a) portable, i.e. can take it w/ me to load at the range, etc. Could get a battery-powered electronic scale, though. I'd assume more accurate/reliable than a battery-powered electronic scale?

b) accuracy: Seems that the more I check around, the prevailing opinion is that a *good* balance beam scale is somewhat more accurate than an electronic one. I'm pretty sure that the dispenser isn't really any more accurate than my Redding BR-30 measure, and one heck of a lot slower!!

So I've been looking around a bit, and to me at least, it seems a bit difficult to see much difference btwn the various big manufacturers main line scales, like the Reddings, the RCBS 505, the Lyman, the Hornady, etc. I've always heard good things about the 505s and the 10-10 is an impressive looking peice of hardware, at least in a black-n-white catalog picture

Any input/comments/suggestions?

TIA,

Mont

The 10-10 is made by Ohaus, a long respected name in scales. As long as it's level, it stays right with my check weights (the only time it doesn't is when I forget to clean my check weights with alcohol)

The Lyman weighs brass and shot. Even though it never has given me a reason not to trust it (I check it with the same check weights) I still don't use it (solely) when weighing powder; guess I don't fully trust electronics...

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I've never tried using either type of scale outside, but I would think the wind would give it fits. If you have a shed or a van or something to set it up in, that would probably work, but both are susceptible to drafts. Also, the balance beam would get the nod if you were outside in winter -- batteries don't like the cold.

Martindog

[This message has been edited by Martindog (edited 04-27-2002).]

quote:

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Originally posted by milanuk:
I started out w/ a Pact electronic dispenser/scale combo. Works o.k., but I have been considering getting a good balance beam scale for a couple reasons:

a) portable, i.e. can take it w/ me to load at the range, etc. Could get a battery-powered electronic scale, though. I'd assume more accurate/reliable than a battery-powered electronic scale?

b) accuracy: Seems that the more I check around, the prevailing opinion is that a *good* balance beam scale is somewhat more accurate than an electronic one. I'm pretty sure that the dispenser isn't really any more accurate than my Redding BR-30 measure, and one heck of a lot slower!!

So I've been looking around a bit, and to me at least, it seems a bit difficult to see much difference btwn the various big manufacturers main line scales, like the Reddings, the RCBS 505, the Lyman, the Hornady, etc. I've always heard good things about the 505s and the 10-10 is an impressive looking peice of hardware, at least in a black-n-white catalog picture

Any input/comments/suggestions?

TIA,

Mont

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I think you'd be happy with a Redding #2. It has the 1/10 grain marks on the indicator plate. About $55.00.

I've posted this several times, but for an interesting view on digital scales, some interesting homemade gadgets and a range box for relaoding, go to:

http://www.shootingsoftware.com/reloading.htm

Roger

Otherwise, I was thinking about loading either in the little room there at the No. 2 canyon gun club, or over in the covered range area at the NCW gun club. I'd think either one should work.

Monte

Keep it out of breezes and it will be accurate.

If you are going to take it to the range you might eventually drop the balance so consider warranty as well as ruggedness. In 2001, I dropped my RCBS 10-10 which I purchased in 1988 and the beam broke. Note that I had dropped it before, but without effect so they are not particularly fragile.

RCBS (O'Haus, actually) rebuilt the balance for free...and shipped it UPS express back to me here in Sweden for nothing (a cost to them of about $US 30). Can't beat that!

jpb

I don't know if we've met yet or not. I've ran into so many shooters here in Wenatchee since I moved here last March from Nebraska. I go to One Shot quite a bit, but then who doesn't No relations around here, and none named Brian.

Monte

Unless you are looking for a lab grade scale, they are all about the same. I lean towards the RCBS 10-10.

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Thanks again,

Monte

quote:

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I've used a RCBS 10-10 for yhe last 25+ years and would use nothing else.

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Ditto. Mine is about 22 years old. I'm looking at a PACT for weighing bullets, but it will never taste powder.

Eddie