What is a good, accurate, durable digital scale to buy? What are ones to avoid? See many from China.

Thank,

Dan

I've had a PACT BBK2 for about a year now. It's under $100 and made in the USA. I'm pretty happy with it. I only have two complaints about it, but they are pretty minor.

One is that you pretty much have to run it on the 9 volt battery. The AC adapter doesn't regulate well enough for how sensitive the scale is, and all it takes is someone turning on a vacuum cleaner or stereo system, and the thing can't decide what weight is on the platter.

My other complaint is that it flashes a warning when it has self-adjusted the zero by .5 grains or something like that. The calibration is still dead on, but you have to rezero it, which takes one second. I'm not sure why it even bothers because I've actually done a total recalibration and reweighed all my charges after this, just to see, and they were all good.

Personally, I think these are pretty minor problems. The battery lasted nearly a year (I just changed it last month. I know you can get much more expensive scales, but this one isn't bad for the money. It's much more convenient than the beam scales, and I've made plenty of accurate ammo with it. Also, it will weigh up to 750 grains, which is way more than I've ever put on it.

amndouglas

See many from China. DanI would tend to stay away from the ones made in China as I am not confident about the after sales service. True, there are exceptions but there is a reason why things are made in foreign countries. I believe PACT is a major manufacturer of digital scales in this country regardless of the color, shape of the box, or company logo on the unit. When my RCBS digital went bonkers, RCBS customer service gave me an authorization number and had me ship the unit to PACT for service. The units that I feel comfortable with are RCBS, Lyman, PACT, and Dillon. I hope I haven't offended anyone by leaving their brand off this list as it is unintentional.

I've used a PACT Digital Precision Powder Scale for 9 years now. It can be a bit fussy some days, but I wouldn't be without it. One thing that will drive it nuts is a change in temperature. The sun shines through the window on it in the afternoon if it's in it's usual place, and I have to move it into shade.

This model does not use a battery. The plastic powder pan develops a severe case of static cling in dry weather. The scale in PACT's literature must be the only one that had a factory metal pan. Find a metal pan at the first opportunity.

The new Lyman powder pan with the built in funnel is useless, thanks to static cling.

Bye
Jack

I use the RCBS along with the electric powder dispencer. I had some up and downs with it in the beginning but have solved all of those problems.
The RCBS is made by PACT. Mine requires at least a30 min. warm up to accuratly repeat. Once properly warmmed up it will repeat with any type powder.

I dont know about the "real" Pact scales but the RCBS is sensitive to cold weather. Mine does not like temps below 40 degrees F. It is hard to use at the range in the winter.

I also use the Lyman powder pan with the built in funnel. I had the same static cling problem when I first got it. I rubbed it all over with motor mica and the problem got better. With use I guess it has become thouroughly coated with graphite as I no longer have static cling problems. This pan is not really friendly to left handed people. Neither is the original RCBS scale and powder dispencer. I have become used to both. The new RCBS combined scale and dispencer should be a little more friendly to left handers.

I've had a Dillon for, gosh, at least 7 or 8 years, maybe 9. Still works fine. I check the weights at the beginning and ending of the reloading session, and make sure it returns to zero every time the pan goes back on it.

Like most consumer electronics, suspect it makes little difference what name is on it, they're probably built alike on the inside.

The usual cautions about air currents apply, as well. It runs on A/C and I have not noticed this being a problem. Suppose it might vary with the local electrical service.

I just bought this scale from Cabela's. Plus or minus 1/10th grain and it includes the power supply. I couldn't find a better deal.

http://a1460.g.akamai.net/f/1460/1339/6h/www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Item/21/49/73/i214973sq01.jpg (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jhtml?id=0018718214973a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnString=hasJS=true&_D%3AhasJS=+&%2Fcabelas%2Fcommerce%2FCabelasCatalogNumberFinder .giftCertificateURL=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Ftemplates%2F giftcertificate%2Fgiftcertificate.jhtml%3Fid%3D000 5586990011a%26podId%3D0005586%26catalogCode%3DIB%2 6navAction%3Djump%26indexId%3D&_D%3A%2Fcabelas%2Fcommerce%2FCabelasCatalogNumberF inder.giftCertificateURL=+&QueryText=digital+Scale&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jhtml.8&Go.x=13&Go.y=14&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=digital+Scale&noImage=0&returnPage=search-results1.jhtml)

Have had my Lyman LE1000 since they first came out quite a few years ago. Had to replace the plug-in transformer about a year ago for $7.50.

