best digital scale for the $

[wildhorse1]

New to reloading I have an RCBS balance beam scale but would like a decent digital scale without breaking the bank.

 

[casey36]

I have a Pact and really like it. Easy to calibrate and seems to stay in calibration without too much trouble. Another big plus for me is that they are made in the USA.

 

[Dr. Vette]

I've seen them under $300, and the $50 rebate was just extended to Jan 31st.

RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Scale Dispenser Combo 110 Volt

 

[wildhorse1]

I would love to get the chargemaster but right now its not in the budget. It seems I have spent a small fortune already and still need several things so I have to wait on that.

 

[JackinSD]

You might look at a GemPro 250. My Weigh GemPro 250

 

[boomtube]

To each his own. When any reloading grade of digital scale works properly it's as 'good' as any other. When one craps out they're all cheap Chinese 'throw-away' junk, not worth the cost of repairing. What any of us actually gets is luck of the draw, not brand or how much it costs. The people who luck-out think they're great, those with bad luck disagree. A LOT of people who have tried them have gone back to their mechanical scales.

I used to repair and calibrate precision electonic instruments in the space program. There are no digital powder scales on my bench nor will there be. I do have a cheap battery operated scale for weighing cases but if it's wrong, or quits, no one will die.

 

[cowboy]

To each his own.

There are no digital powder scales on my bench nor will there be.

X2 - give me a good beam scale and I see no reason to take a chance using an electronic.

 

[JackinSD]

Yeah, beam scales work flawlessy and have been used for a long long time, and everyone should have one.

But, the doom and gloom of a digital scale is almost over the top in those posts.

 

[wildhorse1]

Thanks for the replys keep them coming.

 

[cornchuck]

I used to use a balance beam scale when I first got into reloading. Seems like I was straining my eyes watching the needle line up with the white mark. After an hour of measuring powder, my eyes really hurt. Bought a Lyman 1200 powder thrower. Last year I wanted something more precise so I bought a GemPro 250 and love it.

Jason

 

[boomtube]

"..I was straining my eyes watching the needle line up with the white mark. After an hour of measuring powder, my eyes really hurt."

Looking down will do that. Put your scale (and trickler) on a sturdy box or shelf so it's maybe chin or nose high and all will be well. Doing that and having your powder measure on a stand immediately to the right of the scale will make your work flow better too.

 

[Trickymissfit]

I have a Pact and really like it. Easy to calibrate and seems to stay in calibration without too much trouble. Another big plus for me is that they are made in the USA.

I own three Pacts right now, and these are the only ones I'd even consider.
gary

 

[kc]

I got a LYMAN XP its been good so far, I have always been on top of checking my load with my
RCBS beams and so far its been real touchy if you take one grain of powder drop it in the pan and it lets you know. I also use a RCBS trickler.

 

[boomtube]

"But, the doom and gloom of a digital scale is almost over the top in those posts. "

Goodness, I hope I haven't talked anyone out a digital if that's what they want. Everyone should have a chance to learn and, as long as it lasts, everyone is happy with their digital.