Powder scale for new reloader that is only making hunting ammo

[Michael C]

I am teaching a buddy at work to reload. He is a long time hunter and loves to shoot. But, only hunting rifles, as opposed to myself that is not a hunter and only shoots competitions (XTC, and Palma). I use a A&D FX120i and a auto trickler now after many years of the Chargmaster. I have searched on the forum about what is a good measure for him, but, did not find exactly what I needed. I have given him an old single stage press, and am building him a shopping list of quality tools that are appropriately geared for what he is going to do with them. However, I am not sure what to tell him to buy for a scale/powder dispenser. I have considered making him a good deal on my Chargmaster 1500, or even my old RCBS 10-10 scale. But, I dont want to get him something more than he needs. I have looked at the Hornady version of the Chargemaster and it is almost half the price. But, I can sell him my Chargmaster for about that or a little less.
He will be loading for a 280AI, and a 3006. He hunts the 3006 here in California so I understand that shots are not long range, but the 280AI will be for out of state longer range shooting, say to 500 yards. I know that the reloading bug will get him so I want to steer him right. What do you guys say? Michael

 

[joshb]

I've been using my old original RCBS scale for 40 years. It works fine for me. It measures to the tenth of a grain very consistently. Here are some "results" with a 6ppc.

 

[watercam]

Give him more than he needs NOW. Once he gains experience he may, indeed, become more serious (but if 500 yard shots are a possibility he needs to get serious anyway). The 10-10 scale and a Redding BR-3 will last a lifetime and allow precise measuring when he sees the benefit.
I shoot Palma as well and after playing with electronic measuring and trickling for some time am back to balance beam and manual trickler for my loads. Just as fast for me.

 

[R.Morehouse]

Have him get that small Chargmaster combo. He can pull it off the shelf to make ammo as needed......Real easy plug and play.

Regards
Rick

 

[Zero333]

I concur with R.Morehouse.

The newer Chargemaster Lite would be perfect.

 

[ImBIllT]

I have replaced my balance beam with a $25 Frankford Arsenal electronic scale. I bought it to speed shotgun reloading with steel shot and Alliant Steel powder, neither of which run well through my MEC. It doesn't appear to show any more variation(practically none) than my beam scale, the calibration weight reads the same out to the last decimal every time, it settles much faster than my beam and is less sensitive to issues such as the air condition turning on etc. I'm not convinced there is any accuracy disadvantage to the Frankford Arsenal scale. It's a lot faster to use than a beam scale. I load with a BR-30 into a pan on the Frankford scale and then trickle into the pan to finish.

 

[normmatzen]

To start, I would buy a LEE powder balance. More accurate than most and very inexpensive!

 

[Big Mc]

I am teaching a buddy at work to reload. He is a long time hunter and loves to shoot. But, only hunting rifles, as opposed to myself that is not a hunter and only shoots competitions (XTC, and Palma). I use a A&D FX120i and a auto trickler now after many years of the Chargmaster. I have searched on the forum about what is a good measure for him, but, did not find exactly what I needed. I have given him an old single stage press, and am building him a shopping list of quality tools that are appropriately geared for what he is going to do with them. However, I am not sure what to tell him to buy for a scale/powder dispenser. I have considered making him a good deal on my Chargmaster 1500, or even my old RCBS 10-10 scale. But, I dont want to get him something more than he needs. I have looked at the Hornady version of the Chargemaster and it is almost half the price. But, I can sell him my Chargmaster for about that or a little less.
He will be loading for a 280AI, and a 3006. He hunts the 3006 here in California so I understand that shots are not long range, but the 280AI will be for out of state longer range shooting, say to 500 yards. I know that the reloading bug will get him so I want to steer him right. What do you guys say? Michael

If you are just loading to hunt look at the Lee Measure Kit. These little scoops work fine for hunting needs. About 10 to 12 bucks. Tommy Mc

 

[2506]

I have been loading ammo for over 40 years and have used about everyone's tools. Lee makes some good tools but anything to do with measuring powder is NOT A GOOD TOOL in my experience. The dippers will get you in the ball park if you do everything exactly the same every time. Their powder scale is a JOKE. Get a least a RCBS 505 or equal from other makers and don't look back.

 

[chop house]

I've been using my old original RCBS scale for 40 years.

josh.... i've been using a 502 for decades, but lately i've noticed it indicates light if i trickle up. i guess i'm saying the nylon v-blocks are 'sticky'. if i remove the loaded pan and replace, my charge indicates perhaps a 0.2 grn jump (increase). have you run across this, and have any ideas to clean, replace, realign etc?

oh, and with the 502 you have to be careful to not inadvertently move the smaller poise

thx

 

[Michael C]

Thank you all. I will discuss options with him. It’s fun teaching a new person how to reload and make quality ammunition.

 

[joshb]

Hey chop house: Yup. Mine gets a little dusty, sitting for a while on my desk. Periodically, I pull the beam off and clean the inserts with a little soap water and alcohol. Then I use steel wool to clean the pivots and wax them with a little Imperial sizing wax. Seems to do the trick.

 

[jds holler]

I recommend that EVERYONE at least start with a good beam type Ohaus/RCBS/Dillon, and branch out from there. Ohaus is the basic maker of these, and they are pretty much fool proof, inexpensive, and last forever. jd

 

[Ringostar]

Another vote for a beam scale. Check your local gun shows for a good used one.

 

[Shynloco]

Michael,
RCBS makes the RCBS Rangemaster 2000, that sells for around $129. They used to make (perhaps still do) a Rangemaster 750 and if that is still available, it can handle up to 750 grain total weight in one measurement and is perfect for hunting. It sold for around $90 new and is very reliable for his needs. I have two of them as back-up and used them for years before getting crazy with Precision Reloading. Tell him to check Ebay as there were seller of both scales last time I looked which has been several months.

Alex

 

[alb]

I have a 10-10 scale that I'll never give up; if you have the opportunity to get one, take it.

That being said, for the most part I throw using a Redding 3BR to just under desired weight, then trickle up using a RCBS Rangemaster 2000 electronic scale; the combo is very fast and more than accurate enough for my needs.

The Rangemaster 2000 isn't in the same league of accuracy as what many here use, but it's very attractively priced, and in my experience it's been reliable and responsive. Perfect for my needs, anyway.