Digital powder scales

bobznew1 · January 14, 2019, 08:24 AM

Forgetting cost for a second. Which digital powder scales would be your choice if you had to purchase? Will be for pistol and rifle reloading. Feel free to leave comments.

hounddawg · January 14, 2019, 08:36 AM

none of the above, $24 from Amazon

4 scales on my bench and this is my favorite. Battery only and pan is small but otherwise it is spot on and 3 months later still gives me the exact same reading with my check weights as it did on day 1

https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Weigh-G...ds=smart+weigh

PolarFBear · January 14, 2019, 08:54 AM

I'm partial to a Dillon. They are a bit pricey and I bought mine used. Dillon doesn't make them just markets them. Been using mine since'02. Started with a Lee balance beam. Nothing wrong with it either.

BBarn · January 14, 2019, 09:04 AM

I have the low cost ones from Frankford Arsenal and Lyman. Both seem OK. I bought the FA first, got use to it, and rarely use the Lyman (bought mainly for a back up).

I will say that I much prefer a metal scale pan over a plastic one.

MarkCO · January 14, 2019, 09:15 AM

Tried (and tested) all of the ones in your poll and I would not buy any of them.

I have used and tested both versions of the Truweigh Reloadr scales and they are at least as good, in many areas better than the ones produced by the traditional reloading companies. Not saying they are better than the $300 to $5000 scales and systems, but they are more than suitable for precision rifle loading.

https://truweigh.com/products/reloadr-ammo-scales

Charlie98 · January 14, 2019, 09:52 AM

None of them... I don't trust them. The laws of Gravity tell me my RCBS 5-0-5 is what I need to be using...

Reloadron · January 14, 2019, 11:03 AM

When it comes to scales, electronic digital scales, I have an old, maybe 30 year old RCBS scale and a bottom label reads Made by Pact, Made in USA. The reality is I seriously doubt RCBS ever made a scale anymore than Sears Roebuck ever made a rifle or shotgun. The same is likely true of all the brands mentioned for scales, Hornady, Frankford Arsenal, Lee Precision and Lyman digital scales. Today most are all likely made in China and branded for whoever orders them with the color of their choosing. That for the lower end digital scales anyway.

For average reloading most people run with a digital scale having a resolution of 0.1 grain and an uncertainty of 0.1 grain and call that good enough. Some shooters want more resolution and accuracy which is certainly available with a price. Pretty much a matter of how deep is one's pocket and what resolution and uncertainty does one want?

Whatever scale one chooses I figure it is beneficial to get a good set of check weights. I say good because when using a scale with a resolution and uncertainty of +/- 0.1 grain you really don't need high end weight class weights. If you are concerned with your weights uncertainty ask a local pharmacy to cut you a small favor and weigh your weights, odds are their scale(s) offer a more than adequate test uncertainty ratio. A good set of check weights is a nice to have.

I would just read the reviews and think about any features you may want in a scale. Make a decision and move on it. Here is an example of some reviews. There are dozens out there to read.

Ron

FITASC · January 14, 2019, 11:16 AM

None of those folks make those scales. All of the older balance beam scales were made by Ohaus; they just used different colors for the various retailers.

I had 2 different electronic scales; they both failed after a short while and never were as consistent as my RCBS 5-10.

old roper · January 14, 2019, 11:19 AM

I have RCBS 10-10 beam scale also older RCBS 1500 Digital that I'll use.

I also build my own arrows (target/hunting) and take pan off 1500 so I can weigh bare cut shaft and all other parts. Shafts I use for hunting are 8.2gr per inch.

robhic · January 14, 2019, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Started with a Lee balance beam. Nothing wrong with it either.

I use the Lee and agree. I only load pistol so precision rifle is not a consideration. I have a Hornady electronic but moving it a tad, air movement and having to fiddle with it when it times out and turns off turned ME off. I might use it for checking or backup.

I like the balance-beam because if you set it and pay attention (don't hit it or the like) it seems to stay set until I am finished. Accurate enough, stable and holds the settings.

David R · January 14, 2019, 11:51 AM

Have two green electronic ones. I went back to the balance beam.

David

jugornot · January 14, 2019, 02:07 PM

AnD FX120i. I have one in my reloading room. It is one of the least expensive force restoration scales available. I also have one of the Auto-trickler set ups. Very nice kit indeed.

higgite · January 14, 2019, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Forgetting cost for a second.....

A&D EJ-123

std7mag · January 14, 2019, 03:52 PM

I looked for the "none of thee above" button, but couldn't find it!!!

