Help buying new beam scale

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JBrady555

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Hey guys I'm ready to upgrade my lee safety beam scale. My problem is that each scale that I research has as many negative reviews as positive. Is there a beam scale that stands out above the rest? Especially for under 100 bucks? The rcbs 505 looks nice for 40 bucks on amazon but I've seen a few thread postings of folks who think they are junk. Please help, thanks.
 
I had a RCBS 505 that got squashed when we moved. It was a good scale. I have a Redding #2 now and it's a good scale.
 
Similar situation here, I had an RCBS that worked great for years and years until I knocked it off the bench. Being curious, I bought a Redding R2 scale and it has been great as well. It does not sit on my load bench.
 
I have 2 Chinese 5-0-5 scales from Amazon
Great price & great scale
They are not junk & are very accurate
The only con is they skimped on the magnets & take a little longer to give a reading.
Don't blame China--an American co. told them how to build these.
My original 5-0-5 lasted about 40 years
 
One of the best bargains out there for a scale is Dillon's Eliminator scale. Made by Ohaus current price is $69.95. Used to be $59.95 until January 2014. Dillon prices go up every January. Still a good scale for the money.
 
I have the Eliminator and it is very good.

Just bought the RCBS on Amazon as a back up or I am a hoarder, will see if it is the same or the new China junk??:)
 
Rule3 said:
I have the Eliminator and it is very good.

Just bought the RCBS on Amazon as a back up or I am a hoarder, will see if it is the same or the new China junk??:)
Click to expand...

Not been very impressed with the recent Dillons I've seen - all made in Mexico.

The RCBS range, 502, 505 and 10/10 have been dropped from the catalogue and replaced with two new scales, the M500 and the M1000, both made in China.

I have had a look at two M500, both were accurate and retain the usual RCBS floating agate bearing/knife edge set-up.
The M500 is a direct replacement for the RCBS 502, just a simple two poise scale but as the beam is printed on both sides can also be used left handed.
 
I have an rcbs scale that I've never used. It came with my rockchucker kit when I started reloading about 8 years ago. PM me if you are interested in it. I'll have to check and see exactly which one it is.
 
Rule3 said:
Amazon calls it the 505 and the pic is the 505, now if they send me the new model I will be PO'd!

http://www.amazon.com/RCBS-Model-505-Reloading-Scale/dp/B001AYWXEQ
Click to expand...
That's the one I was looking at too. Not too many reviews on the China made 505. Everyone loves their old American made 505. I think it's too early to blindly associate the two with one another. I haven't seen any comparisons of the two. I may still try it though, price is good on amazon.

Thanks for the replies about the dillon. I love my 550 press and if Dillon's no bs warranty applies to the scale too, I can't think of any reason not to try it also.
 
I ordered the 505 from amazon about 2 months ago.
It is made in China
It is about 1/2 the weight of my 502
It is just fine, and I can`t see paying $20.00 + dollars more for another brand, that doesn`t weigh powder any better.
For me, the 505 is a little easier to use than my 502, though the 502 is a little more sturdy.
Not a bad deal for $40 shipped.
Glad I got it.
 
J2FLAN said:
I ordered the 505 from amazon about 2 months ago.
It is made in China
It is about 1/2 the weight of my 502
It is just fine, and I can`t see paying $20.00 + dollars more for another brand, that doesn`t weigh powder any better.
For me, the 505 is a little easier to use than my 502, though the 502 is a little more sturdy.
Not a bad deal for $40 shipped.
Glad I got it.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the China 505 review. That eases my mind about picking it up.
 
JBrady555 said:
That's the one I was looking at too. Not too many reviews on the China made 505. Everyone loves their old American made 505. I think it's too early to blindly associate the two with one another. I haven't seen any comparisons of the two. I may still try it though, price is good on amazon.

Thanks for the replies about the dillon. I love my 550 press and if Dillon's no bs warranty applies to the scale too, I can't think of any reason not to try it also.
Click to expand...

RCBS warranty is as good as Dillon, They have no BS also and all non electric items are lifetime,

I thought the new RCBS scale (China) looked different? The picture on Amazon looks like the original> Now I am debating canceling it as I really do not need it, kinda wanted a back up.
 
If you are upgrading, you might as well get a good digital scale. They provide convenience, but are not cheap. But the point of upgrading is to not get a cheap product anyway, right?
 
I have 2 electronic scales. A really good one and a cheapo. I never use them. I dislike them.
 
I've got a Frankford arsenal digital that I use now. I use it to get dialed in pretty close, but then I double check with my beam.
 
Rule3 said:
Amazon calls it the 505 and the pic is the 505, now if they send me the new model I will be PO'd!

http://www.amazon.com/RCBS-Model-505-Reloading-Scale/dp/B001AYWXEQ
Click to expand...

That's the standard RCBS 505, for the last few years it's been made in China or Mexico. This model has been dropped from the RCBS catalogue and replaced with the M500. There will still be the RCBS 505 around while existing stock lasts.

This is the new scale that replaces the 502 and 505 scales:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/RCBS-M-MECHANICAL-SCALE/1979041.uts
 
Search eBay for vintage Redding powder scales. I have an old black wrinkle finish scale that is nice and heavy, never needs batteries and is perfectly accurate. the best part is that it will never wear out! goes up to 350grains!

They start at about $25 and go up.

UPDATE 7/9/2015 8pm! There are about 15 of the Redding #1's on eBay starting at $19!

be safe
 
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