BEAM SCALES

[22BRGUY]

Does anyone still use beam scales and if so, what are the makes and models of some of the better ones?

Also does anyone know where to get parts for an Ohaus 505?

Thanks

 

[retired]

beam scales have their place in reloading,
beginers
plinkers
casual shooters
but when you get in to competiition, long range accuracy,
there are better more accurate tools.
beams are better than most cheap digitals

 

[4xforfun]

RCBS 1010. I don't see any need for anything else!!

Tod

 

[JRS]

A Parker tuned beam scale is as accurate as the best digital.

 

[rijndael]

I've moved from a Chargemaster back to my Scott tuned 1010.

 

[watercam]

A Parker tuned beam scale is as accurate as the best digital.

+1. Redding still makes good scales or go on Ebay and find American (Ohaus) made Lyman M5, or RCBS 10-10 scales. I can load Palma ammo to single digit SD numbers in the same time or faster than electronic dispenser/trickler units. When I was using a Chargemaster it was taking just as long (or longer with an overcharge) to finish a round and when I double checked my charge weights on an accurate balance beam they were often under or over what the electronic scale indicated. Can you buy absolute accuracy with an electronic system? Of course you can. $800 or more buys you an accurate scale and trickler. But you still have to concern yourself with clean line voltage, interference from LED and/or fluorescent lighting, etc.. Not to mention that one can load without power of any kind if needed.

 

[jrb572]

Ultimate beam scale

 

[redrockranger]

Had a Pact Digital, now a RCBS 750. Went full circle and back to my RCBS 505. Struggled to much with strange behavior ,and environmental factors with the electronic gadgets . No regrets.

 

[Toolbreaker]

Been using an Ohaus D5 tuned by S. Parker for a couple years now, and I'm thinking I'll keep it that way. Simple, dependable and accurate.

 

[22BRGUY]

Thanks much guys. I'm getting the feeling that what I thought was right. I'm no great competition shooter by any means, but I've used beam scales for a long time and in my reloading experience, whether a charge is 1/2 grain of powder one way or another, is one of the most insignificant items pertaining to accuracy. That's not to say it's unimportant, just less important than for example neck tension, seating depth, or shoulder bump. JMHO. Also the bigger the case volume, the less significant the 1/2 grain becomes. I agree that the longer the range distance, the more these little things show up, but still powder charge exact weight is less significant than the others....again JMHO

I have an Ohaus 505. When I was in the hospital last February, all of my reloading stuff got boxed up because I had to move from where I was. Someone accidently must have not understood how the pan assembly detaches from the beam. Anyway, the small wire loop at the pan end of the beam to hook the pan hanger wire in is now missing. Sure would like to find a place to get another.

Thanks again

 

[jrb572]

I would try looking for parts on eBay

 

[JRS]

Thanks much guys. I'm getting the feeling that what I thought was right. I'm no great competition shooter by any means, but I've used beam scales for a long time and in my reloading experience, whether a charge is 1/2 grain of powder one way or another, is one of the most insignificant items pertaining to accuracy. That's not to say it's unimportant, just less important than for example neck tension, seating depth, or shoulder bump. JMHO. Also the bigger the case volume, the less significant the 1/2 grain becomes. I agree that the longer the range distance, the more these little things show up, but still powder charge exact weight is less significant than the others....again JMHO

I have an Ohaus 505. When I was in the hospital last February, all of my reloading stuff got boxed up because I had to move from where I was. Someone accidently must have not understood how the pan assembly detaches from the beam. Anyway, the small wire loop at the pan end of the beam to hook the pan hanger wire in is now missing. Sure would like to find a place to get another.

Thanks again

Try RCBS.

 

[Terry]

I use a Scot Parker tuned scale. I bought the $1,000 electronic scale and used it for a year with my SP scale.
I found that if I used a consistent method the SP scale was every bit as good. A bonus is that I travel with my SP scale.
I would not take my $1,000 scale on the road.

 

[Toolbreaker]

Anyway, the small wire loop at the pan end of the beam to hook the pan hanger wire in is now missing. Sure would like to find a place to get another.

Thanks again

Might try putting an ad up in the classifieds. There's probably several old 505's floating around among the members here.

 

[HTSmith]

Been using an Ohaus D5 tuned by S. Parker for a couple years now, and I'm thinking I'll keep it that way. Simple, dependable and accurate.

Me too. Works good. Digitals drive me crazy. (Not a very long drive)

 

[Chief 101]

Over 40 years with the same Ohaus beam scale...I have looked for issues but never could find any. Now I have 2 spares, guess I will sell them as the original is still sharp as a tack...and reliable. I have never looked at digital scales so I can't speak for or against

 

[retired]

neither of those two digitals are as good as your beam if kept clean

Had a Pact Digital, now a RCBS 750. Went full circle and back to my RCBS 505. Struggled to much with strange behavior ,and environmental factors with the electronic gadgets . No regrets.

 

[retired]

a 1/2 grain is SIGNIFICANT in almost any reloading other than a plinker.

Thanks much guys. I'm getting the feeling that what I thought was right. I'm no great competition shooter by any means, but I've used beam scales for a long time and in my reloading experience, whether a charge is 1/2 grain of powder one way or another, is one of the most insignificant items pertaining to accuracy. That's not to say it's unimportant, just less important than for example neck tension, seating depth, or shoulder bump. JMHO. Also the bigger the case volume, the less significant the 1/2 grain becomes. I agree that the longer the range distance, the more these little things show up, but still powder charge exact weight is less significant than the others....again JMHO

I have an Ohaus 505. When I was in the hospital last February, all of my reloading stuff got boxed up because I had to move from where I was. Someone accidently must have not understood how the pan assembly detaches from the beam. Anyway, the small wire loop at the pan end of the beam to hook the pan hanger wire in is now missing. Sure would like to find a place to get another.

Thanks again

 

[group therapy]

A Parker tuned beam scale is as accurate as the best digital.

AMEN!!!

 

[rockable]

Been using an Ohaus D5 tuned by S. Parker for a couple years now, and I'm thinking I'll keep it that way. Simple, dependable and accurate.

Call RCBS. They will ship you the parts for FREE. I went back to a beam scale after having lots of issues with a cheap Hornady scale. If you trickle your loads, the beam scale will be more accurate than a cheap digital scale, i.e. less than $600.

Buy a set of cheap RCBS check weights to verify that your scale is set up right and repeating.