Best option for a scale

[Cowboy T]

I have that scale but would like the exact same size and format in a 0-100 grain range. I never use mine for measuring anything over 60 grains. Can't find one.

Dan

That's because you won't find one. To my knowledge, the RCBS 502 scale was the "smallest" of the Ohaus scales offered for reloaders, and that was 500 grains.

If you want a balance-beam scale smaller than that, then I would recommend Lee's Safety Scale. The thing is not only affordable, but it also works, and it's made in the United States on top of it.

Now, I happen to use an RCBS 10-10. That scale, being a made-in-USA Ohaus-sourced unit, is rock solid and most repeatable, indeed. Same is true of the 505 and 502 scales.

BTW, I have learned that RCBS scales are now made in Red China. So, if you want a quality beam scale, I'd look for a good used one. Dillon's Eliminator scale is said to be similar in quality to the US-made RCBS scales, so also keep an open eye for one of those.

The digital scales, I found that unless you spend Big Bucks, they tend to drift. Well, that's what happens when manufacturers run over to Red China just 'cause CHEAPER! You get just that...cheaper quality. I stay with USA-made.

[bergmen]

That's because you won't find one. To my knowledge, the RCBS 502 scale was the "smallest" of the Ohaus scales offered for reloaders, and that was 500 grains.

If you want a balance-beam scale smaller than that, then I would recommend Lee's Safety Scale. The thing is not only affordable, but it also works, and it's made in the United States on top of it.

Excellent, thanks! I'll check it out!

Dan

[mofo1111]

Are you looking for cheap or accurate?
Cheap: Smart Weigh GEM20-20g x 0.001 grams, High Precision Digital Milligram Jewelry Scale, Reloading, Jewelry and Gems Scale, Calibration Weights and Tweezers Included (Made in China)
Seems to work well. I don't notice much drift.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ESHDGOI?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Accurate: A&D Weighing EJ-54D2 Newton Portable Balance with Breeze Break, 22/52g x 0.2/1mg

Ultimate Reloader you tube channel review:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFxmtkNCWFQ

There are plenty to choose from, depending on accuracy or price.

[bergmen]

If you want a balance-beam scale smaller than that, then I would recommend Lee's Safety Scale. The thing is not only affordable, but it also works, and it's made in the United States on top of it.

Just ordered one from Midway. Thanks for the tip.

Dan

[cz74]

2 cheap Amazon pocket digital scales and good set of check weights and cross reference each other between the 2 scales. Worked well for me many years.

[Cowboy T]

Just ordered one from Midway. Thanks for the tip.

Dan

Cool, let us know how it goes for you. I should let you know that the Lee scale is accurate, but it's also pretty sensitive to any changes. That means any breeze blowing, so make sure there are no fans going in your reloading area.

[bergmen]

Cool, let us know how it goes for you. I should let you know that the Lee scale is accurate, but it's also pretty sensitive to any changes. That means any breeze blowing, so make sure there are no fans going in your reloading area.

True, same for my 5-0-5 beam scale I've been using for the past 25+ years. I reload in a sheltered area, no wind or breezes. I'll report when I get it, I have some reloading to do that this scale will be perfect for.

Dan

[foxtrotuniformlima]

I have 3 balances / scales I use for reloading.

I have a small digital one that I use for fast measurements like ball parking or measuring shot weights for shotgun loads.

I also have a Redding #2 that is the standard - I keep it covered when not in use and trust it 100% as I have a known weight to put on at any time to verify.

And last is my A&D FX-120i. It's dedicated to an AT v4 but can always be used liek #1 if needed

[Flouncer]

Lee Safety Scale. $37 at Midway. Embarrasses the $$$ ones. There is no tradeoff other than speed or unnecessary technology that can give error.

[bergmen]

Lee Safety Scale. $37 at Midway. Embarrasses the $$$ ones. There is no tradeoff other than speed or unnecessary technology that can give error.

Mine is supposed to arrive from Midway tomorrow (Monday) or Tuesday. We'll see how it goes.

Dan

[golfish]

I have a rcbs 10-10 scale and a couple small cheap digitals.

I'm curious as to how accurate the factory loads are.

I believe these small balance beam scales to be second to none. I use a small digital to dial in my rcbs scale ...

[beerman]

Been using my 10-10 since the 80s.. if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

[Tripplet918]

Ive used RCBS digital,Gem (chinesium) and now an A&D FX120i.

Unless youre shooting benchrest or 1000+ yards, most decent digital scales are fine. The US brands are white labeled from China. I havent seen one that wasnt within a 0.1 grain variance from charge to charge.



Balance scales are too slow.

[Cowboy T]

Before I trusted a made-in-China scale, I'll use a powder thrower.

With my reloading, generally speaking, either it's handgun ammo, for which I do use a powder thrower (Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure, primarily)...or it's match ammo, for which I use a USA-made balance-beam scale. If I want to do just plinking or lower-power marksmanship practice ammo, then it's with my home-cast bullets, for which I'll also use a powder-thrower.

I stay USA-made as much as possible. It' s not only because the quality is generally better than Red China's, but also because I prefer, when possible, not to fund the Red Chinese military with my purchases. Yes, I know that's gotten more difficult in recent years with USA companies shipping our manufacturing jobs overseas. But I do what I can.

[jtv3062]

depends on what you want.

If you are just going to drop charges with a volume powder measure and only need to check the average. all you need is a balance.

If you desire to be more precise than that you need to spend about $1000 on a auto trickler V4

I'll 2nd this, but I V3.