Reloadron · January 14, 2019, 07:15 PM

Hard cider through the nose, thank you std7mag.

Ron

littlebikerider · January 14, 2019, 07:57 PM

I use the same scale as HoundDawg. It gives resolution to .01gr. Since I am just reloading pistol rounds, and most generally not very stout ones, this gives me a better picture of consistency than the .1gr resolution my Lyman digital scale offers.

krunchnik · January 14, 2019, 08:19 PM

I use a RCBS 10-10 beam scale 90% of the time-the other is a digital by Hornady thats worked pretty decent-I had a RCBS digital that tended to wander badly so thats when I purchased the 10-10.

DPI7800 · January 14, 2019, 08:31 PM

Use to run a Dillon but now I run 2 RCBS ChargeMaster Combo’s.

jmr40 · January 14, 2019, 08:42 PM

Everything I've seen indicates that a good balance beam scale is more accurate. I used to want electronic, but I'll stick with what I have.

cw308 · January 14, 2019, 08:58 PM

13 years using the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 and double check with a GemPro 250 for very accurate rifle loads to the hundreds of a grain 40.84 can't do that with the 1500.

ed308 · January 14, 2019, 09:26 PM

A&D FX200i. I got mine for $350 when they offered a rebate on them last year. The deal was too good to pass up IMO. I spent more, after I bought the Auto Trickler, Auto Throw and some Area 419 goodies. With the Auto Throw and Trickler, you tell it what to throw and it throws the charge automatically. And it throws the charge really fast.

I've owned a Dillon balance beam, couple of Myweigh scales (including the Gempro 250), Hornady Auto Dispense Scale, and the RCBS 1500 Chargemaster. The A&D scale is the first scale I felt I could trust the readings. Love it.

hounddawg · January 14, 2019, 10:41 PM

nice setup ed

zeke · January 14, 2019, 11:14 PM

Never went to electronic scale, it might p_ss off my rotary phone.

ed308 · January 15, 2019, 12:32 AM

nice setup ed

Area419 stuff is like crack. I can't get enough of it.

Pond, James Pond · January 15, 2019, 01:54 AM

Mine is the Lyman Gen 5 scale and dispenser. Not exactly a scale but I’m so glad I bought it...

January 14, 2019, 08:24 AM	#1
bobznew1 Member Join Date: April 14, 2013 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 31	Digital powder scales Forgetting cost for a second. Which digital powder scales would be your choice if you had to purchase? Will be for pistol and rifle reloading. Feel free to leave comments.

January 14, 2019, 08:36 AM	#2
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	none of the above, $24 from Amazon 4 scales on my bench and this is my favorite. Battery only and pan is small but otherwise it is spot on and 3 months later still gives me the exact same reading with my check weights as it did on day 1 https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Weigh-G...ds=smart+weigh __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek

January 14, 2019, 09:04 AM	#4
BBarn Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2015 Posts: 887	I have the low cost ones from Frankford Arsenal and Lyman. Both seem OK. I bought the FA first, got use to it, and rarely use the Lyman (bought mainly for a back up). I will say that I much prefer a metal scale pan over a plastic one. Last edited by BBarn; January 14, 2019 at 09:14 AM.

January 14, 2019, 09:15 AM	#5
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,307	Tried (and tested) all of the ones in your poll and I would not buy any of them. I have used and tested both versions of the Truweigh Reloadr scales and they are at least as good, in many areas better than the ones produced by the traditional reloading companies. Not saying they are better than the $300 to $5000 scales and systems, but they are more than suitable for precision rifle loading. https://truweigh.com/products/reloadr-ammo-scales __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

January 14, 2019, 09:52 AM	#6
Charlie98 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2006 Location: Great state of Texas Posts: 1,077	None of them... I don't trust them. The laws of Gravity tell me my RCBS 5-0-5 is what I need to be using... __________________ _______________ "I have this pistol pointed at your heart!" "That is my least vulnerable spot."

View Poll Results: Which brand name digital scale would you purchase?
Hornady	6	24.00%
Frankford Arsenal	5	20.00%
Lee Precision	0	0%
RCBS	12	48.00%
Lyman	2	8.00%
Voters: 25. You may not vote on this poll

January 14, 2019, 08:54 AM	#3
PolarFBear Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2015 Location: NE Tennessee, a "Free State" Posts: 477	I'm partial to a Dillon. They are a bit pricey and I bought mine used. Dillon doesn't make them just markets them. Been using mine since'02. Started with a Lee balance beam. Nothing wrong with it either.

