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Joined: 12 May 2014 Posts: 11 Location: Central Iowa

Hey all. I am new to reloading. Looking for a good scale without breaking the bank. Any recommendations or any to stay away from? Thanks in advance.

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3178 Location: NCWa

I've used an Ohaus 505 for about forty years and it works well both for measuring charges for metallic and checking to see what a bushing is actually dropping. They can be obtained new for about $40 or used for $15 or $20.

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2349 Location: West MI

I prefer beam to electronic for the simple matter of no batteries or electric to plug in. Been using an RCBS 505 for years, does the job fine, I'd bet any of the common reloading scales all work well. Keep an eye on Ebay or CL or local gun shows for used.

Something to consider; if you ever intend on loading large capacity 12 or 10ga ammo get one that can weigh up to 1k gr. I modified my 505 but one that worked right out of the box would have been easier.

Good luck in your new hobby,

Joined: 03 Feb 2008 Posts: 830 Location: Adirondak Mtns

I HAVE A 505 THAT I'VS USED FOR YEARS. HOWEVER, I ALSO USE A LITTLE DIGITAL MTM THAT I LIKE VERY MUCH. IT WAS ABOUT $35 MEASURES GRAINS, GRAMS, OUNCES AND CARROTS.

JOE

I have a Lyman Ohaus M5 that I bought new over 50 years ago. It seems that balanced beam scales have some longevity. Very Happy

Joined: 12 May 2014 Posts: 11 Location: Central Iowa

Thanks for the replies. Looks like the beam is the way to go.

Joined: 10 Feb 2011 Posts: 217 Location: Pacific Northwest

I have a Redding #2 mechanical scale from 1952 that still works perfectly (Purchased by my father.). It still measures true when using scale check weights. I have tried various other scales but always liked the #2 the best. One really nice feature of this scale is that the indicator scale is graduated in 0.1gr increments. So if whatever charge you put in the pan is slightly off the scale setting, you immediately know by exactly how much without ever having to readjust anything.

I have used a RCBS digital scale and beam scale and truly prefer the digital.

I use a Dillion digital scale and a RCBS Chargemaster 1500. Both are very accurate and I find them much faster to use than a balance beam scale.

I think the beam scales are less expensive but I like the ease of use of the digitals.

Lon

Member Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Posts: 989 Location: Las Vegas

I use a RCBS digiTal and check it every 10-15 rounds with a RCBS beam scale.
Works for me.

Matt

I prefer the ease of digital scales , check my powder charge every 10 rounds or so , check the scale calibration about every 100

I have used several electronic scales and all of them need to be on for awhile before they settle down. 30 minutes seems to be about right.

I have a Denver Instruments, a bit pricey, however I never shut it off, it has been on for the best part of 18 years.

I have an RCBS 5-0-5, that works just fine also, but is a pain when you need to weigh heavy loads.

If I had the money I would buy an electronic if not the balance scales work just fine.

Joined: 12 May 2014 Posts: 11 Location: Central Iowa

Thanks for all the info. I ended up with rcbs 505. May look into a digital as the need for quantity increases.

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3178 Location: NCWa

I have found a 505 scale works well and to increase speed what works well for me is a set of Lee Loader dips, or whatever those various sized cups with handles are called. For example, one load uses a 205 and a 065 with a "salt spoon" used to add subtract a few tenths of a grain; The result is a balance beam scale load, within 1/10th grain that takes only about 20 seconds.