Replacement scale suggestions?

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watermonger

watermonger

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So the Hornady scale that came with my LnL kit is pretty jank, its kinda slow to read and the displayed weights jump around by +-0.2 grains every now and then, and if you leave a weighted amount sitting in it for an extended period of time the displayed weight grows by as much as 0.6 grains over the course of a minute or two. Does anyone have a scale recommendation that is decent but not too pricey?
 
I personally like Tanita scales, from Japan. They have a lot of different scales to choose from. I have used them for work, weighing calcium chloride test kits and the scale is always consistent.
 
I like my RCBS 505 beam scale. I used the cheap Hornady one that came with the kit for about the first hundred rounds, and even with new batteries it drifted and wouldn't keep a zero.

Less than $100 and they have a rebate going till the end of the month I think.

chris
 
Depending on your needs (
A good beam scale made in NJ is always a great choice. (I have 3 )

I also have a Bald Eagle electronic scale .01 accuracy but the damn thing will drift a bit so take yer chances.

A&D fx 120 is currently what I see the most fellas using for long range.
With the Cambridge code they are around $475
I won’t comment on scales I don’t own
 
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I've gone back to beam scales. No warm up time and they don't deviate with temperature changes.

Bought a vintage Lyman D7 and Ohaus 10-10 off Ebay a while back. I mostly use the D7. Very nice scale.
 
I used a Lyman 2000 for 6 years. The screen went dark in spots. I recently replaced it with a RCBS 2000. I love the little RCBS. Rock solid, no drift. I used a beam scale for 30 or more years. For me the RCBS is worlds ahead of the beam scale for evaluating loads. I do have my scale sitting on a piece of granite on a solid bench and have a couple of check weights in the range of weights I use.
 
I have had the same problem with 3 digital scales over the last 25 years. My latest, a Frankfort Arsenal Platinum is less so, but trickling up is a pain. When I get the scale out I plug it in for about 15 minutes to "warm it up" (nuttin' in the instructions about warming the tool up, but it makes me feel better). I then calibrate, and zero., and "tare" it often like every 5 ot 6 charges. When setting up my powder measure I will check a charge on my digital then on my RCBS 5-10. Normally the digital is very close to the beam scale, but often when I remove and replace the pan the read out jumps .1 to .3 gr heavier. I weigh every charge when working up a load and like to keep it within .1 grain but trickling up a load can get really slow, and tedious (when I find "the load" I relax my "standards").

I have even tried shutting off all fluorescent lighting in the shop, shut off my CD/radio, shut off any fans in the shop and just light the bench with a 100 W desk lamp. Also tried centering the powder in the pan and centering the pan on the "pad". Makes no difference with weights jumping...

Obviously I don't have good luck with digitals, but just about any beam scale sold by a major vendor/manufacturer will work well for reloading. I have managed to "collect" 6 beam scales from an oil dampened Redding #1 to my Lee Safety Scale and all are accurate repeatable and safe. Some have features that appeal like my 5-10 had a drum 1/10th grain poise and is easy to read. My Lyman/Ohaus D5 is easy to level, easy to adjust and also easy to read, some may come with a cover and some colors may look good on your bench...:p
 
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watermonger said:
So the Hornady scale that came with my LnL kit is pretty jank, its kinda slow to read and the displayed weights jump around by +-0.2 grains every now and then, and if you leave a weighted amount sitting in it for an extended period of time the displayed weight grows by as much as 0.6 grains over the course of a minute or two.
Click to expand...
For me, a reliable reloading scale should have the resolution of .1 gr and be repeatable, especially at the powder charge range being used.

