I'm pretty sure my scale has crapped the bed. So unfortunately I need to find another one. My max price range is $350, but if I can find a good one for less I'm completely fine with that. Lol. Any suggestions, on a loading scale in that price range? I know the gem pro 250 is no longer in production
Scale ideas?
- Thread starter MarkO76
- Start date
Ned Ludd
Silver $$ Contributor
The question of what type of balance to use for weighing powder in precision reloads is a common one. Different people have various choices in answer to this question, ranging in from tuned beam balances to expensive laboratory analytical balances. There are no "correct" or "incorrect" answers; whatever works for your intended application is sufficient.
If you're considering buying a good laboratory analytical balance, I would suggest spending the money to get a magnetic force restoration (MFR) balance, rather than one that uses a torsion or strain gauge mechanism. Unfortunately, they aren't inexpensive. One of the best choices at the low end of the price for for such an MFR balance would be the A&D FX-i 120 balance, which will cost in the neighborhood of $600-$700. Another excellent choice would be the Sartorius Entris 64, which will cost up to about $1400 or so. The price can even go much higher, depending on the selected brand and features.
I am a big advocate of purchasing the best analytical balance you can realistically afford. I have used less expensive strain gauge-type laboratory analytical balances in the past. That is not an experience I would care to repeat, even with strain gauge balances costing in the $300 to $400 range. The frustration one may experience with such a balance is simply not worth it, and I would simply recommend saving to buy a quality MFR balance instead.
On the other hand, not everyone's needs require a MFR analytical laboratory balance. So a good place to start would be to determine the level of precision your powder weighing needs require. Then you can begin looking at various powder weighing options that will satisfy those requirements AND fit your budget. You have to start somewhere, and defining the necessary level of precision in powder weighing is a logical place to begin. Further, there is no substitute for doing the research to narrow the list of potential candidates. Once the list is down to a few candidates, soliciting opinions at reloading forums on specific models/brands may be useful, but I definitely wouldn't start there.
Something else you might consider in the interim would be the Gem20 scale (https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Weigh-...ocphy=9024595&hvtargid=pla-304071963067&psc=1). These can be purchased for less than $25.00, and they work reasonably well. Boyd Allen started a thread on this balance some time ago that may be of interest to you (https://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/remarkable-little-scale.3985753/).
I'm not going to tell you that the little Gem20 is equivalent to a MFR laboratory analytical balance costing $700 or more. It isn't. I wouldn't realistically even consider it as a long-term solution for weighing powder. But you can get one fast and it will do the job while you decide what type of balance you really want. Once you purchase your analytical balance of choice, the Gem20 will still serve as a backup in the event something might ever go wrong with the other balance (it happens, sometimes). For less than $25.00, it's worth it. I bought one after reading Boyd's thread and reviewed it with regard to precision (Post #63, p. 4).
If you're considering buying a good laboratory analytical balance, I would suggest spending the money to get a magnetic force restoration (MFR) balance, rather than one that uses a torsion or strain gauge mechanism. Unfortunately, they aren't inexpensive. One of the best choices at the low end of the price for for such an MFR balance would be the A&D FX-i 120 balance, which will cost in the neighborhood of $600-$700. Another excellent choice would be the Sartorius Entris 64, which will cost up to about $1400 or so. The price can even go much higher, depending on the selected brand and features.
I am a big advocate of purchasing the best analytical balance you can realistically afford. I have used less expensive strain gauge-type laboratory analytical balances in the past. That is not an experience I would care to repeat, even with strain gauge balances costing in the $300 to $400 range. The frustration one may experience with such a balance is simply not worth it, and I would simply recommend saving to buy a quality MFR balance instead.
On the other hand, not everyone's needs require a MFR analytical laboratory balance. So a good place to start would be to determine the level of precision your powder weighing needs require. Then you can begin looking at various powder weighing options that will satisfy those requirements AND fit your budget. You have to start somewhere, and defining the necessary level of precision in powder weighing is a logical place to begin. Further, there is no substitute for doing the research to narrow the list of potential candidates. Once the list is down to a few candidates, soliciting opinions at reloading forums on specific models/brands may be useful, but I definitely wouldn't start there.
Something else you might consider in the interim would be the Gem20 scale (https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Weigh-...ocphy=9024595&hvtargid=pla-304071963067&psc=1). These can be purchased for less than $25.00, and they work reasonably well. Boyd Allen started a thread on this balance some time ago that may be of interest to you (https://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/remarkable-little-scale.3985753/).
I'm not going to tell you that the little Gem20 is equivalent to a MFR laboratory analytical balance costing $700 or more. It isn't. I wouldn't realistically even consider it as a long-term solution for weighing powder. But you can get one fast and it will do the job while you decide what type of balance you really want. Once you purchase your analytical balance of choice, the Gem20 will still serve as a backup in the event something might ever go wrong with the other balance (it happens, sometimes). For less than $25.00, it's worth it. I bought one after reading Boyd's thread and reviewed it with regard to precision (Post #63, p. 4).
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I went through an experimental phase to find an equivalent to my old RCBS Chargemaster 1500 scale.
I bought a few milligram scales on Amazon, each time comparing over a few powder sessions to my RCBS Chargemaster 1500 scale.
The first couple of cheapies I tried are only good for identifying bullets - you can sort 103's from 105's, for example. The resolution is not precise or reliable enough for powder charges.
