Powder Scale help

[mrbofus]

I hope this is the right place to ask, if not please move it or direct me to that place.

I have all I need to start reloading except a powder scale.
I have been looking at several new and used ones for sale but cant decide so

For a start up scale 5-0-2 / 5-0-5 / 5-10 or others?

Looking for thoughts and opinions on under $100 scales.

Thanks

 

[newmexkid]

I've had and used my 505 for longer then I can remember. I sometimes use my electronic scale but the 505 is staying.

 

[thekyrifleman]

Expect they all will do the job... Still using an old Lyman beam scale that I bought in 1965..it's my check against the electronic scales. Got a Lyman electronic when they first came out, had issues with accuracy, back to the factory, still questionable, so on the shelf. Recently bought a RCBS 750 and it has been spot on....still use the old Lyman plus certified weights to be sure.

 

[g0rd0]

I have 3 scales in my room. An old layman beam that goes to 500 grn, a lee beam scale that goes to 100 grn and an electronic that goes to 7000 grn. They are all equally good.
I have tossed several chages that have been bang on with all 3, so no Issues. But, a beam scale is a must IMO
For my every day use I use the Lee scale

 

[WyoElk2Hunt]

I have a 5-0-5, a 10-10 and an electronic and used the 5-0-5 most but like the 10-10 better and the electronic if i am not working on precision loads but just shooting loads and cross check between scales often to be sure of the weights.

 

[Jud96]

We use a Dillon beam scale, we have a Cabelas electronic scale but I don't use it often.

 

[Trickymissfit]

don't even own a beam scale anymore, and have not for a very long while. But when I'm doing small capacity cases, I often use two scales in tandem to check each other.
On the otherhand, (with those small volume loads) I usually do these with ball powders, and only use the scale as a system check. A +/- 1/10th grain window works out to about one half percent error with a typical 25 grain load (small cases). Now on a 44 grain load, the percentage of error shrinks quite a bit. A lot of guys I know still use the beam scales and enjoy them. I have no real problem with that, and honestly they might work better for me at the range. Still I know my two throwers will drop ball powders within the two tenth window day in and day out. Stick powder are trickled and weighed on the scale.

But I'd say that whatever you use, you must get comfortable with it. Plus get very consistent with it.
gary

 

[mrbofus]

But I'd say that whatever you use, you must get comfortable with it. Plus get very consistent with it.
gary

That is probably the best words of wisdom I could ask for, thanks

Any brands or models to shy away from?

 

[varmintH8R]

I have a 5-0-5 and have never had an issue with it. Getting a decent set of calibration weights makes it almost foolproof. I also have a cheap Hornady electric that is much more convenient for weight sorting. I also use it to check in-process consistency (drift over time) of my powder throw when loading progressive.

 

[Trickymissfit]

That is probably the best words of wisdom I could ask for, thanks

Any brands or models to shy away from?

Fred Sinclair told me once to simply setup a measurer, and start throwing loads. Then weight them over and over till I got consistent and comfortable. When I start to reload, I'll throw a dozen or so charges just to get back to consistency again.
gary

 

[Kennibear]

I have an Ohaus 510 bought in 1970. It is still spot on. Youngest son has a new electronic and it is pretty good but has thrown a wild reading once or twice.

The real difference is the electronic does not differentiate very small changes, i.e. a few granules of powder. The beam scale will show the lubber line on the beam as little as the width of the line itself off. I cannot tell you how small that is in grains but it moves off with as few as three kernels of 4350. No way are electronics that precise.

Bottom line: I like beam scales. But electronics are really fast for weight sorting and at the range load development.

KB

 

[SidecarFlip]

don't even own a beam scale anymore, and have not for a very long while. But when I'm doing small capacity cases, I often use two scales in tandem to check each other.
On the otherhand, (with those small volume loads) I usually do these with ball powders, and only use the scale as a system check. A +/- 1/10th grain window works out to about one half percent error with a typical 25 grain load (small cases). Now on a 44 grain load, the percentage of error shrinks quite a bit. A lot of guys I know still use the beam scales and enjoy them. I have no real problem with that, and honestly they might work better for me at the range. Still I know my two throwers will drop ball powders within the two tenth window day in and day out. Stick powder are trickled and weighed on the scale.

But I'd say that whatever you use, you must get comfortable with it. Plus get very consistent with it.
gary

I do, still the best for the pharmacutical trade.......