Bob, while I didn't spend much time in the materials chem lab I did notice the scales they used which far, far exceeded the requirements of the scales a hand loader needs to make safe and accurate ammunition. Analytical chemistry is the study of the separation, identification, and quantification of the chemical components of natural and artificial materials. The average hand loader needs to be able to accurately resolve 0.1 grain on a powder scale. The Lee safety scale does that just fine. The scale affords adequate resolution and accuracy for its intended application.
So while you say based on your experience as an analytical chemist the scale was not designed for an analytical chemist but a hand loader who only needs an uncertainty of +/- 0.1 grain and a resolution of +/- 0.1 grain. The scale does that.
The Lee Safety Scale is an inexpensive (OK Cheap) scale that does what it was intended to do and has for decades. You can't compare it to the balances you likely use for work.
Ron
Your assessment is spot on in my opinion. If you have the patience to operate the scale, it is spot on to 1 tenth of a grain I find. LIKE A LOT OF LEE STUFF, IT IS MOST DEFINITLY A LITTLE FIDDLY! But once fiddled with, works fine with excellent "repeatability." I can take the pan off and replace it and get the same weight, I can empty the pan, refill it with the same load and get the same weight.
If it gets "inconsistent" it is because I bumped it and disturbed the setup of the pivot point. Granted the lines on the 1/10 th grain slide are also fiddly, but continued use gives an excellent feel for it.
If one doesnt want to go to these lengths, I understand, after all it is an under 25 dollar scale. One not inclined to fiddle may want a more expensive balance type scale to eliminate some of this. That said, looking at reviews I see all sorts of "Recommended" scales getting 1 to 5 stars on a 5 star grading, lending me to think all of them may have some degree of "fiddliness" about them. If you are in that camp, I guess a digital scale may be best, but they can also vary from battery strength to fluctuations in line voltage if of the plug in variety.
I think I am going to try the Dillon scale, seems to run around just under 80.00 more or less delivered. Until then, I will continue to use the Lee safety scale, which I have used enough to be accurate with. I only use the balance scale to double check the drops from a Lee pro disc powder dropper, another fiddly unit I can get fine accuracy from.
So, I'll say this about that: Yes it is inexpensive, there is a unique learning curve to it, it can accurately weigh to a tenth of a grain if you persist. Not the easiest to use, not the fanciest but it can work. If not inclined to fiddle, and not inclined to get used to its learning curve, then choose another and see if it is more to your taste. I doubt that you are going to find the scale that pleases all loaders based on the reviews, but I am sure that if you want to spend the money, a "superior" (at least to some, but maybe not others) can be found. Several have been mentioned here in this thread.
Russellc