Digital vs Balance Beam scales

[Jaeger]

Reading another thread on another site, I was surprised how many of them recommend a digital scale.

 

I purchased an RCBS Model 10-10 balance type scale 2 years ago because my buddy (Mentor) constantly had problems with  his digital scale, a Pact I think.

 

The problems were that his florescent light caused reading fluctuations and then even his cell phone would cause issue if too close to the scale.

 

Also, we had to constantly reset/recheck the zero about every 3 rounds.

 

I am not ecstatic about my scale either.  Sometimes I trickle a grain or two (or three or four) before any movement occurs and then sometimes a measured .5-2 grain jump on the scale.  Not very confidence building.

 

I think the arm may be dragging or something similar, but I cannot locate it.

 

So...............

 

1.  Does anyone else have a similar problem with a balance type scale?

 

2.  What do you recommend for a good to top of the line digital scale?

 

and finally

 

3.  Are the digital scales with the built in powder measures worth it? Gimmicks? or more trouble than they are worth?

 

FYI - I load for center-fire rifle and I do measure EVERY load.

 

Thank you all in advance for any advice/experience.

 

Jaeger 

[Culvercreek hunt club]

I use this one without issue. Checks perfectly with my balance beam scale. I trickle into it and I do find that it react quicker if I trickle into the center of the pan.  (Boy that sounds like a typical 50 year old problem...lol)

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/175512/frankford-arsenal-ds-750-electronic-powder-scale-750-grain-capacity?cm_vc=ProductFinding

 

Edited August 3, 2015 by Culvercreek hunt club

[Slaynbux]

I use this one works great. Got one at cabelas had a deal going one came with a free box of 230 gr xtp 45cal. Started using it to measure muzzleloader charges to work up a accurate load for my gun.

[wildcat junkie]

I have used a Lyman digital scale that I originally purchased for weighing wood arrow shafts in 1994. It has worked flawlessly for all that time.

 

I use a manual powder dispenser set to within a few 1/10 of a grain of the desired weight & finish of with a "trickler".

 

That combo works great & it is fast.

[thphm]

Did you open it up an check the battery inside.

[Culvercreek hunt club]

I use this one works great. Got one at cabelas had a deal going one came with a free box of 230 gr xtp 45cal. Started using it to measure muzzleloader charges to work up a accurate load for my gun. image.jpg

Can you explain this just in case there are some new muzzle loader users out their so there isn't any confusion about weight vs volume.

[Pygmy]

I'm still using the Herter's beam balance that I bought in 1973...

Yeah, it's slower, but I am not a high volume reloader...If I load 40 rounds at a time that's a lot for me...When I charge cases, I sit back, relax and take my time and weigh every charge carefully.

[dbHunterNY]

I've been slowly getting stuff to start reloading.  started with components and then dies and shell holders.  I was thinking a manual beam balance was the way to go.  I plan to do fewer rounds with more focus on quality and accuracy for my varmint rifle and eventually big game rifles.

[Culvercreek hunt club]

I've been slowly getting stuff to start reloading.  started with components and then dies and shell holders.  I was thinking a manual beam balance was the way to go.  I plan to do fewer rounds with more focus on quality and accuracy for my varmint rifle and eventually big game rifles.

I don't get the tying of more accuracy with the manual beam only? Calibration is calibration. If a digital scale is accurate why not? If you preference if manual than that is one thing but your comment makes it sound like that is the only way to achieve what you want?

 

Is you mind already made up on a press? I am not certain that shell holders are universal. Are they?

[dbHunterNY]

I don't get the tying of more accuracy with the manual beam only? Calibration is calibration. If a digital scale is accurate why not? If you preference if manual than that is one thing but your comment makes it sound like that is the only way to achieve what you want?

 

Is you mind already made up on a press? I am not certain that shell holders are universal. Are they?

 

I don't know I assumed the manual one would be more accurate.  more of a question.  I'm an electrical engineer so I tend to think electrical stuff is broke until proven otherwise. lol  like I said I haven't gotten into it yet.  I got RCBS shell holders for only .223 so far  more so have gotten components.  was told they fit into many presses belonging to people I know.  also I was thinking about an RCBS single stage or turret.  was told they are universal but some fit better in some presses and not as well in others.  figured I was covered enough to buy them.

Edited August 3, 2015 by dbHunterNY

[Pygmy]

I don't know if all shellholders are interchangeable, but I have RCBS, Lyman and LEE, and they are all the same...

 

As far as single stage presses go, the RCBS Rockchucker is the one that others are compared to....

[philoshop]

A decent set of check weights will help to ensure that a scale is 'honest' whether it's electronic or mechanical. Mandatory gear at my bench.

[Slaynbux]

Can you explain this just in case there are some new muzzle loader users out their so there isn't any confusion about weight vs volume.

This should help.i .

[soileauj]

I use a beam and doublecheck on a digital. Just makes me feel more comfortable.