All digital scales can be fussy at times, depending on air currents in your work area and temps. With patience, most settle down quickly. Be sure to check weigh them upon starting and then again during operation if loading big lots.

Ranch Dog

Isn't that +/- .1grains? Without getting out the manual, I believe my PACT is +/- .1 through a certain range (the one that powder charges would typically fall in), but at higher weights, the interval increases.

amndouglas

Thanks you are right, 1/10th grain across the range of the the scale (0 to 1500 grains).

I use the Pact scale, I was so happy with it I ordered the dispensor as well. I weigh every load so it works great for me.
Jim

Thanks for all your help.

Dan

For what it's worth, many industrial suppliers carry all sorts of digital balances from economy models under $100 to extreme high end stuff running several thousands of dollars. I did some looking a few months ago and forgive me for not recalling many of the brand names off hand but I did find several. Like anything else, the more you spend, the more you get out of it but there are many very accurate digital balances out there that won't require a second mortgage on your house to buy. On the oposite end of the spectrum, you can spend upwards of 50 grand on a computerized fully automated exposion proof dispensing system with super duper accuracy.

Some brands that come to mind are Acculab, Mistubishi and Ohaus and I think Omron or one of it's sister companies also is in the business. For less than $300 you can get some very accurate and durable balances. Most have accuracy in the .08 - .01 grain range as compared to the .1 grain or larger ranges of the scales branded with names normally associated with reloading equipment.

The biggest things you need to look at is durability and range accuracy. You get to weighting a few hundred 100+ grain bullets on some scales and you beat the **** out of the load cell and loose a considerable volume of accuracy accross the entire spectrum. If you do a lot of bullet weighing, you should look for a balance that uses an electromagnetic weight sensor instead of a load cell sensor. EMS's are more durable and have little drifting problems too.

Looking at the load range accuracy is also very important. Most balances will have their accuracy rated at "mid-scale" which means if you have a scale that is rated at "+/- .1gr" but has a capasity of 0 - 1500gr, the rating is obtained at the 750gr loading. As you go above and below this weight, the accuracy value increases meaning you'll get more variation the farther you get above and below mid-scale. Higher quality balances will list their accuracy rating as "full range" meaning no matter if you weigh 3gr or 800gr, you will still maintain the same accuracy in the reading.

Some come with load buffers which decrease the effects of temperature changes and drafts as well as helping to prevent damage to the sensing mechanism when loading and unloading the sensor.

I'm not talking spending a fortune here either. You can get a real good quality buffered load cell balance for less than $280 and a very high quality EMS balance for under $400. Granted they are a lot more than the $100 specials but you are getting a lot more durability and accuracy too.

Someone said about having static charge problems. One thing that works well is to wash all your plastic powder handling equipment in warms water with Ivory Liquid dish detergent, must be Ivory brand. Something in this brand really knocks the static properties off plastics, tried other brands with little to no effect. Another thing that helps is to put all your plastic funnels, trays, pans, ect. in a metal container and cover with aluminum foil when not in use. Cookie tins and baking pans work very well for this. The static charge will drain off the plastic if it is in contact with metal, like batteries, the more you drain them, the less charge they can hold. Avoid leaving any plastic items in light, especially sunlight when not being used. They can also pick up static from the air too. Never wipe them with anything containing synthetics including most paper towels, always use 100% cotton cloth.

I tried rubbing fine powdered graphite on the Lyman funnel pan. Results, before, 4350 clung like glue, after, W231 ran off like water. This was John Deere graphite that we used for lubing combine roller chains. Thanks, Slim. The one I have is ambidextrous.
http://www.lymanproducts.com/lymanproducts/images/PowderPal2.jpg


Never had much luck with the Ivory Liquid. It helps some, but not enough when the humidity gets down into the 10-20% range in the wintertime. The old Zerostats that we used for de- staticing phonograph records work, but I understand the price is out the roof now.
http://www.2spi.com/catalog/photo/zerostat.shtml
Yes it is.

Bye
Jack

Heck, just wipe your pans, tubes, powder hoppers, etc, anything you use that pours powder, with an anti-static cling sheet your wife uses for the clothes dryer. Works like a charm! Even the used ones she generally throws away. Keep several of them in the gunroom and swipe down anything that powder seems attracted to. Never a problem after that. :D

Just got a e-flyer from Natchez and they have the 1200 grain Lyman scale with dispenser for $209. Pretty good deal as compared to other sellers!