January 14, 2019, 11:03 AM	#7
Reloadron Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2016 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Suburbs Posts: 1,750	When it comes to scales, electronic digital scales, I have an old, maybe 30 year old RCBS scale and a bottom label reads Made by Pact, Made in USA. The reality is I seriously doubt RCBS ever made a scale anymore than Sears Roebuck ever made a rifle or shotgun. The same is likely true of all the brands mentioned for scales, Hornady, Frankford Arsenal, Lee Precision and Lyman digital scales. Today most are all likely made in China and branded for whoever orders them with the color of their choosing. That for the lower end digital scales anyway. For average reloading most people run with a digital scale having a resolution of 0.1 grain and an uncertainty of 0.1 grain and call that good enough. Some shooters want more resolution and accuracy which is certainly available with a price. Pretty much a matter of how deep is one's pocket and what resolution and uncertainty does one want? Whatever scale one chooses I figure it is beneficial to get a good set of check weights. I say good because when using a scale with a resolution and uncertainty of +/- 0.1 grain you really don't need high end weight class weights. If you are concerned with your weights uncertainty ask a local pharmacy to cut you a small favor and weigh your weights, odds are their scale(s) offer a more than adequate test uncertainty ratio. A good set of check weights is a nice to have. I would just read the reviews and think about any features you may want in a scale. Make a decision and move on it. *Here is an example of some reviews*. There are dozens out there to read. Ron

January 14, 2019, 11:16 AM	#8
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,443	None of those folks make those scales. All of the older balance beam scales were made by Ohaus; they just used different colors for the various retailers. I had 2 different electronic scales; they both failed after a short while and never were as consistent as my RCBS 5-10. __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

January 14, 2019, 11:19 AM	#9
old roper Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2007 Posts: 2,155	I have RCBS 10-10 beam scale also older RCBS 1500 Digital that I'll use. I also build my own arrows (target/hunting) and take pan off 1500 so I can weigh bare cut shaft and all other parts. Shafts I use for hunting are 8.2gr per inch. __________________ Semper Fi Vietnam 1965 VFW Life member NRA Life Member

January 14, 2019, 11:51 AM	#11
David R Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2015 Location: The swamps of WNY Posts: 753	Have two green electronic ones. I went back to the balance beam. David

January 14, 2019, 02:07 PM	#12
jugornot Senior Member Join Date: September 20, 2017 Posts: 197	AnD FX120i. I have one in my reloading room. It is one of the least expensive force restoration scales available. I also have one of the Auto-trickler set ups. Very nice kit indeed.

January 14, 2019, 03:52 PM	#14
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	I looked for the "none of thee above" button, but couldn't find it!!! __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

January 14, 2019, 07:15 PM	#15
Reloadron Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2016 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Suburbs Posts: 1,750	Hard cider through the nose, thank you std7mag. Ron

January 14, 2019, 07:57 PM	#16
littlebikerider Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 2018 Posts: 131	I use the same scale as HoundDawg. It gives resolution to .01gr. Since I am just reloading pistol rounds, and most generally not very stout ones, this gives me a better picture of consistency than the .1gr resolution my Lyman digital scale offers.

January 14, 2019, 08:19 PM	#17
krunchnik Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2010 Location: Lakeland,TN Posts: 220	I use a RCBS 10-10 beam scale 90% of the time-the other is a digital by Hornady thats worked pretty decent-I had a RCBS digital that tended to wander badly so thats when I purchased the 10-10. __________________ THE CROW

January 14, 2019, 08:31 PM	#18
DPI7800 Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2014 Posts: 208	Use to run a Dillon but now I run 2 RCBS ChargeMaster Combo’s.

January 14, 2019, 08:42 PM	#19
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,806	Everything I've seen indicates that a good balance beam scale is more accurate. I used to want electronic, but I'll stick with what I have. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

January 14, 2019, 08:58 PM	#20
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	13 years using the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 and double check with a GemPro 250 for very accurate rifle loads to the hundreds of a grain 40.84 can't do that with the 1500.

January 14, 2019, 10:41 PM	#22
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	nice setup ed __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek

January 14, 2019, 11:14 PM	#23
zeke Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 1999 Location: NW Wi Posts: 1,671	Never went to electronic scale, it might p_ss off my rotary phone.

January 15, 2019, 12:32 AM	#24
ed308 Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2016 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,147	nice setup ed Area419 stuff is like crack. I can't get enough of it.

January 15, 2019, 01:54 AM	#25
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Mine is the Lyman Gen 5 scale and dispenser. Not exactly a scale but I’m so glad I bought it... __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.