Good Electronic Powder Scale
- Thread starter lpsharp88
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Check this thread out. It might help you decide.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=759750&highlight=electronic+scale
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=759750&highlight=electronic+scale
moxie
Member
I bought a little RCBS 5-0-2 beam scale in 1988 when I started reloading. It's served me well over the years.
Recently with all the talk about electronic scales, I talked my brother in law into buying a set of check weights, which I then borrowed. My scale is 100% right on.
Still accurate, no batteries. There you go!
Recently with all the talk about electronic scales, I talked my brother in law into buying a set of check weights, which I then borrowed. My scale is 100% right on.
Still accurate, no batteries. There you go!
Dudedog
Contributing Member
I like my Frankford DS750 ok. It is only accurate to .1 but seems to weigh my check weights correctly. I would not use it for really light chagres, say , <3gr.
(If I was after 2.1 for example I would use the GEM20)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/17...50-electronic-powder-scale-750-grain-capacity
$28
If you are weighing small charges my GEM20 works well and will weigh tiny amounts. (small pan, weight changes if you breathe on it)
http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Weigh-GEM20-Precision-Milligram/dp/B00ESHDGOI
$23
I also have one of these that works well, but it is not digital (much slower to use than the DS750)Mine is older manafacture, so I don't know how the new ones are.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/75...scale-511-grain-capacity?cm_vc=ProductFinding
$93
(If I was after 2.1 for example I would use the GEM20)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/17...50-electronic-powder-scale-750-grain-capacity
$28
If you are weighing small charges my GEM20 works well and will weigh tiny amounts. (small pan, weight changes if you breathe on it)
http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Weigh-GEM20-Precision-Milligram/dp/B00ESHDGOI
$23
I also have one of these that works well, but it is not digital (much slower to use than the DS750)Mine is older manafacture, so I don't know how the new ones are.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/75...scale-511-grain-capacity?cm_vc=ProductFinding
$93
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oneounceload
member
No batteries, no need to warm up for 30 minutes, no worries about fluorescent lighting, etc. My 5-10 has been a stalwart for over 30 years
ColtPythonElite
Member
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- Jan 8, 2011
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- 10,477
I retired my RCBS 502 to the back of the bench nearly 20 years ago and have had zero troubles out of the Pact BBK that replaced it. Sure, it needs a battery, but doesn't need any warm up time and isn't affected by fluorescent lighting.
TexasDon
Member
I agree, I had a 5-10 back when, I ended up breaking it and RCBS sent me a new 10-10 to replace it because the 5-10 had been discontinued at that time.
Now I have 2 10-10's, found one at a Gun Show for $50, couldn't pass it up, it even had a set of check-weights with it....
I do have an electronic one, but it's the RCBS Chargemaster 1500 scale and dispenser, don't think one can be had under $100.
It is an excellent scale even by itself, but kind of overkill for most people's use.
I don't even know if there is a good dependable electronic scale for $100??
I'm sure someone has found one that they have had for a while and can comment on it. I tried one of the earlier ones years ago that wouldn't weigh the same load correct 2 times in a row. Hopefully they are better now????
Good ole Chinese/Taiwanese low cost electronics.:banghead:
TxDon
Oldman1151
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- Mar 6, 2013
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- 271
Lyman-Micro Touch
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Last edited:
Oldman1151
Member
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- Mar 6, 2013
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Lyman-Micro Touch
No one has commented on the scale that the OP asked about. Does anyone have any experience with this scale? I do know that it operates on batteries or 110 outlet.
No one has commented on the scale that the OP asked about. Does anyone have any experience with this scale? I do know that it operates on batteries or 110 outlet.
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Thanks for the replies! I read through the thread referenced above and to sum it up, price isn't always indicative of quality. I'm just loading 9mm for range plinking and IDPA, and plan to do some .45 ACP and .223 once I get pretty comfortable. The scale I referenced gets it to within .1 gr, so that works with me. Does anyone have any experience with the scale I linked?
J_McLeod
Member
I have the Frankford Arsenal DS750 and I'm happy with it.
Dudedog
Contributing Member
I would get the Frankford DS750, cheaper than the one asked about.
