Scale Shopping.......On a budget... :(

mlehtovaara

mlehtovaara

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Hey guys,

Currently using a cheap Hornady pocket scale, and she took a fall.

Seems like I am constantly having to re-zero the damn thing, and it has me second guessing myself, which means I weigh every charge multiple times. Of course that translates into a bunch of wasted time so something has to change.

Anyways I can't afford to spend alot right now.

I am not a competition shooter but I want something that is accurate and reliable at the same time.

Just curious if anyone has any suggestions.

Cheers,
M
 
There are very accurate digital scales on Ebay for $10 - $20. Depending on the accuracy there is .1 readout, .01 readout and .001 readout tolerences. I bought a .1 and a .001. The .1 not quite enough for me, the .001 is VERY accurate, even a strong breath can change the reading. I gave my .1 to a friend and he is more than happy with it for what he does. Check 'em out. What have you got to lose? By the way, as they are China import, usually free shipping.
 
I'd be concerned with long term accuracy of all but a good electronic scale. I don't trust them myself but if it works for you all the better. I'm loving my 5-0-5 right now, a lot more than my Lee scale. For $120 its tough to beat.
 
Have you spent much time with a better beam scale than a Lee? I ask because the Lee is a finicky, annoying, frustratingly slow scale compared to better scales. I used to hate reloading with it, that's why I bought the 5-0-5. Once set it is so much faster and smoother than the Lee in every way. You don't have to set the pan on like a watchmaker, just plop it in its holder. The weight range from when the beam begins to lift until you reach your zero is wider which makes it way easier to trickle. I very rarely trickle past my charge whereas with the Lee you can blow right past it easily. The 5-0-5 doesn't sit there oscillating for 30 seconds either. Its also less sensitive to air movement. A digital is no faster IMO. Others feel the same, a quality beam scale does not slow you down.
 
5-0-2 is cheaper also and just as good as the 5-0-5 it just measures less. I'm not sure who uses 500 grains of powder at a time???
 
Tazzy said:
I'm not sure who uses 500 grains of powder at a time???
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Well if you had a 40mm Bofors... ;)

I suppose it's more for verifying consistent bullet weights; especially heavy-for-calibre cast bullets. That and double checking loaded cartridge weight for match shooters maybe?
 
LUTNIT said:
Well if you had a 40mm Bofors... ;)

I suppose it's more for verifying consistent bullet weights; especially heavy-for-calibre cast bullets. That and double checking loaded cartridge weight for match shooters maybe?
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Indeed, i cast 600gr bullets for my 500mag, I will be getting a 700gr mold this Sunday.
 
I think the 5-0-2 is only $10 cheaper but doesn't measure to 1/10th gr? Or not as accurately? But the big capacity is handy for weighing cases and bullets. Op, is this scale for precision reloads or plinking/comp ammo? Do you use a powder measure or trickle on the scale?
 
Precision.... to an extent.

I do trickle, and want accurate loads, but I am not looking at competition level shooting here.

Sub MOA accuracy is all I am really after with my loads. No weighing brass, no concentricity, no playing with crimp, and seating depth.

The scale I have been using is a $30 Hornady digital, and I was happy with it until it recently started to lose zero between loads for no reason. I would re calibrate, and re zero and the previous loads would be off. The last time I used it I found I had to recalibrate and re zero every 4-5 loads.
 
I have heard some negative reviews on them, mostly from long term owners. I hated using the Lee but couldn't be happier with the 5-0-5. Oh ya, zeroing takes about 10 painless seconds. You know what the Lee is like to zero haha. Then just pour in a dipper that gets closest to charge weight and trickle as fast as a digital. No standing there holding your breath waiting for it to stop oscillating like the wheel of fortune...
 
Bearc said:
There are very accurate digital scales on Ebay for $10 - $20. Depending on the accuracy there is .1 readout, .01 readout and .001 readout tolerences. I bought a .1 and a .001. The .1 not quite enough for me, the .001 is VERY accurate, even a strong breath can change the reading. I gave my .1 to a friend and he is more than happy with it for what he does. Check 'em out. What have you got to lose? By the way, as they are China import, usually free shipping.
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I am an amateur goldsmith and I have and have had several beam scales as well as digital scales. When my last digital scale packed it in I bought one like this on ebay: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-Mini-Sca...LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f20efc289&_uhb=1

I think it was $16 including shipping. I am still using it. I can't believe how well it works. Every time I check it with a check weight it nails it. I have compared it to my beam scales and found it very consistent and accurate. It tares just fine with my plastic reloading pan / funnel and isn't over-loaded. I treat it gently as it is cheap Chinese plastic but so far I am very impressed. My only complaint would be that the auto shut off is a bit quick on the draw and isn't adjustable. Chinese products are often hit and miss but at this price it is disposable.
 
Contact Jerry at Mystic Precision and get his advice. He uses and shoots beyond the 1000 mark, with a GEMPRO 250. (DO NOT get the 500). They are not that expensive and shipping is from within Canada. Best of luck.
 
Im using the RCBS 5-0-5 as well, but sometimes I dont trust it either.

Sometimes when Im measuring it seems to get be not very smooth and kind of sticky. Ive cleaned the hell out of the balance points and that magnetic part, but it still does it ever so often.

You guys get that sometimes?
 
i bought a $20 dollar Jewellers scale from eBay.

measures to .01 grains Hella accurate enough for me.

I tested by weighing things like coins, bills, pretty much anything i knew the weight on.
 
Well OP, you kinda lost me there.

I can't afford to spend alot right now.
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have less time than money these days.
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I've been stuffing cart's. for forty years now. Have had many scale's, including a couple digitals(Dillon Determinator, etc.)
Have had numerous problems with the electronic units ... & no longer trust them for weighing charges at all ... this, from unfortunate experience.

I picked up my most excellent rcbs/ohaus 10/10 balance beam, for $80, shipped, off the EE.

This is my scale for the duration. Love it.
Faster than the dillon. More sensetive(each kernel of powder shows beam movement). The approach to weight feature is excellent, the beam rises steadily off the trickler. As others have said of their 505's, it does not oscilate or tend to jump over on the final few kernels.
With the measure set to dump a half grain light, then trickle .... the fastest precision weighing i've ever known.
 
Does cleaning the bearings fix the problem? I toss a plastic bag over mine when I'm not using it to keep it clean.

titch-- said:
Im using the RCBS 5-0-5 as well, but sometimes I dont trust it either.

Sometimes when Im measuring it seems to get be not very smooth and kind of sticky. Ive cleaned the hell out of the balance points and that magnetic part, but it still does it ever so often.

You guys get that sometimes?
Click to expand...
 
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