It's too bad that most "reloading" check weights only go down to .5 gr to not allow checking sensitivity of .1 gr resolution but there are check weights you can buy that are affordable enough like this set for $15 - https://www.amazon.com/American-Wei...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VW7SHP1YDXZ1WNA5J5SE

Here's another for $12 - https://www.amazon.com/Bekith-Preci...CCPQJCJ7AKA&psc=1&refRID=2JHSM8R5XCCPQJCJ7AKA

I use Ohaus ASTM Class 6 check weights that include 1 mg check weight (.015 gr) - https://www.zoro.com/kbmt/calibration-weight-set/

Whether you choose beam or digital scale, a good set of check weights is crucial for verifying accuracy and repeatability. And checking a scale against another scale is like verifying time with two watches or clocks - You just don't know. To me, best practice is to use a known standard to compare your scale against.

And things have changed for digital scales in recent years, even for cheaper sub $20 digital scales. While my two Ohaus 10-10 and RCBS 5-0-5 beam scales are accurate and repeatable to .1 gr resolution, my digital scales (Yes, the cheap sub $20 ones) with higher .02-.06 gr resolution can verify check weights down to .04 gr - .06 gr - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...tal-scale-accuracy.759750/page-4#post-9591790

Does this mean all digital scales are good?

No, just the ones that verify check weights accurately and repeatedly.

And if you end up going with a digital scale, keep in mind that operating digital scales outside of manufacturer's recommended temperatures (Typically room temperature of 59F to 95F) will make the digital scale act funny and can give you erratic readings. And like using any scale, you should use the digital scale on flat level surface with windows/doors closed and HVAC vents off.

As to beam scales, some have moved their manufacturing to China/Mexico and many report drop in quality.

AFAIK, Dillon Eliminator is still made in USA to Ohaus 5-0-5 specs and priced at $90 - https://www.dillonprecision.com/eliminator-balance-beam-scale_8_7_25215.html
 
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I have used balance and electronic scales.
For the most part, they are roughly equal in accuracy. Some are better than others.
Both are configured to weight to the nearest tenth of a grain. Neither of the types of reloading scales will determine to one-hundredth of a grain. (Some idea can be determined by examining the amplitude and location of the beam 'swing'.) Nor is such accuracy really needed; who loads to "X.83" grains?
Both are fairly easy to calibrate and recalibrate.
Both can be very reliable in repeatability, but absolute accuracy may be a bit off.

Balance scales are traditionally considered more accurate. However, the actual determination depends on how accurately the markings - which are mass printed and applied to the beam - are aligned and how accurately the notches to move adjustments and how well the markings and notches match up. So one is depending on 'faith' (in the manufacturer) to depend on the absolute accuracy. So verify the scale with a trusted source weight every so often. Maybe prior to every use.

On the down side, balance scales are sensitive to breeze. So isolate the scale from all air currents in the area.
Also on the down side, balance scales are slower than electronic. So don't be in a hurry.
I've had balance beams that can be mis-aligned by improper installation at times, resulting in sticky movement and even false readings. So insert very carefully.
On the good side, balance scales never need batteries replaced.
On the good side, balance scales can be anywhere, no need to reach a plug in.
On the good side, balance scales are relatively 'related', and one can switch scales with some idea of how the process goes.
On the good side, balance scales are relatively less expensive than electronic scales.

On the down side, electronic scales are sensitive to some odd electric signals in the air. Florescent lights seem to confuse them at times.
On the down side, electronic scales can 'creep', slowly changing displayed weight.
On the down side, electronic scales are very sensitive to being dropped. (Don't ask.)
On the down side, electronic scales, depending on make, can be quite sloppy in weight reliability. I have an electronic scale that does quite nicely for determining what level of postage is required for letters and overstuffed envelopes, quite handy for bullet and case weights and really vague for powder charges, especially light handgun charges.
On the good side, electronic scales are quite fast for weights of cases to sort, should sorting cases be important.
On the good side, electronic scales are convenient to have and use. (For me, anyway; I'm doubtful there is a global standard.)

I use both. Mostly the Dillon electronic scale. However, the earlier model Dillion pleased me more. (The one I dropped.) Additionally I have a fifty pound limit postal scale, useful for the weight of rifles and hanguns. And packages to be mailed.
 
