Mechanical Reloading Scales?

[mgunner]

Can you guys recommend a good mechanical reloading scale?

I was originally looking at the RCBS M500 scale but wanted feedback from you guys. If you use the M500, are you happy with it? Why or why not? What other mechanical scales would you recommend if not the M500?

I appreciate your feedback.

 

[Darth]

The cheap Lee Safety scale is what I use.

Came with the starter kit.

 

[kev74]

I use the RCBS and am happy with it.

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

RCBS Chargemaster lite

 

[meketrefe]

They all are pretty reliable once you get the swing. Everyone should know how to use it as a backup for an electronic one.

 

[Acer-m14]

mechanical are great as long as there is no breeze in the reloading room aka .. AC , FAN .. and as long as you have the time ..

and every die set from LEE comes with a spoon

 

[Mosinitis]

I am very happy with RCBS 505 mechanical scale.
RCBS no longer sells it, but you can get it as Ohaus 505.
Ohaus was the manufacturer for RCBS.
It's a great classic scale.
I use it as a backup to my lab grade electronic scale.

 

[mgunner]

Thanks for all of your feedback guys. I know there are reviews online, but I like coming to the forum and getting feedback from all of you.

I've been using the Lee Safety Scale for a couple of years because it came with my turret press kit. It gives repeatable results and seems accurate. It just takes a little time waiting for the beam to dampen. I can get the beam to settle faster by placing my finger over the beam to stop it from oscillating as much. But I was looking to add something new to my reloading setup and thought upgrading to another scale would be a good idea. Others seem to be happy with the M500. I also watched a couple of videos and I like how quickly the beam dampens without having to touch it.

I took a look at the Ohaus 505 and it only comes in white. I know this is nit-picking on my part; but white is a pain to keep clean. I'm sure that powder flakes, smudges, and dirty fingerprints will make it look grungy quickly. I'll feel compelled to try and keep it spotless, until that gets old, and then it will sit on the shelf looking as though I pulled it out of a dumpster somewhere. It uses 3 poises just like the 505 did. The 500 uses 2; so it's one less poise to worry about.

It looks like I'll pick up the M500. I'll let you know what I think of it.

 

[Acer-m14]

i have one of there old 12 ga reloading presses from mid 60's and stull use it .. you can't go wrong with redding either

this is just one i picked out .. there are lots of listings .. 20 bucks and up ..

NIB Redding Master Powder and Bullet Scale | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NIB Redding Master Powder and Bullet Scale at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[mgunner]

RCBS Chargemaster lite

Saw that as well, but a bit too much money for me right now.

 

[mgunner]

mechanical are great as long as there is no breeze in the reloading room aka .. AC , FAN .. and as long as you have the time ..

and every die set from LEE comes with a spoon

Yep, they can be sensitive to breezes for sure but not a problem for me. Unless I eat a can of beans, and then...well you know.

Thanks for the heads up on the Redding scale.

 

[mgunner]

Update: I purchased a used RCBS M500 off of Ebay and received it today. I compared it side by side with my Lee Safety Scale. I'm happy with the RCBS. I've included the information below for those that might be thinking of upgrading their scale or may be curious as to what the differences between the scales are.

The dampening system of the RCBS stops the beam from oscillating faster than the Lee scale. I mentioned this earlier when I noticed it after watching a couple of videos. If you're like me, and have only used the Lee scale, this may seem like a picky thing. But waiting for the beam to stop oscillating and using your finger gets a bit old. If you like to weigh your charges often, then it's going to get old quickly.

Both scales are accurate and repeatable. I weighed a number of items with both scales. They were on the same level surface. The scales verified each other in every case. The items I weighed were:
1. A powder charge of 3.8 grains.
2. A piece of 9mm brass that weighed 63.4 grains.
3. A piece of cardstock that weighed 6.1 grains.
4. An extra piece for my reloading press that weighed 46.5 grains.
5. I also weighed a 124 grain bullet on the RCBS which was spot on. I couldn't weigh it on the Lee because it can only weigh up to 110 grains.

The RCBS is easier to use and read compared to the Lee scale. I didn't have a hard time with the Lee. But it seems others have had problems with it. I can tell by reading the negative reviews that they didn't read the instructions and don't know about the poise lock. If you don't use the lock, you'll run into problems.

The bottom line is that I'm glad I bought the M500. Thanks to all of you that took the time to share your experiences and advice.

 

[Acer-m14]

just googled the 500 for photos ..

i take it the RCBS 500 is all metal .... base and beam .. like the Redding i mentioned .. my LEE is nothing but plastic cept the powder pan .. hardly use it ..

you can't beat old school well built

 

[mgunner]

just googled the 500 for photos ..

i take it the RCBS 500 is all metal .... base and beam .. like the Redding i mentioned .. my LEE is nothing but plastic cept the powder pan .. hardly use it ..

you can't beat old school well built

Yes the 500 is all metal. It's also bigger than the Lee scale.
My Lee scale has a metal base and pan. The beam is a hard plastic.

 

[Rondo223]

Vintage Lyman Ohaus Model M5 Precision Loading Scale With Box | eBay

Vintage Lyman Ohaus Model M5 Precision Loading Scale With Box.

www.ebay.com

This is not a bad deal especially if you make them an offer and they except. I have 2 of the 10-10 models.