I have experience with it and I am happy with it.
.02 gram may or may not register
.05 gram checkweight measured .7gr (should be .77)
.1 gram check weight measured 1.5 gr (should be 1.54)
(remember .1 gr resoultion)
.2 gram Check weight measured 3.0 gr
1 gram = 15.4 gr
Gem20
.01 gram check weight measured .16 gr (should be .154)
.02 gram check weight measured .32 gr
.05 gram check weight measured .77
.1 gram check weight measured 1.56
using these M2 check weights
http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-Calibration-WGHTKIT/dp/B003STEJAC
So unless I was trying to weigh really light charges I use my Frankford DS750 and am happy with it, it is what I use probably 95% of the time. (make sure it has good AA batteries)
It is $28 so you could buy it and the check weights and a GEM20 for about the same price as the Lyman. (Or it and a pound of powder if you can find any
)
I am not saying the Lyman is a bad scale I have no experience with it.
I think for $28 the DS750 is a good deal. ($28 Midway $25.72 Amazon)
I have experience with it and I am happy with it.
.02 gram may or may not register
.05 gram checkweight measured .7gr (should be .77)
.1 gram check weight measured 1.5 gr (should be 1.54)
(remember .1 gr resoultion)
.2 gram Check weight measured 3.0 gr
1 gram = 15.4 gr
Gem20
.01 gram check weight measured .16 gr (should be .154)
.02 gram check weight measured .32 gr
.05 gram check weight measured .77
.1 gram check weight measured 1.56
using these M2 check weights
http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-Calibration-WGHTKIT/dp/B003STEJAC
So unless I was trying to weigh really light charges I use my Frankford DS750 and am happy with it, it is what I use probably 95% of the time. (make sure it has good AA batteries)
It is $28 so you could buy it and the check weights and a GEM20 for about the same price as the Lyman. (Or it and a pound of powder if you can find any
)I am not saying the Lyman is a bad scale I have no experience with it.
I think for $28 the DS750 is a good deal. ($28 Midway $25.72 Amazon)
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LiveLife
Member
+1
While my two Ohaus 10-10 beam scales and Gemini-20 digital scale will consistently read Ohaus ASTM class 6 check weights down to .15 gr, Frankford Arsenal DS-750 will consistently read within .1 gr of 10-10 scales and be spot on with check weights down to .5 gr. While the .02 gr resolution Gemini scale is more accurate, for me it is too sensitive and has too small of a pan to be practical as a bench scale. While slightly less accurate with .1 gr resolution, the DS-750 is more practical with larger flat pan tray that is less affected by ambient room air movement (with Gemini scale, I have to weigh with the cover on even with HVAC off).
While I would suggest you go with a beam scale (even a quality used one), regardless of the scale you end up with, I highly recommend you get a set of check weights to verify the accuracy of your scale, especially if you are loading near max/max charges. Many check weight sets only go down to .5 gr but these sets have check weight down to 1 mg (.015 gr).
You can get the OIML M2 class aluminum check weight set down to 1 mg (.015 gr) for $11 - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003STEJAC/ref=pdp_new_dp_review
Or you can get the ASTM class 6 stainless steel check weight set down to 1 mg (.015 gr) for $50 (free shipping) - http://www.zoro.com/i/G0843236/?category=8312
Potatohead actually has the Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 scale for PIF on the "Thank you THR" thread and you could PM him for his experience - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9679888#post9679888lpsharp88 said:
To me, action pistol match shooting like IDPA/USPSA/GSSF and even bullseyematch shooting only need accuracy resolution to 1/10th of grain (.1 gr). I think many digital scales under $100 will read down to .5 gr check weight with +/- .1 gr resolution, which I think is sufficient for most reloading applications.lpsharp88 said:
While my two Ohaus 10-10 beam scales and Gemini-20 digital scale will consistently read Ohaus ASTM class 6 check weights down to .15 gr, Frankford Arsenal DS-750 will consistently read within .1 gr of 10-10 scales and be spot on with check weights down to .5 gr. While the .02 gr resolution Gemini scale is more accurate, for me it is too sensitive and has too small of a pan to be practical as a bench scale. While slightly less accurate with .1 gr resolution, the DS-750 is more practical with larger flat pan tray that is less affected by ambient room air movement (with Gemini scale, I have to weigh with the cover on even with HVAC off).
