which balance beam scale

[lordgroom]

I am thinking of purchasing a balance beam scale. Read reviews about the RCBS 10/10, RCBS 505, RCBS 502, and Redding Scales.

What balance beam scale does everyone prefer and why? I am not fixated on RCBS or Redding, those are the scales I read reviews about.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Steve C]

I've loaded using an Ohaus 5-0-5 for over 30 years and never felt the need for a new or different scale. The RCBS 5-0-5 scale is the same scale made by Ohaus and branded RCBS. The 3 poise scale allows easier fine.1 gr adjustment settings and the magnetic dampening works well.

 

[DEDON45]

I personally use a Hornady M scale ... the RCBS scales seem to be excellent as well, a friend of mine has one... our scales weigh everything the same.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Balance scales...

Lordgroom--I've had the same Ohaus 505 for 30+ years--it's still nice & accurate. (It's the same scale you probably used in HS Chem class, BTW, only calibrated in grains instead of grams.) RCBS, Redding, Hornady, or any other quality scale I'd also have no qualms abt. using. A simple balance beam scale just isn't rocket science; there's nothing much go go wrong with 'em.

Store it under wraps when not using; don't drop it or abuse it, and it'll outlast you.

Magnetic damping (NOT "dampening," darn it!!) is a very good thing. I would NOT get a scale w/o it.

Just because my scale was as old as it is, I recently bo't a set of check weights (the boxed RCBS set) and discovered to my pleasant surprise that my old scale is still exactly right on the money. Check weights seem to me to be a good investment in peace of mind.

 

[Otto]

The 505 is clearly the de facto standard.

 

[aka108]

Been using one sold by Dillon for years. Given good service. Don't know if it is good, better or best category but it works.

 

[04JRB]

I like my 5-0-5. It was what was recommended to me when I asked this site.

 

[mrawesome22-250]

I want a 1010 so bad I can smell it!

 

[Soybomb]

It seems like you can get the 10-10 on ebay for about the same price as a new 505. You get micrometer adjustment, built in cover and check weight. I imagine the 505 functions very well too but for the same money you might as well wait a couple days and get the top model used I think. Ymmv.

 

[Spartacus451]

Lee safety scale. It isn't fast, it doesn't seem to stay in adjustment, and can't weigh over 100 or so grains, but it is cheap and accurate. I rarely adjust charge weights so speed is not important to me.

 

[bluetopper]

I also use the "top of the line" Lee Safety Scale.

It says on the box it is accurate. What more could you want?

 

[brickeyee]

Hornady model M.
The notches in the beam for the poise and counterpoises are easy to use and reliable.

It used to be made by Pacific (I have one so marked).

 

[Ol` Joe]

I`ve been useing a 10-10 for over 20 years and can find any fault with it.

 

[kennedy]

I use a rcbs 130, its a cheaper version, but it works great.

 

[lgbloader]

I use the RCBS 510. It's a little dated but it is still right on the money. I use this scale to make sure my Charge Master Combo is still in check (along with the check weights).

It has served me well and I don't ever think I will part with it. Although a 1010 would be nice to have....

 

[Encoreman]

I use and really like my 10-10. A good friend gave me a gift certificate for Christmas. Thanks Pal.

 

[zxcvbob]

I like my Herter's oil-damped scale -- I think I like it because it's cast iron.

 

[wrench]

I started out with a 5-0-5, it worked fine. Picked up a used 1010 from ebay, and I don't look back.
The 1010 damps faster, much nicer scale to use.
Get the 1010, you won't regret it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Any RCBS (fill in the #) would be a great choice. Get the best scale from them that your budget will allow.

 

[DEDON45]

Brickeyee, yeah, my Model M scale has "Pacific" cast into the base as well... Hornady bought out Pacific years ago, I guess they didn't see any need to improve the design other than put a Hornady sticker on it

 

[Steve C]

Magnetic damping (NOT "dampening," darn it!!) is a very good thing. I would NOT get a scale w/o it.

One of those 2 words that are both correct, you can't be wrong using either one according to Websters.


damp·en (d²m“p…n) v. damp·ened, damp·en·ing, damp·ens. --tr. 1. To make damp. 2. To deaden, restrain, or depress. 3. To soundproof. --intr. To become damp. --damp“en·er n.

damp (d²mp) adj. damp·er, damp·est. 1. Slightly wet. 2. Archaic. Dejected. --damp n. 1. Moisture in the air; humidity. 2. Foul or poisonous gas that sometimes pollutes the air in coal mines. 3. Lowness of spirits; depression. 4. A restraint or check; a discouragement. --damp tr.v. damped, damp·ing, damps. 1. To make damp or moist; moisten. 2. To extinguish (a fire, for example) by cutting off air. 3. To restrain or check; discourage. 4. Music. To provide (the strings of a keyboard instrument) with dampers as a means of reducing the dynamic level. 5. Physics. To decrease the amplitude of (a wave). --phrasal verb. damp off. Botany. To be affected by damping off. --damp“ish adj. --damp“ly adv. --damp“ness n.

 

[ricciardelli]

I've been using the three RCBS scales you mentioned, and they are all good scales. All three read the exact same weight with the same powder charge, but, a couple of years ago I switched to the RCBS 1500 system...

 

[Galil5.56]

The Ohaus made Dillon scale looks like a winner, and the price is right.

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0032559215904a.shtml

My ancient Ohaus made RCBS 505 works as good as new, so add me to the satisfied 505 group.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Galil5.56,
Are you sure that Dillon scale is made by Ohaus?

 

[Mt Shooter]

yada, had one for years and it served me well. I now have a RCBS combo Master and I will never go back to a balance beam again.