Looking for a good balance beam; new or used?

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Caliper_Mi

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So, my cheapo electronic scale died, and I've finally decided that it's time to step up to a quality balance beam reloading scale. I went out to Bass Pro to get one (the better LGS didn't have any beam scales, so where else is one to get a scale on Memorial day weekend?).

I was very disapointed In the Lyman scale being all plastic. How does this cost 3x what the Lee does?

The new RCBS M500 was equally light weight, but at least made of metal. Still didn't seem to justify the $80-100 price tag (yes, I know Bass Pro is inflated) it just felt cheap.

So, who makes a convincing balance scale these days for no more than about $100? It seems I can still find a RCBS 5-0-5 for sale online, is that a decent unit that won't blow away in a strong breeze?
 
I trust my RCBS 505. I check it with check weights and is alway right. Keep it on a level surface and away from vibrations. I keep mine on a separate surface than the loading surface. You will still notice that breezes will make the beam fluctuate.
 
I have used an RCBS 505 for over 30 years and it's never given any problems. I would be wary of buying a used one just because you never know how it might have been abused or dropped. On any balance beam scale you need to keep a dust cover over it and make sure the fulcrum points are clean and dust free. If that is done they will last pretty much forever.
 
Buy cheap, buy twice in many cases. I bought a Dillon over 20 years ago. Good scale.
 
Amazon RCBS 505 $43.44

This is from Glen Outdoors. I just received this as a backup to my older 505. This is Chinese made versus the older U.S. made. But it works. Comparing the two versions, this Chinese version has a lighter metal base, but not flimsy. Paint job is smoother as well, not the original textured. I think the magnet is slightly weaker because takes a little longer to settle, but barely noticeable, maybe milliseconds. Swings smoother & faster, although maybe because my older one is worn. Somewhat more sensitive to powder granules when trickling, which is a plus.
 
Thanks to globalization, more beam scale production is being moved to outside of USA with RCBS (owned by ATK now Vista Outdoor) being the latest "victim".

I use 1/4"x1/4" pieces of 20 lb copy paper to test any beam scale new or used. If it detects one piece of paper (weight around .05 gr) and consistently read around 0.1 gr with two pieces of paper, I consider the beam scale sensitive, accurate and repeatable for my reloading standard - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9614543#post9614543

I would not hesitate to buy used beam scales if they passed my "paper" test. If you are looking for new, I would recommend Dillon's Eliminator beam scale for $69. Built like 5-0-5 and won't blow away in a light breeze - https://www.dillonprecision.com/con.../7/Dillon__039_s___039_Eliminator__039__Scale

shoebox56 said:
505 ... maybe because my older one is worn.
Click to expand...
Beam scales use agate stone bearings on which knife edges pivot on. The stones don't really wear and they must "free float" on posts. You can inspect and clean the stones/posts/knife edges to ensure more reliable zero and repeatability - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9893632#post9893632

attachment.php
 
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If it was me, I think there are two options:

Buy a used scale that's more than 3-4 year old, that's something like a RCBS 502, 505, 5-10 or 10/10, Hornady/Pacific "M" type or a Redding No 2.

3-4 years ago was when I noticed the quality of the RCBS scales start to slip, I believe this was linked manufacture being switch to China and Mexico

However, I've had a chance to have a good look at the new RCBS M500, this scale is a direct replacement for the 502 scale, being a simple two poise system. True, it's very light, but that's an easy problem to fix.

The new M500 has the familiar floating agate bearing/knife edge set-up as used in previous RCBS (Ohaus) scales but the quality of the finish seems better than has recently been the case.

The two M500's I have are both repeatable, sensitive and accurate and, of course, because the beam is printed on both sides it can be used left or right handed.

A simple mod to cure the light weight feel of these scale is to fill them full of plaster of Paris.
th_20130124_191824-1.jpg
 
I have 3 digital scales but I keep going back to the RCBS 505. I have a whole set of professional calibrated check weights that assure me that it is spot on. Started out reloading about 4 years ago with it and have learned to trust it. I have an RCBS digital scale but find that I must let it warm up to really get good readings. It is accurate as checked with my check weights, just not as warm and fuzzy with it as the balance beam. I do precision balancing for a living and learned on balance beam scales. Am sure it is just me but I feel better with the balance beam.

I use a lot of Titegroup (small charges) and do use the digital scale but I always double check it on the 505. Puts my mind at ease when dealing with very small charges.
 
