I am looking at buying a new set of scales. The problem is I don't really know what I want. The only thing I have used so far is the Lee Safety Scale which came with my Lee Anniversary kit. I don't mind spending a $100-$125 dollars on scale that will serve me well. My problem is I don't know if I want a high end beam style scale or a middle of the road digital. I would like to hear some input from you other guys on this. One question also: my main complaint about the Lee Scale is it takes forever to settle, will the more expensive beam scales be the same way or are they a lot faster?

I have been thinking about it myself and comparing several and here are the pros and cons I come up with for each. I would appreciate any comments from guys who have used both styles.

Beam Scale Pros: Last a lifetime, easy to zero and check zero, not affected by radio interference and don't need power to run them.

Beam Scale Cons: Slower, not as portable (although this really isn't a factor for me), and harder to measure for those tenths of grains.

Digital Scale Pros: small size, easy to read LCD numbers, easy to read to those tenths of grains.

Digital Scale Cons: need power to use, sensitive to radio waves, other interference, need to be warmed up before using, sensitive to air current.

Input and comments?

When I bought a Lyman 1000 digital years ago, kept the RCBS 5-0-5 on the shelf for backup and to check the digital every so often.

The digital was/is so accurate and easy to use that I gave my beam scale to ribbonstone when he lost his gear in the New Orleans flood. Haven't missed it.

Only had to buy a new transformer AC adaptor when the old one wore out. Big deal - 5 bucks. Still worked on battery power until the new adaptor arrived.

Take a look at the scales offered on Ebay under loading scales. There are numerious types offered. Many imports are very inexpensive. Just make sure the scale has a grain mode. Many are used in the jewlery sector. You don't have to spend $100 for a good digital scale. Just knowing where to look. TF

I use and like the Little Lee scale and have an RCBS scale also that I don't like near as much. My shooting buddy brought over his RCBS scale dispenser system and plopped it on my bench. This system is a little slow compared to dropping charges out of a powder measure and checking with a scale every so often, but it gives the most accurate consistant loads I've ever thrown.

I havn't tried many scales. I have a late 70's RCBS 5-10. It is the only scale I have ever owned. I keep a cover over it when not in use. I've had two problems with it over the years.

#1 From time to time(years), it will not weigh the same bullet(one specimen used as a checkweight) the same? A spritz with evaporating solvent has always restored consistancy. Dust at the pivot point. Rare, but happens.

#2 The handle on the copper scalepan "worried off" 2005. RCBS replaced it free of charge (I paid to ship the defective one to them. They paid to ship the replacement to me).

The also "refurbed/polished/replaced my die sets at no charge(other than shipping to them). They came back complete with parts that I had not shipped to them(decap ***'ys, lock rings, etc).

I a'm pleased with RCBS.

Cheezywan

go to archery talk.com clssifieds general hunting accs

30.00 with calibration weights

Digital, no question.

Just get a set of check weights, and use them. Electronics do weird things, sometimes...

I have the PACT scale, model DPPS (along with the digital power dispenser).
I don't use the dispenser much (I'm not loading much quantity of same load), but I use the scale everytime.
Couldn't be happier with this equipment.