I dropped my scale

[Steve Milbocker]

Looks like I’m in the market for a new scale. I’ve used the old RCBS beam scale for years. I knocked it of its shelf the other day and broke the leveling screw as well as knocking a magnet loose. I was extremely pissed off to say the least. So what should I get next? I don’t know if I trust electronics but what say you guys?

 

[nettlle]

About 15 years ago the movers destroyed my RCBS 10-10 scale. I found another used one that is almost like new. Happy with my decision.

 

[Walkalong]

Looks like I’m in the market for a new scale. I’ve used the old RCBS beam scale for years. I knocked it of its shelf the other day and broke the leveling screw as well as knocking a magnet loose. I was extremely pissed off to say the least. So what should I get next? I don’t know if I trust electronics but what say you guys?

I did the same thing, knocked my RCBS off the bench and broke it. I was sick. *Sigh* Things happen though, good luck on your search.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I don't use my beam scale. But i keep it if something happens to my digital scale.

 

[Steve Milbocker]

I don't use my beam scale. But i keep it if something happens to my digital scale.

What digital do you use and trust?

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

It's a Hornady.

https://www.amazon.com/Hornady-G3-1500-Electronic-Scale-050104/dp/B08SPG6GHF/ref=sr_1_3?crid=XY0F4PBEG7K1&keywords=hornady+scale&qid=1701043584&sprefix=hornady+scale%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-3

 

[rperyam]

I use the Dillon beam scale and have been very satisfied with it. As good as the old Ohaus scale I used until I dropped it. Things happen.

 

[Show Me]

Darn the luck but since you asked the manly thing to do is replace with another wonderful RCBS.

 

[Litetrigger]

Check eBay, you'll find dozens of beam type reloading scales listed. Mostly at pretty good prices.

 

[HEAVY METAL 1]

RCBS May offer to refurbish it for you if you ask them. It's worth a phone call.

 

[dannyd]

What digital do you use and trust?

Rcbs, Dillion, Hornady they all work good for me. this is my latest one.

https://www.ballisticproducts.com/BPI-BallistiScale-MAX-1500-gr-digital-scale/productinfo/688MAX/

 

[J-Bar]

An accurate scale is kinda important, so I would apply the same reasoning as buying a parachute... don't look for bargains in parachutes.

 

[Bazoo]

I have returned a used scale to RCBS and they serviced it and sent it back in good working order. I don't know to what extent they do repairs, but I would go that route for this one, and I'd get a used USA made 505 off ebay as a spare for now.

 

[dannyd]

I have a 505 that's 34 years old and every time I check my digital scales they match, I have three digital scales now, but the only one that didn't work to great was from Dillion, 139.99 in 1992 that would be 307.00 today.

 

[Atavar]

Personally I like the speed of a digital scale but I check drift and calibration against a mechanical beam scale. If I could only have one it would be a beam scale I can trust.

 

[Bazoo]

I have both a digital scale and a beam. I use the beam for powder, I use the digital for bullets, cases, and the like. Once in a rare while I'll measure a powder charge with it. It's just habit for me to get the scale out and set up anytime I am about to throw powder charges.

 

[Steve Milbocker]

Thank you all for your responses, it is much appreciated.

 

[Blue68f100]

Looks like I’m in the market for a new scale. I’ve used the old RCBS beam scale for years. I knocked it of its shelf the other day and broke the leveling screw as well as knocking a magnet loose. I was extremely pissed off to say the least. So what should I get next? I don’t know if I trust electronics but what say you guys?

I hate when that happens.

I like the digital but they must be good. I use a RCBS CM-1500, but also have a couple of old Gempro's that are good. I check calibration every time before use and have not needed to calibrate them. With most digital scales when they fail, start drifting. Which can be caused by outside interference, bad power supply or electronics going bad. There are some good Digital scales that are lab grade but your looking at some good money. Electronics keep improving year after year. The early ones drifted real bad. Most of the later ones have corrected the drift problem.

The newer balance beam scales from RCBS are China made. So most seek the older scales.

In your case I would see if RCBS can repair it first. During the time wait you can start searching for what you want to replace it with.

 

[tominboise]

Personally, I would look at the classifieds on the various shooting forums and buy another beam scale. I may own a digital scale someday, but I haven't yet bought one. I probably should. Been using the scale I have (A Redding) since 1972, so I have some history with it.

 

[Steve Milbocker]

Most of my reloading these days are hand gun rounds and those powders meter pretty well. I generally just check occasionally to see that I’m still throwing good charges plus I always give the block of casings a visual before I seat the bullets. I’ll probably see if I can find a good beam scale. Thanks again everyone

 

[Charlie98]

I'm still using my trusty RCBS (Ohaus) 5-0-5 after 30+ years. If it met an untimely demise, I would go find an older Ohaus version to replace it. My brother got back into reloading recently... after looking at the Hornady balance scale that came in the kit I bought him (this was an older kit, the newer ones come with the E-scale...) I went on eBay and found a nearly NIB old timer RCBS scale for him.

 

[film495]

I have returned a used scale to RCBS and they serviced it and sent it back in good working order. I don't know to what extent they do repairs, but I would go that route for this one, and I'd get a used USA made 505 off ebay as a spare for now.

I asked RCBS a question once to their email, and they sent me parts for a die and refused payment for it. I'd definitely ping them and see what happens. Worth a shot.

 

[Bazoo]

Heck, one time I bought a used 10-10 scale which needed the dust cover. I called down to RCBS and talked to a guy, he said hold on. I heard what sounded like he took a cordless phone to the back room and dug through a box of junk and he come back on the line and said he found an old one in his parts box. Sent it to me free of charge.

They really try to get you going there at RCBS.

 

[Steve Milbocker]

Well I took the scale apart and checked the bearings, looked for bends in the beam etc. got the magnets back in place and fixed the leveling screw.Got it to zero. I took a cheap electronic scale my wife had and weighed some match grade pellets I have. They are 8.2 gn and the electronic weighed them at 8. I put them on the beam and they weighed precisely 8.2. The scale returned to zero. I’m thinking I’m good to go? What do you guys think?

 

[Slamfire]

Digital scales are great in 70 F and warmer weather. When temperatures get cold, the things will drift. So I still have my Redding scale for when it is cold. Gravity still works, hot or cold.

If you search on Amazon, Ohaus beam scales are still being listed.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

I would look carefully at the graduations on the beam. The Ohaus 502 is like my Redding, where the graduations on the long part of the beam are in five grain increments. Thinking in base 5 has confused me in the past. The long beam is in 10 grain increments on the Ohaus 507.

Ohaus was the primary beam scale maker in the old days, the reloading companies simply purchased an Ohaus scale, had it painted their color, and added their label.