Recently picked up one of these, https://www.grizzly.com/products/Bald-Eagle-Powder-Scale/BE1188#
Bald Eagle BE1188 powder scales, after my cheap Hornady became unreliable. Having had this one for a little over a month, I am very pleased with the results and performance so far as it has proven to be very consistent and it does not drift without good cause. It is VERY sensitive to outside influences like room air flow but I haven’t noticed any deviations attributable to my cell phone and my reloading area has LED lighting.

The item propaganda says 0.001 accuracy but I’ve only seen two decimal place weights on mine which is fine because that equates to just a few flakes of powder.
I also allow it to warm up for a few minutes and then calibrate it before use with both the included 100g and an additional 50g calibration weight. The scale responds well when trickling powder without having to remove and replace the pan or cartridge after adding powder.
 
The most important thing to me is repeatability, I’ll build my load using that scale and stick to it.
In other words if I my 1005 says 29.8 and the rifle likes it than keep using that scale. I doesn’t matter if a different scale says 20.75, if I change scales I’ll double check my tune
 
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My first digital scale, a Jennings, weighed to .01 grain. It drove me (and my OCD) crazy with one hundredth of a grain accuracy...:confused:
 
mdi said:
My first digital scale, a Jennings, weighed to .01 grain. It drove me (and my OCD) crazy with one hundredth of a grain accuracy...:confused:
Click to expand...
When I initially got my Gemini-20, I wasn't used to the sensitivity as my breath would move the readings and I learned to use the cover to produce consistent readings.

But when Gemini-20 consistently verified check weights far below what Ohaus 10-10 and RCBS 5-0-5 could verify below .1 gr, I was convinced that Gemini-20 was more accurate and repeatable.

With .1 gr resolution scales, I just saw "around" .1-.2 gr variance. But with higher resolution Gemini-20, I saw the more detailed story of below .1 gr weight variance like when I did 10 drops from C-H 502 micrometer powder measure - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/c-h-502-micrometer-powder-measure-10-drops.834894/
 
Yeah, I remember your myth busting scale challenge thread back in '14.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...mation-busting-digital-scale-accuracy.759750/
So it appears that the results of my Gemini 20 persuaded you to buy your own.
Does that mean I won?
What I didn't post back then was that I also own a GemPro 250 which runs circles around the Gemini....but competing with a twenty dollar scale was more entertaining. By the way, where's my trophy?
 
Otto said:
So it appears that the results of my Gemini 20 persuaded you to buy your own.
Click to expand...
Actually yes.

And at the suggestion of other members, I also bought the WAOAW (black) shown to the right of Gemini-20 on the far left - https://www.amazon.com/WAOAW-Milligram-Reloading-Calibration-Batteries/dp/B06W5VXN53

index.php


Gemini-20 continues to verify check weights down to .04 gr and WAOAW continues to verify check weights down to around .06 gr. I have been happy with both scales along with FA DS-750 digital scale that continues to verify check weights down to .1 gr and is the digital scale I keep on the bench along with the Ohaus 10-10 which has its own stand. If a reloader wanted a cheap digital scale that was reliable to less than .1 gr, I would suggest the WAOAW. And many report this one is the same at lower price - https://www.amazon.com/Homgeek-Mill...7DJ13ZZQ9P0&psc=1&refRID=0WKMC3NW77DJ13ZZQ9P0

I also bought Smart Weigh "Premium High Precision" milligram scale but it would only verify down to .15 gr check weights with slight drifting of zero. Thinking the scale could have been damaged during shipping, I contacted company's customer service and they promptly verified scale's symptoms and sent out a replacement free of charge. But the replacement performed about the same as the first scale while doing a slightly better job of keeping zero. So at nearly the half the cost, I would suggest the WAOAW/Homegeek digital scale instead.

Otto said:
What I didn't post back then was that I also own a GemPro 250 which runs circles around the Gemini
Click to expand...
I actually thought about buying a GemPro 250 but it went out of production. I thought about buying an analytical scale (Like A&D FX 120i) but the scales I have verify Ohaus check weights down to less than .1 gr so it's difficult to justify the purchase.

