Any real difference between RCBS 505 and 502 scales?

[ric426]

I know the 505 is a 3 poise and the 502 is a two poise, but are there any other significant differences? They're in the same price range, cover the same weight range, look to be built about the same, look to operate about the same. At this point I'm only loading .38 special target loads in the 2.3 to 3.2 grain range and don't weigh every powder charge, but weigh enough charges for QC checking. What factors would cause you to choose one over the other?

 

[THe Dove]

I have and use the 505. Can't comment on any others as the 505 has done all I ever needed for the past 15 plus years.

The Dove

 

[GMFWoodchuck]

I wonder the same thing about the Lyman 500 and the 505.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=448122

 

[Jason977]

My newbie observation from using both RCBS two and three poise scales is that the notches on the beam are much closer together on the two poise scale, and thus a little easier to misread.
502
505
The first powder drop I ever set up with the Uniflow and new scale I accidentally set to 8.8 rather than 3.8 because the large poise was on 5, when it looked like it was on 0. Luckily I caught my mistake when I threw 10 charges and weighed 50gr too much!
Just goes to show that the equipment is only as good as its operator. Once I knew what to watch out for, the two poise works just fine.

 

[twofifty]

Haven't used the 502.

On the 505 -and I'd say on any brand or model scale- it is best to eyeball the poises from time to time. I've noticed the smallest poise can jump out a notch on the 505, mostly from fumbling as I sit the pan down in the hanger.

Also, the pivot action can sometimes get hung up by friction from one end of the triangular knife rubbing on the end of the trough. Keeping the knife and agate trough free of lint or dust is important.

 

[Steve C]

IMO the 505 3 poise scale is more intuitive in settings than the 2 poise 502.

The 505 has the end poise in 1/10gr increments for each notch from 0 to 1 grain, the middle poise in 1 grain increments from 0 to 10 grs and the main poise is in 10 gr increments from 0 to 500.

The 502 on the other hand has the light poise in 1/10gr increments per notch with a range of 0 to 5 grs and the heavy poise in 5gr increments from 0 to 500. This requires adding by 5's for each notch when over 5grs of powder on the heavy side. Kind of like a one handed man counting on his fingers.

 

[Randy1911]

The main differences is the number of poises.

The 5-0-2 has 2 poises. One poise on the main beam wieghs in 10 grain incraments. On the other side of the fulcrum is a smaller poise that weighs in 0.1 incraments in a slide of 100 notches for a total of 10 grains.

the 5-0-5 has 3 poises. One on the main beam that measures in 10 grain incraments. On the other side of the fulcrum are 2 poises. One weighs in 1 grain incraments the other in 0.1 incraments. Both are in a sliding scale of 10 notches.

I personally prefer the 10-10 which is what I own. It has a poise on the mainbeam that measures in 10 grain incraments. On the other side of the fulcrum is a barrel poisy that is on a threaded shaft. It is marked like a mircometer. One grain markings along tthe beam and 0.1 markings around the barrel. Once set it can be locked down with a nylon thumb screw.

I hope this helps you understand.

 

[Steve C]

The 5-0-2 has 2 poises. One poise on the main beam weighs in 10 grain increments. On the other side of the fulcrum is a smaller poise that weighs in 0.1 increments in a slide of 100 notches for a total of 10 grains.

Take a look at the close up of the beam on the 502 and you will see each notch is 5 grains on the main beam rather than 10 like the 505.

 

[FROGO207]

I had the advantage of looking over several scales at others setups. After the thought process, using the Lee safety scale for a while, and with lots of luck using a local swap and sell paper-I also got a 10-10. Am I ever happy I did. BTW it is really a Ohaus scale (they made the 10-10 for RCBS and is 99% the same) with the shell type storage cover and I love it. $20.00 cash.

 

[AzBuckfever]

Wouldn't know, I have the 304