Ohaus 505 vs RCBS 502

[vaalpens]

I just received my Ohaus 505 scale I bought used. It is in very good condition, except that it did not come with the scoop. The 502's scoop fits on it so I just used the 502's scoop to zero it. I only paid $20 + $9 shipping for it, so I still think it is a good deal.

So I decided to weigh a few things to see how it matches up with the 502. Following are the items I weighed and the 502 and 505 results:
primer - 3.2 / 3.2
115gr FMJ - 114.7 / 114.6
5 grams - 76.6 / 76.5
Penny - 38.8 / 38.8
Quarter - 88.1 / 88.1
Nickel - 76.6 / 76.5
Dime - 34.9 / 34.9

The results came out very close, but obviously some times they measured between a 10th of a grain, but I am confident the new to me Ohaus 505 will do the job. I have not cleaned it yet, but at least I know it is working.

The big difference between the two scales for me is that the 505 is much easier to set, especially for somebody with older eyes. On the 502 I sometimes have to move the poise one notch at a time to make sure it is on the correct notch, since the graduation and notch do not always align exactly up. Both are great scales, the 505 is just easier to use.

 

[FROGO207]

I have the RCBS 10-10 and it's Ohaus twin brother as well. I really like the rotating 10th's setting on them, real easy to use IMHO. You have a couple good scales there. I bet RCBS would provide a second powder pan for your scale if you called them. Making sure the knife edges are rust free and the agate V blocks are clean will insure they stay accurate for years to come.

 

[vaalpens]

I have the RCBS 10-10 and it's Ohaus twin brother as well. I really like the rotating 10th's setting on them, real easy to use IMHO. You have a couple good scales there. I bet RCBS would provide a second powder pan for your scale if you called them. Making sure the knife edges are rust free and the agate V blocks are clean will insure they stay accurate for years to come.

Thanks for the comments. I finally got around cleaning it and there was not much to clean. A little bit of dust, but not much else. No rust or any nicks, so it should be good to go for a long time. I think I really like the 505 since the notches are much further apart. Not easy to make any mistakes, even for old eyes.

 

[fguffey]

Swapping parts, I do not find swapping parts works on scales. I have taking the lead shot pellets and flattened them with a hammer then cut the small flat pieces into strips to balance the pan and bail.

Advise, I allowed the wife to help, seems cleaning to her had a different meaning. She cleaned the beam, of stains, dirt and all the markings, yes and it was my fault.

I found two beams at the next gun show.

F. Guffey

 

[rfwobbly]

This place sells the Ohaus pans that are missing from a lot of used scales....

http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/

The one thing I've found to help used scales is taking a diamond hone to the knife edges and knocking off the rust that is invariably there. Then I seal out the rust with waxy case lube.

 

[USSR]

I have been using an Ohaus 5-0-5 for 35 years. It is a good one.

Don

 

[vaalpens]

Swapping parts, I do not find swapping parts works on scales. I have taking the lead shot pellets and flattened them with a hammer then cut the small flat pieces into strips to balance the pan and bail.

Advise, I allowed the wife to help, seems cleaning to her had a different meaning. She cleaned the beam, of stains, dirt and all the markings, yes and it was my fault.

I found two beams at the next gun show.

F. Guffey

My wife cleans very thoroughly, so I will definitely not give it to her to clean. I have already cleaned it with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. There was not much dirt so probably was not used much.

 

[vaalpens]

I have been using an Ohaus 5-0-5 for 35 years. It is a good one.

Don

So far it looks like a winner to me. Thanks!

 

[vaalpens]

This place sells the Ohaus pans that are missing from a lot of used scales....

http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/

The one thing I've found to help used scales is taking a diamond hone to the knife edges and knocking off the rust that is invariably there. Then I seal out the rust with waxy case lube.

Thanks for the information. Looks like they have a scoop for $15.30, the cheapest I have seen. For now I can use the 502's scoop, but I will check out the next gun show and see if I can pick one up cheaper.

I did not see any rust, but thanks for the tip on how to get rid of it if I find any.

 

[rcmodel]

No, the cheapest by far is to call RCBS tomorrow.

They will send you one FREE the same day!

Rc

 

[vaalpens]

No, the cheapest by far is to call RCBS tomorrow.

They will send you one FREE the same day!

Rc

rcmodel, you are probably correct, and I have seen that RCBS has great customer service. The problem is that the 505 scale is an Ohaus scale, not a RCBS. This problem is on me and I can't expect RCBS to fix it for me at their expense.

 

[rfwobbly]

I did not see any rust, but thanks for the tip on how to get rid of it if I find any.

That's just it. You can't see the edge at all.

 

[vaalpens]

That's just it. You can't see the edge at all.

rfwobbly, sorry I missed your response. If you can't see it, when do you know when to put a diamond hone to the edges. I'm not sure if I will be able to do it without messing up the edge. maybe you should post a tutorial to teach guys like me.

Thanks again for your response.

 

[gamestalker]

Please, they are called scale pans, scoops are an entirely different reloading related instrument.

And much prefer the wheel the 5-10 and 10-10 scales have over the notched style.

I have a very old 5-10, probably better than 50 yrs. old between myself and the original owner. And as far as cleaning, I keep it stored out of the elements, and dust it when necessary, but I would never consider taking a diamond stone to the knives, nor would I consider altering any other aspects of these fine scales. I weigh powder, and sometimes single pieces of bottle neck brass, it's not like I weigh anything heavy enough to flatten the knives.

GS

 

[vaalpens]

Please, they are called scale pans, scoops are an entirely different reloading related instrument.

And much prefer the wheel the 5-10 and 10-10 scales have over the notched style.

I have a very old 5-10, probably better than 50 yrs. old between myself and the original owner. And as far as cleaning, I keep it stored out of the elements, and dust it when necessary, but I would never consider taking a diamond stone to the knives, nor would I consider altering any other aspects of these fine scales. I weigh powder, and sometimes single pieces of bottle neck brass, it's not like I weigh anything heavy enough to flatten the knives.

GS

gamestalker, thanks for your input. The scoop/scale pan was tough for me since I thought it was called a scale pan. When I looked at the RCBS 502 and 505 user guides, they actually showed is at the pan, the pan support, and then the scoop.