Otto said:
Does that mean I won? ... where's my trophy?
Click to expand...
LOL, sure.

Actually, I am working on another reloading PIF project with items rcmodel requested to be distributed before he passed away so you may get your "trophy". Stay tuned.
 
watermonger said:
So the Hornady scale that came with my LnL kit is pretty jank, its kinda slow to read and the displayed weights jump around by +-0.2 grains every now and then, and if you leave a weighted amount sitting in it for an extended period of time the displayed weight grows by as much as 0.6 grains over the course of a minute or two. Does anyone have a scale recommendation that is decent but not too pricey?
Click to expand...

I have three beam scales RCBS, Ohaus and Dillon that are designed in a similar fashion. The only time I get a variation as you describe is when air flow crosses the beam while measuring on just sitting.

Have you Googled "How to properly use a beam scale"? And How to properly calibrate a beam scale"?

Are you sure there is no air flow from a window, fan or air conditioning flowing across the beam?

Have you talked to Hornady? Their warranty service is stellar!

Smiles,
 
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Sorry I forgot to mention in the OP, my scale is digital, not beam and I'd prefer to replace it with another digital scale. Also I have a set of check weights that goes down to .5gn, so I am set there.
 
LiveLife said:
Actually yes.

And at the suggestion of other members, I also bought the WAOAW (black) shown to the right of Gemini-20 on the far left - https://www.amazon.com/WAOAW-Milligram-Reloading-Calibration-Batteries/dp/B06W5VXN53

index.php


Gemini-20 continues to verify check weights down to .04 gr and WAOAW continues to verify check weights down to around .06 gr. I have been happy with both scales along with FA DS-750 digital scale that continues to verify check weights down to .1 gr and is the digital scale I keep on the bench along with the Ohaus 10-10 which has its own stand. If a reloader wanted a cheap digital scale that was reliable to less than .1 gr, I would suggest the WAOAW. And many report this one is the same at lower price - https://www.amazon.com/Homgeek-Mill...7DJ13ZZQ9P0&psc=1&refRID=0WKMC3NW77DJ13ZZQ9P0

I also bought Smart Weigh "Premium High Precision" milligram scale but it would only verify down to .15 gr check weights with slight drifting of zero. Thinking the scale could have been damaged during shipping, I contacted company's customer service and they promptly verified scale's symptoms and sent out a replacement free of charge. But the replacement performed about the same as the first scale while doing a slightly better job of keeping zero. So at nearly the half the cost, I would suggest the WAOAW/Homegeek digital scale instead.


I actually thought about buying a GemPro 250 but it went out of production. I thought about buying an analytical scale (Like A&D FX 120i) but the scales I have verify Ohaus check weights down to less than .1 gr so it's difficult to justify the purchase.


LOL, sure.

Actually, I am working on another reloading PIF project with items rcmodel requested to be distributed before he passed away so you may get your "trophy". Stay tuned.
Click to expand...
Verify the.15 check weight is impressive but will it repeat consistently and not drift?
 
South Prairie Jim said:
Verify the.15 check weight is impressive but will it repeat consistently and not drift?
Click to expand...
Gemini-20 will maintain zero (not drift once calibration is done and tare set). I think we did a thread where we weighed the same check weights like 10 times and got the same reading. During my reloading sessions, I do not need to tare the scale.

I just turned on the Gemini-20 with Duracell batteries that were replaced several months ago and display showed zero. I did not tare the scale and found a 9mm 115 gr FMJ that weighed 115.06 gr. In the span of ten minutes, I weighed the bullet ten times and display showed 115.06 gr each time. When the bullet was lifted off the pan, display read zero.

If that's not what you are talking about, I can do repeat test that you desire.

NOTE: Since I deem the Gemini-20 and WAOAW digital scales more sensitive, I do keep them away from the bench on a stable shelf.
 
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Where did you guys buy your Gemini-20 scales? The ones listed on Amazon have people in the comments saying they received knock-offs without AWS branding.
 
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