Retired shooter
Gold $$ Contributor
No need for splitting the fly crap out of the pepper when dealing with all the other problems in E L R .
Time for scale upgrade
- Thread starter Retired shooter
- Start date
RegionRat
Gold $$ Contributor
I won't give an opinion on which cheap scale, but I will point out that many beginners who I tried to help were surprised that stuff they bought on the internet didn't work because the models they selected did not have the response for trickling.
That means the model they picked showed 0.1 grains well enough, but did not cooperate when they wanted to trickle to that charge. So, if you are okay with placing a sample on the scale and then just reading it, you would be okay, but if you wanted to finely adjust it to the last 0.1 grains, you might get frustrated.
So, of the scales shown on the markets, be sure the one you select is known for being good for our purposes.
By the way, I keep hearing ELR come up, but in a budget scale discussion?!?
If the budget for your scale is a concern, I would have to ask how far ahead you looked at the rest of the game?
That means the model they picked showed 0.1 grains well enough, but did not cooperate when they wanted to trickle to that charge. So, if you are okay with placing a sample on the scale and then just reading it, you would be okay, but if you wanted to finely adjust it to the last 0.1 grains, you might get frustrated.
So, of the scales shown on the markets, be sure the one you select is known for being good for our purposes.
By the way, I keep hearing ELR come up, but in a budget scale discussion?!?
If the budget for your scale is a concern, I would have to ask how far ahead you looked at the rest of the game?
SteveOak
Gold $$ Contributor
This is solid advice. The less expensive scales use a different technology and usually use software schemes to try to overcome the liabilities.
If you do go with a digital in your target price range, get a good check weight and use it frequently.
NZ_Fclass
Silver $$ Contributor
Some time ago, I went with a "lab" scale from a local company that sells scales. More support and expertise than a gun shop could provide. For $200, got a reasonable, useful scale that is good to .05g. Similar to the device that Creedmoor sell.
Having said that, auto tickler is on the way... for speed and accuracy. The little scale will be used for brass sorting etc.
Having said that, auto tickler is on the way... for speed and accuracy. The little scale will be used for brass sorting etc.
Retired shooter
Gold $$ Contributor
RR
If the budget for your scale is a concern, I would have to ask how far ahead you looked at the rest of the game?
ELR and Budget used together are Oxymorons aint no such thing as budget when doing ELR. Looking for a quality scale for testing case volumes, and checking powder charge. Never claimed to need THE BEST, just a reasonably accurate scale. Saving the cash for more bullets to be cast into the wind.
If the budget for your scale is a concern, I would have to ask how far ahead you looked at the rest of the game?
ELR and Budget used together are Oxymorons aint no such thing as budget when doing ELR. Looking for a quality scale for testing case volumes, and checking powder charge. Never claimed to need THE BEST, just a reasonably accurate scale. Saving the cash for more bullets to be cast into the wind.
not...
you want accuracy in ELR...300 bucks aint gonna do it
join the shooters with an A and D fx120i
I don’t have one yet, but when I upgrade it will definitely be the fx120i.
TheCZKid
Silver $$ Contributor
I've been using an A&D EJ-54D2 scale, which has been great for my 17 Hornet loads, which are finicky and need very accurate consistency.
It's in the $420 cost at the link below, accurate down to .005 grains, and I added a Dandy Trickler as my alternate to the Auto Trickler, as I couldn't afford that either. Just a thought, it's a very accurate scale, slower than the FX 120i and not able to attach to Auto-Trickler, but a lot more affordable too. It's a mid-price unit.
www.oldwillknottscales.com
It's in the $420 cost at the link below, accurate down to .005 grains, and I added a Dandy Trickler as my alternate to the Auto Trickler, as I couldn't afford that either. Just a thought, it's a very accurate scale, slower than the FX 120i and not able to attach to Auto-Trickler, but a lot more affordable too. It's a mid-price unit.
Scales Plus Acquires Assets of Old Will Knott Scales | Scales Plus
Allendale, MI, 10-10-2024 - Scales Plus acquires assets of Old Will Knott Scales as Old Will Knott Scales shutters operations. Read the news.
www.oldwillknottscales.com
I like the EJ-54D2.
Auto zero turned OFF, low range calibrated @ 10 grams.
Checked @ 1, 2, 5 grams with "Good" check weights.
Got it for less than $400
Instead of an auto trickler (which won't work with this scale) I'm now using an older model Lyman Gen 5.
($95 used from a forum member)
20 drops @ 31.5 grains of SB 6.5 (very fine ball powder), checked against my A&D EJ-54D2, gave me:
Min 31.42 gr,
Max 31.56 gr,
ES 0.14 gr,
Mean 31.48 gr,
SD 0.045 gr.
