Balance Beam or Electronic Scale??

[erichardson101]

Wanted to ask what the preferred method is for weighing individual loads. I currently have a RCBS 750 that has started to give me fits so I am looking to upgrade to the more conventional style, balance beam.

My question is, go with the balance beam (i.e., RCBS 10 10 scale) or just save my money and upgrade to the higher end of the electronic scales?

P.S. I am shooting F Comps and am looking to get the most precision out of every aspect of my shooting. The only factor I want to contend with is the "Human Factor". I would appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[SS427]

I could be old school, but I trust simple and mechnical over complicated and electronic. It is slower, no doubt about that. But I'm 100% confident it is accurate.

 

[erichardson101]

Otter,
Thanks for the response. I feel the same way. K.I.S.S. principle really applies here. Bought the electronic scale based on recommendations from previous users, but now that we are in the winter months, the readings are all over the place!! I am not hearing the same complaints about the balance beam scales so this is why I am reconsidering my position. Any recommendations on a quality balance beam scale?

Eric in New Mexico

 

[groupshooter22]

The Redding is a good scale. I did not like the 1010 because of the micrometer adjustment is too easy to bump the scale.

 

[Winchester69]

Send your scale to RCBS. They will resurrect it for you.

 

[fdshuster]

I'm also from the "keep it simple" school. Have been using the RCBS 505 beam scale for many years now. It takes 15 minutes for me to weigh 20 charges, and I find that acceptable. Several years ago did try an electronic scale, and it actually took twice as long to weigh charges due to all the electronic "glitches" , problems and failures. Returned it for a full refund and never looked back. An RCBS Uniflo is used for the easy to throw ball powders. With most of the electronic powder measures/throwers being "made-in-China", there is even more reason for me to "keep it simple".

 

[drano38]

I also do caveman reloading, w/ an RCBS 5-10 scale.
I have an RCBS Chargemaster that I set to .2 gr below my target weight, then trickle up. I shoot 600 yard IBS, and I trust the beam scale to keep them as close as possible. If I always went shorter ranges, I'd probably trust the Chargemaster.

For best RCBS balance beam accuracy, have Mr. Parker tune it for you. I did this, and it seams its more sensitive to seeing added kernels than it was.
Below is a 2006 blog on his service, and scroll down almost to the bottom. He may also sell new 10-10 scales already tuned. If you use an RCBS beam and want best accuracy, have him tune it. I'd guess prices have changed in 4 years.
http://www.6mmbr.com/BlogJuly2006.html

 

[erichardson101]

Thanks to all the contributed. I plan to give Mr. Parker a call tomorrow. Hope he is still in business.

 

[erichardson101]

Wanted to ask one other thing..........Given the choice of the RCBS 10-10 or the Redding# 2 scale, what would be the better choice for someone reloading < 100.0 grain charges?

Hope this isn't the Ford/Chevy/Dodge question.

 

[groupshooter22]

I actually bought my Redding scale from Scott complete with his tune up and it is very nice.

 

[erichardson101]

Groupshooter,

Can I assume that "Scott" is the Mr. Parker that was spoken about in other posts.

Sounds like the guy does quality work. If you you don't mind me asking, how long ago did you get the work done? The reason I ask is that I wanted to contact him but couldn't help but notice that the post by Drano 38 listed the blog linking Mr. Parker was dated 2006.

Thanks for your time.

 

[groupshooter22]

Yes it is the same Scott Parker. I bought my scale early summer 2009. I called and then we communicated by email. Good guy to deal with.

 

[erichardson101]

Groupshooter,
Thanks for the info.

Eric

 

[6BRLongRange]

I emailed him yesterday and he replied last night

 

[audredger]

Erick, I would go with the Redding scale... My 10-10 is not accurate! I'm using a chargemaster and like it; when I want it dead nuts I use an old Voland analitical balance.

 

[Mikem]

I have two beam scales, ones an RCBS 5-0-5, and two electronic scales, one cheapy and one good Pact. And I prefer the Pact electronic over the other three, even the cheapy over the other two beam type, Why? There faster, just as accurate, and easier to use, and I trickle every load. And they have never given any problems.

Beam scales can git a bit of dust in the knife edge (fulcrum) and there accuracy is gone until you clean it. And there just as touche about air movement and vibration as the electronic type.

The simplest way I know of, to know how well either type of scale is doing, is to make a powder "charge test weight" for your most common powder charges, say 30.6g (or whatever).

Making them is quick and simple, I wrap a light bullet and several lead shot (or whatever it takes) in that good blue masking tape. And with the tape,(no sticky side out) make a tab handle about 1" long to write the weight on, and to pick it up with. Then check its weight on several scales you trust, and adjust its weight by trimming off a little tape, until its dead on, write it's weight on the tab, and your done.

You can place it on your scale any time, (or every time if you prefer). And if the scale doesn't read exactly your intended charge weight, there's something wrong with the scale.
Its much faster, just as accurate as using test weights, and a lot handier.

When you check your scale, dont you want to know how accurate it is at the charge weight your using at the time? like 30.6g, rather than 20g or 50g or what ever your factory test weights are.

I have about 20 load test weights for my most common loads.
And I much prefer the Pact electronic. And the charge test weights will give you piece of mind, and assure dead on accuracy every time.
Mike.