This one seems to keep pace with the 1500 scale, it drifts almost the same with temperature variation.
Milligram Scale
Interestingly, because of the one decimal place greater resolution, it showed up the effect of the CM1500 internal rounding - I could add one, sometimes two kernels without the CM1500 reading changing.
My latest experimental purchase was this one, but since I bought it last year, I still have not done any work with it.
Ruishan Scale
Also, I also went the other direction, and modified a Lee Precision scale by replacing the internal magnets with neodynium. This fixes the dampening issue very well. If I level the scale and use a magnifying glass on the scale indicator, I can keep charge weights to within one granule of powder.
I bought a few milligram scales on Amazon, each time comparing over a few powder sessions to my RCBS Chargemaster 1500 scale.
The first couple of cheapies I tried are only good for identifying bullets - you can sort 103's from 105's, for example. The resolution is not precise or reliable enough for powder charges.
This one seems to keep pace with the 1500 scale, it drifts almost the same with temperature variation.
Milligram Scale
Interestingly, because of the one decimal place greater resolution, it showed up the effect of the CM1500 internal rounding - I could add one, sometimes two kernels without the CM1500 reading changing.
My latest experimental purchase was this one, but since I bought it last year, I still have not done any work with it.
Ruishan Scale
Also, I also went the other direction, and modified a Lee Precision scale by replacing the internal magnets with neodynium. This fixes the dampening issue very well. If I level the scale and use a magnifying glass on the scale indicator, I can keep charge weights to within one granule of powder.
NZ_Fclass
Silver $$ Contributor
The cheaper A+D scale may be what your budget affords. While not a MFR, it seems fairly competant.
I bought a new Redding a few years ago that will most certainly weigh one stick of IMR 4350.
It hasn’t been sent anywhere or had anything done to it either. It could be the only one they’ve ever made that will do that but normally I’m not that lucky. It’s better than the RCBS 10 10 that I bought in the ‘70s ever was. Also have a small electronic scale to double check myself before loading.
It hasn’t been sent anywhere or had anything done to it either. It could be the only one they’ve ever made that will do that but normally I’m not that lucky. It’s better than the RCBS 10 10 that I bought in the ‘70s ever was. Also have a small electronic scale to double check myself before loading.
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Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 Precision Reloading Scale
Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 Precision Reloading Scale When every tenth counts, this scale measures to the hundredths. Introducing the TRX-925 precision digital reloading scale by Creedmoor Sports. Our development team set out to create one of the most accurate and precise scales on the...
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Liven The Dream
Gold $$ Contributor
The cost is a factor!
You should think about how much loading you do and for how many years ?
fX120l is hard to beat …
Cambridge runs sales for $450 area !
You will need up grade the Electrical equipment in your loading room .
Or find an older Oahu's scale for sale and have it tuned ?
A good scale to do the job is costly ?
Best of Luch
Shop Wisely
You should think about how much loading you do and for how many years ?
fX120l is hard to beat …
Cambridge runs sales for $450 area !
You will need up grade the Electrical equipment in your loading room .
Or find an older Oahu's scale for sale and have it tuned ?
A good scale to do the job is costly ?
Best of Luch
Shop Wisely
Yep about the cost of a box of Lapua brass away from the one most everyone here recommends.https://ceproducts.shop/products/fx-120i-reloading-scale-122g-x-0-001g
If you are looking for a portable scale like the gem pro, I suggest having a look at a Tanita 1210N.
I just picked one up at the recommendation of a few others that I shoot with. After trying it a little bit the other night it seems pretty good, the powder cup is a bit small and a little awkward to grab is my only issue so far.
There's also a few threads here about it, one of which says Tony Boyer used Tanitas as well.
Professional Diamond Scale
CUSTOMER BEWARE! Tanita Counterfeit, discontinued, and used product are sold on the market by unauthorized companies. Buy direct from Tanita. Tanita will never be beat on price or quality. Buy direct and buy the best. Guaranteed lowest price! Maximum product warranty! Global customer...
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I just picked one up at the recommendation of a few others that I shoot with. After trying it a little bit the other night it seems pretty good, the powder cup is a bit small and a little awkward to grab is my only issue so far.
There's also a few threads here about it, one of which says Tony Boyer used Tanitas as well.
nmkid
Gold $$ Contributor
I used an EJ 123 for years with no complaints.
CharlieNC
Gold $$ Contributor
How much improvement in score did you observe after upgrading?
Any drifting when tricking up ?
For your budget you can get a "not too bad" digital that will do good service and last a few years... OR.. you could buy an excellent beam scale and a set of grain checkweights that will be reliable and last a lifetime.
(You will need a beam scale anyway to check your digital is telling the truth)
(You will need a beam scale anyway to check your digital is telling the truth)
BUY ONCE CRY ONCE..
buy cheap buy again and again..cry every time
buy cheap buy again and again..cry every time
I used GemPro 250 with excellent results +-0.04gr
now I am using this cheapo scale, also +-0.04gr, repeatable and does not drift
now I am using this cheapo scale, also +-0.04gr, repeatable and does not drift
I just saw on your link that the price is being raised by $30 on the 15th of this month. Is this the same place that runs the $450 sale price.
I'm thinking about picking one up if I can find it on a current sale.
Thanks!
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