Author Topic: cheap scales (Read 713 times)

forester47 · « **on:** February 05, 2004, 07:54:17 AM »

What is a decent, cheap powder scale? May want to invest in one at some point. Thanks.

RandyWakeman · « **Reply #1 on:** February 05, 2004, 08:33:15 AM »

I've used an RCBS for several years, though most electronic scales seem to be similar-- and all have dropped in price dramatically from when first introduced. That, and a Redding #5 powder trickler, and you are good to go for a long, long time.

savageT · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2004, 08:35:01 AM »

Check out MidwayUSA.com for their listings. As usual, the most rcommended are the ones in the mid-price groupings.....about $60.

Jim

forester47 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2004, 09:49:08 AM »

SavageT, You must be referring to a balance scale and not electronic. I did not see any electronic scales for $60. Are the balance scales acceptable?

savageT · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2004, 10:31:39 AM »

Quote from: forester47

SavageT, You must be referring to a balance scale and not electronic. I did not see any electronic scales for $60. Are the balance scales acceptable?

Sorry.....You didn't say digital. Yes beam scales are a little slower to balance but really are more accurate. I would say you will need to double that amount to get electronic. Midway has very helpful associates and will be very happy to recommend one that is a bargin.

Jim

Wolfhound · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2004, 11:02:09 AM »

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/standard-pod-wrapped.jhtml?id=0018718&navAction=push&navCount=1&indexId=cat20853&parentId=cat20853&parentType=index&rid=&cmCat=microsite&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fpod-link.jhtml.4_A&_DAV=http%3A%2F%2Fa1460.g.akamai.net%2Ff%2F1460%2F1339%2F6h%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcontent%2FPod%2F01%2F87%2F18%2Fp018718ii01.jpg

This is the one I ordered. I don't know how good it is, I suppose I'll find out in a week or so.

Mel Taylor · « **Reply #6 on:** February 05, 2004, 11:28:15 AM »

I've used the same RCBS 5-0-5 beam scale for at least 15 years. Checked it for accuracy with some calibrated weights last year and it's still right on.

Mel

Triple Se7en · « **Reply #7 on:** February 05, 2004, 12:25:41 PM »

Quote

"I've used the same RCBS 5-0-5 beam scale for at least 15 years. Checked it for accuracy with some calibrated weights last year and it's still right on."

Mel

Just curious! Did your 5-0-5 come with weights (or) were they an extra cost?

Also! How many grains can you measure with that scale? Some posters are now measuring bullet weights & separating them when buying in bulk.

Thanks in advance!

savageT · « **Reply #8 on:** February 05, 2004, 12:43:01 PM »

Triple 7,
I did not get check weights with my RCBS triple beam scale....it was in the Rockchucker kit a year ago. It is capable of measuring 1/10th grain divisions which is more than good enough for powder. As for bullet and case weights I'd say that you would go crazy trying to weigh down that tight! As I said before and I'm a stickin' to my guns.....a good beam is allot more accurate than digital.

Jim

Mel Taylor · « **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2004, 01:23:23 PM »

Triple Se7en,

I borrowed the weights from someone else and I didn't ask where he had obtained them. He has left the area and I don't have any way of contacting him. They were brass weights in a pretty, felt lined box so I imagine they weren't exactly cheap. I was just gratified that after all those years the scale was still accurate.

Ohaus makes the scale for RCBS so I would imagine that either RCBS or Ohaus would have the weights.

My scale will weigh 511 grains maximum.

I've never weighed and separated my bullets but I know a lot of precision shooters do. Several years ago I weighed some cast lead pistol bullets and their were significant differences in weight from bullet to bullet.

I don't know much about electronic scales but while beam scales are fine for weighing powder my guess is that a digital scale would be much easier to use for weighing bullets.

Mel

Mel

Bob_K · « **Reply #10 on:** February 05, 2004, 02:18:33 PM »

I believe the least expensive balance beam scales are LEE. Their stated accuracy is the same as everyone else's: 1/10 of a grain. You ought to consider an electronic scale, however. Once you try them you'll never go back. My favorate is the Dillon. They replaced an early generation Lyman electronic scale. Electronic scales weight so much faster than balance beam scales, and that time savings really adds up. Sort of like trying a really fast computer to give you the itch to upgrade your home machine!

big6x6 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2004, 01:03:41 AM »

I own a RCBS 505, Lyman 500, and a Hornady M scale. They're all priced about the same and either the RCBS or the Lyman are the better of the three.

With digital scales I own a PACT and a Dillon D-Terminator. The Dillion is the better of the two.