes great beam balance scales.
I think beam balance scales have advantages over electronic scales. They have no batteries to replace. They do not require electricity. They last forever.
I think beam balance scales have advantages over electronic scales. They have no batteries to replace. They do not require electricity. They last forever.
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I'll also back the beam. At least some electronic scales are subject to some drift in their setting during use. If you're middle of the road on charge weight this might not be a big deal, if not, it can be.
If they're still using the agate bearings for the beam, I'd go with Lyman. Most of the rest just have the pivot of the beam laying in a V groove in the base. The agate bearings are a better design.
You need a set of check weights with any type of scale.
If they're still using the agate bearings for the beam, I'd go with Lyman. Most of the rest just have the pivot of the beam laying in a V groove in the base. The agate bearings are a better design.
You need a set of check weights with any type of scale.
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I've used a balance beam scale since 1965. For the last several decades I've used primarily a Redding and sometimes an RCBS 10-10. These are simple and accurate and have no quirks, but I'm sure other such scales would probably work as well. I've also used Lyman check weights for years. Every serious handloader should have a set of check weights.
I tried an electronic scale once and found it wasn't for me. If you're willing to spend a lot of money for a scientific electronic scale, they may be as reliable and as accurate as a balance beam scale, but few are willing to spend the dollars for the best.
I tried an electronic scale once and found it wasn't for me. If you're willing to spend a lot of money for a scientific electronic scale, they may be as reliable and as accurate as a balance beam scale, but few are willing to spend the dollars for the best.
tominboise
Member
One more vote for the beam scale. Mine is a Redding that I got in 1972. Works great.
Moe Mentum
Member
I have a Franklin arms digital scale, inexpensive and accurate enough for government work.
.38SuperMan
Member
I use a Dillon digital scale. My original Dillon became erratic after 25 years and Dillon replaces it at no charge. I also have a very old RCBS beam scale that my dad had in the 60's.
Ohaus dial beam scale, no longer made but by far the best scale I have used in over 50 years of reloading
gwpercle
Member
Beam Scale , even if you buy an electronic...keep a beam on hand when the electronics get wonky . Lots of things affect electronic stuff. Lights , motors and compressors in refg, freezer, washer dryer, a/c compressor , heater blower motor...when they cycle on and off the electronic scale can pick up the voltage fluctuations...and go squirrely.
RCBS 5-0-5 or any scale that has triple poise settings ...they are easier to set . Dillion makes a decent scale , triple poise for about $89.00.
Triple poise settings should have : 3 poises
#1 - 0 to 500 grs . in 10.0 gr. increments
#2 - 0 to 10 grs. in 1.0 gr. increments
#3 - 0 to 1 grs. in 0.1 grain increments
Make sure it has Magnetic Dampening.... do not buy an old scale like Redding #1 with only 2 poise settings and OIL dampening ...that technology is old , outdated and a mess to use .
And get a couple check weights...that way you can check em both!
Gary
RCBS 5-0-5 or any scale that has triple poise settings ...they are easier to set . Dillion makes a decent scale , triple poise for about $89.00.
Triple poise settings should have : 3 poises
#1 - 0 to 500 grs . in 10.0 gr. increments
#2 - 0 to 10 grs. in 1.0 gr. increments
#3 - 0 to 1 grs. in 0.1 grain increments
Make sure it has Magnetic Dampening.... do not buy an old scale like Redding #1 with only 2 poise settings and OIL dampening ...that technology is old , outdated and a mess to use .
And get a couple check weights...that way you can check em both!
Gary
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I have Ohaus/RCBS 5-0-5 over 40 years old and a 30 year old Dillon . Whatever scale you choose learn how to calibrate using check weights and level the frame. I use a brand new penny for calibration which is close enough for my intents and purposes!
I've heard of more people complain about their electronic scales the balance beams!
Smiles,
I've heard of more people complain about their electronic scales the balance beams!
Smiles,
cfplinker
Member
If I want to know how much something (bullet or brass) weighs I will use a digital scale. I zero the scale, put the object on the scale to weigh it, and remove it from the scale to make sure the display returns to zero. This eliminates any error due to drift. Using the check weights I found that my particular scale is right on up to 40 grains. At 50 grains or more it reads about 1/2 percent high so I need to subtract a little from the indicated weight to get the actual weight.
If I want to know how much something (think powder here) deviates from a desired weight I will use the beam scale. I will set it for the desired weight, put the appropriate amount of check weights on it, zero the scale, remove the check weights, and finally put the powder on the scale. My most used scale is an old C-H scale which has 0.1 grain markings at the end of the beam. This tells me how much I am above or below my desired weight. I liked this feature so much that I calibrated my 505 so that it would do the same thing. I was only able to put 0.5 and 1.0 grains above and below on the Lee scale.
If I want to know how much something (think powder here) deviates from a desired weight I will use the beam scale. I will set it for the desired weight, put the appropriate amount of check weights on it, zero the scale, remove the check weights, and finally put the powder on the scale. My most used scale is an old C-H scale which has 0.1 grain markings at the end of the beam. This tells me how much I am above or below my desired weight. I liked this feature so much that I calibrated my 505 so that it would do the same thing. I was only able to put 0.5 and 1.0 grains above and below on the Lee scale.
