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Old April 9, 2013, 03:36 PM   #1
shredder4286
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What's a good, but cheap digital scale?

I'm thinking about putting my RCBS 5-0-5 on the back burner and getting a digi scale for convenience. Anyone have reccomendations for a fairly priced model?

I was looking at the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 and wondered whether anyone could sway me to buy or not.

P.S.- I've had 2 seperate models of the Hornady GS 1500s, and I couldn't get either of them to read consistently. Thanks
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Old April 9, 2013, 03:43 PM   #2
ssilence
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This is the one that I am using.

http://www.eabco.com/electronicpowderscale.htm

I purchased it from this website. The exact model I got was the 011-JSX100X (1540 gr Scale) for $32. I have checked it against my Lee Scale multiple times, and it has always been right on. In addition, I check it against RCBS Check Weights before each reloading session, and it always right on.

It is the same one that BrianEnos sells for half the price.
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Old April 9, 2013, 03:45 PM   #3
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My friend and I both use the Frankford one it works great and it is priced right midway usually puts it on sale every other month
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Old April 9, 2013, 04:40 PM   #4
rebs
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I use the Frankford one from Midway usa, I believe it was on sale for 19.99 when I bought it. It works great.
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Old April 9, 2013, 05:38 PM   #5
shredder4286
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Ok, great! Those are all prices I'm comfortable with. Thanks for the suggestions.
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Old April 10, 2013, 01:35 AM   #6
FrankenMauser
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Quote:
What's a good, but cheap digital scale?
You're selling yourself short and asking for trouble, with that combination of terms - "good", "cheap", "digital".

Pay for quality, or go mechanical (balance beam).

Cheap digital scales cannot be trusted, nor can many scales that were not designed for reloading purposes (they have trouble dealing with trickled charges).
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Old April 10, 2013, 01:54 AM   #7
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I have an MTM digital scale that I got from graf's for around $30. I have double checked it against a lee scale and it is right on. It makes things much easier.
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Old April 10, 2013, 04:27 AM   #8
jsab9191
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I trust my Frankford scale and it was a great price.
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Old April 10, 2013, 06:41 AM   #9
ATPBULLETS
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MTM digitial scale for less than 30.... checked it many times with very small test weights....very accurate...
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Old April 10, 2013, 02:11 PM   #10
shredder4286
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Quote:
Cheap digital scales cannot be trusted
Just curious- what's your reasoning for this belief? Did you have a bad experience with an inexpensive digital scale?
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Old April 10, 2013, 02:49 PM   #11
BuckRub
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I prefer the 5-0-5 myself over any and all digitals. Got a new digital give to me after my best friend passed. Never used it and sold for 300 on eBay. Not my cup of tea. Too many things to be inaccurate I prefer mechanical.
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Old April 10, 2013, 03:20 PM   #12
wogpotter
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I replaced my mechanical with a P.A.C.T. several years ago.
It's never given me a problem & has always been both accurate & repeatable.
This is the curent incarnation.
http://pact.com/index.php?option=com...d=13&Itemid=59
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Old April 10, 2013, 04:05 PM   #13
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One more vote for not using the cheap digitals. Here's the cheapest scale I would trust:

http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/my...FYxDMgod7T8AnQ
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Old April 10, 2013, 06:12 PM   #14
rajbcpa
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i do not like using mechanical scales and wonder why they are included in so many kits.....

i use a digital scale that cost $50 and it is fast and accurate.
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Old April 10, 2013, 06:48 PM   #15
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Quote:
i use a digital scale that cost $50 and it is fast and accurate.
For now. Give it time and it will fail. I've had 2 cheap digitals that I no longer trust as far as I can throw them.
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Old April 10, 2013, 07:44 PM   #16
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I have the Frankford 750 but I always check it against weights and my 5-0-5. It is usually dead on but it has been off....it appears that stormy weather(with llightning) is responsible but I don't have enough data points to prove that...
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Old April 10, 2013, 11:35 PM   #17
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I use a RCBS 510 scale but always doublecheck them with a set of digital scales from Jennings scales and they are very good scales that have served me well the last 2yrs.
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Old April 10, 2013, 11:38 PM   #18
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I've used the lil Frankfort the last couple times I loaded 223 and randomly checked it against my 505. Good enough for plinking rounds.
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Old April 10, 2013, 11:39 PM   #19
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Hmmm, I am not sure then. I use a Hornady GS1500 and love it. Mine has been spot on for me.
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Old April 10, 2013, 11:53 PM   #20
BusterValentine
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I have the Frankford scale from Midway and I hate the damn thing. I wish I would have plunked the money down for a nicer scale. It works, but my rule of thumb is to put the charge on the scale and count 5 Mississippi because the first number you see changes after a few seconds.
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Old April 11, 2013, 01:53 AM   #21
thump_rrr
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Jennings Mack 20 is as low as I would go.
Make sure you buy a power adapter for whatever scale you buy.
If the scale is always on you will get much more repeatable results.
0.02 grain resolution should be more than enough.
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Old April 11, 2013, 02:15 AM   #22
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I have pretty much grown loathesome of my RCBS balance beam scale. Not sure if it's just the fact that I have to move the little weights on the beam to stabilize it, or if I'm just too impatient.

If nothing else, I'd just like something to check the accuracy of which ever scale I'm using to reload. I know this is a whole 'nother can o' worms, but I've read all the books, talked to old timers and put together the most meticulously loaded rounds, and can't seem to get a 5-shot group under 1 1/2".

Maybe I just cain't shoot!
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Old April 11, 2013, 02:48 AM   #23
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I have the Frankford DS-750 and it is great for quickly checking bullet and case weights, and getting close on powder charges, or checking fully charged cartridge weights. But it wanders +/- .2 gr compared to my old reliable RCBS 10-10 mechanical scale. My son-in-law is on his second Frankford scale. His first one conked out after several months, mine is used constantly and is still going strong. They are inexpensive and great supplement for quick weights, but not consistent enough for working up test loads and accuracy loads.

I would get a basic mechanical scale from RCBS (5-0-5), Hornady, Dillon, Lyman and a cheap Frankford electronic scale. Or just get a more expensive, proven electronic one. Personally I like the mechanical scale. I only need it to set the powder measure and check it occasionally. It is a royal pain to weigh several items and that is where the electronic ones come in real handy.
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Old April 11, 2013, 07:02 AM   #24
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Quote:
Give it time and it will fail.
I've given my PACT 15 years & it hasn't failed yet, how much longer should I wait IYO?
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Old April 11, 2013, 08:35 AM   #25
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No problems with Frankfort Arsenal's model...had it a cpl years now, and have regularly checked against an old but accurate Redding balance beam. Best Regards, Rod
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