Weigh in on Scales

[KodeFore]

I just started reloading. I am not at all impressed with the Lee powder scale that came with the 4 hole turret press kit ( I am happy with everything else from the kit )

Gripes

> it only can handle 110 grains, its a powder scale only, you can't use it check completed completed rounds to see if they are over or under charged.

> the tenths of a scale readout is not easily legible and tedious to adjust.

> after cafefully making sure the scale was level, I checked a charge of IMR 700X 3.3 grains dispenced from the .43 disk in the lee autdisk kit, the setting recomended in the lee modern reloading manual, it was off by a few grains.

> the scale comes with no check wieghts. I pulled a factory loaded 95 grain CCI .380 bullet, and it wieghs in at 94.6 with the scale. I have no clue how accurate in wieght one can expect a factory loaded round to be.

my gut reaction was go back and order an rcbs 505 or something like that, but on a trip gun shop an old timer there told me once you try a digital you'll never want to touch another balance beam scale. Sounds like good advice.

I tried a cheap digital scale from harbor frieght. I figured that even if could tell me the difference in weight between a round with powder and one without powder, in any unit of measurement, it would be worthwhile. It can't.

I only load pistol ammo for plinking at the moment, and I want a scale for safety. Something that can read to a tenth would be just fine. I don't need anything fancy, just something that works, and works right, and dont want to pay alot.

Right now I am seriously considering the rcbs range master, listed for 89$ at midway. I was tempted by the frankford arsensal micro loader, on sale for 30$, but see way too many negative reviews on midway, and I sure dont want to spend bucks on something that doesnt work as good as advertised.

Anyone here use the RCBS rangemaster? ( or the lee one for that matter? )

what are people using that they like, and what should you avoid?

 

[Primersinmyshoe]

I am still using the Hornady beam balance scale that I started with many years ago. I find it a little cumbersome to use, especially weighing multiple charges, but it works 100% of the time. I did buy some check weights and I always put it on the same location on my level bench. I haven't taken the electronic scale plunge yet because I've heard that they need to warm up and are sensitive to the slightest breeze. Let's hear from some electronic scale users - How do you like them?

 

[redneck2]

You'll get guys that love electronics, some that hate them. This same thread just ran a week or two ago. Might try a search

I have a PACT and sold both my balance beams after having it a few weeks. Quick, accurate, easy to use. IMO, balance beams are too slow

 

[Walkalong]

Tossed my PACT (right into the trash can) and am using the 505 I bought when I first started. I would consider a 10-10 to replace it, but that's about it.

 

[JDGray]

Since I dont reload rifle cartridges, the Lee scale works for me. I also weighed a 55gr bullet, just for the heck of it, and it weighed 55gr. Good enough for me!

 

[Matt Dillon]

Folks, I wouldn't use a bullet as a check weight - I have seen WAY too many variations in weight from bullets. My vote is the RCBS/Ohaus 10/10 - I purchased one used on eBay, and love it. I don't find it too slow at all, and recommend it highly as one of the first purchases to be made when starting reloading, along with a set of good check weights.

 

[philbo]

Started w/Lee and found once I learned how to read it, it was quite accurate. Also found it limiting for the same reasons you did. Replaced it w/a used Lyman 500 in combination w/an inexpensive but reliable electronic scale (same model as Frankford Arsenal but picked it up new on Ebay for much less) Total investment is less $50, and very happy w/the results. I find it very comforting when 2 scales can confirm the same thing.

 

[dodgestdshift]

I don't think you can weigh a completed round and determine if the cartridge is over/under charged. Weight differences in bullets and cases probably would make this a waste of time. The way to test for over/under charging is before you seat the bullet.

 

[garrett1955]

Denver Inst. MX-123 and wouldnt have it any other way. Spend the money once. The scale will read the same and is accurate like no other.

 

[armoredman]

RCBS 5-10, works great, check weights were a great investment.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I have both the RCBS 5-0-5 and the RCBS (Pact) digital. I like both, though I use the digital most of the time as it is faster and much easier to read. And repeatable. I found that the beam scales are too slow and too hard to read...Could be contributed to the fact that my eyes are 64 years old, but I doubt it...

 

[Crimp]

Each of the several handloaders I know that are using Lee equipment have bought a RCBS 5-0-5 (including myself).

