Scales n Scales n Scales

[sw282]

O K out there, how many scales do you guys own?? l must confess that l own MORE than one. lt wasn't always like that tho.. Most of my app 40 years of reloading l only had an RCBS 505.. But a few years back l decided to get one of the newer RCBS digital scales just to get a second opinion and keep my 505 honest... Rocking along l happened on one of those cheaper pocket digital scales to keep tabs on my RCBS digital... But recently an accidental KABOOM by a member and friend over on the S&W forum caused me to rethink my scale collection... l knew l needed ANOTHER scale.. A balance beam scale like my 505 was next... So now l have an RCBS 10-10 scale.. Dust cover and ALL.. Now l can take FOUR readings. But what if l get 2 scales reading one weight while the other 2 have a different number?? Cant have a TIE vote, especially when it comes to scales...Seems l am on the lookout for a tie breaker.. Scale #5:-P

























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[Bazoo]

I only have an older rcbs 505. It was sent to me by a member here after my house burnt down. Lost a really nice ohaus 10-10 in the fire. I send the 505 back to rcbs and had them go over it, didnt cost me anything but shipping to them. I'd like to find another 10-10 at a good price sometime.

[1066]

Here's a few of my scales - currently between 30-40 I guess. One or two little gems in there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/allan1066/20130321_132912_zpsc00bbef0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/allan1066/th_images60_zps99520840.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/allan1066/media/images60_zps99520840.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/allan1066/th_20131206_184828_zps90b05590.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/allan1066/media/20131206_184828_zps90b05590.jpg.html)

[sawinredneck]

I've managed to behave on this front, I have a Redding #2 master scale. I don't trust digital scales, I've seen what a low battery can do in them!

[SARuger]

I collect Redding and RCBS scales so I have about 20 more than I need.

[Pressman]

Don't know, there are for sure 50 Lyman 55's, all a little different from each other, other than that there are too many to count. At a minimum there are 50 more, probably a lot more, of different brands or models.
Ken

[Ole Joe Clarke]

I have 2, a Pacific from back in the day. Was new when I bought it. My other is a RCBS 10-10 that I bought about a year ago. Sometimes I get uneasy about a reading, then I fall back on my check weights.

I don't collect beam scales, I reload. To each his own. :-)

Have a blessed day,

Leon

[bedbugbilly]

I started out with a RCBS 505 and a small digital scale. I used the small digital scale for a while but wasn't comfortable with the readings at times as it seem to be "position sensitive" depending on where my smaller powder loads sat in the pan. When I started loading 8mm and 30-30, I started using the 505 more and I have really developed a love for that scale. It's my understanding that the 505 isn't offered by RCBS anymore ?? so I picked up another nice used one to take to our winter place to use. Then, it was sort of like "brass" - you're always afraid you "might run out" sometime so you add some more "just in case". I ended up buying an old but NIB 505 to have on the shelf - "just in case". And of course, I needed a "back up" for the one I had in AZ. So . . . at this point, I have four 505 scales - which should last me my lifetime! LOL

[TexasGrunt]

I've got several. On the reloading bench I have two that I use the most.

RCBS 750 and a Hornady electronic. The two scales normally agree with each other.

[daboone]

I have and used my dad's oil dampened Redding until I got the RCBS 505 at least 10 years ago. A couple of years ago I my kids got me a Lyman Gen6. I didn't think I'd like it but I've changed my mind.

[woody290]

I have a Lee Beam scale and a digital scale, forget which brand.

[mold maker]

Just like with presses and lube sizers, I have enough and then some. You never know when you'll do something foolish or one will break.
Over the years I've collected bargains.