Have used the Redding #2 beam scale for many years. The verticle tenth grain scale (by the beam pointer) is very handy. The newer ones I've seen appear to be of the same quality. I have always placed a q-tip stick in the bottom of the magnetic dampener (under the beam) so the the beam does not drop to the bottom of the dampener. It works much smoother and faster with very little initial bouncing. OYE
 
OYE said:
Have used the Redding #2 beam scale for many years. The verticle tenth grain scale (by the beam pointer) is very handy. The newer ones I've seen appear to be of the same quality. I have always placed a q-tip stick in the bottom of the magnetic dampener (under the beam) so the the beam does not drop to the bottom of the dampener. It works much smoother and faster with very little initial bouncing. OYE
Click to expand...

Good "tip" about cushioning the scales. I believe that letting the damper blade crash down every time you remove the pan helps dull the knife edges. I usually use a sliver of foam rubber about 1/16" in the bottom of the damper slot. It doesn't really enhance accuracy but make them much nicer to use.

If you have a look at the older Redding No 2 you will see it has a very clear engraved beam - The newer ones, although they look the same have a stuck on tape on the beam that doesn't always line up well with the beam serrations.

Old Redding No 2.
th_20130211_161708_zps555ccb2a.jpg
Newer Redding No 2.
th_20130211_161755_zps155fa341.jpg
Damper cushion on a Hornady M type and a RCBS 502.
th_20130218_181034_zps69bdc82e.jpg th_20130111_1628392_zpse5840923.jpg
 
My RCBS 505 has been doing the job for many years now. Can't speak to the Chinese made scales. I was given a RCBS 1010 scale as a gift and it works fine but I only need it for heaviest 45-70 bullets so it's a backup. The 505 is still the workhorse.

Almost all my reloading gear is Lee but I didn't like their beam scale.

Jeff
 
I have a Redding scale I got on Ebay. Its so old it has black wrinkle finish.

It will never wear out, batteries are not needed, and they start at like $19 on eBay.

The older ones are cast metal, heavier than the new stuff out there.

I like it, it is perfect and kinda classic looking.

be safe
 
Rhe RCBS 505's are good.

I have an old 5-10 I've been using for almost 3 decades, I wouldn't trade it for anything less than a 10-10, and even then I would be reluctant to let it go.

If I were in your shoes, I would snag an RCBS 10-10 while there's still a few floating around. I've been seeing them on e-bay and amazon. I also saw a couple 5-10's, one NIB.

Other wise, just buy a 505 and be done with it, they're good scales.

GS
 
I still use a Bonanza "D" that I bought in about 1982, or so. I have used and do use digital scales but none have lasted as long or have been as consistently accurate. When in doubt, I bring out the old Bonanza.
 
You cant beat RCBS.
I bought a used 5-10 off eBay and couldn't get it to zero.
Sent it back to RCBS to have it looked at. They couldn't get it to read consistently after getting it to zero, so they sent me a NEW 10-10 as a replacement all at NO CHARGE. Those guys really stand behind their products.
 
used is a better deal. RCBS is kind of the standard 505 or 510. Any of the old ohaus scales rock though. I have an older lyman that only has a 505 gr capacity but I love it.
 
Ohaus/RCBS are the same scale. I have one of each and the Ohaus is identical to the RCBS 10-10.
 
homa - ohaus made more than just the old rcbs. They made scales under just about every reloading mfg name for quite a while.. each with little differences between them.

My old school lyman d5 is also an ohaus product.
 
A big difference between scales is the way the balance is adjusted to read the weight.

RCBS 502 (two poise scale) - large poise is in increments of "five's" and the small poise is both grains and tenths of grains.

This means you have to be careful to note that (for example) 49.7 grains is 45 on the main poise added to 4.7 on the small poise. (MATH)

45 + 4.7 = 49.7

505 and Dillon Eliminator (three poise scale) - large poise is in increments of "ten's" the medium poise is grains and the small poise is tenths of grains.

This means you only have to note that (for example) 49.7 grains is 40 on the main poise added to 9 on the medium poise and 0.7 on the small poise. (VISUAL)

40 + 9 + 0.7 = 49.7
 
Question on old balance beam scales, I have a 30 or so year old Ohaus 10-0-5 scale. Even if the magnetic dampaning isn't what it once was, the scale should still be good, right? I only have the one check weight that it comes with to hang off the beam to read heavier amounts. All the other check weights I have are el cheepo crap from AWS off Amazon.

What check weights are other trusting to verify scale accuracy?
 
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