Set on auto, will have the next charge ready by the time I pinch up/down on the scale and dump into case.
Here's the Lyman with a target of 31.5 grains, dumped to the EJ-54D2
I just 'Pinch' up or down to get closer to the target charge.
Auto zero turned OFF, low range calibrated @ 10 grams.
Checked @ 1, 2, 5 grams with "Good" check weights.
Got it for less than $400
What's your dream powder scale?
Gen ll Prometheus, it's really a dispenser not a scale. Fast and accurate, by the time I seat a bullet it's usually waiting on me with the next charge. You have one you'll never look back!
forum.accurateshooter.com
Instead of an auto trickler (which won't work with this scale) I'm now using an older model Lyman Gen 5.
($95 used from a forum member)
20 drops @ 31.5 grains of SB 6.5 (very fine ball powder), checked against my A&D EJ-54D2, gave me:
Min 31.42 gr,
Max 31.56 gr,
ES 0.14 gr,
Mean 31.48 gr,
SD 0.045 gr.
Set on auto, will have the next charge ready by the time I pinch up/down on the scale and dump into case.
Here's the Lyman with a target of 31.5 grains, dumped to the EJ-54D2
I just 'Pinch' up or down to get closer to the target charge.
Last edited:
Dimner
I do believe in Captain Crunch.
I just purchased one of these 2 weeks ago. It has stepped up my reloading precison more than any other purchase in quite some time. I came from using the RCBS 10-10.
Edit: it doesn't drift, it is accurate down to the hundredths of a grain and its on sale for $275. I do not compete either.
Krogen
Gold $$ Contributor
I'll second the Creedmoor recommendation. I received mine last week and am very well pleased. In my opinion, they hit one out of the park. It has 0.01 grain resolution, 3-weight calibration routine and comes with F-1 cal weights that are precise to 10x the scale resolution. Very nicely designed and appears to have been designed by handloaders for handloaders.
seemed like the only time I had scale drift was when I was using a Tree 123 scale in the garage and the temps dropped below 65F. Temps never seemed to affect the A&D or even my $20 battery scale. However now that I have a loading room in the main house that Tree hangs right in there with my A&D 120. Just my observation
Please learn me to what's wrong with the newish $300 Chargemaster Link:
www.rcbs.com
Buy ChargeMaster Link Electronic Powder Dispenser and More | RCBS
Shopping for the ChargeMaster Link Electronic Powder Dispenser - Learn more about the latest Priming & Powder Charging and other hunting or shooting gear at RCBS.
www.rcbs.com
skeeljc
Gold $$ Contributor
I am happy with the used A&D EJ-123 that I picked up for less than $250. The zero drifts a little, always the same amount. I have been meaning to send it in but have not done it yet. It is a good two decimal place scale. I always run it on the internal batteries. It may not be the best scale to do dynamic weighing but you can get used to how it performs when trickling up and make quick, consistent weighs.
skeeljc
Gold $$ Contributor
Absolutely nothing. I bought one last year and I like it a lot. I use it with my A&D EJ-123 scale and a Dandy 2-speed trickler. I did not think I needed the cell phone interface but once I used it I will not weigh any other way.Please learn me to what's wrong with the newish $300 Chargemaster Link:
Buy ChargeMaster Link Electronic Powder Dispenser and More | RCBS
Shopping for the ChargeMaster Link Electronic Powder Dispenser - Learn more about the latest Priming & Powder Charging and other hunting or shooting gear at RCBS.
Who said anything is wrong with it?Please learn me to what's wrong with the newish $300 Chargemaster Link:
Buy ChargeMaster Link Electronic Powder Dispenser and More | RCBS
Shopping for the ChargeMaster Link Electronic Powder Dispenser - Learn more about the latest Priming & Powder Charging and other hunting or shooting gear at RCBS.
I would recommend this to someone just getting started in reloading, as I think it would be the easy button for making powder charges for their cases.
No one.
I haven't seen it recommended as it fits in the OP's budget.
Perfectly satisfied Chargemaster Combo owner.
nakneker
Gold $$ Contributor
I own two charge master links, I use them both at the same time. I use battery power and have had zero drift problems. On sale I’ve seen them as cheap as 229.99, a good option for budget the OP posted. My SD and ES numbers have been great. I don’t shoot competition.
I’d like to get an A&D/V4 set up, I may even be silly enough to buy a Prometheus someday but for now the little charge masters have been great.
I’d like to get an A&D/V4 set up, I may even be silly enough to buy a Prometheus someday but for now the little charge masters have been great.
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