Darat100:
Let's see if we can solve the problem at hand with less expenditure.
I'm one of the guys who recommended the RCBS Rockchucker kit, and did say that you'd probably end up buying better equipment.
However, let's deal with the problem at hand. I know what it's like to keep within a budget.
The problem here is that after you replace the scale, it probably won't be long before you start taiking a strong dislike to the powder measure. If you replace both of those tools, then you'll be at the cost of the RCBS kit, but without the benefits of the better press and the other stuff that comes with it.
Lee used to sell powder scoops that you could use in conjunction with a funnel. You would pick a scoop that got you close to a published load, and then use that scoop to charge your cases. The only thing you needed to use the scale for was to initially verify the charge weight being held in the scoop. After that you just used the scoop without the scale.
Unfortunately I don't see those scoops in the Lee catalog today, however you should be able to easily make them. It will be easier with straight-wall pistol cartridges: Cut a case so that it holds only the amount of powder you need for the charge you want for your pet load. Then fashion a handle and solder it to the case. It should take a couple of hours to do a really nice job, but once it's done, it'll last for as long as you want to use that pet load.
To charge the cases, put enough powder into a bowl so that you can scoop it to get the right volume of powder reliably. Put your funnel on the case to be charged, and pour the powder in. I recommend ball, flake, or very short cut stick powder for consistent scooping volume. It should go very quickly because you'll have all your cases in a charging block. After you've charged each case, visually verify that you have charged all your cases and have not double charged any. Return the unused powder to the original factory container.
If you have a Dremel tool or a grinder, it will take a lot less time. If you don't have those, then get a grinding attachment for your electric drill and use that to shorten the case. I will take a lot less time by grinding that by filing. A fine hacksaw will work for some cases. Chamfer and smooth the mouth of the scoop. You don't need to obsessively clean the inside of the scoop and the spent primer can be left in. You may need to use a card to level the scooped powder. Ball powder will be easier to work with in this regard because a little tapping on the inside of the bowl will be all that's needed to level it.
If you have the grinder or Dremel, then you will find it worthwhile to make multiple scoops for each of several pet loads. Just be sure to mark each scoop so you know what charge weight you are dealing with. I recommend etching the weight and a contracted name of the powder into the scoop. For example 3.5 / BE for 3.5 grains of Bullseye or 4 / 231 for 4 grains of Winchester 231.
The procedure is the same for bottleneck cases. For greatest flexibility in powder selection you may need to pick a case that's bigger than the one you plan to reload. For example, a 7mm remington magnum case to load 30-06. The reason is that you will need to cut the neck and shoulders off the case. If you use the 30-06, then you won't be able to use powders that require powder all the way up into the shoulder.
