Scale advice

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ny32182

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I am going to try to set up my first reloading operation soon, and am undecided on what scale to get. I think I would rather have one with a digital readout, just to minimize the chances of misreading the display. Also, I think a lot of my loading will entail measuring exact rifle charges.

I'm looking at the following two models so far:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=814722&t=11082005

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=428807&t=11082005

These both have good reviews on midway, and seem to have the functionality that I am looking for...

So is one of those considerably better than the other? Any other ones I should be looking at?

Thanks.
 
The couple of items I have purchased directly from CED have been pretty junkie. I would go with the RCBS.
 
i have not used the CED scale, but i do have one of their chronographs and their software and their pressure trace system and i don't consider any of them junkie.

i like the acculab scale, but a beam balance is probably a lot easier to use for starters, and certainly cheaper.
 
RCBS no longer uses Pact made scales.

RCBS electronic devices are made in China and Pact is still made in USA.

But the fact that RCBS electronic sales and dispensers are made in China does not mean they lack in quality. The current RCBS Chargemaster combo is widely considered the best electronic scale and dispenser on the consumer market.
 
i do have one of their chronographs and their software and their pressure trace system and i don't consider any of them junkie.
Click to expand...
Their electronics may be good stuff. What I purchased was junk. I am not going to give them another chance. :)
 
I have both a beam scale and an electronic one. From time to time I will check them against each other. When I was using a friend's Lyman DPS II dispenser I found the backup scale to be indispensible- especially after the lyman's readings began to wander.

I guess what I am saying is that irregardless of what you end up with, a beam scale always has a place.
 
I have had the range master 750 for about 2yrs now and I love it works great easy to calibrate, will run off of batterys or 110 plug. when I first got I double checked it with my balace scale and it was dead nuts on now if it has been more then a couple days since last use I just turn it on calibrate it quickly { may take 1min. tops} and start using it. They are great but I wouldnt go with out a balance scale its a nice addition but not a replacement in my mind. JM2C
 
I have used a PACT for about 6-7 years. Easy to use and holds calibration extremely well. After using it for about a year, I sold both my balance beams.
 
I have been using a PACT BBK for about eight years.

Works well, had only one poblem shortly after I bought it. The technician at PACT talked me through it over the phone.

They have great customer service. :)
 
Ditto on the PACT. Mine holds calibration very well. Calibration is more consistent if the scale is plugged into a "clean" outlet. By clean I mean one that does not have appliances that cycle a load. Like a refrigerator that cycles on and off. OR, you can plug your scale into a computer "regulated" power surge strip. This "smooths" out the voltage and your scale calibration becomes a non-issue.

Buy the Pact AND the High Speed Digital Precision Powder Dispenser. Great for working up loads.
 
Don't get a scale that doesn't have the option of running off 110v. The battery-only scales have automatic shutoffs, and it'll drive you crazy.
 
Walkalong...I thought you threw your electonic scale in the trash after bouncing it off a wall...

I have been using a RCBS Powder Pro electronic scale made by Pact for the last 18 years (same scale) I have a RCBS 5-0-5 balance scale to back it up incase the electronic has a problem. So far the 5-0-5 sits on a shelf with a cover on it. If the RCBS is made by china and just because I feel that China is still the enemy (they hate us) I would buy a Pact scale...
 
I've had a Pact over 7 years and really like it. It's just a pain calibrating it at power-on (sometimes it'll sit for a few months, especially during summer 'cause I mostly reload during winter), and I have to re-read the manual each time to jog the old brain cells in to remembering how to calibrate properly. :)
 
I just got a Pact last night at Cabelas for $85. Nice little scale, accurate and easy to use. I like it much better than my $20 Lee scale.
 
I've used the RCBS powder scale/dispenser system and it was nice. Eventually I sold it, and use my trusty Redding balance beam type scale. It always works, and works right.
 
I use the Smart Reloader scale recommended by Chuck Hawks. It was 29.00 at Cabela's. It is very accurate, and easy to use. The Lee scale has a lot to desire. Glad to hear the Pact Scale is made in USA.
 
Franford Arsenal Scale is what I picked up locally. I paid more than what midway has it listed for but, considering shipping, etc it was about the same. Seems to work well.

I go through the calibration steps prior to using it each time - takes about a minute.
 
I have the inexpensive Lee safety scale (100 grain capacity, beam balance scale) as well as an RCBS 750 grain electronic scale. Love the RCBS scale (it was about $100 or so) and would definitely recommend it.

I think the lee scale is alright too even if it has a lot of plastic parts. Not quite as convenient but a fine scale, it has always agreed with my digital scales and I like having it as a failsafe backup in case something does go wrong or I have an issue with my electric scale.

I used to have a Smartreloader 750 that other people have mentioned here, in the $25 to $30 range. It worked but mine died after less than 6 months. I got an RCBS digital scale to replace it and all I can say is "wow" I wish I'd just started with the RCBS. If you can spare the cash just get a better scale than the smart reloader. The smart reloader will work ok and is more convenient than a balance scale I think, but the RCBS works SOOOO much better and even more conveniently. The RCBS 1) holds a zero better, at least for me 2) lets you use 120VAC or 9V batteries, 3) doesn't auto-turn off after 60 seconds which is a pain in the neck, 4) reads out with 0.1 grain precision as opposed to the 0.2 grain resolution of the Smart Reloader 750. The RCBS works the way it should also, such as when you push the "zero" button it actually zeros. The "SmartReloader750" was less expensively made and so just the mechanical stress of pushing its "zero" button would cause it to jump around, and usually did not result in it re-zeroing correctly, maybe not even after many tries.
 
Walkalong...I thought you threw your electonic scale in the trash after bouncing it off a wall...
Click to expand...
You are getting forgetfull. I bounced it (A Pact) off the tile floor. :evil:
 
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