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Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec.?

N

NativeCraft

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 14, 2006
183
0
Wilson, NC
#1
Alright, so my Lee scale pretty much sucks - sticks, always needs re-zeroing (by a lot sometimes).
What are some better ones that I can use from now on and not outgrow?
I've got my eye on the RCBS 5-0-5 - will it do the job accurately and sufficiently without much fuss?
Any others I should consider?
 
#3
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec.?

go digital.then you want have to reset it that much.or just clean your Lee up good.keep my Lee around so when the battery goes dead I'll have something.and do you load in a climate controled room?if not you will reset it all the time.
 
#6
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec

Ohaus is a long-time maker of loading scales and supplies the Dillon and RCBS 502, 505, and 10-10. The Redding has a very good reputation, but some prefer one and some the other. All are two-poise except the 505 which is three-poise. The 10-10 has twice the weight capacity of the others and costs twice as much. It also has a cover that may serve as somewhat of a wind-beak and could be considered as portable, but I won't get too carried away with those concepts. The Ohaus scales use agate bearings, and the Redding has steel bearings. Depending on whether the base of the scale is grounded, the Redding may have a capability for bleeding any accumulated static charge from the beam.

Unless you want a three-poise scale, I'd look at the Dillon, Redding and RCBS 502, and choose among them. The Redding and RCBS 502 are close in price, and the Dillon is a bit less. Be careful how you get rid of the Lee; the recipient may have a long memory.
 
#7
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Winchester 69</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Be careful how you get rid of the Lee; the recipient may have a long memory.</div></div>
Now THAT'S good advice! Well taken...
 
#8
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec

"Alright, so my Lee scale pretty much sucks - sticks, always needs recalibrating (by a lot sometimes)."

Not sure what you mean about "recalibrating"; didn't know that was possible. The only adjustment is for zero, isn't it. And sticking, with any scale, usually means the beam isn't properly placed on its pivot points. ??

But, yes, the (Ohaus made) 505 or Redding will be much easier to use and, with proper care, either will last forever. And at a rational price too. ("Good" digitals are NOT rationally priced and they WON'T last forever, no matter how much you pay!)
 
#9
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not sure what you mean about "recalibrating"; didn't know that was possible. The only adjustment is for zero, isn't it. And sticking, with any scale, usually means the beam isn't properly placed on its pivot points.</div></div>
OK, technically speaking I meant to say "re-zeroing". And yes, it's difficult to get it on its pivot point just right, thereby causing "sticking".
 
#12
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec

While we wait for the photographs from BT. I have cross checked scales below that have been tuned, with my Promethus, they are close.

"Scott Parker can modify balance beam scales to enhance sensitivity and more importantly, repeatability. Scott tells us: "You can literally count kernels with these scales--after tuning, the scales typically gain a half order of magnitude in sensitivity and a full order of magnitude in repeatability. Outside of a $250+ laboratory scale, a tuned beam scale is the most accurate and precise balance you can buy. I have tuned several 10-10s. They all have turned out very sensitive, consistent and hold linearity like a dream. The sensitivity after tuning is such that one kernel of powder registers a poise beam deflection. For repeatability, I remove the pan and replace it for the zero 10 times. The zero line and the poise beam balance line must coincide for each of those 10 tries. I then set the poises to read 250.0 grains. I remove and replace the pan 10 times with the calibration weight. For repeatability, the poise beam balance line must return to that same balance point ten times. I then adjust the poises back to zero and recheck the zero. A report is generated detailing the initial inspection of the balance, the corrective actions performed and any remaining concerns. I sell Ohaus type 10-10 and model 5-10 scales for $70.00 + shipping. I can also modify your existing 5-10 or 10-10 scales for $20.00 + shipping. Email me at [email protected] or call (661) 364-1199."
 
#13
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec

"You can literally count kernels with these scales-after tuning,"

I accept that, and asking only $20 for what ever would be done to my old 1010 is a reasonable price. BUT...I'm not interested in that level of sensitivity! THE single reason to precisely measure powder is to attain a precise burn/pressure, right? It sounds good too, but, fact is, such precise powder measuring simply cannot deliver on that promise!

Normal case volume variations make more of a pressure difference than .1 to .4 gr. of powder, depending on case size!

And normal variations in primer briesence (SP?) also makes such precise powder weights totally irrelivant.

So, theory aside, I'll just stay with my old scale's .1 gr accuracy and about .05 grain resolution; it's more really precise than I can effectively use in the real world. ??
 
#14
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec

Been using the 505 for 7 or 8 yrs., No problems. Tried the elecronics but never could get comfy with them. Also never could find one to perform as claimed. If I ever get another one, it will be a 10 10.

okie
 
#16
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"You can literally count kernels with these scales-after tuning,"
“THE single reason to precisely measure powder is to attain a precise burn/pressure, right? It sounds good too, but, fact is, such precise powder measuring simply cannot deliver on that promise! “ </div></div>
If your powder measure can count kernels, that is one less variable in the pressure/extreme spread/Standard Deviation Scheme.

If the standard old balance beam can measure within .1 grain accuracy versus a beam that can count kernels. Your results with your standard balance beam will worse than that of the kernel counter when measured through a chronograph.

Will this accuracy show up on paper targets? Perhaps it will and maybe it won’t. Depends on another Variable you throw in the mix. How far are you shooting? Close range <400 yards? Long Range 600, 800, 1000? Your Kernel Counting will be well appreciated at 1000 yards.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"Normal case volume variations make more of a pressure difference than .1 to .4 gr. of powder, depending on case size! “</div></div>
This could be true if using mixed brass or low quality brass.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">" And normal variations in primer briesence (SP?) also makes such precise powder weights totally irrelivant.“ </div></div> Buy a match primer, it cuts this variation down if there was any to begin with.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">" So, theory aside, I'll just stay with my old scale's .1 gr accuracy and about .05 grain resolution; it's more really precise than I can effectively use in the real world. ?? ”</div></div>
The more precise you can get in your reloading the more effective you will be in the real world downrange.
 
#18
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec

if you shoot a good rifle, you need good ammo....these make good ammo.....in the course of time it took to read this whole thread one could have loaded complete....12 bullets ...finished match winning ammunition.....
ScottyinPrometheusHeavenjpg3.jpg
 
#19
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec

The first scale I had was a Lee, anytime I would let the beam come to rest and then try to add the last few grains 1 or 2 at a time until it gradually reached the zero line, it gave inconsistent readings, but if I started it in motion again and waited for it to stop oscillating, it was pretty accurate but took forever. The scale I use now is a Webster that my grandpa had bought no telling how long ago..not even sure if you can still find one, but you can't beat the quality in the way its built. The best part of its design is a paddle attached to the beam that gets submerged in a glass reservoir full of oil. This eliminates all the oscillation movement of the beam and makes things go a lot faster with greater accuracy.
 
#22
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Witch Doctor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just a guess, a stab in the dark really, is that the infamous Prometheus Tool Company scale? They look like Jager shot coolers.

</div></div>

That would be correct.

Those are all gen 2 models except the one by Scott's left shoulder. Its a gen 1.

BTW, I think He's photo cropped into that photo.

haha
 
#23
Re: Beam scale that will work for me forever - rec

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NativeCraft</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lovely picture, Boltripper - was there alcohol involved?
What are those things and where do you get them?</div></div>


no booze, as i had to drive....Brand Cole makes these in batches at the moment ...PM me for all the intel and i'll send along your serious requests....
 
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