I just got the RCBS chargemaster 1500 Combo,The scale and dispenser unit are excellent,It warms up within 2-3 min.Its accurate,its awesome.It will definatly spoil you quik!Simple to drain the powder.Midsouth Shooters Supply has them for 260.00.Midway and cabelas are runnin 300.00.

Midway will soon be carrying a digital scale by Frankford Arsenal ... not much details on it now, but it's price is low at about $50.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=713372

I just got the RCBS chargemaster 1500 Combo,The scale and dispenser unit are excellent,It warms up within 2-3 min.Its accurate,its awesome.It will definatly spoil you quik!Simple to drain the powder.


That's an understatement! I just got mine the other day and I loaded up some rounds in a fraction of the time it usually takes me. Now I'm scratching my head wondering why I waited so long to get one.. :confused:

That's an understatement! I just got mine the other day and I loaded up some rounds in a fraction of the time it usually takes me. Now I'm scratching my head wondering why I waited so long to get one.. :confused:


M1,I love mine,.When I first got mine I tested a hundred charges,out of those 100 charges only two of them were a tenth of a grain off and that was because a little powder fell on the scale from the trickler.I know one thing...ITS WORTH EVERY PENNEY,go get one you wont regret it.

My shooting buddy came over today and brought his RCBS Electronic measure/scale and put it on my bench. When he went home he said you keep it. He reloads over here all the time and has two drawers full of his reloading components and his gun safe sits next to mine.

This was the first time I used it and it was accurate as the dickens, just slower than all get out. At least to me whose been dropping loads from a powder measure for the last 40 or so years.

I am impressed by the accuracy, but not with the speed. Anyway there it sits and so I better get to using it just to keep up with the Jone's.

I loaded up fifty rounds for the Ruger #1 for my Granddaughter. Got to sight those in tomarrow for her first deer hunt. I'll let you guys know how it did for accuracy.

My shooting buddy came over today and brought his RCBS Electronic measure/scale and put it on my bench. When he went home he said you keep it. He reloads over here all the time and has two drawers full of his reloading components and his gun safe sits next to mine.

This was the first time I used it and it was accurate as the dickens, just slower than all get out. At least to me whose been dropping loads from a powder measure for the last 40 or so years.

I am impressed by the accuracy, but not with the speed. Anyway there it sits and so I better get to using it just to keep up with the Jone's.

I loaded up fifty rounds for the Ruger #1 for my Granddaughter. Got to sight those in tomarrow for her first deer hunt. I'll let you guys know how it did for accuracy.

The powder dispenser and scale combo im referring to is the CHARGEMASTER 1500 combo.This is the newest from rcbs,The rcbs combo before this model is the POWDERMASTER combo which was reportadly slower.
I think the CHARGEMASTER is fast,but I dont load large rifle cases.It does charge for the 44 mag lickity split!
Also you are used to weighing by volume and this weighs rather quickly for weighing by weight.

I loaded up some 348 Win and 270 Win and all my cases need is the charge and seat the bullet. After I dump the charge in the funnel, place the pan back and hit the dispense button, by the time I seat the bullet, another charge is ready to go. These are usually around 55-60 grns of IMR 4831, 4350 or similar. It is pretty slick and I'm more than happy with it thus far.

I loaded up some 348 Win and 270 Win and all my cases need is the charge and seat the bullet. After I dump the charge in the funnel, place the pan back and hit the dispense button, by the time I seat the bullet, another charge is ready to go. These are usually around 55-60 grns of IMR 4831, 4350 or similar. It is pretty slick and I'm more than happy with it thus far.

I couldnt agree more,by the time I get the bullet seated its sitting there waithing on me.It is one of my best purchases.Mostly whats on my bench is Lee Red for the simple fact its affordable and it works(good at that).But that big green scale and trickler combo I am just tickled with.Befor I got this combo I was using the pro powder measure that gets activated by the flaring die.This is a fast setup as well,but if I can weigh by weight almost as quick as can be had by volume.....Lets just say since ive had the Chargemaster combo thats all ive used...

If any of you out there are interested in getting a scale dispenser combo check out this very good article on the three top models......Check this out before you buy.........Steve.
http://www.6mmbr.com/powderdispensers01.html

Great article. It would have helped me a while back as part of the reason it took me so long is I couldn't decide which one to go with. I finally decided by all the user comments on Midwayusa as almost all rated the Chargemaster very high while there were too many who rated the Lyman much lower than I was comfortable with. Glad I did....