Recommend me a beam scale for powder

[223AI]

Rcbs 505

[1066]

Although the Lee scale works well enough, being both sensitive and accurate, it's certainly not the easiest to read and adjust and as Kenny says, the damping leaves something to be desired. It's been around, unchanged, since the 1970's and was engineered as an entry level scale. (£12 then)


The common range of RCBS scales, the 502, 505 and 10/10 were dropped from the RCBS range around 3 years ago and for around 8 years prior to that all production was moved from USA to Mexico and China, with quality becoming variable to say the least. RCBS then introduced two new scales the M1000 and the M500, again made in China but, of the several M500 I've seen the quality seems ok and the scales work well. (I've never seen a M1000 so can't comment)


I would suggest, if you wanted to upgrade from the Lee and buy new, your choices are an M500 or the Redding No 2 or possibly the Hornady beam scale. These are all simple two poise scales with no frills but work well. I'm not keen on the current Lyman scales with their small knife edges, fixed bearing and lightweight plastic body.


A good used scales would be better quality than new but it's obviously a bit of a chance. The RCBS/Ohaus 502, 505, 5-10, 10/10, the Redding No 2, Lyman M5 and the old Hornady "M" type are all obsolete but would be good choices.

[severnsider]

Although the Lee scale works well enough, being both sensitive and accurate, it's certainly not the easiest to read and adjust and as Kenny says, the damping leaves something to be desired. It's been around, unchanged, since the 1970's and was engineered as an entry level scale. (£12 then)

A good used scales would be better quality than new but it's obviously a bit of a chance. The RCBS/Ohaus 502, 505, 5-10, 10/10, the Redding No 2, Lyman M5 and the old Hornady "M" type are all obsolete but would be good choices.

For what it's worth I made the change (after a few years) from the Lee beam scales to the RCBS 5-0-5 (bought second-hand) and my reloading was made far easier, more consistent and quicker as a result. The other benefit of the RCBS (and, presumably, other similar beam scales) is that they work superbly with the Targetmaster trickler (whereas the Lee will not).

[kennyc]

For what it's worth I made the change (after a few years) from the Lee beam scales to the RCBS 5-0-5 (bought second-hand) and my reloading was made far easier, more consistent and quicker as a result. The other benefit of the RCBS (and, presumably, other similar beam scales) is that they work superbly with the Targetmaster trickler (whereas the Lee will not).

easier,and quicker I will agree with, more consistent? thats more likely to be user error than the scale, as to the Tagetmaster , it can be done

[1066]

easier,and quicker I will agree with, more consistent? thats more likely to be user error than the scale, as to the Tagetmaster , it can be done

So it can Here's another lee scale that been chopped about a bit.

[severnsider]

easier,and quicker I will agree with, more consistent? thats more likely to be user error than the scale,

The cheek of it!!!!! More like my own impatience waiting for the Lee to settle leading to minor inconsistencies so yes, I suppose you're right, but I find the pan on the 5-0-5 much easier to use with my fat fingers than the Lee...…………...

[Simon_S]

If you want one that not pain to use go with the RCBS 5.0.5.
All the RCBS ones are good mate

[Jezzer]

I've been using my Hornady beam scales for over 25 years, never had an issue with them.