I want/need an electronic scale. Now what?

[wolfe28]

I have a beam/balance scale that works just fine for checking the weights of my powder measure, but I feel like I could really use an electronic scale to check the weights of projectiles, brass, and everything else that you can weigh to make sure your ammunition is as consistant as possible.

Suggestions?

I would like to stay around $100 or less if possible, and I would prefer a scale that has a long auto-off period (greater than 2 minutes).

Thanks,
D

 

[cheygriz]

If you have a quality beam balance, you WANT an electronic, you don't NEED one!

I have both. the electronic has been saitting on the shelf since about a month after I got it. The 40+ year old beam balance is still on the workbench.

 

[Walkalong]

Resist the want. Your balance beam will do just fine. I guess a digital would work for quick weighing of brass, bullets, etc. I trashed my PACT. I have no patience and they are finicky little buggers.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Strange...Really strange at best. I have a RCBS 5-0-5 and a RCBS Powder Pro electronic scale (made by Pact). The beam collects dust. My electronic is fast, repeatable and accurate. And not the least bit finicky unless my wife happens to walk by or I have the window open with a slight breeze. Oh yeah. If you have an earthquake that you can't feel, it will. I weigh every powder charge I drop before I seat a bullet. I would not be caught dead without my electronic scale.

 

[Shoney]

I'm with cheygriz.

I drag my electronic out every now and then, when I have bulk bullets and brass to weigh. It is handy for that, but a for powder measure - - - - - :banghead:. I am still using my 10-10 ballance, which I got somewhere in the late 60's early 70's.

 

[dcloco]

For an inexpensive digital scale, check Midway.....Frankford Arsenal brand.

 

[pinkymingeo]

Piece of junk. Save your $30.

 

[RustyFN]

I bought this one at Cabela's for $85. Midway has it for the same price. It has worked fine for me and have not had any problems.
Rusty

 

[GaryL]

I was looking into them for a while. If I get one, it will probably be this VG 20:
http://saveonscales.com/product_jennings_js_vg_series.html

 

[jhansman]

I have to agree about the Frankfort Arsenal digital from Midway. I sent mine back after fighting with it for days. Inconsistent and very finicky. I'd like to go digital as well, but there doesn't seem to be any clear consensus on digital scales. Seems like 50/50 yea or nay.

 

[prickett]

I've had decent luck with the F.A. scale. It IS finicky, but is repeatable. Just bought the RCBS Chargemaster and did some comparison weighing - the F.A. scale matched the R.C.B.S's. The RCBS's scale seems rock solid (after one day) but you pay for that. The F.A. is dirt cheap and typically has served me well.

 

[Stinger]

I have a 5-0-5 beam scale as well as a RCBS digital. I use the digital 99% of the time. They are equally accurate, and like Bushmaster, I measure every load (on rifle cartidiges at least) and it sure speeds up the process.

I calibrate my digital everytime I use it, but mine never really seems to need it.

 

[gandog56]

I have both. the electronic has been saitting on the shelf since about a month after I got it. The 40+ year old beam balance is still on the workbench.

Hmmm, I went the other way around. Every great once in a while I pull out the beam and bounce it against the digital. Haven't had much of a difference yet. And the digital is WAY faster to use. Both the balance and the digital are +/-0.1 grain

 

[Phil A]

I'm still using the Pact BBK I bought in 1995 and it works well for me. I follow a routine to use it (short warm-up period followed by calibration).

1. First thing I do is plug it in then go setup the press (warm up time). This model (pre BBK2) was originally battery powered only so I added a 9V adapter.
2. For lower weight measurements (such as powder), I run the quick 1 point calibration (use the 20 gram weight). Then put on the powder pan and rezero.
3. I verify the scale itself with a check weight 3 times during a reloading session. After the initial cal, in the middle and at the end.

Since it is much faster than a balance, I check my metered charges more often than I would with a balance beam. I think this alone makes it worth it.

For powder measurements I use the powder pan. For best measurements for bullets, etc. make sure the item is centered and not placed near the edge of the platen.

Digital scales can be sensitive to drafts and vibrations like a balance beam, However they are also affected by strong EM fields (do not operate near things like power supplies or TV sets).

It is poor for trickling charges (use a balance beam here). The measurements "lock in" and do not respond to small changes. However it easily beats a balance beam for weighing and segregating a bunch of items (like cast bullets).

There is no auto-off on this model. That would be a very annoying feature for a precise reloading scale that should be calibrated.

In the final analysis, it does not do anything a balance won't do except it can save a lot of time and also encourage you to check your charges more often. - Phil

 

[Walkalong]

I bought this one at Cabela's for $85. Midway has it for the same price.

Yep, that is exactly the same one I bounced off the tile floor in the kitchen and then tossed in the trash. I am glad others like them better than me.

 

[BBQJOE]

I have the FA and don't see all the problems people have with it.