I have the dippers.
Best beam scale, opinions
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I have the dippers.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
I tried that game and the Lee dippers are not quite redundant. Here are some results with the dipper skimmed and non-skimmed. I tried to keep all my motions as uniform as possible.
Using a 2.8 cc Lee dipper and H335 powder.
The averages of ten loads each, leveled dipper and unleveled (skim and no skim) dipper.
Even with skimming the average was +/- a grain. Combine that with the fact that working from VMD I should have been seeing about 43.4 grains and all of the loads exceeded that. The weights were checked against known good check weights. The whole VMD thing leaves a little to be desired as the actual VMD of powder varies lot to lot of the same type and my understanding is manufacturers allow a 15% deviation. If I ever have to leave here in a hurry the only thing going with me is a .45 ACP, a few magazines and maybe a hundred rounds. Not like I am loading a RV for a summer road trip.
Ron
someguy2800
Member
I have a tip for storing your reloading components in case of zombie apocalypse. Rather than taking loose powder and bullets and primers around with you, just pour a small amount of powder in an empty casing and then to keep it from spilling out just put a bullet in on top of it, and a primer in the bottom. It make a very convenient storage method for all your reloading components and you can leave the press at home.
Just busting your chops ;-)
Just busting your chops ;-)
HEAVY METAL 1
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I see some of Lee scale bashing, but who actually has one that has broken?
Decoy80
Member
Just carry more loaded magazines. Kick the emptys out of your way. The bright side is you are firing not loading and every empty is less you will have to keep up with. If you are planning on loading more ammo you sure are more optomistic than myself. Without a lead ghillie suit the thermal sights will get you before you use more ammo than can be carried. They can spot a field mouse half a mile away in the daytime. They bring buddies with them too. Make them pay as best that you can and never give up. All your worldly problems will be over quickly. Take no prisoners.
This is a serious post. I am planning for something I hope and pray doesn't happen.
This is not "tin foil hat" or "conspiracy theory" type of thing. I am one person who believes in being prepared, rather to have and not need, than to need and not have.
So to clarify; My family has a predetermined meeting point, we all have specified things to bring, there is overlap in case someone can't make it. My contribution is ammo and a way to produce more.
I have presses, I have dial calipers, I have a way to prime, I have a way to decap, I can size/trim/prep brass although I'm not worried how shiny my brass is, I have tricklers, dippers, I have a supply of powder/primer/bullets/brass. And trust me, "we" have plenty of already loaded ammo!
With all of that said, I need 2 or 3 durable scales, my first choice will be to weigh charges, my second choice will be to dip charges.
All of this equipment is extra, all ready packed, and ready to go. Nothing off my reloading bench. If I never need it, I will give it away before I die or will it to someone.
So with all of that said, and all of the SA comments aside, I need scales. I guess I will look at buying a couple of the LEE since I like them and I know how to use them. I would like a third option that would be durable.
Is the Redding #2 any good? Sportsmans has them for $65 and I have some rewards cards I need to cash in.
This is not "tin foil hat" or "conspiracy theory" type of thing. I am one person who believes in being prepared, rather to have and not need, than to need and not have.
So to clarify; My family has a predetermined meeting point, we all have specified things to bring, there is overlap in case someone can't make it. My contribution is ammo and a way to produce more.
I have presses, I have dial calipers, I have a way to prime, I have a way to decap, I can size/trim/prep brass although I'm not worried how shiny my brass is, I have tricklers, dippers, I have a supply of powder/primer/bullets/brass. And trust me, "we" have plenty of already loaded ammo!
With all of that said, I need 2 or 3 durable scales, my first choice will be to weigh charges, my second choice will be to dip charges.
All of this equipment is extra, all ready packed, and ready to go. Nothing off my reloading bench. If I never need it, I will give it away before I die or will it to someone.
So with all of that said, and all of the SA comments aside, I need scales. I guess I will look at buying a couple of the LEE since I like them and I know how to use them. I would like a third option that would be durable.
Is the Redding #2 any good? Sportsmans has them for $65 and I have some rewards cards I need to cash in.
I'm not as worried about fending off a well prepared army, can't do that, they will win that battle. My fear is in civil unrest and civil war. I can defend myself against another civie. I don't think or feel my government is "out to get me", I also do not plan on or bet on our government being very effective in a civil uprising, at least not at the onset. Politicians are not good decision makers when the decisions aren't "popular".
Alright, back on topic, Scales?
jmorris
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Don't take this the wrong way but if you need a firearm I don't think you would be properly prepared if you had to make ammunition from components.
The only reason I have components vs loaded ammunition is because they are more versatile than loaded rounds.
So I can use a given bullet, powder or primers in any number of different rounds. Lots easier to move and store well, ammo cans of loaded ammunition that different containers of various components and reference material for load data etc.
