Good morning. I'm wanting to buy me a new scale. I got me a digital rcbs scale right now. Want a balance beam scale. Which is the top choices you use? Either Redding or RCBS. But want to hear what you use. I want a speedier scale.

Was going to suggest RCBS 5-0-5 scales (which is what I use). But they seem to have discontinued it. It was made by Ohaus, which is a "real" scale company. You can still buy the Ohaus 5-0-5 scale (white instead of green) on ebay.

I've been using just one Lyman scale, presumably made by Ohaus, for more than 40 years - and like it very much. I test it against the weight of various bullets and it still seems accurate.

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Originally posted by sambarman338:
I've been using just one Lyman scale, presumably made by Ohaus, for more than 40 years - and like it very much. I test it against the weight of various bullets and it still seems accurate.

Still using my Lyman too. Got it in my Turret Press Expert kit in 1977. If it isn't broke, don't fix it.

Many years ago.....I bought one of the last RCBS 304 scales from Huntington Die Specialties. Pretty sure it was made by Ohaus for RCBS.

Glad I did.

Kevin

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Ohaus for RCBS.

I sent my RCBS scale back to Ohaus for repair.

Got a couple of electronic scales, my oldest is an RCBS, made by Ohaus, and the other is made by Hornady. Both are accurate, but for quick measuring and accuracy checks, I still use my old Redding balance beam with the oil reservoir.

RCBS 505

My RCBS 10-10 still working like a champ.

I have a Lyman that I got in 1968; still works fine.

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Originally posted by Uncle Grinch:
Got a couple of electronic scales, my oldest is an RCBS, made by Ohaus, and the other is made by Hornady. Both are accurate, but for quick measuring and accuracy checks, I still use my old Redding balance beam with the oil reservoir.

I used one of those oil reservoir dampener Reddings for years too, only problem with them is if you forget to put a cover over them when not in use, insects often fall into the oil reservoir.
Upgraded to a second hand Lyman beam balance which will last several lifetimes. Simple beam balances are not rocket science and any brand will work fine provided they are looked after and not dropped.

Yes, admittedly the oil reservoir type tend to collect “things” like bugs, trash and dust. It pays to cover them or at least clean them out occasionally.

There are two types of balance beam scales. The only difference in them is that one uses an oil reservoir with a "paddle" sticking down in it to dampen the swing. The other uses a non-ferrous blade on the end of the scale which fits between two magnets to dampen the beam via induction. (Without beam dampening of some kind the beam swings up and down for so long that it is impractical to accurately use.)

The oil-dampened is obsolete due to being slower than the magnetic one and also messy for the reasons others have mentioned (as well as always being in danger of spilling all over the place when you need to move the scale).

Ohaus has dominated the scale business for many years and their scales (whether they bear the Ohaus name or otherwise) are top notch. Ohaus uses a stone or ceramic surface where the beam knives rest to prevent wear.

By the way, balance beam scales are much more dependable than electronic scales which are subject to error due to electronic field interference, air currents, and a number of other factors. Have tried several of both types over 50+ years of reloading and I currently find little use for electronic scales.

Oh yes, the Ohaus 10-10 that I still use today was purchased when I was in college in 1970. I have several weight checkers of specified weight and the half-century old Ohaus is consistently right on the money.

As usual, Stonecreek provides great information. I use an older Hornady scale, never had a need to try anything else, although if I did it would likely be some variation of an Ohaus. Its a time tested brand.

another vote for the 10-10 and a set of check weights. The RCBS (Ohaus) 10-10 is no longer in production, unfortunately. You can find them used however.

I started with an RCBS 5-0-5 until it started getting sticky, and then bought an RCBS 10-10 scale which is mush better than the first one.