Reloading Scale - Need Advice

[K22]

My Ohaus beam scale which is over 45 years old finally died on me. The beam binds, i.e. does not respond to the load, giving inconsistent readings. I've carefully cleaned the knife edges and pivots but the problem remains.

I need a new scale and would prefer a beam balance. Was thinking of the Reddding No 2 Master Powder scale based on Redding's reputation but the reviews are very mixed some even reporting the same problem with a new scale that I'm currently experiencing with my old Ohaus, i.e. the beam binding.

Concerned about drift with electronic scales but open to them.

Would appreciate your suggestions. thanks.

PS Reload both rifle and pistol; rifle for long range precision varmint and predator hunting.

 

[bdale]

I have a Redding No.2 haven't used it much but you can see deflection on the beam with 1 kernel of Varget when using a webcam and laptop This scale has had nothing done to it either.

On another note the little electronic scale that Bullets.com has is getting some good feed back, great price to.

 

[chkunz]

Since your experience is with a good beam balance scale I would recommend you stay with that option. There are several good ones to choose from. I have been using the Lyman M5 since 1966 but have tried several of the most popular ones being sold today and found them to be very accurate. I have posted the results in some other threads but if you would like more specifics let me know.

 

[jonbearman]

Why not contact scott parker and see if he can fix it and tune it. His work is exemplary.

 

[jds holler]

After about forty years of reloading, I finally got my first electronic, and am wondering why I waited so long.

Mine is the Lyman Micro-touch 1500, and I use it with the battery not ac adapter. (heard there's less problems that way).

I re-zero and check weights frequently, and have gotten to trusting it pretty well. I'm also a guy who prefers to use good metering powders, so seldom use it to weigh every load. When I do though, I have no problem or more variation than I would get with my beam scales. jd

 

[loneranger04]

I've got a Scott Parker tuned balance coming but my old Ohause 1010 works pretty good, much more accurate than my chargemaster scale. I used to think the electronic scales were fine but, unless you get one that goes out to a hundredth of a grain, you won't be as precise as a beam scale. My 40+ year old Ohause is finicky but I can get within a kernel or two of 4350 and my chargemaster will get within a tenth of a grain, plus or minus, but that works out to be a .3 grain range. That's probably ok for most applications but if you're shooting to a thousand yards then you'll always wonder if the reason you didn't hit your target is your ammo, gun or you.

Lots of good scales on eBay. My wait on a Scott Parker has been over two months but I expect it will be worth it.

 

[BoydAllen]

Send Scott Parker your beam scale AND think about one of the new Bald Eagle (BE188) scales. Both have advantages. The beam scale for trickling charges, and this electronic scale for everything else. Until I had a chance to try this particular electronic scale, I had been a strong critic of the performance of affordable electronic scales. This one changed my mind.

 

[DennisH]

My RCBS 1500 . . . I have check it with a beam scale, and a gem-pro. All three gave me the same reading and I have checked the RCBS about 4 times this way since I had it.

Can't beat it in my opinion. It is very easy to use, level (adjustable feet), and throw powder. I did take a McDonalds straw and insert it in the throw tube, it did help on powders like Varget, but I used it for years with nothing but a trickler, minor inconvenience considering the results.

Dennis

 

[R.Morehouse]

I to have one on its way from Scott P. and have the electronic sitting here from Bullets.com. Waiting patiently for Boyds full review and how to get the most out of it.... 8)...Happy Holiday Boyd... ;D..From Western Pa.

 

[dickn52]

In a beam I like the RCBS 10-10. NOT the new plastic stuff they are pushing now though. You will have to shop for a 10-10 or even a 5-5.

 

[Shrek]

Send your scale to Scott Parker. Might have picked up a couple of filaments of steel wool or something on the dampening magnets.