Powder scale suggestions.
- Thread starter Mitty38
- Start date
RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Best ever made.
RBHarter
West Central AR
I haven't used a bunch of different scales .
I have used a Lee safety scale and agree , yuck .
I had the RCBS scale that came with the Partner kit and it wasn't bad as I recall , just not pleasing to my eye I guess .
My Dad and Grandfather had the old Lyman Ohaus M5s and that's what I grew up with so , yes , I'm jaded , possibly biased , and opinionated in that regard . Both of those scales and a 3rd , I didn't need , but , bought because I couldn't believe it was that cheap , resolve to 100th of a grain if you're willing to go to 1/70,000 of a pound for accuracy . For the record 9 kernels of IMR 4350 weighed in at .1 gr and on occasion I've thrown out 2-3 heavy kernels to get a load dead on . They are bold print with black on white easy to read and set .
RCBS also sold a version painted green , 505 or maybe the 10-10 , same scale just a different color . The old M5s agree with check weights and each other even at age 50+ within an indicator line thickness from .1 to 700 gr +- . I don't recall the exact weight of the .690 RB I weighed .
I have a fluid damped Redding scale someplace too ...... Accurate but slow to damp .
I have used a Lee safety scale and agree , yuck .
I had the RCBS scale that came with the Partner kit and it wasn't bad as I recall , just not pleasing to my eye I guess .
My Dad and Grandfather had the old Lyman Ohaus M5s and that's what I grew up with so , yes , I'm jaded , possibly biased , and opinionated in that regard . Both of those scales and a 3rd , I didn't need , but , bought because I couldn't believe it was that cheap , resolve to 100th of a grain if you're willing to go to 1/70,000 of a pound for accuracy . For the record 9 kernels of IMR 4350 weighed in at .1 gr and on occasion I've thrown out 2-3 heavy kernels to get a load dead on . They are bold print with black on white easy to read and set .
RCBS also sold a version painted green , 505 or maybe the 10-10 , same scale just a different color . The old M5s agree with check weights and each other even at age 50+ within an indicator line thickness from .1 to 700 gr +- . I don't recall the exact weight of the .690 RB I weighed .
I have a fluid damped Redding scale someplace too ...... Accurate but slow to damp .
Glaciers
Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
Got to agree, these are great, can’t believe they are not offered anymore. Well disappointed is a better description.
The “Dial-O-Grain” is what I have on my bench and it is great.
I check it once in a while with weights, but it’s always on and fast
Snakeoil
Well-Known Member
If you are going to be in this for the long haul, I suggest that you buy the best you can afford. Shooting partner just bought a fully automated scale that trickles the powder until the desired weight is achieved. Cost about $600 if I remember right and they are custom built to each order. I don't remember the maker. Talk to the serious bench rest guys. They have all the best toys. Ask them to show what they have to you. No rush so make a fully informed choice.
But if you don't see yourself going beyond casual shooting and only using published load recipes, then go with a good basic scale. I shoot with a lot of guys who still use beam scales and are quite happy with them. But to CW's point, they don't lend themselves to high volume stuff like sorting bullets and cases by weight.
Digital scales have come a long way. If you doubt the scale you simply put a known test weight on it to verify its accuracy. I bought a Dillon digital scale when they first came out. That had to be in the early 90's, maybe late 80's. Still going strong. But I also store it in a heated cabinet and treat it like any precision instrument. It will drift a tenth or two if used for an extended period. But I'm aware of that and constantly check the zero.
But if you don't see yourself going beyond casual shooting and only using published load recipes, then go with a good basic scale. I shoot with a lot of guys who still use beam scales and are quite happy with them. But to CW's point, they don't lend themselves to high volume stuff like sorting bullets and cases by weight.
Digital scales have come a long way. If you doubt the scale you simply put a known test weight on it to verify its accuracy. I bought a Dillon digital scale when they first came out. That had to be in the early 90's, maybe late 80's. Still going strong. But I also store it in a heated cabinet and treat it like any precision instrument. It will drift a tenth or two if used for an extended period. But I'm aware of that and constantly check the zero.
blackthorn
Active Member
Bought a RCBS 10-10 in 1967 (new). A week later, bought an Ohaus (10-10 different color). Still got them both! You cannot go wrong with a 10-10! That sad, I don't know about current production.
JWFilips
Well-Known Member
Too much damn clothes!
Started with a 5-10 in the mid-80s and was my only scale until 2017 when I added a cherry Ohaus 5-0-5 snagged off eBay for $35 and a very nice Ohaus 10-10 for $65 a few months later.
Then in Sept 2018 while perusing Midway sales, I found a brand new Chargemaster combo priced at $261 with free shipping, I simply couldn't pass on that. Much as I love my beam scales, the 1500 has become my go to powder measure.
Then in Sept 2018 while perusing Midway sales, I found a brand new Chargemaster combo priced at $261 with free shipping, I simply couldn't pass on that. Much as I love my beam scales, the 1500 has become my go to powder measure.
I bought one of these and I have been really happy with it
It checks accurately back to my old Redding beam scale.
It checks accurately back to my old Redding beam scale.
Mitty38
Well-Known Member
They seam to have stepped up over the last few years. My only issue with them is they are a supposed American company, but when it comes down to brass tacks, usually somewhere on their product or packaging it says Made in China.
Last edited:
Joshua
Taco Aficionado/Salish Sea Pirate/Part-Time Dragon
I like the Lee. The vernier scale locks securely in place. The vernier is hard to read unless it is at eye level.
The Lee is just as accurate as my vintage Redding scale. It’s major drawback is it’s inability to weigh bullets over 100 grains. I picked up the Redding so that I could weigh cases and bullets. But I find that I still use the Lee for the majority of my powder weighing. I use it mostly because the beam quiets so much faster than the Redding’s.
I’ve got three of the Lyman 55 measures. They are my favorite.
The Lee is just as accurate as my vintage Redding scale. It’s major drawback is it’s inability to weigh bullets over 100 grains. I picked up the Redding so that I could weigh cases and bullets. But I find that I still use the Lee for the majority of my powder weighing. I use it mostly because the beam quiets so much faster than the Redding’s.
I’ve got three of the Lyman 55 measures. They are my favorite.