16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 07 Feb 2017 Posts: 9 Location: ON, Canada

I am new to reloading and I am getting set up to reload for 16g (and later 2.5" 12g) and need to purchase a scale. I would appreciate recommendations on what would be a good make/model to purchase to get started. Also, is a beam scale sufficient or should I go with a digital. FWIW, I will be using a MEC 600 JR MK V for 16g and a MEC 600 JR for 12g. Thanks in advance for the help.

Edit: I would like to setup to for a low pressure 1oz load. (hopefully just stick with 1 ounce)

Joined: 07 Sep 2014 Posts: 419

A lot depends on how many times you change loads as well as what your budget it.

Since shotgun loads usually are lower pressures and working up loads to MAX is not the norm, you will not need a really expensive scale. You also will bot be weighing every charge as we do in Bench Rest, so getting set up and checking periodically is what you will want to do.

A beam scale is fine for this type of loading. One of the Best is a Lyman M5. The new RCBS ones are not made b y Ohaus in the U.S. any more and I am not big fan of them. You can spend $85.00 and ship to Scott Parker for his magic and get a truly bench rest quality scale back, but again, unless you are going to use it for working up precision rifle loads it may be over-kill.

As far as a digital, the cheap ones are just that and prone to things like lighting, electric fields etc. and usually have to be warmed up, calibrated and keep warm to be reasonably consistent, or you could buy a quality lab scare, which range from about $600 to $5,000.

Once you get the right powder bushing installed, put in a powder baffle to keep better head space and refill your powder hopper well before it gets too low, you should be good to go with a modest beam scale. Just get a known weight and check it out.

Bob

Member Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 1338

Joined: 22 Feb 2019 Posts: 63 Location: United States

https://www.amazon.com/Lyman-Micro-Touch-1500-Electronic-Scale/dp/B00AU6CCB4/ref=sr_1_2?crid=WDLNCFX2J97J&keywords=lyman+digital+scale&qid=1554315770&s=gateway&sprefix=lyman+dig%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-2

This scale is good because it to easy to see and versatile NO batteries

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 1113

I use the RCBS battery powered scale. Auto-shutoff to prevent battery rundown. Works well for any weighing issue, including mixing epoxy by weight. I reload shotgun, rifle and pistol, so far I've never wanted a different scale or features.

Battery powered Digital scale with a wall power adapter as primary

I also use them to weigh out some match 22 ammo Smile

Mike

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 1837 Location: Central ND

Digital, faster than a beam scale and plenty accurate. Mine is and older Denver Instruments. It has been on for almost it’s entire life. 23 years so far. It was a $700.00 scale in its day.

If my Denver ever dies that little scale Mr. Campbell presented looks like a good replacement.

I did use a Dillon digital for awhile, nothing more than curiosity, when I had access to a multitude of different reloading toys. It worked well, but it took time to stabilize.

I have an RCBS (Ohaus) beam scale. It sits on my reloading bench and I dust it off now and again.

I see no reason to go back to using or buying a beam scale. Calendar says 2019.

I have used beam and digital and find the digital easier.

I picked up a RCBS Chargemaster when I got into doing more roll crimping and double rifle work and really like it, even if it is overkill

https://www.precisionreloading.com/cart.php#!l=RC&i=98923

*Last edited by old colonel on Wed Apr 03, 2019 7:28 pm; edited 1 time in total*

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Duplicate

Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 603 Location: Victoria BC Canada

I have had several simple AWS 100 "pot" scales. They were adequate but kept on failing, thus becoming trash.

Following Mike Campbell's recommendation I ordered the $40 model of the Smart Weigh. I hope it will last longer than the $15 AWS100.

I still keep a balance beam scale around as a check and back-up if required.

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2346 Location: West MI

Welcome to the this forum and to reloading, both, one of my favorite pastimes.

The tide is leaning toward digital, not bad advice.

I tried several digital and still use beam and to date have never had to replace it's power supply... figuring if I ever do we'll have bigger fish to fry and probably won't reload that day.

IMO, whichever powered source you decide on... IF you ever foresee loading maxed out Waterfowl loads, get a scale that can measure up into that weight class and not have to double dip to verify your shot charge.

Again welcome, a lot of reloading knowledge hanging around this forum, a priceless gem indeed.

Post hijack aside,
I like the old beam scales. Webster type, fluid dampened. A little later, magneticly dampened. They made several brands, including Redding's old brown ones.
Might be a novelty thing, for me.

Joined: 26 Apr 2016 Posts: 369 Location: Vermont

Still have my Redding thumb dampened scale I bought at 18. My 32 year old son said it would drive him nuts having to weigh every charge! It works just fine for my rifle loading and checking what my bushings are dropping.