J. R. WEEMS
Member
SCALES
Been through a couple or so but for some time I have used A RCBS CHARGEMASTER -- I have two- one used just for shotgun only loading, the other for everything else.
Been through a couple or so but for some time I have used A RCBS CHARGEMASTER -- I have two- one used just for shotgun only loading, the other for everything else.
I have a beam scale and a RCBS 1500 chargemaster. Most of the time the beam scale just sits in its box but it was I used all the time 45 years ago. However I only use either of the scales to verify my loads at about 1 in 50. For the actual loading I use a Redding meter which will consistently throw to within a 10th of a grain with ball powders. If I'm using flake or extruded powders the RCBS does the whole job.
The Norseman
Member
imakmst
Member
I use a rcbs 5-0-5 for work-ups, load development. Also use a Cabelas electronic scale for double checking tared brass during progressive work
I just don't get it. I can see no simpler way to weigh and dispense powder than with an electronic scale. I have one I picked up at Cabelas years ago and it is so accurate that I can load down to a couple grains with great accuracy. I can do 1.1 grains accurately enough even for my 32 S&W. I can weigh up to 1500g and easily sort heavy bullets as well.
I might be a belt and suspenders guy, but I find the right dipper for whatever I am loading and check the weight with the scale. I do not use a powder dispenser, but weigh every load. I have not used a beam balance since college chemistry and they seem clumsy to me, so I wonder why does everyone likes beam balances?. Is it because they have never used an electronic scale, scale is easier to use than an electronic scale with a powder dispenser, or something else? Maybe I need a beam balance?
I might be a belt and suspenders guy, but I find the right dipper for whatever I am loading and check the weight with the scale. I do not use a powder dispenser, but weigh every load. I have not used a beam balance since college chemistry and they seem clumsy to me, so I wonder why does everyone likes beam balances?. Is it because they have never used an electronic scale, scale is easier to use than an electronic scale with a powder dispenser, or something else? Maybe I need a beam balance?
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If it meets your standards, you already have the perfect scale for your use.
OP
Amp
Member
I would like to thank everyone for your comments.
There is no right or wrong here, just opinions.
I trust a beam myself. But I sold my stuff years ago and need to re-buy everything.
Got a bench and press on the way. Components will be a challenge.
There is no right or wrong here, just opinions.
I trust a beam myself. But I sold my stuff years ago and need to re-buy everything.
Got a bench and press on the way. Components will be a challenge.
gmiller0737
Member
I have the same RCBS Scale purchased new in 1984 has served Me well & I also have a small Frankfort Arsenal Electronic Scale
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I have 4 scales I use; the most used is an RCBS 5-10. Easy to read and quick to adjust. Lyman/Ohaus D5, also easy to use and extremely consistent. A Lee Safety Scale, easy to adjust and read (if you take time to learn to read a vernier scale), lockable poise and while dampening is a bit slower, just as accurate and repeatable as my others. I also have a Frankfort Arsenal Platinum digital. Pretty good but I still don't trust digitals 100% after two previous fails. I calibrate it every time I get it out, "tare" it often and double check it against my beam scales during set up...
I have owned 3 digitals scales and all have the same problems. The first two died early deaths starting with "zero wandering" and needed taring often. One I was not able to calibrate and it soon died completely. I cannot trickle up accurately on any, even my newer FA Platinum, "decent" performance so far . I throw a charge and weigh it, normally .1-.3 below target weight. Trying to trickle up is a very slow process, trickle and wait, trickle and wait. Most of the time when trying to trickle up the read out jumps .2 or .3 gr heavier, very difficult to go .1 grain. If I lift and replace the pan the weight jumps at least .1 grain. I have turned off all lights in my shop, turned off the radio/CD player, turned off any fans in the room and just used an incandescent 100 w desk lamp for light. Still very slow trickling. I have beam scales that are 99.9% repeatable, I can weigh 1/2 of a postage stamp, they never have batteries die, and none need a a "pure" power source, I can listen to my CD player and use fluorescent lighting in the same room...
I have the time as I'm in no hurry and never need 500 rounds "right now" so I weight a lot of my loads, and during a load work up I weigh each load to .1 gr...
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I have a Lyman 1200 DPS 3 Digital Powder Scale and Dispenser System 110 Volt. It has worked flawlessly for many years. I have check weights to verify its accuracy. It has been replaced with the Lyman Gen 6 Compact Touch Screen Digital Powder Scale and Dispenser. I'd buy it in a heartbeat if I needed one.
MyDads38
Member
I've only owned 2 scales since starting out in 1980; an RCBS 5-0-5 and an older Pacific scale made in Nebraska. Both have served me well in 40 years. I've looked at reviews on some of the digital scales, and just keep using my beams.
RCBS 10-10
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
My experience is very limited but I must agree. I have one scale, purchased about 47 years ago. Ohaus 10-10 model. Still does everything I ask of it and does it very well and reliably. I may not last forever, but I think the old Ohaus will do so.
Sistema1927
US Veteran
I forget how much I paid for my Lee balance beam scale, but it couldn't have been much all those many years ago. Yet, it is still going strong, and I have never felt the need for anything better.