While I would suggest you go with a beam scale (even a quality used one), regardless of the scale you end up with, I highly recommend you get a set of check weights to verify the accuracy of your scale, especially if you are loading near max/max charges. Many check weight sets only go down to .5 gr but these sets have check weight down to 1 mg (.015 gr).
You can get the OIML M2 class aluminum check weight set down to 1 mg (.015 gr) for $11 - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003STEJAC/ref=pdp_new_dp_review
Or you can get the ASTM class 6 stainless steel check weight set down to 1 mg (.015 gr) for $50 (free shipping) - http://www.zoro.com/i/G0843236/?category=8312
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oneounceload
member
DANG! Ya mean if I bust my 5-10, RCBS will send me a new 10-10?
HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM, gotta find my ball peen................. LOL
berettaprofessor
Member
I use the Lyman Accutouch 2000...about twice the price of the 1500. It is accurate and repeatable and stable.
TexasDon
Member
YES....I've mentioned it before on another reloading forum.
I'm not the only one who had a broken 5-10 and RCBS replaced it with a 10-10..!!
What can they do, it's not made any longer and can't really give you a 505 in it's place I guess?
But i would have settled for one.
My main issue was when I think I dropped it or may have been before maybe, but the reading across the beam with their check weights came up off...!!
There was NO arguements, they just sent me a new 10-10 and I sent them the old one...Don't remember if they paid shipping back to them?
TxD
ImjinScout85
Member
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2013
- Messages
- 127
I just picked up the scale you referenced in your original post. So far I'm pretty impressed with it,works good and is as accurate as described. I also tried it with my check weights and they were right on the money. So for my reloading needs this scale will be fine. I was using the hornady gs-1500 and didn't have any problems with that one but it is a older version. Seems like the newer version is not as good. I went with the Lyman as I wanted one with electric capabilities.
PWGUNNY
Member
I have the Lyman Micro Touch scale. It works great and without issue. It comes with a balance weight to zero when needed. I've owned it for 2 years and I originally bought it at Cabela's. I like it and I would buy it again.
Hondo 60
Member
I have a Pact BBK II. I've had it for years - It works.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/88...onic-powder-scale-750-grain-capacity-110-volt
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/88...onic-powder-scale-750-grain-capacity-110-volt
Average Joe
Member
Frankford Arsenal DS750 , works for me.
straight-shooter
Member
GemPro 250
If I were just weighing loads for general pistol or rifle fodder I wouldn't be as critical but since I'm shooting precision tuned loads for high power I get a little more concerned. I bought the GemPro 250 scale with a resolution of 0.02 and my findings are that my groups did indeed tighten up.
I can weigh out a charge on my ChargeMaster 1500 to within 0.1 and when weighed on the GemPro 250 I usually find the reading that the Chargemaster can not give me.
Bottom line is the GemPro 250 can give you within a single grain of powder weight for precision.
Some may argue this isn't absolutely necessary and you know what, maybe it isn't but I like the ability that it gives.
The best deal I've found on the GemPro 250 is here http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/my-weigh-gempro-250.html since they give you a VibraKill Pad to set it on and a Ferrous Choke for the 110 cord. Also their no BS return exchange warranty is the best.
If I were just weighing loads for general pistol or rifle fodder I wouldn't be as critical but since I'm shooting precision tuned loads for high power I get a little more concerned. I bought the GemPro 250 scale with a resolution of 0.02 and my findings are that my groups did indeed tighten up.
I can weigh out a charge on my ChargeMaster 1500 to within 0.1 and when weighed on the GemPro 250 I usually find the reading that the Chargemaster can not give me.
Bottom line is the GemPro 250 can give you within a single grain of powder weight for precision.
Some may argue this isn't absolutely necessary and you know what, maybe it isn't but I like the ability that it gives.
The best deal I've found on the GemPro 250 is here http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/my-weigh-gempro-250.html since they give you a VibraKill Pad to set it on and a Ferrous Choke for the 110 cord. Also their no BS return exchange warranty is the best.
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