[Rockzilla]

Ohaus M5's, Ohaus 10-10's, RCBS 10-10's ole ones, Lyman D7's, RCBS 5-0-5's
most tuned by Scott Parker. Dillon Digital that I don't use much

-Rock

[country gent]

I have several right now the original 5-10 RCBS I started with 30 some years ago, and its still going strong. A Dillon 1500 grn model that's no longer made but still working, A redding oil dampened I just bought "because". $10.00 at a gun show with original box and instructions. A Gem pro 250 for the .02 grain accuracy and a RCBS 304 scales that I always wanted on the bench. One thing that goes with the scales (especially if you have several of them) is a set of check weights to prove that 10 grns is 10 grns on each of them. I normally use my check weights like we did gage blocks in the shop. a stack up to the desired weight or charge then weighted to verify scales are accurate right at that point. Its easy enough to do and takes any question out of the set up

[ulav8r]

[QUOTE=country gent;4081212]I have several right now the original 5-10 RCBS I started with 30 some years ago, and its still going strong. A Dillon 1500 grn model that's no longer made but still working, A redding oil dampened I just bought "because". $10.00 at a gun show with original box and instructions. A Gem pro 250 for the .02 grain accuracy and a RCBS 304 scales that I always wanted on the bench. One thing that goes with the scales (especially if you have several of them) is a set of check weights to prove that 10 grns is 10 grns on each of them. I normally use my check weights like we did gage blocks in the shop. a stack up to the desired weight or charge then weighted to verify scales are accurate right at that point. Its easy enough to do and takes any question out of the set up

[lawdog941]

3 currently, RCBS 10-10, Lyman Gen 3, and RCBS 1500. I've taken to the 10-10, for me reloading is a hobby and I don't mind taking my time. When I find a good load, then I can switch to Lyman for faster applications. I just enjoy the non modern things.

[Shawlerbrook]

Three, but my Redding gets the most use.

[Pee Wee]

QUOTE=sw282;4080806]O K out there, how many scales do you guys own?? l must confess that l own MORE than one. lt wasn't always like that tho.. Most of my app 40 years of reloading l only had an RCBS 505.. But a few years back l decided to get one of the newer RCBS digital scales just to get a second opinion and keep my 505 honest... Rocking along l happened on one of those cheaper pocket digital scales to keep tabs on my RCBS digital... But recently an accidental KABOOM by a member and friend over on the S&W forum caused me to rethink my scale collection... l knew l needed ANOTHER scale.. A balance beam scale like my 505 was next... So now l have an RCBS 10-10 scale.. Dust cover and ALL.. Now l can take FOUR readings. But what if l get 2 scales reading one weight while the other 2 have a different number?? Cant have a TIE vote, especially when it comes to scales...Seems l am on the lookout for a tie breaker.. Scale #5:-P

Sooooo, The best way to trust any scale is to get a set of calibration weights and check your scale on a regular schedule. I have gotten ride of all my beam scales ( ohaus dial a grain and other beam scales). I use RCBS 1500 Chargemaster trickle, RCBS 750 and RCBS 2000. They are all checked routinely and all are dead on. Just much more convenient for me and my reloading requirements.( My 2 cents)


























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[country gent]

Yes with the set of calibration weights you know what the scales are doing. Any measuring insterments with out the calibration sets are in question until they are calibrated or zeroed. Michrometers over 1" have a standard with them, indicators are checked with gage blocks on a surface plate, Calipers can be checked with gage blocks easy enough also. Scales also need to be checked every once in awhile for accuracy and repeatability due to any wear or changes that have taken place. The check weights can cover a lot of different uses. Using them as gage blocks to check a scales at a given setting point insures the scales is set correctly ( not off one notch or some other little thing) and reading correctly at the actual setting point. :-P Assuring you of the scales and the set up is accurate

[Reddirt62]

2, both Dillon, digital and beam.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[doulos]

I have 3. A Dillon Eliminator, A RCBS 1010 and a RCBS digital that must be about 20 years old and still is as accurate as ever. I check them all with a weight check kit. They are all pretty good.

[15meter]

Gone thru several versions of RCBS, Lee and Dillon, currently have a 505, have a new in box Hornady that I bought with a bunch of dead guy stuff that is looking for a new home. I always check zero when I start and use commercial j-bullets for check weights, current bullets are so consistent and if you do a light bullet-35 grain and a heavy bullet-150 grain you are checking both the accuracy at each end and the linearity of the scale. Gravity is linear and mechanical scale that is correct on each end is probably going to be accurate enough anywhere in between for me.


Have read great glowing reports about the digitals, from my day selling multi-thousand dollar lab scales I still have a hard time believing an inexpensive Chinese import can be that repeatable. The high end commercial scale companies wouldn't stand behind some of the accuracy and repeatability claims I have seen. Their Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility testing proved that they aren't good to the equivalent of 1/70,000th of a pound in non-lab conditions.

