Powder scales accuracy?

[em9sredbeam]

How much of a difference in accuracy is there between cheaper and more expensive electronic scales? How about between balance beam scales and electronic?

[XDRoX]

They are all accurate. You can reset them with a weight and zero them if they're off.

The problem with cheap digital scales is that they break. Plus they can begin to drift. The won't stop on a weight, they just keep drifting around and won't stop.

The main difference between more expensive digital scales is they'll last longer.

If you can only have one, beam is the way to go. The cheapest digital scale I'd buy is the Dillon. It's around $140 IIRC. Really nice scale for the money. Dillon's beam scale is also a bargain at around $70.

Personally I use an RCBS beam and a Dillon digital. I couldn't be happier with either one. I also have an old Redding beam but it's not magnetically dampened and takes forever to stop moving.

[Phantompooper03]

I'm honestly a little disappointed with my RCBS digital scale. It's about the only piece of gear from RCBS I would have a hard time recommending. Yes you can re-zero it, but it needs to be re-zeroed constantly as the weight will slip off. If left on with no weight on it for a couple of minutes, it will show -0.7g before it shuts off. This can be very frustrating.

It's actual measurement accuracy is pretty good. I stopped using a beam scale altogether. It comes with two little weights and I re-calibrate it every time I turn it on.

[SARC_Mike]

I really like my RCBS 750 scale. Every time I double check it against a beam its dead on and that is all I care about. I have heard about the drift but yet to experience it. I keep other electronics away from it as I have heard this makes a difference. I had a cheap-o scale that was dead nuts accurate...for 3 weeks. Then it crapped out and was all over the place. I think xdrox is 100% right, cost gets you length of time that it will work. Of course exceptions are always occuring. As far as scales go, get one with a solid warranty and reputation and you should be set to go. For my application digital>beam all day long. YMMV

[spareparts]

Sometimes I wonder if they check weights come in to play during the zeroing as well. Maybe something to do with the internal calculations of the scale. I use an RCBS. I brought the check weights in to the lab and calibrated them down to .00001 grams. My scale has never drifted on me that I could notice over the last few years and 10K+ rounds. The dispenser will sometims trickle out the wrong weight, but the scale has been pretty stable.

[milotrain]

I wouldn't buy a scale unless I also bought a set of check weights. I use the check weights to bring my two beam scales into consistency and then check them against an electronic for quick weighting brass cases.

[Agustav]

I've been using the cheap electronic scale that came with my Hornady LNL kit for 4 years now. I used the 100g check weight to zero the scale, and experiencing no variation in reading after weighing all my charges with the same check weight.

I've upgraded to LNL Auto charge to speed up my reloading for precision ammo, and no complain there either.

Buy from a good company with great CS regarless of color (brand) and I think you will be happy with your purchase. Good luck!

[Flyin Brian]

I don't think there is that much difference in accuracy, once both have been adjusted or calibrated properly. The difference is speed and usability. I started out with a Lee beam scale and found it very accurate but it took a lot of time to weigh each charge and add a little powder or take a little out, etc. Then I went to the Lee perfect powder measure which saved time but it is not very accurate with stick powders like 4895 or Varget.

I was talking to a buddy of mine and he offered to sell me his Lyman 1500 electronic scale with built in trickler. Wow, it's a great unit but still when I am loading 100 rds of rifle it still takes a while to get the job done. The amazing part for me is that I can see how inconsistent the Lee powder thrower is. I was loading 33.5 grains of varget Saturday using the Lee PPM to drop each load. I would get 33.1, 33.2, 33.1 then out of nowhere it would drop to 32.4 with no apparent change in my procedure. Makes me glad I weigh every charge

Last week I was looking online and found the RCBS Chargemaster combo on sale for $285 and ordered it. I am selling my Lyman to a buddy for a little less than I paid for it, so everyone is happy. I can't wait to have it throw a charge automatically, every time I set the pan down!! Woo Hoo!!

[meaty-btz]

I run a dampened Beam Scale. If you can't be accurate on a beam the digital is just a crutch. People loaded with beam scales for more than half a century. I think they work just fine.

Digital bahh! I might use one with a digital trickler but heh.

[milotrain]

I have the MTM Mini Digital Scale AAABAT DS750 but I won't use it. Drifts way too much.

[Ahhnother8]

Denver Instruments scales - accurate to .01 or .02 grains depending upon the model. You'll never go back...

[morrow]

Regardless of the scale, check weights (preferably more than 1) are critical to see if your scale is zeroed. Check it on a regular basis.
An additional method is to check it against another scale; preferably a beam scale.

[marklyftogt]

I use a Frankford Arsenal DS-750 electronic scale ($30) for when I hand weigh for 38 spl and I also have a RCBS charge master (a lot more) when i reload 9mm. They both weigh close to each other when i check them and they both work great. Never more than .1 gr difference.

PS I hand weigh for my 38 spl because the powder takes so little room in the case I want to make sure i double check them. The 9mm would flow out the top if i double charged them so I can check visually easier.

[ahren111]

Another calgunner recomended a My Weigh Ibalance 101. I picked one up a couple of months ago, great scale! Its always right on & has a lifetime warranty

[M27]

my personal experience

the RCBS 750 scale was a PITA

I returned it after using it for 100 rounds

decided to put out the extra money to get the RCBS charge master and it's the best thing to happen to reloading since smokeless powder