 

[Bronson7]

I have the dillon beam scale. It's also made by Ohaus and has been very accurate. I use it in conjunction with check weights.
Bronson7

 

[BBQJOE]

I also found that the lee scale was too limited in weight.
I sent off for the Frankford last week when it was on sale. Hoping it arrives today. Will report later.

 

[Spartacus451]

A couple things...
The charge weights dispensed by the disks will vary from the book and from lot to lot of any given powder.
You can't weigh a loaded round and accurately determine the quantity of powder in the case. The brass and bullet will vary in weight widely relative to the weight of the powder.
The tenth of a grain readout is difficult to use but becomes easier when you realize that three white bars will always be visible, you want to center it on the middle bar.

 

[dshowan]

I'm sure others will disagree but I'm convinced that the old fashioned beam scales are much more accurate. When trickle weighing with the 5-0-5 you can get repeatable accuracy down to 1 fleck/piece of powder if you are very careful and take your time. I have a electronic scale also and when trickling with it, it's not even close to that. For weighing multiple things like cases when you want to compare weights, a electronic scale is great.

 

[fordman650]

Lee Scales

I just bought the Lee Anniversary kit and i agree that the Lee scale is hard to read. I been loading shotgun for a year so i bought a lyman beam on ebay for $20 not trusting it or me i bought a eletronic one on ebay and checked the lyman with it and it was dead on,missed placed the electronic one(it's hell to get old) and don't have a problem trusting it for my rifle loads.Put the Lee
back in the box and on the shelf

 

[Eljay]

I use the Lee scale because thats what I'm used to. I got a PACT BBK and it crapped out and I sent it in for repair they said I must of dropped it (never!) I think it cost $40 to fix a $90 scale and now it's broke again. So I'm looking for another electronic but I'm happy enough with the Lee to not be in a rush. And like was mentioned, you can't weigh pistol ammo, the cases alone will vary by the amount of the powder charge. I used to weigh bunches of 223 cases to try to load the most consistant rounds and they varied 5 grains or more from one brand to another.

 

[dcloco]

The Hornady scale has the longest beam of any scales out there. Longer beam means it will have a slight advantage over shorter beams (teeter totter effect).

10/10 would be the next choice.

Buy a set of scale check weights. Seems ridiculous, but, once you set the scale, then YOU know it is ON THE MONEY!

 

[Mikee Loxxer]

I like my RCBS Rangemaster 750. It is easy to use and very accurate. I won't reload without it.

 

[LHB1]

I have a Lyman/Ohaus beam scale (same as current RCBS 1010) that has given superb service since about 1970 and is still going strong. Also have RCBS electronic (made by Pact) that is quick and convenient. BUT when there is any doubt, the old Ohaus beam scale is the one I trust!

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[bcominos]

I'm using the RCBS/Ohaus - had a great customer service experience on a totally my fault break! Good people & good gear!

 

[nvshooter]

Used to use a Lee...

I got tired of it swinging up and down forever. I got an RCBS Rangemaster 750 and I love it. Add a Redding powder trickler to it and you can get your reloads spot-on accurate with respect to powder charge. Calibrating it is a bit of a pain, but once you learn to do it without reading the procedure in the user's manual, it takes less time doing it from the hip than reading how to do it from the book.

I found the Lee would give differing readings if it set there for days or weeks between reloading sessions. It is also sensitive to how level is the surface upon which it sets. The digital has none of these concerns. Just calibrate it for that particular reloading session and rock on. I got mine at retail because I saw it and decided right there to buy it, but you can buy one from a catalog outlet for about 15-20% less. Get one!!

 

[SSN Vet]

The littl Lee does just fine for me.

Not every one can throw the same $ at this hobby and the Lee Scale allows guys like me on a tight budget to safely enjoy re-loading.

These threads sound a lot like Consumer reports bashing the $17,000 Ford Free Star because it's quality is below that of a $30,000 Toyota.

 

[nvshooter]

Want real accuracy in your charges?

If you want real accuracy in charge weights, get a Lee Powder Dipper set. They never change in volume. Period. The only change you'll ever get is in the density of the powder in the jug you have at that time. True, you'll have to weigh the powder once to determine how much it weighs per unit volume (I use the 4.3 cc measure to satisfy the law of large numbers) but once you know that, you can dribble X.Xcc of powder over a different measure to get a charge not provided in the dippers. For example, there is no 1.7cc dipper, so I use the 2.2cc measure and dribble the powder over the .5cc measure and strike it level to get a 1.7cc charge, which lands in a small cup below. It takes time, but I'm a fanatic about this stuff...