Digital vs mechanical scales

[holstonangler]

I'm trying to find a scale to weigh smokeless loads. What are some advantages and disadvantages to both digital and mechanical scales?

[thelongrider]

Hornady sells a small digital scale for about $30.00 that is just prefect for loading these guns. it runs on 2 "AAA" batteries and is just as accurate as my pact scale.

[Richard]

Of the cheaper scales, the mechanical would be the most reliable. Most any of them will weight within a tenth or two of a grain which is more than sufficient for our ML's. Digitals are ok, but in the same low price range, the quality and reliability is just not there (Thats my opinion) I use a RCBS Chargemaster combo for all my 600 and 1,000 yd loads. Very accurate but also over $300.00 On the other hand, I have two RCBS balance beams of which one goes to the range when I need it and the other is just about permanently mounted on my bench. I use it TEN times more than the Chargemaster. Because most of the time, I am just checking weights for my powder measures which I use all the time. Don't like the wait time and set up time to just weight one or two charges to adjust my measure. Dollar for dollar, I don't think you can beat a cheap little balance beam, no matter what brand. Batteries wear out, you have to reset them very often, they are fragile...............just too many things to go wrong.
Richard

[tar12]

I suggest you have both.The digital, IMO,has it all over a mechanical in terms of speed and ease of use.Have the mechanical on hand to check your digital occasionally.I personally use a Lyman 1200.Absolutely love it and zero problems with it.BUT,for safety's sake I also have a beam balance to check and make sure it keeps it accuracy.You can pick up a beam balance pretty cheap.

[bowbender6]

I like the beam. Th etwo cheap digitals i seem o have to reset a lot.

[Dave W]

I have both. The digital seems quicker and is easier on my eyes but I prefer the beam scale I have used for over 25 years.
Here is a poll off the old board that may help with the decision.
dougva.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Savage&thread=1171483775&page=1