Beam Scales

Joined
Oct 7, 2018
Messages
90
Location
Rockies
What is the best beam scale these days? I was thinking of getting a electronic.

I have a old green Redding #1 with a black bolt and no magnet.
 
Last edited:

desertcj

WKR
Joined
Jul 21, 2013
Messages
647
Location
Central CA
I doubt it's "The best" but all I've used for years is the RCBS 505 that came with the package deal. I think it's really accurate but man it's slow. I'm going to get an RCBS chargemaster...
 

Bisley45

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Dec 17, 2018
Messages
132
Location
Little Rock, Ar
Used a redding beam for years, it would drive me nuts that if you bumped the pan it would read a slightly different value as in the other side of a tic mark. I have a RCBS chargemaster now, I love it it's so much faster.
 
OP
3
Joined
Oct 7, 2018
Messages
90
Location
Rockies
I have a Lee Powder Measure that I use and then I trickle to a Redding #1 beam with no magnets. I have to use my fingers to calm it down for a quick reading. The scale is very accurate, it's just annoying that I need to use my two fingers to settle it down.

I just ordered a #2, we'll see if I like it...
 
OP
3
Joined
Oct 7, 2018
Messages
90
Location
Rockies
Got the Redding #2 today and it's accurate and settles down quickly. Much better than the old #1 without the magnetic dampener. :)
 

Kindigs

FNG
Joined
Oct 8, 2018
Messages
13
I doubt it's "The best" but all I've used for years is the RCBS 505 that came with the package deal. I think it's really accurate but man it's slow. I'm going to get an RCBS chargemaster...
Same here but I see RCBS just came out with the Matchmaster. Going to have to check that one out.
 
Joined
Nov 16, 2017
Messages
8,218
Location
Central Oregon
everyone wants to load fast, Fast, FAST...… I still use my original 10/10 that Scott Parker trued and it still produces very good ammo for me ….

Because reloading has to be one of the most terrible mind numbing boring tasks ever.
I absolutely hate it.
Just a necessary evil means to an end.
 

dguns18

FNG
Joined
Dec 28, 2018
Messages
42
Location
WI
Been using a RCBS 505 for a few years with excellent results.

Use a Lee powder drop and trickle into the pan, once you get a groove going it moves pretty quick.
 

Timnterra

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Nov 30, 2019
Messages
187
Location
Black Hills South Dakota
I have a Lyman 5-10 made by Ohaus and tuned by Scott Parker. It’s the predecessor to the 10-10, which I also have. Both read true and never lie. I started by using a digital Hornady scale and was pulling my hair out as I lifted the pan of powder and set it back on the scale only to have it read a different number. I will never use a digital scale again.
 

Mr.Crumbz

FNG
Joined
Jan 6, 2020
Messages
27
Location
British Columbia
I doubt it's "The best" but all I've used for years is the RCBS 505 that came with the package deal. I think it's really accurate but man it's slow. I'm going to get an RCBS chargemaster...

I started off with the Lee scale, upgraded to the 505 and it’s been fantastic. I would recommend the 505 to anyone. Having said that I also bought a ChargeMaster Lite off of Amazon when they had a great sale on them really ups my game and by time I am charge a case, seat, crimp and inspect the next charge is thrown and ready to go.

The 505 and ChargeMaster are bang on with each other with anything I have weighed. I still use the 505 to triple check things as electronics can fail, and if it is a one off quick check it’s faster than firing up the electronic scale, allowing it to warm up and calibrating it.
 

deadi

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 14, 2014
Messages
193
505 and a Dillon. Just buy a packet of the weight checking pieces and use them occasionally.
 
Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
1,001
I run two Ohaus scales that have treated me very well over the years. Not the fastest, but I don't shoot PRS matches either.
 

Bomberodevil

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 17, 2018
Messages
103
Location
Phoenix, AZ
I use a Franklin Arsenal electronic scale but I check it about every 10 loads or so against my Dillon beam scale. Sometimes I‘ll check the Franklin every 5-7 loads if I’m doing load development and I need to be very accurate.
 

Lwilliams

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 21, 2019
Messages
137
Best as far as I know is the Prometheus. But it’s a bit more than just a beam scale and I know very few willing to drop the coin on one. Personally when it comes to a beam scale I still use a 5-0-5 but generally just rely on a couple of chargemeasters. https://www.prometheustoolcorp.com/
 

Wrench

WKR
Joined
Aug 23, 2018
Messages
5,641
Location
WA
I have a 10-10, Redding and two 505's. If I'm loading for production with expectations of. 01 grs accuracy I'll go 10-10. If I'm loading production with .1 gr accuracy I'll run both 505's at the same time. I can throw one while the other is settling down. I have a few powder throws and the early rcbs that I bought in 94 is able to throw the longest kernels within .3--.5 grs every time.

When you see an electronic scale malfunction it's either because you are suspicious or its blatant. A bit of research will show that light ballasts, phone magnetics and other things can influence accuracy.

A beam scale depends on gravity. When was the last time gravity quit working?
 
Joined
Dec 29, 2019
Messages
33
Location
Pine City, NY
I use a 10-10 and used a 5-0-5 for years before that. Both quality scales. I have a chargemaster that I use for prairie dog loads or other high volume loading that has really impressed me. I always worried about the accuracy of an electronic scale for some reason, that proved to be unfounded. I wouldn't set it up if loading 20 rounds or less. If loading a lot of rounds it is pretty accurate and slick.
 
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