scale

[colt1911fan]

im trying to decide on what to get a cabelas digital scale or a rcbs 5-0-5 balance beam scale im kind of leaning towad the cabelas digital scale what should i get

 

[sargenv]

A number of years ago, before there were any inexpensive digital scales, I picked up an RCBS 10-10 scale and used it for several years. Later on when I could afford a digital scale I went with the Pact I think model 1 scale. It has 1500 gr capacity and I think the newer ones are made to accept a 9 v battery. I've hever had any issues with either scale and still use both of them today. I tend to use the digital scale for rifle/pistol and the 10-10 for shotshell loading since the presses sit on different benches. For weighing stuff quickly the digital is the way to go.

Vince

 

[Smokey Joe]

Scales

Colt1911fan--Depends on what you want to do with this scale.

If you intend to weigh a number of objects which will not weigh exactly the same (for example, sorting cases by weight) the digital scale will undoubtedly be faster.

However (there is always that darn "however"...) if you intend to weigh a number of things which are to weigh the same, such as charges of powder when carefully loading rifle ammo, it is easier to set a balance beam scale for the correct weight, throw the charge a tad light, and dribble in powder until the beam balances. You can tell how close to "on" you are getting very easily. The digital will stay at (just for example) 45.2 grains, until it suddenly switches to 45.3 grains, wheras you can see the beam getting closer and closer to "right on."

With a large-grained powder like IMR4350, I can tell with my beam scale, if I am 1, or 2, or 3 powder grains under, and drop exactly that many powder grains into the pan.

Then there are the issues of battery usage, letting the digital warm up before it settles down and gets accurate, wandering zeros, and temperature and breeze sensitivity. No experience here; I like my beam scale.

I think I would get one of those RCBS powder-charge measuring electronic units, if they weren't about 300 bucks. I have better uses for a loose 300 bucks. So initial cost is also an issue.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

If you're using the scale to check the powder measure on a turret or progressive press, you're likely better off using a balance beam scale. If you're doing a lot of single stage, you could make good use of an automatic dispense electronic scale.

With the price difference, I think I'd go with the balance beam unless you have a seriously good reason not to. You can use the money you saved to buy reloading components.

Regards,

Dave

 

[ranger335v]

The primary purpose of a reloader's scale is to weigh powder and all other uses are in a distant third place. (There is no second place use, IMHO!)

For a scale's primary use nothing equals the sensitivity and repeatability of a good beam scale. The 505 is one of the best scales, none are better.

 

[azredhawk44]

Short answer: get both.

I have an RCBS digital scale and a Lee balance scale. I use the lee scale for precise powder measurement as described above (usually only for my .308 rifle), and I use the RCBS for weighing powder charges for various pistol loads as well as my 30-30 reloading. I also use the RCBS for sorting brass by weight, or bullets by weight.

A lee balance scale will cost less than $20 and last forever unless you damage the beam. A digital scale of any brand will cost over $50 typically, sometimes even more, and be prone to inaccuracy while first turned on. They are good for quick-n-dirty-get-er-done measurements though.