[Rem700CDLSF3006]

what are the chances of getting a good reloading scale off ebay

[hAkron]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=Ohus&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313&_nkw=Reloading+scale&_sacat=0

[owen]

i'd say the chances are excellent.

[Kevin Rohrer]

Scales are one reloading accessory that should be bought new. Ebay scales are fine--as long as they are not pre-owned. :what:

[horsemen61]

I agree with Kevin here buy new.

[Rem700CDLSF3006]

just concerned if used and assembled it cant be good for the beam rocking during shipment

[cal30_sniper]

I see no problem at all with buying a used reloading scale. It's a very simple device that would be pretty hard to tear up. If you're concerned about it, buy some calibration weights and check it.

Scale reading is usually going to vary slightly from scale to scale. This is just one of the many reasons that you always start low and work your way up in reloading.

If you don't have any calibration weights, just test it against some known bullet weights. .224 and .243 bullets both come in light enough ranges that they work very well for calibrating most scales for rifle caliber charges. They will at least ensure that you are close enough to start working up.

[DeadFlies]

I got a nice old Redding beam from Ebay for $25, shipped. I don't use it much but it works well when I need it.

And it's kinda...I dunno...classy. It's from a different age. It's cast iron and brass, not plastic.

[GT1]

I bought an old Lyman M5 scale off ebay and it is the one I usually have on my bench, it looks so....vintage, like 1965 B&W tv.
It works perfectly.

[kingmt]

I have I beam scale if I can find it you can have it.

[leadchucker]

I've bought new and used reloading components off of evilbay several times. Got good deals. It never hurts to peruse evilbay before you decide what and where to buy. Just don't buy any of that cheapo no-name stuff, like $20 digital scales.

I wouldn't want a beam scale shipped assembled. That would damage the movement.

[Offfhand]

There is an excellent chance of getting a great deal on a used powder scale and other loading equipment on ebay. It's just a matter knowing what you are looking for and being able to judge the photos and description, plus the seller's feedback. I recently bought a vintage beam scale for my collection that was perfect and far better than anything that can be bought new today. Collectors of vintage reloading equipment, including myself, often buy and sell, on ebay.

[James2]

I haven't bought a scale on eBay, but have found other good buys there. Never been disappointed.

A beam scale is a simple lever with calibrated notches in it. The accuracy is machined into the beam and the weights. It will never go bad unless the pivot points get damaged. These points are made from very hard material that should last several lifetimes. Yes, if dropped, they can be damaged. If the bean is taken off the base and wrapped in shipping, it should be just fine.

I have an old Webster Scale that is over 50 years old. I have an Ohaus scale that is 20 years old. The two read exactly the same if you weigh the same load. Like I said, its machined into them to do that.

Electronics on the other hand depend on voltages and are sensitive to temperature. Components age and may change value . Batteries vary in voltage as they age. Yes, good circuitry can minimize the variations due to voltage and temperature, but personally I prefer a beam. Every electronic gadget I ever had changed over time or just quit. ( I do have some electronics training. I hold a Second Class Radiotelephone License and am an Extra Class Amateur Radio Operator, plus I have had hands on with a lot of electronic gadgets. )

In any case, if you wonder about a scales accuracy, check weights are in order. I would for sure recommend check weights with an electronic scale.

[sage5907]

I have bought many items on eBay and never had a problem that I couldn't fix. I would buy an RCBS 10-10 scale and make sure the item was returnable if it wasn't in working order. I would ask the seller to remove the beam from the scale and wrap each part separately in bubble wrap. When I got the scale I would take several bullets of known weight and weigh each to see if it is giving accurate readings. I have always used a 50 grain 22 caliber bullet to check my scales. When the scale was new it read 50 grains and today it still weights 50 grains.

[Searcher4851]

My current primary scale (Ohaus 10-10) was purchased used off ebay. It's old and looks it, but weighs dead on according to my scale check weights.

[mtrmn]

My backup scale was bought off ebay for about $40, RCBS 1010. Works fine, dead on according to check weights.

[higgite]

I have no idea what the chances are, but can say that I got an excellent used RCBS 10-10 off ebay. (Looks like 10-10's are the official scale of ebay. :))

[armarsh]

I got a used 10-10 on ebay for $25. It is right on.

[nosmr2]

Bought mine off EBay and its fine. Saved $50 from new.