This is likely a subject that’s been dusted about more than a few times, but I’d like to approach it from a slightly different angle. Instead of asking for opinions on a specific powder scale I’d ask anybody that wants to jump into this to tell me what they consider a “really good scale” and why they like it. The point of this exercise is that I need to get a good powder scale, and I want to get the best one I can within reason. So I’d like to hear what you are using and why you like it. And if it’s not what you have right now, what’s your “dream scale”?
The beam balance scales are okay, but the selection is not all that great. Based on what I’ve heard and read the RCBS 10-10 is pretty much accepted as being the “best” of the beam scales available, so there’s not much option there.
When it comes to digital scales however, it gets much more confusing. You can get some of them for as little as $75 or you can pay up to or over $1000. Actually, you can pay way over that if you want to. So I’m wondering how much do you HAVE to pay to get one that is REALLY accurate and dependable – and what do you consider as such a scale?
As just one example I was looking at the Acculab VIC-123. It sold for around $300 and was rated as reasonably accurate. It weighed to .02 grain. The problem with that one is the company sold and it’s no longer available. Then there are scales like the A&D FX-120i for around $650 but it weighs (so they say) repeatedly and accurately to .02 of a grain.
Then of course there are the “combos” such as the RCBS Chargemaster, the Lyman 1200 DPS, and the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Charge. Are these units just “gimmicks”, or are the digital scales in them actually good enough to load for serious competition grade shooting. Given the cost of the powder dispenser in these units the scale portion of the rig can only be worth $150 to $175. That leaves you wondering what quality of digital scale you get for that price.
So, what’s your dream scale?
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