upstech76
Member
I am looking to upgrade my Lee beam scale to something easier to use but most importantly looking for accuracy for my rifle loads. Thinking about either the RCBS 505 or the Redding #2. What are your thoughts on this?
Redding #2 or RCBS 505
- Thread starter upstech76
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I have had an RCBS 505 and it worked great. I knocked it off the shelf and broke it. I bought a Redding R2 and it also works great. The RCBS was a little easier to maneuver the tabs on, to me anyway, but I think you would be happy with either one.
The Redding has the V for the beam knife edges cut into the aluminum base. If it ever wears, you are out of luck. The RCBS has agate "bearings", and those could be replaced if they ever wore out. bds had some excellent pics in a recent thread.
RCBS will repair or replace the scale no matter how old it is. I don't know about Redding.
The Redding has the V for the beam knife edges cut into the aluminum base. If it ever wears, you are out of luck. The RCBS has agate "bearings", and those could be replaced if they ever wore out. bds had some excellent pics in a recent thread.
RCBS will repair or replace the scale no matter how old it is. I don't know about Redding.
Magnum Shooter
Member
I would consider Dillon’s Eliminator, every bit as good a scale for a better price
http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/co.../7/Dillon__039_s___039_Eliminator__039__Scale
http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/co.../7/Dillon__039_s___039_Eliminator__039__Scale
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Many of the big name brands are made by the same manufacturer but i think the 2 you are asking about are different. I have used both and I own a RCBS 505 and prefer that scale. Both are accurate but the RCBS is slightly easier to use IMO.
I have used all three scales you mentioned and currently have the Redding. All worked very well. You won't get any more accurate measurements from the Redding or RCBS than from the Lee. I always check my scale with check weights when I start loading a batch and again when I get done. My Lee scale was always dead on.
engineermike
Member
Don't believe you can go wrong with either, I have an old Redding #2 and the beam took a while to settle/dampen while I was weighing. I called Redding and they asked for an address and in a couple of days I had a new magnet and now the scale beam dampens just fine. I don't own a RCBS scale but I hear, on the forums that their customer service is great too.
rfwobbly
Member
► The Redding is a fine scale and I loved the one I had. I believe the beam is made for Redding by Ohaus. The biggest issue for me was that the mini-adjustment bar only reads up to 5gr. So if you are showing "2.3gr" (for instance) you have to remember your major adjuster is on "5", so you really have 7.3gr in the pan. Follow? It's not a biggie, but when you're older you may not want to actively invite memory errors.
Now lots of scales have this same beam increment setup. The Lyman 500 is one.
► On the other hand, the RCBS 505 and Dillon Eliminator (both made by Ohaus) have a minor adjustment increment of 10. The 1/10gr adjustments are on a separate tab.
I find this a "step up" because it's much less confusing.
Now lots of scales have this same beam increment setup. The Lyman 500 is one.
► On the other hand, the RCBS 505 and Dillon Eliminator (both made by Ohaus) have a minor adjustment increment of 10. The 1/10gr adjustments are on a separate tab.
I find this a "step up" because it's much less confusing.
CZ57
member
If I'm not mistaken REDDING says that the #2 is sensitive to 1/20th gr. which should make weighing charges about as accurate as possible. 
HOWARD J
Member
My 5-0-5 is over 35 years old--- I had to polish the bearings a couple weeks back & it is working like new---it is a great scale.
upstech76
Member
Well I found a good deal on a used RCBS 505 so I went with it. After doing some more reasearch I found the new RCBS scales are being producted in Mexico and quality control has slipped some. The scales will be stamped either Made in New Jersey or Made in Mexico under the base. Thanks to everyone who chimed in here.
Michael
Michael
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I'm sure you will be very satisfied with the RCBS 505, especially if it's a Made In USA scale...
LiveLife
Member
Dillon Elliminator and RCBS 5-0-5/10-10 scales are all made by Ohaus and have the agate stone bearings. Even my older Ohaus 10-10 stones look pristine and I can't tell apart from the newer RCBS 5-0-5 stones - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=8435086#post8435086Walkalong said:
RCBS 5-0-5
Ohaus 10-10
My newer RCBS 5-0-5 base is still stamped "Made in USA" ... has anyone seen "Made in Mexico" 5-0-5?upstech76 said:
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upstech76
Member
If you google "RCBS Mexico" you will see various people on different forums discussing this. Here is a link to one of the discussions earlier this year.
http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=84957
http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=84957
LiveLife
Member
Hmmm, I am selling/trading my "USA" made RCBS 5-0-5 but may consider keeping it now then.
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