LEE Scale

[RVG_Don]

I have no experience with the scale that Lee includes in their kits. Last night on the Reloading Podcast the topic came up.

"the problem I have with the Lee kits is it comes with their scale"

Listen from 26:40, then through 30:15 when the Lee scale is mentioned again and then through to 33:57 advice offering a solution to the problems users face when trying to determine how to accurately read the Lee scale is given.

https://www.youtube.com/live/n8pi8KxeHn8?si=H54gWQb0ty4SNEfV&t=1600

 

[alpining]

... How many people actually use a LEE scale ...

Like most Lee stuff, it is cheap and cheerful. You can make it work if you want to, or if you need to.

I found it finicky and slow, and accurate and precise. I stopped using it entirely once I found an electronic scale that works well enough for me. I still keep the Lee scale as a backup (and I've never had occasion to use it since).

 

[yomomma]

I have no experience with the scale that Lee includes in their kits. Last night on the Reloading Podcast the topic came up.

"the problem I have with the Lee kits is it comes with their scale"

Listen from 26:40, then through 30:15 when the Lee scale is mentioned again and then through to 33:57 advice offering a solution to the problems users face when trying to determine how to accurately read the Lee scale is given.

https://www.youtube.com/live/n8pi8KxeHn8?si=H54gWQb0ty4SNEfV&t=1600

Funny how a lot of us have never had a problem, maybe we are just smarter...

 

[stubblejumper]

Like most Lee stuff, it is cheap and cheerful. You can make it work if you want to, or if you need to.

I found it finicky and slow, and accurate and precise. I stopped using it entirely once I found an electronic scale that works well enough for me. I still keep the Lee scale as a backup (and I've never had occasion to use it since).

I found the RCBS 505 and 10-10 to be much quicker, much less finicky, and more consistent. It's not a mechanical vs electronic thing.

 

[Rod B]

I found the RCBS 505 and 10-10 to be much quicker, much less finicky, and more consistent. It's not a mechanical vs electronic thing.

 

[legi0n]

I found the RCBS 505 and 10-10 to be much quicker, much less finicky, and more consistent. It's not a mechanical vs electronic thing.

I have both the Lee and the RCBS 505
the Lee is more sensitive as in "it moves on a stick of H4350" whereas the 505 doesn't

 

[stubblejumper]

I have both the Lee and the RCBS 505
the Lee is more sensitive as in "it moves on a stick of H4350" whereas the 505 doesn't

My 505 moves on a kernel of powder, but I have had it since new, not abused it at all, and kept the knives clean. The 505 is however magnetically dampened, so it doesn't bounce as much, and settles much quicker, so it may not seem as sensitive as the LEE, which is not magnetically dampened.

 

[legi0n]

the Lee Safety Scale is magnetically dampened

 

[stubblejumper]

the Lee Safety Scale is magnetically dampened

If it is, it's to a much lesser extent, it took a lot longer to settle than my 505.

 

[Eagleye]

I have never owned a Lee scale.
However, I have a couple of friends who have and use them.
They do work, but are a bit finicky.
I have a RCBS 10-10 and a 304. Also own 3 digital units.
I Always check charge weights with a balance beam. EE.

 

[alpining]

...the Lee is more sensitive as in "it moves on a stick of H4350" whereas the 505 doesn't

When I was using my Lee scale, I found it moved on a flake of Bullseye. It is definitely sensitive!

 

[IvoB]

Beam scales need no batteries

 

[stubblejumper]

Beam scales need no batteries

Again, it isn't a beam scale vs electronic scale issue, the LEE scale is just much slower and more finicky that other balance beams. If you have the patience, and don't mind putting up with finicky gear, the LEE scale does work, it's just that with so many quicker/easier to use alternatives available, many of us can't be bothered to put up with a slow/finicky scale.
And although I have used electronic scales for many years, none have required batteries.

 

[Mystic Precision]

Again, it isn't a beam scale vs electronic scale issue, the LEE scale is just much slower and more finicky that other balance beams. If you have the patience, and don't mind putting up with finicky gear, the LEE scale does work, it's just that with so many quicker/easier to use alternatives available, many of us can't be bothered to put up with a slow/finicky scale.
And although I have used electronic scales for many years, none have required batteries.

Agree on all points... I used the Lee scale for many years and it took me to a number of podiums in F open. When I moved to FTR and wanted to try my hand at the 223 is when I switched to the Fx120i.

I still keep my Lee scale cause you just never know.

I didn't find the Lee scale any worst vs the RCBS or Redding balance beam scales of the time. all share similar negatives and my results weren't any different despite and big difference in price.

Jerry