Recommend a digital powder scale up to $140 ?

[mawgie]

Folks -

Newbie here, with brand spanking new SS Laminated in 50 cal., not yet fired. Scope is inbound, with mounts and powder. BOs and sabots are here. Need a scale, and I want a digital in the price range of $0-140.

Any input would be welcome. Of the usual suspects, there are two I like in this price range, in particular:

1) Dillon D-Terminator: $135, and I like it mainly 'cause I like Dillon products, and have had great luck with them;

2) RCBS RangeMaster 750: $99 @ Natchez: good price, good brand name.

3) Then there is the Cabelas XT 1500: $79, and looks nicely configured. Maybe it is a re-branded name brand scale, and, therefore, a good deal?

I'd appreciate any input. Obviously, safety and reliability are critical. I do NOT presently plan to have a beam scale backing the digital unit up, though I do plan to zero and check weigh the digital scale before and during every use. (If this presents a personal safety risk, I'd like to know....)


Thanks all - Mawgie

[edge]

I have the RCBS 1500 combo, but I think that they are available individually. The set cost 245 two years ago. You might want to look for the 1500 on sale. You can always buy the dispenser later if you want to.

Will the 750 communicate with the dispenser?

edge.

[craigf]

I second Edge on this one. The 750 will not work with the dispenser. The chargmaster will dispense 60 grains of N120 in 10 seconds and starts again as soon as the empty is put back on the scale.

[indyml10]

i have the lyman 1200 and after years of reloading i wonder how i lived without one before
wow zero dial in easy to clean but pricey

[broomebuck]

i have the lyman 1500 xp very nice easy use instuction easy to under stand but this is the only one i have ever used so i have nothing to compare it to good luck

[screwbolts]

I have a Cabela's 1500gr. scale that is 6 to 8 yrs. old, it has always functioned perfect, on either battery or 110v. I also have 2 balance beam scales that I use also, A Redding and an old Muller.

The electronic Cabela's looked just like all the others when I bought it. But it was a different shade of green than one and looked just like the blue or orange one. I just liked the -$75.00 at the time more than the color or Label :-).

Ken
CNY

[rexxer]

Hi mawgie

Just curious why you want digital! I have both and like my beam scale better. It seems easier to sneek up on my set load with the trickler. I have the rcbs beam scale and seems to be very accurate,easy to use,no batterys,20 years old and works as well as day one. They are probably new in the 75$ range or less. Good luck with your new purchase!

[onecardchuck]

I have the Dillon D-Terminator and really like it. Have had no problems with it.

[mawgie]

Thanks for the input guys.
I had a Dillon beam scale that I used to handload .44 Magnum, and liked it, but I am looking to pick up the pace of weighing a little without popping for an RCBS Chargemaster - level scale.
I thought an entry level digital scale would help me do that.

I appreciate all the help, as always.

Regards-Mawgie

[mshm99]

Mawgie
If the sole purpose is to speed up the process,it seems to me that nothing speeds things likea good powder measure. Check every fifth charge with balance scale. I have a Forester,but there are many excellent measures in your price range even with a balance scale thrown in.

I can throw fifteen accurate charges a minute. Is that fast enough?

Just my opinion.

mshm

[mshm99]

MTM offers a digital scale about as modestly priced as I've seen.

www.mtmcase-gard.com/products/reloading/reload.html

mshm

[wilmsmeyer]

I have a PACT purchased in that $$ range. Very good scale. I do agree that a thrower is also viable with most powders we use. My beam and digital scales only seem to get used to check the thrower these days....cause it's accurate.

The digitals are also great for checking bullet weights quickly. Both new ones and recovered ones. With a beam, it takes longer.

[edge]

Feb 19, 2009 23:33:35 GMT -5 mshm99 said:

Mawgie
If the sole purpose is to speed up the process,it seems to me that nothing speeds things likea good powder measure. Check every fifth charge with balance scale. I have a Forester,but there are many excellent measures in your price range even with a balance scale thrown in.

I can throw fifteen accurate charges a minute. Is that fast enough?

Just my opinion.

mshm

This is spot on!

I have a 5-0-5 scale and a cheap Lee thrower that is every bit as fast as my Chargemaster, and I weigh every charge!
Once set, and if you keep the powder level high you can get 8 out of 10 throws dead on....long powders are more temperamental.

Why do I have the Chargemaster then, you ask?
It was on sale, I wanted it, and my wife bought it for me as a gift.

It does annoy her since now I make up loads inside instead of out in the garage and the beeping every 30 seconds or so does get on your nerves after a while

You could just get a good thrower and not measure every charge( as stated above), but I am anal so I don't know if I could do that ;D

edge.

[herman]

I got one of the 1500 last year and love it.For many years I used the beam scale and then got a hornady digital and it last for 2 years before it went south,then got a pact and it has been very good.
If I was going to get another digital I believe I would go with the dillon or the pact.

[zakjak221]

I have the RCBS 750 scale and it works great.
Used some of my Cabelas points and got it for around $55.00.
Cabelas will give you product reviews online as will Midway.

Mark

[30calrifle]

I use a Pace scale, from Cabelas for about $120.