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WFO2
07-04-2016, 11:21 PM
I need a good scale to weight my cast boolits .I have an RCBS charge master however I don't want to use it to weight boolits . Can anybody steer me towards a good stand alone digital scale .

VHoward
07-04-2016, 11:59 PM
http://www.rcbs.com/Products/What-s-New/New-Products/New-Powder-Measures-Scales/Rangemaster-2000-Electronic-Scale.aspx or
http://www.hornady.com/store/G2-1500-Electronic-Scale/

WFO2
07-05-2016, 08:46 AM
I have seen both of those have you used either ? How do they hold up .

VHoward
07-05-2016, 09:27 AM
I have seen them. Don't know how long they hold up. Didn't buy either one. I have the one Berry's used to sell. Rarely use it. It is accurate, but I find it more convenient to just get the RCBS 505 scale out and use it. Lots of people on here have used a scale called the Gem Pro 500? Those seem to be popular.
http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/my-weigh-gempro-500.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwte27BRCM6vjIidHvnKQBEiQAC4M zrRb1ILnQRxVMpTUNnyV_DMLEYh5jysmUqhpHPMVvrIgaAof78 P8HAQ

jmort
07-05-2016, 09:57 AM
As always, I recommend:



BPI BallistiScale-1500 Digital Scale





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Item Number: 6880300


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Number of Reviews: 10





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Unit Price: $27.99


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http://www.ballisticproducts.com/images/BPI12xs.jpg
BallistiScale-1500 digital scaleNow with a larger powder panBPI ballistic technicians designed the BallistiScale-1500 with the reloader in mind. Besides being packed with all the necessary features, our scale is America's best value for a high quality compact digital scale. Our laboratory technicians know that a reliable digital scale is an absolute necessity for accurate reloading; no competent reloader should be without one. We wouldn't put our name on a scale and back it with a 10-year warranty unless we believed in it. No other scale has more features and no scale can compete against this value.Why a digital scale?
Once you've used a digital scale, you'll wonder what you ever did without it. No fumbling with beams, no lost heartbeats while waiting for a beam scale to settle. Big LCD backlit readout for those of us with "experienced" eyes. When technology offers a better tool, take advantage of it. Your loads and your sport deserve it.

Features:

Capacity: 1543 grains (over 3-1/2 ounces)
Accuracy: 0.1 grain
Stainless steel platform
Large, easy-to-read LCD backlight display
Self-contained, hinged cover
Includes large powder pan & calibration weight
Runs on two AA batteries (included)
Weighs in four different modes: grain, gram, oz & ct
Auto off: 3 minutes
Pocket-sized: Convenient & portable

OS OK
07-05-2016, 10:28 AM
Have you fellas ever set your digitals side by side with the beam scales and tried to see if they agree?
How long does the digitals need to be warmed up before they are reliable?
Have you read the specifications on the digitals to see the accuracy tolerance?
Does any of this make any difference?

jmort
07-05-2016, 10:35 AM
"I bought one it was a peace of garbage and not worth money. very cheaply made and not consistent just felt like garbage the frankford arsenal is much better"

Not my experience. But then again, if you read the buyer reviews on Midway USA for the Frankford Arsenal, there are many who say it is a "piece of garbage." I only have the BPI unit, so I cannot commnet on it directly. I have two, and they have been rock solid and consistent with the buyer reviews. Only 10 reiews compared to over 400 for the Frankford so there is that to consider. I have a set of check weights and mine are dead-nuts on accurate.

Chris C
07-05-2016, 10:47 AM
I talked with Franklin Arsenal about their scale and what I wanted to do with it. I ended up with the the RCBS Rangemaster and couldn't be happier.

country gent
07-05-2016, 11:33 AM
I bought a set of the Gem Pro 250 digital scales a few years ago. Very accurate and reliable. A bery nice unit to use. I check them before each loading session with check wieghts at the actuall charge wieght Im using and they are always on. I perfer the check weights to another scale simply because if they dont coencide with each other which is off? With check weights if its off to the stack up you know its the scales. I have seen beams that didnt always weight as accuratly as they should. A known weight set is a big plus to knowing what a scales is doing. RCBS makes a very nice set of check weights for around $30.00 I believe Lyman also makes a set now. Otherwise its lab equipment supplieers for the check weights. I have been more than pleased with the Gem Pro it reads in 5 diffrent scales and in grains to .02 grns very accuratly. This being checked with the RCBS check weights.

Ranger 7
07-05-2016, 01:09 PM
I purchased a Ballistiscale 1500 and it was completely erratic, could not be set/adjusted, even by the Ballistiscale Tech I called.
He sent me a new one, it works, BUT, it is not accurate enough for powder use! Is off by 0.2 to 0.4 grains, and is not consistent.
Also does not agree with my Lyman 1200 Mk 3 or my Hornady Balance Beam scales.

Mike W1
07-05-2016, 01:54 PM
I've had a Pact BBK for years and it has served well. Don't think that model is currently made BTW. That said IF I were inclined to load maximum loads I don't think I'd trust an electronic. Years back I did extensive testing with CHECK WEIGHTS and noticed some discrepancy's with the BBK and none with my beam scale. Small but still there.

