Best digital scale for under $300

[NCVarhtr]

I think everyone probably knows this but in case some of you are not aware of it: You can't use florescent lighting over or around your digital scales. Only use incandescent lighting. Kinda like smart phones...The florescent lighting will really cause inconsistent problems ...I have an RCBS 1500 and have used it for about 5 years. No real problems ...Just give it plenty of time to warm up, zero properly and let the flashing dot stop before picking the pan up. I get very low SD...Usually 10 or less.. Hope this might help some...George

 

[Clever]

RCBS Chargemaster and McDonalds straw.. Dead accurate

 

[Cleftwynd]

Instead of the straw, I cut down and trimmed a 7x57 case and fit it to the chargemaster, along with a few programming tweaks and never shutting mine off, it is actually quite accurate and faster than I am.

 

[Coolhand]

I am considering the AND EJ-200 balance , up to 210 grams at 0.01 or 3240.8 x 0.2 grains , best news for US shooters balances.com have them for $188.00 also I spoke to the local scale guy here yesterday , the AND EJ series are popular with Universities for field use as they are dual power, have proven to be very reliable and have a 5 year warranty.
A new model AND is due the EJ-123 which reads up to 120 grams x 0.001 gram and will sell for around $500.00 AUS dollars.
Plus a certified mass is required for calibration.

I went up to our Lab recently and used one of their Mettler Toledo Lab balances to weigh some cases this particular scale reads 0.0001 milligrams and costs in the vicinity of 20K !!
I can tell you that a balance with 0.0001 readability will drive you insane and man are they touchy therefore I reckon a balance with 0.01 gram readability will be all I require. Of course budget is always a factor but I just can't see that a AND FX-120i at close to 1K local price will out perform a scale that is around the $500.00.
I asked the scale guy what is the basic difference , he explained that as the readability increases so does the price plus there are a few more bells and whistles with the more expensive models.
I think that the AND EJ-200 & EJ-123 scales would be worth considering as an alternative.

regards
Mike.

 

[normmatzen]

Buy the Ohaus TS-120 that is on ebay right now!

You will be VERY satisfied.