Digital Reloading Scales

[Evil_EdwardO]

I don't trust myself using a beam scale for reloading rifle rounds. Any opinions on what are decent digital scales? Looking for something that is $150 or less. Thanks.

[b23]

I don't trust myself using a beam scale for reloading rifle rounds. Any opinions on what are decent digital scales? Looking for something that is $150 or less. Thanks.

In some ways a beam scale is actually better so I wouldn't be without one but to, specifically, answer your question I've had a Dillon D-Terminator Digital scale for nearly 10 years and it has been flawless.

[Bill W]

If you use digital make sure and plug it into 110v.  Pretty much all battery powered ones have an issue with repeatability.   110v ones will settle down after about half an hour on 110v.   

Balance beam is accurate.  I used one for 50 years before adding electric ones to the mix.  I have no issues with either except for the repeatability issue with ones powered by batteries.

[CP]

This meets my needs:

https://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arsenal-205205-Digital-Reloading/dp/B002BDOHNA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487793443&sr=8-1&keywords=Frankford+Arsenal+Electronic+Powder+Scale

[yakimarcher]

I have the Hornady lock-n-load digital scale and it's slow as molasses, In retrospect I wish I had bought a beam scale.

[Buzz2401]

Been reloading for about 30 years and I have tried a few different electronic scales but keep coming back to the balance beam.  It seems weird that the electronic ones are still so finicky.  Seems like in this day and age they would be really good but the ones I have tried I was not impressed with but they have all been under $200.  Maybe they have some super high end ones that work flawlessly.

[Bill W]

They are finicky because of the power source.

[quarterstaff]

Even with my crappy eyes and bifocals I like me RCBS beam scale, put then again I am paranoid and really take my time loading and check and recheck everything.

[jeffro]

Own both,
I use the digital, but check weights on the beam scale every 5 loads or so.
And have test weights to make sure both are accurate.

[jrebel]

I use both and have found the digital need to be plugged in to 110 volt (no batteries), need to be turned on for at least 5-10 minutes before starting (warm up period if you will) and cannot be in an area with wind or fluctuating temps while loading.  I will often zero mine multiple times and test the scale with the provided weights as I load.  I currently use the Lyman digital scale. 

[wsmnut]

I have been using the RCBS version for several years with no problems.  I check it periodically, but have never found it drifting or changing.  Some powders feed differently, but that's no big deal.

[Crunchy]

Ive got a brand new beam scale that I have never used.  Came with my RCBS kit.  Ive been using the RCBS Chargemaster 1500, but cost more than $150.  Pretty awesome thing though. 

[biggfish]

I use a beam scale as well I have a digital grain scale I use for archery but only reads in whole numbers, good enough for my arrows but no good for powder. I use an automatic volumetric measure and check with the Lee safety scale.

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[JDHasty]

I have been using the RCBS version for several years with no problems.  I check it periodically, but have never found it drifting or changing.  Some powders feed differently, but that's no big deal.

 

We use RCBS Chargemasters a LOT.  I also have my 10/10 and it is no more accurate.  You see that most bench rest shooters are using them now and not their Harrels and Culvers much any more.  They load Hot, HOt, HOT and they trust the Chargemaster. 

You do have to reprogram them or they are pretty slow though. 

I usually dump ball powders when I am in production mode, but the Chargemasters are used for extruded powders. 

[Bill W]

I use both and have found the digital need to be plugged in to 110 volt (no batteries), need to be turned on for at least 5-10 minutes before starting (warm up period if you will) and cannot be in an area with wind or fluctuating temps while loading.  I will often zero mine multiple times and test the scale with the provided weights as I load.  I currently use the Lyman digital scale.

I forgot the part about how they electronic scales are wind sensitive.  One time I was loading at the bench and having a problem with the weight constantly fluctuating.

I bet a balance beam would also do a little wiggling in the same conditions.

[Evil_EdwardO]

Well I'm using a Lee safety scale now. For pistol I use the autodisk powder measure and use the scale to check accuracy, which works great. When I was reloading for rifle, I found myself hitting the adjustment slider with my fat fingers every time I removed and replaced the pan. Also, my eyesight isn't what it used to be and kept finding myself misreading the scale and being off .1 to .2 grains for a few loads.

I've looked at a couple other beam scales and figured if I'm going to spend $80-$100 for a new beam scale, I might as well get an electronic one.

With that said, is there a better beam scale I should be looking at that is easier to read and not as easy to throw off?

[b23]

My beam scale is a Redding 505 it's nothing fancy but always works well.  I have a Chargemaster combo and a Dillon D- Terminator digital, both have been great as well. 

Also, I never turn my Chargemaster or my Dillon digital scale off.  I did at first but after about the first year of having them I started just leaving them turned on all the time.  Except for maybe a power outage they haven't been turned off in the last 7 or 8 years.