Both my scales sit on ballast (lead ingots) filled boxes with leveling screws and aluminum tops. The one for the BBK is also grounded electrically. I did try to use a battery eliminator on it once without success. The irritating thing about it is you're supposed to "warm them up" and the thing times out automatically. Wish there was a way to bypass that particular feature. But when I want to weigh bullets I wouldn't be without it!!!

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u310/Mike4245/HPIM1078.jpg

OS OK
07-05-2016, 02:00 PM
Have you ever weighed the calibration weights that come with the cheap digitals...interesting results!

WFO2
07-05-2016, 05:43 PM
I have a few hundred Cablas points I may stop by there and get me an RCBS scale .

WFO2
07-05-2016, 06:05 PM
Just ordered one of these Ohaus YA302 if it doesn't work going to Cabelas .

Echo
07-08-2016, 02:46 PM
Go on line to eBay and find an RCBS 5-10 scale. They usually go for about $50 delivered. I have one - I also have a 10-10, but find I use the 5-10 more often. It sits there, ready to go, whereas the 10-10 has to be assembled. Easily calibrated (if out), and easily levelled with the built-in levelling screw.

Half Dog
07-08-2016, 02:55 PM
I use a postal scale that I got from Amazon. It seems fine for weighing lead but I won't use it to weigh individual bullets.

BTW...the knife edges on beam scales can wear and cause inaccurate readings.

garym1a2
07-08-2016, 03:59 PM
Problem I have is check weights are 100 grs or higher. I need one accurate at 5grs.


Have you ever weighed the calibration weights that come with the cheap digitals...interesting results!

VHoward
07-08-2016, 04:13 PM
Problem I have is check weights are 100 grs or higher. I need one accurate at 5grs.
http://www.rcbs.com/Products/Powder-Measures-and-Scales/Scales/Mechanical/Scale-Check-Weights.aspx
Sets include:
• Standard set of 60.5 grains for powder charges (2x20, 1x10, 1x5, 2x2, 1x1, 1x.5)
• Deluxe set of 510.5 grains for bullets, cases and powder (1x200, 2x100, 1x50, 2x20, 1x10, 1x5, 2x2, 1x1, 1x.5, 1 forceps)
* Deluxe scale check weights pictured

That's the description from RCBS' web site. Those check weights have what your looking for. Midway was out of stock. And I didn't look else where. I will though because I need a set.

DerekP Houston
07-08-2016, 04:18 PM
Have you fellas ever set your digitals side by side with the beam scales and tried to see if they agree?
Yes, with my lee scale, they were close enough to be considered human error on my part.
How long does the digitals need to be warmed up before they are reliable?
Mine unfortunately has a time out "battery saver"....which means it shuts off about half the time when I turn around to use it. Does not appear to vary between time though when it is on
Have you read the specifications on the digitals to see the accuracy tolerance?rate
It is accurate enough for my needs, though I am not a benchrest shooter. I have noted that pouring the powder in one spot vs spread it out changes the weight. The AC kicking on makes it fluctuate .2 gr up and down, same thing if the fan is on.
Does any of this make any difference?

I have the hornady digital measure....I wouldn't personally recommend it to anyone. I stick to the low end on powder charges and if it feels like excessive recoil during my test rounds or I notice any pressure signs then I back down even farther. I just reload for fun and plinking anyways right now. When I get more serious about rifle rounds I'll invest in a higher quality one and throw this in the garbage.

I use the check weight that came with it, and a 50g one I had from another scale. I have only had to rezero it once in a blue moon. It sits in an akro bin above my desk, so not really disturbed much beyond standard use.

John Boy
07-08-2016, 04:21 PM
Free Shipping ... http://www.dx.com/p/1-7-lcd-high-precision-digital-jewelry-scale-50g-0-001g-4-x-aaa-101011#.V4AGUU8VGqg
Have 2 and been using them going on 5 years to weigh powder and bullets.

HangFireW8
07-08-2016, 04:41 PM
I bought the BPI scale based on recommendations here. It only reads out to the 2/10 grain accuracy, and on occasion flips from zero to -0.4 grain.

I followed the calibration procedure, and when it doesn't flip negative, seems to be accurate with my set of check weights.

I consider it very useful for weighing bullets, and a good value. I don't trust it for powder, and will stick to my 5-0-5, or my old M-5 for weighing charges.

Avoid rounding off the knife edges on a balance by dismounting it and storing after every use. That way they won't get hammered into the agates when some helpful person "cleans up" and tosses a pile of reloading manuals on top.

Ickisrulz
07-08-2016, 07:28 PM
My Frankford Arsenal scale has worked perfectly of several years. I double check powder charges with a balance and they are always very close. A digital scale is great for sorting bullets. It is very fast.

Messy bear
07-09-2016, 08:46 PM
I have an older pact digital and it is good when compared to a redding beam scale. But I check it with the beam. I would never depend on just a digital. Interestingly, I bought a lyman beam a few years back and sent it back. A plastic piece of ____.