What electronic scale to buy?

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Kaldor

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Gents:
I have a friend that is looking to get back into reloading right now, and is looking for a good scale. I would recommend an FX120i to him, but that can be a touch pill to swallow. I have one, its fantastically accurate, and I have the AutoTrickler incoming one of these months.

I know right now he does have a beam scale, but the general recommendations for that would still be true, Dillon Eliminator, Redding #2, Ohaus/RCBS 505, etc. Lots of good beam scales out there, and in a pinch he could trickle up into one of these. However, he needs to have something a little more simple.

I will not recommend an auto charging system such as a Chargemaster anymore for anyone really trying to get into accuracy shooting. I had one, and always knew it weighed a little hot. I tested mine thoroughly and found it could be under throwing as much as .1gr, and overthrowing as much as .15gr. So not really acceptable. I would like to avoid a strain gauge scale as well.

What is out there in the $200-300 price range that isnt hot garbage? I want to be able to present him with a few options, so he can make an educated decision on what he should buy. The FX120i at $475ish is a dang good investment, but Im not sure if he wants to go down that rabbit hole just yet.

Thanks
Corey
 
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Not great but not junk. I’ve been using one of these for over a year and it’s touching like all electronic scales but works great. In stock at MidwayUSA right now.
 
I know this isn't really the answer you want to hear, but to me, fx120i or save the pennies for the fx120i. A scale is one of those things I refuse to buy cheap on. Yeah, the cost is a tough pill to swallow, but well worth it. Same thing I have learned with most of my reloading adventures...buy once, cry once.

If he is just wanting something just for making blasting ammo, get a good powder thrower and use the beam scale to set it, then call it good.

If he's wanting something for accuracy, go with something excellent from the start. It boggles my mind how people will spend hundreds or thousands of dollars chasing other variables, but scoff at the idea of spending a bit extra on a one time deal to ensure they are getting exceptional quality. May as well bite the bullet right now and get something high end rather than buy now and leave yourself wanting more later on.
 
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Not great but not junk. I’ve been using one of these for over a year and it’s touching like all electronic scales but works great. In stock at MidwayUSA right now.

Thats his decision. Im just trying to find some options for him.

I did, and I won't go back, well worth it.

Yeah, its a heck of a good investment long term if you plan on reloading everything. Thats what I will tell him too.

I know this isn't really the answer you want to hear, but to me, fx120i or save the pennies for the fx120i. A scale is one of those things I refuse to buy cheap on. Yeah, the cost is a tough pill to swallow, but well worth it. Same thing I have learned with most of my reloading adventures...buy once, cry once.

If he is just wanting something just for making blasting ammo, get a good powder thrower and use the beam scale to set it, then call it good.

If he's wanting something for accuracy, go with something excellent from the start. It boggles my mind how people will spend hundreds or thousands of dollars chasing other variables, but scoff at the idea of spending a bit extra on a one time deal to ensure they are getting exceptional quality. May as well bite the bullet right now and get something high end rather than buy now and leave yourself wanting more later on.

You and me both man! I wanted to chase those single digits SDs and this is one of the best ways to get there. Between annealing and a good scale, that takes out alot of variables. I could do everything else the hard way, but I just dont see a way around those 2 things for consistencies sake.
Ive had really good luck with consistency with my Hornady powder drop. Its been polished and waxed and Im only seeing a +/- .04 with powders like 8208, probably better with a ball powder.
 
I like my Hornady bench scale...accurate enough for the rounds I load, calibrates easily..
 
Guys I’ve been looking at the a&d fx 120i but I haven’t seen it anywhere near that price. Everything I found was north of 700 bucks. My 505 is a pain. Excuse my intrusion on the thread please but where can I find one for 475? As for the op this is the best option I’ve researched it thoroughly and keep ending up back to the Fx. Your getting good advice and the right advice. 1/10 of a grain makes a difference
 
Guys I’ve been looking at the a&d fx 120i but I haven’t seen it anywhere near that price. Everything I found was north of 700 bucks. My 505 is a pain. Excuse my intrusion on the thread please but where can I find one for 475? As for the op this is the best option I’ve researched it thoroughly and keep ending up back to the Fx. Your getting good advice and the right advice. 1/10 of a grain makes a difference

Here is what you need:
https://ceproducts.shop/products/fx-120i-reloading-scale-122g-x-0-001g
Use the discount code as directed, comes out at $465

I have the FX120i, this is more of a research project for a friend :)
 
I've been using a Lyman Gen 6 for several years. Easy to use either with a trickler for one-off or as an automatic dispenser. For the latter, it is easy to unload and recover your powder from the reservoir. Downside is it is sensitive to movement. I set it on a desk next to my loading bench for motion and vibration isolation. It's the only electronic scale I've ever used, so I can't compare it to others, but I hope I never have to use a mechanical dispenser or beam scale again. But I do keep my little RCBS beam scale as my check.
 
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