I'm not any type of specialist when it comes to reloading. It's been less than a year for me as a matter of fact. I have the RCBS 505 balance beam. I find it to be accurate, but just too inconvenient. I'm kind of OCD about my reloading and if that beem isn't exactly where I want it, I will go back and forth all day long. I make time to reload, but then again it's taking me too long to weigh my charges. I understand it's not going to be just scoop, take a few grains out, and I'm good. I was debating purchasing a digital scale just so I can save a little time. I was wondering if you guys with experience with both have to say about it. Are the digitals as accurate? Do you really save yourself the headache of going back and forth with the beam?
Scale Preference
- Thread starter tachunter
- Start date
I have a Lyman DPS and it definitely worth getting, it really shines when using stick powders or doing test loads, to get the most speed and accuracy out of the scale you need a solid bench or shelf and no moving air, this being said after using a balance beam scale and a powder dribbler for many years, and I'm about as cheap as they come 
wncchester
New member
You scale is excellant, accuracy between digitals and beams is equal when the digital works right, neither has any significant speed difference over the other when used properly. Sounds like you may be vastly over complicating a simple task.
First, get your scale up off the bench top, put it on a shelf at about nose level so you can see it properly.
Second, not sure what you mean by "going back and forth". ? If you mean you're moving the poises to read each weight to zero before changing it, don't do it that way. Simply set the poises to the charge weight you want and add or subtract kernels to bring the scale to zero.
If you mean you are weighting bullets or cases take advantage of the +/- 1/2 grain on the end scale, no need to bring the pointer to zero every time at all.
First, get your scale up off the bench top, put it on a shelf at about nose level so you can see it properly.
Second, not sure what you mean by "going back and forth". ? If you mean you're moving the poises to read each weight to zero before changing it, don't do it that way. Simply set the poises to the charge weight you want and add or subtract kernels to bring the scale to zero.
If you mean you are weighting bullets or cases take advantage of the +/- 1/2 grain on the end scale, no need to bring the pointer to zero every time at all.
A scale has to be accurate, sensitive, and repeatable. Accurate means just that. Get a known correct test weight and check the scale occasionally. Sensitivity can be tested on a balance beam by dropping a 1/4" square of bond paper in a the pan of a zeroed beam to see if it moves - it should, even if only a little. Repeatable means just that. Every time your test weight, or another item, is placed on the scale, it should give the same reading. Every time.
If you are still scooping, you might consider a powder dump. If funds are tight, the Lee Perfect Powder Measure really does work. However, if you use very fine ball powder like #9, it leaks. Short of a problem such as bridging, a dump should be quite repeatable.
If you are still scooping, you might consider a powder dump. If funds are tight, the Lee Perfect Powder Measure really does work. However, if you use very fine ball powder like #9, it leaks. Short of a problem such as bridging, a dump should be quite repeatable.
I don't know how OCD affects using a balance beam scale, but weighing should be rather simple.
Method 1 (fastest, measure good for +/- 0.1 grain):
The other method is to weigh each powder throw. Do the same as above, but adjust the powder measure to throw a couple of grains BELOW the target weight. Throw the charge with the powder measure, put on scale pan and top off with a powder trickler (ought to please your OCD).
From what I heard about how finicky some digital scales can be they may frustrate your OCD more than a balance beam. I would get the method refined to be efficient before running off to get mor equipment. Right now your problem is in your "back and forth" procedure, not the equipment.
Method 1 (fastest, measure good for +/- 0.1 grain):
- Zero balance beam in cleared area away from being bumped or air currents
- Set up powder measure and prep it by running 10-20 dummy charges through
- Set scale to desired weight (no touchy the setting from now on!)
- Throw a charge on powder measure, weight it
- If too heavy or too light, adjust measure not the scales
- Repeat powder throws and test on scales until it balances (may take 5-15 powder throws)
- Re-weigh every 10-20 cases just to be sure
The other method is to weigh each powder throw. Do the same as above, but adjust the powder measure to throw a couple of grains BELOW the target weight. Throw the charge with the powder measure, put on scale pan and top off with a powder trickler (ought to please your OCD).
From what I heard about how finicky some digital scales can be they may frustrate your OCD more than a balance beam. I would get the method refined to be efficient before running off to get mor equipment. Right now your problem is in your "back and forth" procedure, not the equipment.
rottieman33
New member
This might help you in choosing a digital scale. Its a review on 3 Digital scales RCBS is rated the best.
http://www.6mmbr.com/powderdispensers01.html
http://www.6mmbr.com/powderdispensers01.html