I'm going to buy a new scale and don't know which one to get. I like the feel of the 1010 because its a little heavier and just feels better built but the 505 is half the cost. I really dont think I want to go with digital. Anyone with experience with either one please weigh in.
RCBS 1010 vs 505
- Thread starter reloadn
- Start date
- Status
I have/had both and the 505 worked well. I preferred the 510 though. It just seemed a little easier to adjust.
A while back I had the opportunity to trade the 505 for a 1010 and couldn't pass it up. The only real advantage that I see of the 1010 is the storage system. Yes, it has more capacity but I will never use all of it.
I would suggest trying to find a 510.
A while back I had the opportunity to trade the 505 for a 1010 and couldn't pass it up. The only real advantage that I see of the 1010 is the storage system. Yes, it has more capacity but I will never use all of it.
I would suggest trying to find a 510.
ranger335v
Member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2006
- Messages
- 3,797
Both are excellant scales. I have the 1010, get the 505. The "working" parts are the same, only the base and expanded scale range differs. I got the 1010 because of the extra capacity but have NEVER used it for any reloading work so the extra cost has given me nothing. You could add weight to the base of the 505 if you wished - modeling clay, play-dough, dry-wall joint plaster, etc.
My scale is actually labled "Lyman M-5", I bought it long before RCBS started selling the Ohaus made scales. It's as dead on sensitive and accurate today as when I opened the box in '65 and it's still going. No digital anything will last as long nor be any 'faster' to use if you place it on a shelf at nose level (as it should be) so it's easy to see.
IMHO, a digital adds nothing but quirkiness and cost. I worked as an electronic tech in the space program, the only thing digital on my bench is a clock and it was MUCH cheaper than a good powder scale. When the clocks go bad I toss 'em and get another. The digital scales are far too expensive to be that casual about them!
My scale is actually labled "Lyman M-5", I bought it long before RCBS started selling the Ohaus made scales. It's as dead on sensitive and accurate today as when I opened the box in '65 and it's still going. No digital anything will last as long nor be any 'faster' to use if you place it on a shelf at nose level (as it should be) so it's easy to see.
IMHO, a digital adds nothing but quirkiness and cost. I worked as an electronic tech in the space program, the only thing digital on my bench is a clock and it was MUCH cheaper than a good powder scale. When the clocks go bad I toss 'em and get another. The digital scales are far too expensive to be that casual about them!
Last edited:
Sidewinder72
Member
I like the 1010 for the capacity. I also use mine for shotgun loads. If you are only loading rifle or pistol the 505 will do it all. I use my 505 for backup.
FROGO207
Member
I have the 10-10 and the Ohaus equivalent both purchased used for less than $20 each about 25 years apart. Both dead on and the digital one purchased 2 yr ago sitting on the shelf w/a dead bat.
If you look and wait you will find a deal and get what you want. Found the last one on Gun Broker a couple years ago.
If you look and wait you will find a deal and get what you want. Found the last one on Gun Broker a couple years ago.MinnMooney
Member
I've used both and they work very well......... but they're s - l - o - w compared to any elecronic scale on the market.
Is there some special reason for wanting a manual scale? No electricity available where you need a scale?
Once I used an electronic scale, I haven't pulled out the manual scale in three years.
Is there some special reason for wanting a manual scale? No electricity available where you need a scale?
Once I used an electronic scale, I haven't pulled out the manual scale in three years.
dmazur
Member
I have the 1010. It works fine, and I replaced an electronic scale that went "all erratic" on me.
I don't use the capacity, either. I like the scale because it "self stores", protecting its parts. Other models are nearly as easy to use (although most don't have the drum poise), but don't store easily.
If you get a 505, at least get some kind of vinyl cover for it to protect it from dust. Mechanical scales hate dust...
I don't use the capacity, either. I like the scale because it "self stores", protecting its parts. Other models are nearly as easy to use (although most don't have the drum poise), but don't store easily.
If you get a 505, at least get some kind of vinyl cover for it to protect it from dust. Mechanical scales hate dust...
I have the 1010 and love it. The thing I like the most about the 1010 is the micrometer adjustment on grains and 1/10ths of a grain. Being heavier, it is more stable too. It has a cover the stores all the part in a dust free enviroment (don't have to worry about losing parts either). I don't regret spending the extra money. The 1010 has the same basic design as the 510 (I had one a long time ago), but I haven't seen one of them in years. I don't think they are available new anymore.
- Status
