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Which Beam Scale?

Leo_B

My suspect list is:
Redding #2 Master Balance Beam $138.99
Hornady Balance Beam $99.99
Lyman Brass Smith 500 Balance Beam $86.99
I'm a plinker, not a shooter, out there to have fun. I don't hunt or compete, other than competing with my own last trip to the range. I don't load hundreds, dozens at the max and a few usually at any one time. However many I shot, and could find to pick up, last time. I'm not sold on electronics, just a good "normal" scale will do fine.
RCBS M1000 $134.39 and M500 $83.99 might be added to the suspect list as well. And open to other suggestions, hopefully $150 max.
 
Leo said-

I'm a plinker, not a shooter, out there to have fun. I don't hunt or compete, other than competing with my own last trip to the range.

I'd get any of the reputable beam scales and an economical electronic reloading scale such as the lyman type. - to check your beam scale- and simply use them to set your powder measure. And for a measure I'd recommend the RCBS uni-flow with large and small cavities.

There, now ya know what I think. ;) jd
 
Scroll thru the classified. There have been a number of decent scales at decent $$ for sale recently. I second Ohaus or rebranded Ohaus, but the Redding has many happy users too. If you feel flush look for Scott Parker scales.

My 40 yr old beam scale still works fine, but I do have a spare. It doesn't need to warm up for 30 minutes for a 20 minute reloading session, be shielded from fluorescent lights, drafts, static, or even need electricity, & it works as quickly as I need it to.
 
I have had RCBS scales made by Ohaus for years. I find that a lot of powders are too coarse to be thrown to my standards. For those I throw the charge into the scale pan and trickle up to the desired charge. Personally I see no advantage in spending for a new scale with so many good used ones for sale on Ebay. I have tuned up all of my scales myself and told others how to do it, so that the scales are more sensitive and repeat well. I should add that I also have a RCBS Chargemaster LInk, with a battery pack that I like quite a lot, but there is nothing wrong with a good balance scale for most uses. I have a RCBS trickler that I use with my balance scales. With much use, I have gotten very proficient with it.
 
jds holler-I would look at it from a different angle. The beam scale is used to check the electronic devices. I consider my beam scale the final word on weight values. It is dead reliable and about as fool proof as you can make it. No drift, batteries. Just the correct weight.
I do not care how many electronic scales and powder measures you have every reloader should have a good beam scale.
 
TheOtherZilla said:
This is my preference. Why. The wheel for the fine adjustment has a lock screw. The newer versions have a lil leaf that just sits on the beam. It is very easy to move it with out knowing.
www.ebay.com

RCBS 5-10 Powder Reloading Balance Beam Scale by OHAUS | eBay

Preowned and in good condition. Some slight discoloration. No box or paperwork.
www.ebay.com
Click to expand...
My most used scale and plenty accurate for your stated needs. Show up often at gun shows and on the marketplace on this site.
 
old codger said:
jds holler-I would look at it from a different angle. The beam scale is used to check the electronic devices. I consider my beam scale the final word on weight values. It is dead reliable and about as fool proof as you can make it. No drift, batteries. Just the correct weight.
I do not care how many electronic scales and powder measures you have every reloader should have a good beam scale.
Click to expand...
I pretty much agree with you. I just think he should have an alternative scale to reach a consensus with. Not implying that the electronic should take precedence.

Also should be mentioned that he should have least one "standard" or check weight in the general weight range that he typically uses.
The pan on my Lyman electronic is one of mine. It weighs 120.5 gr. when the scale is warmed up and happy, and I've written that on the bottom for all to see.
For Leo's use, it sounds like +/- 0.1 accuracy is sufficient for his needs, and having a backup scale to verify that is pretty much required. jd
 
there are some mint condition balance scales on ebay for cheap. I do have a cheap, very nice electronic jewelers scale that is fast and super. It was 50 bucks or so and works great. I have both. I agree w idea of using balance scale to check to electronic scale. Even better,,,, get a coin, bullet or something you know exactly what that little F weighs and use that to check your elect scale. I also don't think you need a 500gr balance scale. 350 gr may be more accurate, or easier to get on the money. less to measure and same length of beam. Lyman D5, old one is real good.

I am pretty sure all the 'modern' balance scales measure up to 500gr.
 
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