[bigal444]

I have a RCBS 5-10 scale. I have used it for many moons for both shotshell and handgun reloading.

Al
Ridgecrest,CA

 

[bigal444]

Not sure why so many guys are fixated on the balance beam scales. I found early on that any weighing method that required transferring powder around, introduces error. If you drop into a shallow pan, the powder can scatter. If you drop into something else and pour into the balances powder pan, you can get errors. Digital scales are accurate, inexpensive, and allow you avoid these sources of errors.
1. Power on and calibrate the scale with include weight
2. TARE (zero out) an empty hull.
3. Drop into the hull
4. Weigh the hull and read out the dropped powder weight directly

I would really like to hear how a balance scale is better for this.

I started with a Lyman Pocket scale

Lyman Pocket Touch 1500 Digital Powder Scale Kit 1500 Grain Capacity

The Lyman Pocket Touch 1500 offers full size performance in a very compact, portable design. The scale is just 2.25"x4.25"x0.75" yet...

www.midwayusa.com

Others talked about inexpensive scales on Amazon so I bought this one and really like it.

Amazon.com

A balance scale to me anyway, is very accurate. I always zero it out beforehand making sure it is balanced correctly. It is so accurate that at times one or two flakes of powder can make it move up or down. I have tried an electronic scale and the problems I encountered were numerous. I bought a middle of the road scale as far as cost goes. Always zeroed beforehand using the supplied weight. I would measure the powder for each shell for handguns and it always was hit or miss. I wanted accuracy not up or down. Went back to the balance scale measured each load and it was always the same reading. The other problem was using batteries. Not a good idea in my opinion. They went weak quickly or would become corroded after 6 months. I was using Eveready batteries. Ditched the batteries and went to the plug in electric and never could get an accurate reading. I then bought another brand of digital scale and the same thing. These were not cheap scales. I gave the last one to my wife to measure chocolate for her recipes and benefitted from that for a while. Then it quit on her. She only used the electric plug-in option. I don't know many handloaders that use an electronic scale. At least for pistol shooting. I have had my RCBS scale since 1981 it has never failed me.

Al
Ridgecrest, CA

 

[bigal444]

True. But not so much with handgun reloading. Shotshell reloading I usually place the pan under the powder drop tube. Place it up close to eliminate the powder from being scattered. I don't do this every load but usually after 25 rounds have been loaded. Iam using a hand press not a progressive.
Al
Ridgecrest,CA

 

[bigal444]

This thread appears to have brought out a couple of nice balance scales that are now for sale in the For Sale section.
Al
Ridgecrest,CA

 

[bigal444]

I use the Lyman Pocket Digital scale and love it. I used a "balance scale" previously. The balance scales work fine but they are a little cumbersome and when weighing shot they can be a little unstable.

I'm sure the guys recommending the "balance scales" use "flip phones"...
And the guys using the "digital scales" use "smart phones"

I use a balance beam and a Smart phone. 😁
Al
Ridgecrest, CA