That said get an old 5-0-5, 10-10 and you'll have what you need.
An older Redding No 2 with an engraved beam rather than an applied tape would do well.
Consider this one. It's accurate within a 2-4 tenths of a grain (0.2 to 0.4) which should be fine for your purposes. The cover protects the load cell from direct impact and it is battery powered. Best of all it is cheap as hell ($9 on Amazon), so you could get a spare if needed.
American Weigh Digital Scale, 100g [0.01g sensitivity]
someguy2800
Member
I like the redding #2 the best of any of the small magnetic dampened scales.
When I decided to go that way I tried the Dillon, havent had the need to try others. Way easier to get accurate readings than the Lee scale, the one I used previously. It was very fiddly and tricky to get repeatable readings untill you really have a feel for it.
The Dillon is fast, accurate and gives repeatable results.
Russellc
For this application, beam scales only. I use a digital at my house along with beam scales(CM1500) but not fooling with batteries or anything electronic when reloading remotelyConsider this one. It's accurate within a 2-4 tenths of a grain (0.2 to 0.4) which should be fine for your purposes. The cover protects the load cell from direct impact and it is battery powered. Best of all it is cheap as hell ($9 on Amazon), so you could get a spare if needed.
American Weigh Digital Scale, 100g [0.01g sensitivity]
Mine did not break, it is just unnecessarily fiddley. Once you have an feel for the scale,
It can be accurate, but to get repeatable readings is a little tricky sometimes.
The Dillon unit is far easier to use and very accurate.
Russellc
I picked up these vintage Redding #1's in a package deal this weekend. They are in the mail as we speak. I think they will make for a durable scale if the need ever arises, I also picked up another set of LEE scales from Sportsmans Warehouse yesterday during their "Balloon Pop", sale which I won the 100% off balloon(I shoulda bought a few guns :-()
Paddy
member
Sorry but it kinda is a tin foil hat kind of post. But, in the off chance that you could make use of components, I'd stay away from electronic scales. One of the biggest risks that we face that would for sure cause total societal meltdown is a large solar flare that could knock out all electronics. At that point only super ruggedized military equipment would be operable and, well, good luck with that. Another possible disaster would be if the earths magnetic poles reversed. During this period the earth could possibly lose a lot of atmosphere, and or massive climate change that would case a major problem.
Anyone remember when the telegraph wires caught fire from an EM storm late 1800's? Imagine if that had happened now!
Read my posts, there is no electronic equipment in my box, all manual.
And no it's not a "tin foil hat" or "conspiracy" post. I like to be prepared and I have a lot of extra equipment that I can have prepacked, just no scales that I want to remove from my loading bench to prepack.
It's a " hope I never need it" type of thing. But if I do, I will, will you?
Reloadron
Contributing Member
As to level scales, given a choice, I prefer the older better made scales. I have an old Lyman M5 and it is one reliable heavy scale. Well made cast, reliable, accurate and repeatable. While I am not at all into the whole bug out thing I see many of the older balance scales as the better choice. Recently as part of a closeout a retailer was literally blowing out RCBS 5-0-5 scales so for a few bucks I bought one. Can never have too many scales right. While by today's standards th scale is OK but as compared you the heavy well made scales of years ago this thing is junk. May help to invert it, fill with sand and epoxy to add some weight. My old Lyman M5 is nice as it easily packs firmly including all parts for storage or moving. They placed some thought into it. Again, I I ever need to leave my home in a hurry the last thing I will worry about is dragging a scale along. For me and my neighbors, this house may as well be The Alamo.
Ron
Ron
As to level scales, given a choice, I prefer the older better made scales. I have an old Lyman M5 and it is one reliable heavy scale. Well made cast, reliable, accurate and repeatable. While I am not at all into the whole bug out thing I see many of the older balance scales as the better choice. Recently as part of a closeout a retailer was literally blowing out RCBS 5-0-5 scales so for a few bucks I bought one. Can never have too many scales right. While by today's standards th scale is OK but as compared you the heavy well made scales of years ago this thing is junk. May help to invert it, fill with sand and epoxy to add some weight. My old Lyman M5 is nice as it easily packs firmly including all parts for storage or moving. They placed some thought into it. Again, I I ever need to leave my home in a hurry the last thing I will worry about is dragging a scale along. For me and my neighbors, this house may as well be The Alamo.
Ron
I looked at some M5's on eBay, I like the look of those and they remind me of the 10-10
Reloadron
Contributing Member
kerreckt
Member
I would look for an old Bonanza or Herters scale. They are very well built and accurate. I have a couple I have used, for about 35 years, and they are still quite servicable.
Looks exactly like mine I bought in 1966. Still weighs the same check weights (bullets) same as when new.
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