What powder scales are you guys using?

Ogg2012

Member
Rating - 100%
15   0   0
I recently purchased a RCBS rebel plus kit. Seems to be a decent quality and fairly complete kit.

The scale it came with is GARBAGE. RCBS pocket scale I think they call it. I have a email in to RCBS about it, we will see what they say. Either way, I’m looking to upgrade to a better scale.

What are all you guys using with good results? I am on a budget, so unfortunately I can’t afford one of those fancy auto feeders. Just a good dedicated scale I can measure and trickle in to.
 
I've had a Lyman 1000 electronic scale for about 30yrs now, used it for brass, bullets and arrows, various other odds and ends, not powder. Started with an RCBS beam in 1980, 505 I think, plastic base, kept knocking it over, and it took a long time to settle. Picked up a Hornady M scale in late 80's, much better dampening and a heavy metal base, still have it. Didn't bother with a elec powder til about 2012 and I had seen enough info on them to have some level of confidence in them for powder, Chargemaster works well. I still use the beam scale to double check it, they have always been .1 difference, so consistent, I can live with it. If you want a stand alone non dispensing unit, for anything decent, I'd have no particular issue buying one like an RCBS 2000, or a Lyman 1500, Gempro 250, something along those lines, but, a dispenser like the Chargemaster is more useful.
 
Now A&D FX-120i.
F856E99C-EE71-4D49-8EA3-79CD4145F939.jpeg

I had a Dillon terminator for years.
B83AE438-E42E-46F7-BF0B-FCA4C92AFACB.jpeg

My set up now- Auto trickler V4
8B8C84FF-695A-464C-8F9D-4741CDCE01C3.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • B83AE438-E42E-46F7-BF0B-FCA4C92AFACB.jpeg
    B83AE438-E42E-46F7-BF0B-FCA4C92AFACB.jpeg
    18.3 KB · Views: 477
  • F856E99C-EE71-4D49-8EA3-79CD4145F939.jpeg
    F856E99C-EE71-4D49-8EA3-79CD4145F939.jpeg
    28.6 KB · Views: 476
  • 8B8C84FF-695A-464C-8F9D-4741CDCE01C3.jpeg
    8B8C84FF-695A-464C-8F9D-4741CDCE01C3.jpeg
    18 KB · Views: 189
Last edited:
I hate electronic scales. An analog scale you can see it when it is coming up to weight rather than a big bunch of numbers rolling on a display. I also have a scale out to our shooting shack at the farm range where there is no power when making test loads. battery operated scales are just complete garbage and always have dead batteries.
 
I hate electronic scales. An analog scale you can see it when it is coming up to weight rather than a big bunch of numbers rolling on a display. I also have a scale out to our shooting shack at the farm range where there is no power when making test loads. battery operated scales are just complete garbage and always have dead batteries.

^^^this is why I use beam scales^^^
 
I have 3 electronic and 2 beam scales. I found the electronic units to be less accurate than the beam type consequently, I use the beam.
 
ive been using a redding beam scale for a decade. like others i found the electronic to wondering (temprature sensitive) and inaccurate.

that said, i grabbed one of the new hornady electric pocket scales (for load work up at the range).... its bang on, every time with the beam scale. doesn't matter if the furnace kicks in.
ironically the check weight it comes with is out... and my beam scale shows the same lol
 
I use an older RCBS 5-0-5 and 5-10, both are good. Get a computer monitor and web cam. Never have to bend over again, nice big image, and no parallax issues reading the pointer.
 
With the beam scale, parallax is indeed the challenge for how to optimize the ergonomics on your bench. Lead Hammer's idea above for the web cam and computer monitor is brilliant!

I use the RCBS M500 beam scale. Been very happy with it. Trickler is RCBS, also very pleased with it. The trickler has a heavy base that keeps it in place.

Re parallax: My bench height is the stand-up height design. I can do a knee bend and crouch with on knee on the floor to read the beam at eye level, and work the trickler. I am lucky that my knees and body are still fit enough to do this maneuver, it works for me, and my exercise routine includes squats and knee bends anyway so its normal for me (for now....). But I know many guys with bad knees or back who could not do this without some other ergonomic aids, such as a kneeling bench for support. Or they sit in a chair at the appropriate level. Or they they build a solid platform on the bench to raise the scale high enough for their eye level. Everyone will have a different way how to best eliminate the beam parallax for their situation. That web cam and monitor idea is an awesome solution!
 
Last edited:
I’m pretty sure I have a 5-0-5 as well, use to use a Lee but it was too much work to set…. Still have it but don’t use it! I tried a few entry level electronic scales, but couldn’t trust them! I’m never in a rush so beam scale is good enough!
 
A $26 digital scale off amazon.

This is the description:

Digital Milligram Pocket Scale 20g X 0.001g, Kobwa Reloading Digital Weight Scale For Jewelry, Diamond, Powder, Grain, Medication With Calibration Weights Tweezers and Weighing Pans.

Accurate enough for my needs on my single stage.
 
Back
Top Bottom