Best option for a scale

[MeatyMac]

I’ve used a RCBS 10-10 for over 40 years, I have two of them, but 3 years ago I bought a Lyman Accu-Touch 2000 to sort cases and bullets, an open top digital scale makes sorting much easier, I use it now to measure powder charges for most of my smaller runs, for bulk runs I use a RCBS ChangeMaster Combo that’s been reconditioned and recalibrated by LMC in Arizona https://lonemountaincommunications.com/index.html

Here‘s the Lyman Accu-Touch 2000 at Midway https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012861488?pid=110983

[Flouncer]

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.

It depends on the operational use. Beam is perfect, perfect to accurately check a mass, or set up a powder throw. Then check the thrown charges as often as one feels necessary. If the object is to pump out ammo AND have a reading on each charge, then obviously a beam is too slow. I always try to SLOW down when loading, not speed up, wouldnt you agree ? . How do you like the A&D FX120i ?

[rhodesengr]

Just an additional comment. I have never used a beam scale. I can see how it might be nice to check an electronic scale. But I think anything involving transferring powder from one container to another introduces a source of error.

When I want to check a drop or adjust the drop, I put a case on the scale, hit the TARE button to zero out the case weight, drop into that case, and put the case back on the scale to get the drop weight directly. No transfer from the case to powder pan. Dropping directly to a powder pan from the scale isn't always possible like in my SDB. I tried dropping into a powder pan on my MEC9000 shotshell press and the powder scattered.

Hard to understand why anyone would want to hassle with a beam scale these days but I do understand "to each their own". If you don't trust the cheapo scales on Amazon, you can spen more money on a more expensive "milligram" scale from Ohaus or something like that. Uline has a house brand with .01 gram (.15grain) readability for $220. A true milligram scale .015 grain like an Ohaus STX123 is more like $650

[Dirtlaw]

There are a number of personal considerations:


1. Accuracy: electronic



2. Speed: electronic



3. Cost: beam



4. Dependability / Reliability: beam


5. Convenience: electronic

[Dirtlaw]

Just an additional comment. I have never used a beam scale. I can see how it might be nice to check an electronic scale. But I think anything involving transferring powder from one container to another introduces a source of error.

When I want to check a drop or adjust the drop, I put a case on the scale, hit the TARE button to zero out the case weight, drop into that case, and put the case back on the scale to get the drop weight directly. No transfer from the case to powder pan. Dropping directly to a powder pan from the scale isn't always possible like in my SDB. I tried dropping into a powder pan on my MEC9000 shotshell press and the powder scattered.

Hard to understand why anyone would want to hassle with a beam scale these days but I do understand "to each their own". If you don't trust the cheapo scales on Amazon, you can spen more money on a more expensive "milligram" scale from Ohaus or something like that.

A beam scale depends on physical reality. An electronic scale depends on electronic interpretation and electronic components. An electronic scale can be more accurate, but there is always the issue of whether you are willing to bet your life on the answers it gives. Personally, I consider a beam scale as my proof of life.

[rhodesengr]

A beam scale depends on physical reality. An electronic scale depends on electronic interpretation and electronic components. An electronic scale can be more accurate, but there is always the issue of whether you are willing to bet your life on the answers it gives. Personally, I consider a beam scale as my proof of life.

One could argue that the use of actual, physical calibration weights bridges the gap to physical reality for electronic scales. But I did say "to each their own".

I find that when I load, I can usually see the powder to some degree. For a given load, you eyeball that it is in the right ballpark. Most loads have a range so a little bit up or down won't hurt. Safety issues come into play when you get big mistakes like double drops.

[Elgatodeacero]

I am sad someone recommended the Lee Precision scale - it is extremely frustrating to use and to read - the only Lee product that is bad.

RCBS 505, 510, or 1010, and if you want an electronic get one of those also.

It is wise to have at least two scales, you will use both.

[rsrocket1]

The Lee scale is not ideal for everyone. For those not used to reading a vernier, it can be frustrating. Bad near vision eyesight, frustrating, poor fine muscle motor skills to adjust the calibration screw, frustrating. But they all do work perfectly. My Safety Scale correlates exactly with my RCBS 5-0-5 across its entire range and I use either one interchangeably. For 0.1 grain accuracy it works great.