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Posted: 9/27/2015 2:40:07 PM EDT
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I think I am done with digital scales for now. My working conditions are just a bit better than a taliban cave and I think it is screwing with my scales.
I am thinking a balance scale may be appropriate. I am looking at the RCBS 505 and it seems proven; though I am curious if I should be looking at something like a RCBS 10-10 instead? Any suggestions or input? |
| have you wiped down the scale with a wet rag, let dry and then rub down with anti-static dryer sheet. I wet wipe my powder cannister before filling hopper on my charemaster. I'm in a low humidity climate so I try to take some steps to prevent the static. Clothes can bring static, and also beware of slight drafts you may not feel. Edit I use a 5-0-5 to double check the electronic . With the beam scale I do a thorough clean and static wipe down of it too. Getting rid of Unseen dust and static is where I start. |
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Been using a digital scale that has been reliable for so long that I'd drive to the bad part of town and rob a drug dealer for his scale before id use a beam scale again.
First one was a Lyman, second a charge master. For load development the charge master is hard to beat |
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Most tales of digital scale woe come from owners who spent/wasted $60 without realizing that you've got to spend at least twice that for something reliable, and 10-20x that for something more accurate and precise than a beam scale.
A lab grade digital scale is a joy to use, compared to a beam balance, in much the same way a Giraud trimmer is a joy to use, compared to a hand-cranked lathe trimmer. |
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As you've discovered it takes a lot of compensation to get a strain gauge (digital) scale to perform adequately. The result is that one that works properly will cost a significant amount of money.
A 5-0-5 will do you fine as long as you get one of the older ones. A 10-10 is great, again as long as you get one of the older ones. Some the 10-10's have the .1 grain graduations as do some of the 5-10's. I have been using a 5-0-5 for 20 years. Works fine. |
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I read on here all the time about issues with electronic scales. Its funny, because my experience has been the opposite. I've been using a Pact scale for twenty years + or -. I've never had any problems. It never drifts and is repeatable. I find it much faster than a balance, which I also have. Here's the scale I have. I think I paid $60 for it. Looks like new ones are $130.
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I too have a PACT digital scale that has given excellent service.
BUT, it hasn't been moved or unplugged for years. It sits on a bench in my basement stairwell-at the far end of the bench, away from the door. There is absolutely no draft in there. I also have a shop in a large barn. I don't use a digital scale in there |
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I have an older My Weigh scale that I got from BrianEnos.com. As I remember, it wasn't all that expensive.
It has been very reliable and accurate. I do check it against my RCBS balance beam a few times during a reload session. But I would check any electronic scale against my RCBS balance beam no matter what the cost of the electronic. It just makes good sense to pay close attention to what you are dropping. When I use my chargemaster for small batches, I'll have the digital and the balance beam set up and run checks on all three. The newer scales at Brianenos.com has a lifetime warranty. |
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Quoted: I read on here all the time about issues with electronic scales.Its funny, because my experience has been the opposite. I've been using a Pact scale for twenty years + or -. I've never had any problems. It never drifts and is repeatable. I find it much faster than a balance, which I also have. Here's the scale I have. I think I paid $60 for it. Looks like new ones are $130. What's funny is I was going to post the exact same thing last night. I have a PACT BBK2 that I've been using for a dozen years or so with zero problems. I will NEVER go back to a balance scale. |
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Quoted:
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/user/dryflash3/media/Tools/P9290211.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg272/dryflash3/Tools/P9290211.jpg</a> I've bought 5-10's and 10-10 scales used and then resold them. They had no advantage to me over a 505. The one thing I like about my 5-10 over the 505 is the "barrel" for making 1/10 grain adjustments. The "poise" bit on the 505 is difficult for my big, fat fingers to move smoothly. OP, most of the big names use Ohaus scales with their names on them. The 505, 5-10 and 10-10 are Ohaus scales. The Hornady scale mentioned above looks like an Ohaus as well. Any Ohaus reloading scale will be worth your money. |
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I also have a PACT digital scale with the electronic powder dispenser. They link together with IR port, and so far it has been flawless for me. I think I did have to send the scale in once as it was a tad older and needed the IR port added. Minor cost on that and the system runs great.
My personal thoughts are get the scale that you are most comfortable using and that works best for you. Edit to add: As the old saying around here goes, Buy once, Cry once. |
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