What kind of scale do you use, beam or electronic

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ciPeterF

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Another electronic scale died last night, so doing a quick survey on what others are using, and if electronic, how long as it lasted (hrs of use, not how long you've had it)?

Peter
 
Ive beeen using a beam scale for about 2 years now but am going to be upgrading to an electronic for quicker measuring of some rifle rounds. It is good to have both for sure. I just think for speed the electric scale is the way to go. Coupled with a trickler should be very precise.
 
Beam, takes a little longer but I don't need speed, I need quality. I shoot thousands of rounds of .22 every year, but only a couple hundred centrefire, so I'm not reloading in the vast quantities that some do.
 
Been using the same beam scale for nearly 40 yrs..Wow. I keep checking it with bullet leads to make sure, but it's still accurate.
I've often thought about buying an electronic, but between the price, and the thought of having another thing that uses batteries I just never have.
I've also looked at new beam scales, just because mine is so old, but haven't seen one that looks as good as my old rcbs.
 
Since I started reloading, and that was a few years ago, I have the Lyman Ohaus D5 beam scale I started out with. Recently, as part of a gradual equipment upgrade I purchased an RCBS ChargeMaster Combo. It's great, although as technology and I don't move ahead at the same pace, I have to frequently refer back to the instruction manual:redface:. I still kept my old Lyman beam scale, just to check the accuracy of the ChargeMaster every once in a while.

In addition, I also kept my old Lyman powder measure and find it faster when charging multiple handgun cases.
 
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Also being using a Beam Scale for 35 years and it just keeps working. Thought about electronic scales often, but as Suka says the price keeps putting me off.
 
I use both a beam type and a small electronic by PACT called a BBK, balance beam killer. It has performed well for over 10 years. When I am working up a max load, i prefer to use a trickler and the old triple beam and only use the electronic to confirm every few rounds. My 3 cents worth.
 
I use a beam scale, a 5-0-5 I bought used off here, and it works great. I usually load for accuracy but when I've got a load that is happy w/in a couple thenths of a grain I will use my powder measure. I have a Lyman electronic scale but found it is not all that accurate. I'll load a few rounds at 46.4 and then go back and recheck the weight of the powder and it'll be off by up to .4 of a grain. Am I picky?

kastles
 
I use an electronic scale. There's a beam scale sitting on the shelf as back-up. I bought one that is accurate to .02 of a grain, not that that level of accuracy is ever required. It was not the cheapest scale on the market but in the grand scheme of guns and reloading, it adds up to peanuts. The one I have has an AC adapter so I don't worry about batteries.

For the odd chore, like weighing brass, they are a god send. For most normal reloading, the balance beam will serve you just fine.

Oh, I've had my electronic scale for about 4 years and I weigh EVERY rifle charge that I load. So it gets lots of use. Absolutely no complaints so far, I love mine.
 
I've got my old Hornady that I've had forever, and an RCBS Chargemaster that is about all I use anymore. The sheer convenience of punching in a weight and letting the dispenser do the rest wins out every time when developing loads. It's not overly fast, but I can do a few of this and a few of that faster than I can set a powder measure. For high volume varmint loads the measure is all I use.
 
Reloading isn't about how fast you can make a round but how accurate you can make a round.
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Of course both speed and accuracy are possible.According to my calibrated test weights,my electronic is just as accurate as my beam scale,but much quicker.
 
Both. Electronic for loading beam to check the functionality of the electronic scale just to make sure the electronic scale is working
 
I have an old RCBS beam scale that's 30+ years old, I used electronic balances at work and they are faster but seemed more prone to acting up from time to time.
 
I've been paranoid lately so I use both.

I double measure with an electronic scale and an RCBS beam scale.

I found that the beam scale can be off sometimes when the pivot is moved a bit, and the electronic scale I use loses its zero every now and again.

so I just measure twice! lol. I also use a reference weight that is consistent to keep it honest.

I'll be getting a better range scale eventually, likely the chargemaster combo, but right now this will have to do.
 
RCBS 505 beam scale for 21 years, although I've been reloading on and off.

Also use a Dillon beam occasionally. Both are quick, accurate and read the same. Didn't see the need for an electronic scale.

Bottom line is that as far as accuracy goes, all the accuracy that any reloader needs can be easily provided by a good, easy-to-use beam scale.

The scale is only as good as the user, IMO.
 
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