Need a new scale (recommendations appreciated)

ShootSavage

ShootSavage

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Hi, guys, I'm looking for help in deciding on a new powder scale, I want a beam scale and have been looking at some online but I'm not familiar with beam scales at all so I need help.

I've been looking at number of beam scales including the RCBS 1010 and the 505 but some of them are a bit expensive, I'm wondering if there's any advantage in spending the money on one of the more expensive ones, or, is something like the Lee safety scale or other lower priced ones just as good for someone like me that don't reload a whole lot, in the end I do want a good quality scale.

any suggestions are appreciated in any brand, like I said I've never owned or used a beam scale (but do understand how they work) I'm just sick of having to re-calibrate my digital scale every few minutes and want something more dependable (and safe).
 
I've had an RCBS 505 for nearly 40 years. I checked it last year with a calibration weight from a digital scale a buddy had and was still accurate to .1gr. Like most precision instruments cheap is rarely good for the long haul. Hope this helps.
 
ShootSavage said:
Hi, guys, I'm looking for help in deciding on a new powder scale, I want a beam scale and have been looking at some online but I'm not familiar with beam scales at all so I need help.

I've been looking at number of beam scales including the RCBS 1010 and the 505 but some of them are a bit expensive, I'm wondering if there's any advantage in spending the money on one of the more expensive ones, or, is something like the Lee safety scale or other lower priced ones just as good for someone like me that don't reload a whole lot, in the end I do want a good quality scale.

any suggestions are appreciated in any brand, like I said I've never owned or used a beam scale (but do understand how they work) I'm just sick of having to re-calibrate my digital scale every few minutes and want something more dependable (and safe).
Click to expand...

You shouldnt have to calibrate your digital all the time. Try plugging it in 30-60min before you use it. Digital scales when connected to AC power have a drift for the first 30 min or so. Plus, my digital takes like 10 seconds to calibrate. A beam scale has to be calibrated everytime you use it too. I have both (RCBS 505 & Lyman XP1000) and trust me the digital is the better of the two. I havent touched the balance beam since I got the digi.
 
Whatever beam you choose, play around with it before buying.

-You want to be sure that your eye can easily line up the pointer to the index mark.
-You want the beam's graduations to be intuitively read.
-You want the poises to drop securely into place - and to stay where you set them even if lightly jarred.
-You want a pan & hanging system that allows fumble-free pan placement and removal.
-You want a levelling screw that allows for fine adjustments.
-You want a beam damping system that quickly settles the beam down.
 
Tachead said:
Try plugging it in 30-60min before you use it.
Click to expand...

I don't have one that plugs in, it's just a small battery operated scale which could be the reason for having to re-calibrate often, (it's not the batteries)

This is the second battery operated digital scale I've had and they both do the exact same thing, my first one came with my hornady reloading kit and the one I use now I ordered from E. Epps, they told me over the phone that it was supposed to be a good scale but like I said, every 10 minutes or so I have to re-set it.
 
colecreek said:
Whatever beam you choose, play around with it before buying.

-You want to be sure that your eye can easily line up the pointer to the index mark.
-You want the beam's graduations to be intuitively read.
-You want the poises to drop securely into place - and to stay where you set them even if lightly jarred.
-You want a pan & hanging system that allows fumble-free pan placement and removal.
-You want a levelling screw that allows for fine adjustments.
-You want a beam damping system that quickly settles the beam down.
Click to expand...
That's the thing I can't get it here, I have to order it online that's why I'm looking for advice from people that already have one they like
 
My bad.

I've only used the 5-0-5. It fully meets or almost fully meets all of the above performance criteria. The 505 is well made, solid, quick and easy to use. Great value too.

Well packaged so will survive being kicked around by the shipper.
 
btridge said:
RCBS 1010, mine is 30 some years old and still good as new...look after it and it will last a life time
Click to expand...

Picked up a 1010 off the EE last year, $75 bucks. ... And an excellent piece of kit it is.
Never again will I go looking for a scale:D

Have a Dillon digital that cost me $400, way back when.

Wore out my big bucks 6.5/06 barrel, chasing confusingly inconsistent pressures, 'till finally discovering that flourescent light ballast's don't
belong in the same room with this digital instrument:mad:

Useing the digital to weigh cases, and a quick test check for the balance beam, nowadays.
:cheers:
 
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