Which scale-balance or electronic?

[Tarheel]

I am getting ready to purchase a powder scale and I am wondering if anyone can give me any insight. Are digital scales as accurate as a balance, if so which brand?

[dougedwards]

I have both kinds and it is my experience that unless you pay alot for an electronic digital scale that it won't be quite as accurate as the balance beam type. I bought a Ohaus 5-0-5 balance beam scale for $25 on ebay and it is accurate everytime I check it with check weights. My electronic scale holds it's own but won't give me increments of a grain. Only whole grains and I paid over $50 for it.

[Al]

I have both types also, but prefer the beam if I'm loading at the range.

[jims]

I have both. If I am just loading a few I use the beam scales, for quantity I use the electronic.

[bowbender6]

I prefer the beam -The electronic one I have $30-$50 range seem to change or drift. Maybe the more expensive ones wouldn't do that.

[raf]

I only have the balance beam, a Lyman. Unless you need to load a large number of bullets in a short time, you don't need an electronic one. I consider hand loading a hobby and enjoy my time at the loading bench and you can make a lot in an afternoon.

[sagittarius]

I prefer the beam simply because it will, jmo, outlast an electronic product for the long haul.

[ozark]

Same question pass through here sometime back. The beam scale got the nod on nearly all replies. Somehow it has proven itself more trustworthy and when used the reloader seems absolutely certain that the load is accurate. I used both when I shot the ML but just didn't trust the electronic like I did the balance beam type.

[Richard]

The same argument can be had for the revolver vs. the semi-automatic hand gun! The revolver is very reliable and delivers consistent performance day in and day out. In years past, the automatic has had its ups and downs as far as reliability. However, as time progresses, things seem to get better and better. Police departments, other than the MP's always had revolvers. Now, I would bet........Having had 28 years on the job and most as an armorer, 90% of all agencies carry automatics
I had bought a digital scale when they first started showing up and eventually sold it at a garage sale for a 1/10th. of what I paid for it because it just plain did not work reliably. Now, I throw all my 600 and 1,000 yd. charges with the RCBS Chargemaster Combo and am confident the loads are correct. Yes, I still keep my RCBS 10-10 scale out on my bench and use it all the time. And do occasionally check digitally thrown charges. I mostly use it to set up my powder measure rather than turning on the scale and having to calibrate and zero it. In my opinion, they sort of go hand in hand. If I was on a budget, and only had limited use for a scale, it would definitely be the beam scale.
Richard

[billc]

My 5-0-5 is mainly decoration on the reloading bench. I haven't used it to load a round since I got the RCBS Chargemaster Combo. However, if I only had $25 to spend I'd go with the beam balance. The cheaper electronic units are good for weighing broadheads and jigheads. Also there isn't a question with a digital readout, with the beam there is always operator parallax errors.

[Buckrub]

Everyone but me seems to like and trust the Lee beam scale. I found mine cumbersome and untidy to use, and got an RCBS 750 and it's very easy and reliable and clean and not messy, and all my shots go Boom and hit the target.

[ozark]

Both. One is real cheap and the other inexpensive. Yeah, both. you can afford both.

[KerryB]

I used many different brands of balance beam scales for many years and never had any complaints with them.......very accurate although not fast. I did buy an RCBS Chargemaster combo a couple of years ago and now i only use the balance beams if i only need to weigh a couple of loads or for use at the range. It is hard to beat a Chargemaster for high volume reloading work or weighing out lots of muzzleloading charges for future use. The Chargemaster is incredibly accurate and trouble free although i would stay away from used or older models as the early releases had a couple of bugs. I am certain RCBS would correct the problems, but it might cost you if you weren't the original buyer? I am always amazed watching my Chargemaster working and i wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

[dxt20]

i have an rcbs charge-master combo. in my opinion it is a great system. not only does it weigh within +/- 1/10th of a grain but it also dispenses an accurate powder charge within 20 seconds within 1/10th of a grain of your desired grains of powder. i have heard some people say that they got some and it was not good quality but i am very satisfied with mine and would recommend it to anyone. but if you get on www.midwayusa.com or a similar website and look at the reviews for the Lyman then you will not want one. but the rcbs has better reviews and and a better satisfaction rate than Lyman. it may cost a few more bucks but is a very smart and unique system.