I've been using a beam scale since I started reloading. However, I see all the digital scales and wonder if I'm missing out on something good. For those of you that have used both, is it really worth it? I mean, what would I gain with going to a digital powder scale? Is it faster to measure loads on? More accurate? Easier to set up? I look at both and don't really see a significant advantage that would justify me buying one. I could see the advantage if I had an automatic dispensing system as well, but I have no plans to go that route. I'm not really one to crank out 100+ rounds in a sitting.

Why do you need rifles, handguns, reloading equipment, optics, camo, etc.? I too have been using a beam scale since I started reloading. But a digital is in the works. If both are calibrated correctly, I can see no difference accuracy wise. I dont load large volumes either, but anything to make it a lil quicker would be a good thing in my mind. I load for precision and enjoy loading very much. But if that digital scale allowed me to fit in time for even more things I enjoy doing, I am all for it. But I am going the dispenser/scale combo route. Pact is at the top of the list with rcbs and lyman behind them.

I recommend an electronic scale for a few reasons and contingencies, though I typically use the old pacific beam scale still for routine powder measure adjustment.
The contingencies I offer are this: After my last move, all the 6.5 and 6mm bullets that I had in nice boxes stored inside a 50 cal ammo can arrived at my new location as one huge ball of intermixed bullets-somehow they shattered all the factory boxes. Using an electronic scale made sorting all the bullets out a much simpler task than not having one.
Second contingency is this: Somewhere along the line of a mass loading session, the powder measure from my Dillon jammed up and with 300+ rounds in the bin already loaded, I wasn't sure about when the measure jammed...was it immediately before I noticed it? Was it 5, 10 50 rounds ago? Did I have to scrap the whole lot and pull all the rounds down? Well using the electronic scale made it clear which rounds had 25 grains of powder and which ones didn't in quick order. Fortunately, I was paying attention and only had one round without powder.
So not to recommend distracted reloading, or improper transport of you boxed bullets, but the electronic scale sure made fast work of these potential disasters.

you don't need it, but I recommend it if you can get one.

regards,
graycg

I've got both types of scales, I find myself using my beam scale when I'm measuring powder charges. Like Greycg said the digital is nice when you're sorting things like brass, bullets, and such. Me personally, I'd save my money unless you are inclined to such activities.
Jeff

If I was going to be buying an electronic scale right now, I would opt for the new Lyman dispensor/scale combo. I now have the RCBS/pact combo,(pact makes them for RCBS), it works fine but is a bit slow. Never say never to a dispensor.

Ever see those neat little measure pan/funnel combos? Try using that with your balance beam scale. You are stuck with the pan that came with your balance beam, it's calibrated only for that pan. You can use virtually any small container with an electronic scale, zero it and measure something in it!

Stay away from the newest dillon though, they can't be used to trickle powder.

You don't...

Easy answer...if you measure items of unknown (or variable) weights (case/bullet sorting) the digital is much quicker. If all you do is check powder charges (set the scale and never need to adjust it in a session) there is virtually no advantage.

The electronic scale also adds lots of internal complexity due to the electronics. Reliability is lower. When was the last time anyone wrote in here about breaking a beam scale?

Neat gadgets, but WAYYYYYY down on my wish list.

Jethro,
Need has nothing to do with it. Like everyone else I used balance beam scales for years before someone came out with affordable electronic scales for handloaders. Since I've purchased mine, however, I've not used the beam scales. I also use the electronic dispenser with my electronic scales. Mine is RCBS, which is made by PACT. While I'm seating a bullet and marking brass of my loaded round with my Sharpie, the next powder charge is already weighed out and ready for me. It's just a convenience that you really don't need, but I like mine.

I purchased a new Lyman DPS 1200 Electronic Powder Dispenser and I've been pleased with it. It can be used as a scale or a scale / dispenser. The only thing I don't care for is it requires a 30 minute "warm up" to be totally accurate. This isn't a problem if you plug it in before you start getting things ready. It doesn't have to be "calibrated" for different types of powder. To speed things up I use a set of Lee Powder Dippers. I select a dipper that throws a charge 5 to 7 grains under what I want, then let the machine top it off to the exact weight. The hardest thing for me was to trust it, (I'm used to a mechanical balance beam). For peace of mind I purchased a set of RCBS Deluxe Scale Weight Checks. The system comes with a 308 gr. (20 Gram) check weight. I like to select a weight closer to what I'm measuring. This set allows me to do that. I didn't really "need" this thing, I already have a Lyman balance beam scale, as well as a Lyman 55, and a Redding 3 BR measure, but you know how this hobby is. You can never have enough! The main thing I use the Lyman DPS for is heavy magnum charges for big bore rifles. Bill T.

jethro
Get a Denver Accurate load IV. You will thank me later.
I leave mine pluged in ALL the time.

I recently bought the Lyman digital powder dispenser/scale. It indeed sped things up considerably but is not perfect. My loading is usually done in two categories; load development and then stockpile once the load for a particular rifle is found. The digital scale works really good for the latter.

"Pact is at the top of the list with rcbs and lyman behind them". I HEARTILY DISAGREE. I just bought and shortly thereafter sold my 'new & improved' Pact scale & dispensor which only worked in certain rooms of my house. They are ridiculously sensitive to voltage and atmospheric changes and there customer support is POOR. After trying power supplies and stabilizers it wound up at my friends house were it is working well. I'd get the Lyman next time. I tried it at the SHOT show and was impressed. I see folks selling their Pacts constantly on the net and EBay....not so much with the others.