I'm sticking with mechanical, gravity always works, and I am rarely in that much of a hurry when reloading.

[sw282]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/redding-reloading-powder-and-bullet-scale/192200263754?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

l just couldn't help myself.. Picked this little black Redding scale w/hydraulic damper. $30.. Looks almost NIB.. No lnstructions tho.l may have questions about the ''hydraulic damper'' part of the scale.. ls it possible for ''scales''to become an addiction:?:

[54bore]

I have 2 beams and a digital, my go to favorite scale is my RCBS 10-10, then my Redding, its a really old scale with the built in reservoir for oil to dampen the swing

[Big Wes]

2, both Dillon, digital and beam.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

"Ditto" Same as above.

[Garyshome]

I only have as many as I need. Well maybe a back up or 2 also.

[Smoke4320]

3 RCBS 5-0-5's, a herters beam, and a RCBS Chargemaster

[williamwaco]

I check mine with a .22 Cal match grade bullet. 53 grains. Keep this bullet in my small parts cabinet. Same exact bullet for my entire career. I have several other home made "check weights". I only own 2 scales now. I have owned 5 or 6 over the years. Several different brands but almost all made by Ohaus. My first scale was a Weber. 1/40th grain resolution. It was a nightmare to use. As soon as the magnetic dampeners arrived I tossed it.

I know that if I check my scales with a scientific beam balance, they will be within +/- one tenth. I believe that if I need more accuracy than that, I am loading too hot.

[wonderwolf]

This reminds me I need to list a few I should move on the S&S section. I have 6 or 7 and only ever use one. The others have trickled in (pun intended) over the years from estate sales where it was all or nothing type deal. I've used the older redding without dampening last year for a bit as that was what was in my 310 tong loading box when I lived in a tiny space and loaded with just 310 tools for a year.

I like the idea of having a high grade match bullet as a constant check weight...I may have to do something like that as well.

[Kevin Rohrer]

Scales? One RCBS electronic that I always use, and one CBS beam scale that sets there collecting dust.

[Ranger 7]

One Lyman 1200 DPS3, one Hornady Balance Beam and a set of calibration weights.

[Chill Wills]

199047

I used a 10-10 for a few decades. When electronics came out I tried the big Lyman -$250 at the time. Did not hold zero even one powder charge. Exchanged it. Same deal. Back to the 10-10. Then tried the RCBS. It wandered too much also, but not as bad as the Lyman. About 1998 I drove over to Denver Scale in Arvada, Now Answorth scale. Spent the cost of three or four Lyman's. It is like picking up a cinder block.

I have never had one problem. In a blue moon it gets turned off. Otherwise it runs 24-7 and likes it that way. Fast, accurate, and always ready to go. (I load a lot of rifle with weighed charges)

[myg30]

Started with a Lyman 500 I think and a lee safety. Sold the Lyman. Purchased a Pact digital used here I think many years ago. I use it and a Ohaus M5. The ohaus is best for 5g or less type loads.
I do have 2 lee safety,lyman D7 which I loan out to new reloaders along with a single stage press and a die set. So my collection of scales and presses serve a few uses. I found it's best way to start a reloaded with almost no cost or investment on their part. Later if they want my old stuff I sell it but seems like the rest on here, I never pass on a good deal need it or not !!

I love this site and the hobbie. Happy 4th y'all, be safe.

Mike

[Greg S]

Get a check weight set. When in doubt, check the set weight. I had a 505 get damaged in a move and had already secured an RCBS Powder Dispenser with scale. It wandered off zero which was later fixed with a couple of cheap ferric oxide line filters on the power cord. I also picked up a check weight set then went overboard and bought a high end lab scale. It'll get real anneal to the tune of 2/100 of a grain if ya really want to be exact. Alittle overboard.

[2011redrider]

Have 4, a RCBS charge master 1500, Ohaus 10-10, a Frankford 750, a gem pro 250.

[StratsMan]

I love old school equipment, so I have 2 beam scales; an old Herters single-beam, and an Ohaus 314 triple-beam. Both hold reliable zero; no wandering.