What should i do?

[Jcaplinger199]

Im new to reloading and this forum. I have everything in need except a scale. I have a manual Lee powder thrower and a franklin trickler. I will be reloading for my 6.5 creedmoor, M1 Garand 30-06 and my 257 weatherby. I will be reloading small amounts at a time and speed is not a concern. I initially wanted to get a good beam scale and manually throw charge then trickle up to weight using the beam scale. Ordered a scale from scott parker but none the less i dont have it yet or know when i going to get it. that is neither here nor there. My options ive narrowed myself done to now is getting a RCBS chargemaster lite as they can by had for about $240 brand new on amazon. Or wait a little bit longer and save couple 100 more to get a Fx120i scale only as they are ready to ship for $470. Then use it for my initial plan of manually throwing charges and trickle onto the fx scale. Thoughts? Thanks is advance.

 

[drover]

Since you are going to be reloading small amounts and are in no rush why not just use a beam scale like the RCBS 505, or even a Lee Powder Scale? The Lee looks funky and cheap but it is surprisingly accurate and would work for you. A beam scale is accurate and troublefree as long as dust and grit is kept off the pivot surfaces.
Electronic scales can be have issues with being influenced by lights, air drafts, improper warm-up time and tolerances drifting - not generally an issue with mechanical scales.

Spend the savings on components and shooting.


drover

 

[mike a]

Im new to reloading and this forum. I have everything in need except a scale. I have a manual Lee powder thrower and a franklin trickler. I will be reloading for my 6.5 creedmoor, M1 Garand 30-06 and my 257 weatherby. I will be reloading small amounts at a time and speed is not a concern. I initially wanted to get a good beam scale and manually throw charge then trickle up to weight using the beam scale. Ordered a scale from scott parker but none the less i dont have it yet or know when i going to get it. that is neither here nor there. My options ive narrowed myself done to now is getting a RCBS chargemaster lite as they can by had for about $240 brand new on amazon. Or wait a little bit longer and save couple 100 more to get a Fx120i scale only as they are ready to ship for $470. Then use it for my initial plan of manually throwing charges and trickle onto the fx scale. Thoughts? Thanks is advance.

You could buy 4 or 5 scales like I did then buy the FX120. Or buy the FX now!!!

 

[rjtfroggy]

You are not loading competition rounds, so get yourself a cheaper digital and a decent balance beam to check the digital and come away money ahead. If you ever decide to compete then spend the money for the upgrades.
At this point there is no need to buy once - cry once.

 

[jpx2rk]

A RCBS 505 used goes for around $50, and what I use except when I'm loading for a pdog trip. Then I use the Chargemaster Lite and spot check 'em with the 505.

Somebody had a beam scale for sale in the classifieds here.

 

[dgeesaman]

Agreed with the idea to keep it simple.

505 beam scale is consistently accurate to 0.1 gr if used properly. The tuned scales are even better.

My Chargemaster Lite is nearly that accurate and faster. Speed is its advantage.

The FX-120i is still more accurate and relatively fast when used with an Autotrickler setup. But this scale and the Autotrickler do not add value unless you’re shooting long range (600y+) in a competition setting. The buy once cry once philosophy applies only if you intend to be competing in long range. If that is your intent then save for it.

It’s the time of year where the Chargemaster and CM Lite tend to go on sale. Natchez, Midway, etc. I suggest those as the deluxe option for a casual reloader.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

I believe yesterday’s bulletin showed the RCBS on sale plus a $20 coupon code at Brownells.