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I think it kind of depends on what you're loading. I'm only loading pistol rounds on a progressive press, so I have a balance scale that I use to verify what my powder measure is dropping into the cases.

If you're trickling powder to get the exact powder measure for a rifle round, I think a high-quality digital scale may save you a lot of time and headache.

I have a couple of mechanical (Lee and RCBS 505) and one digital (Franklin Arsenal cheapo). I consistently go back to the 505. The Franklin Arsenal has a feature that turns off the scale after about 60 seconds. I found that it needs to be recalibrated when turned back on so that process takes way longer than using a mechanical scale. Other digitals might be better, but I don't have any experience with them.

The Lee scale is as accurate as the 505, but much more difficult to set with the little lines you have to align in the slots. It is great when you are looking to measure a preset weight, but the pits when you have an unknown weight you are trying to figure out.

Just my .02 cents worth.

I have tried three different digital scales and they all have the same issues; constantly need recalibrating, do not respond well to trickling, and you must turn off the central air/heat before using them. I recommend you just get a balance beam from RCBS, Redding or Dillon. I tried the Lee balance beam but I dumped it due to the reasons described by the previous post.

My go to scale is the Dillon beam. I also have digitals by Frankford arsenal and RCBS. I only use the digitals to verify my charges every five or so rounds for accuracy. After four or five spot checks, I rarely use the scales until my next session unless I change powders or calibers.

I started reloading with an ancient Milvay metric lab scale that belonged to my Dad; when I moved away from home, I got myself an RCBS 10-10 scale. Nowadays, by choice, I use a PACT digital scale.

I still have both of the old scales, and use them once in a while just for the heck of it . . . but the PACT is my workhorse.

I have an RCBS balance scale, but I use this exclusively now and haven't had any problems with it:

http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1250" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Houston1944 wrote:I have tried three different digital scales and they all have the same issues; constantly need recalibrating, do not respond well to trickling, and you must turn off the central air/heat before using them.

You really should worry just as much about air currents with any scale. As for the constant recalibration, I have a "SmartReloader" digital that was on sale under $20 at Cabelas, and though I check calibration every time I take the pan cover off, it's never been more than 0.2 grain off except after changing the battery. I also have a balance to occasionally double-check the digital, but they've always agreed.

KD5NRH wrote:You really should worry just as much about air currents with any scale.

Many people don't understand this concept. You can't have an accurate and precise balance that isn't sensitive to air currents unless you build a cage around it. That is the reason all analytical balances are in enclosed cases.

For accurate weighing you need to put the balance on a solid and sturdy table or workbench. The balance must be kept level for accurate and consistant weights. Every time a balance is moved it needs to be re-leveled and zeroed. This applies to both beam and digital balances.

Probably the most misunderstood technique about using a beam balance is that the arm should be moving when you measure your weight. When the proper weight is achieved, the arm should be oscillating up and down and the pointer should be moving equal distances above and below the center mark. If you wait for the beam to stop moving and point to the zero mark, it takes much longer and your weight will not be as accurate.

Here's a pretty good set of instructions. http://www.thesciencedesk.com/pdffiles/ ... alance.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One more thing. Just because something is digital doesn't make it more accurate than analog. This applies to balances, calipers, thermometers, etc.

End of sermon.

I have a digital scale, but I only use it to sort rifle cases by weight because it's much faster. BTW, it measures a little off from the beam scale. MY RCBS beam has been more than reliable for many years. For dependability, the balance scale id hard to beat.

I've got an RCBS balance scale that I bought back in the mid 90s. Still works good to this day.

pedalman wrote:I've got an RCBS balance scale that I bought back in the mid 90s. Still works good to this day.

Take good care of them and they will last a good long time. As long as you don't drop or manhandle a beam balance there isn't much that can go wrong with them. When not in use you have to keep it properly stored so that it won't rust or corrode.

Mine was bought by my dad in the early 60s and it still works fine. Of course, most guys like cool high-tech digital stuff. For most, that's a good enough reason to buy a new digital balance.

I own three scales. An RCBS 505, a 50+ year old Redding scale that was my dad's and a Lee Safety Scale. Other than being limited to 110 grains the Lee is a great value. It is accurate and repeatable that's what is most important in a scale.