At a Glance: Best reloading beam scales
- OUR TOP PICK: Hornady – Lock-n-load Balance Beam Scale
- RUNNER UP: RCBS – M1000 Mechanical Scale
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Lee Precision – Safety Powder Scale
Comparison of the Best Reloading Beam Scales
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Our Top Pick
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Hornady – Lock-n-load Balance Beam Scale |
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Our Top Pick
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RCBS – M1000 Mechanical Scale |
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View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
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Lee Precision – Safety Powder Scale |
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View Latest Price |
Reloading your own rounds has a lot of benefits including saving money. To reload cartridges precisely you will need a reloading press and other accessories, including an accurate and precise scale. You can choose between the beam and digital scales. Beam scales have a steeper learning curve but are often more accurate.
Our List of the Top 6 beam Scales
We looked mainly at the accuracy and quality of the scales we reviewed. Then we checked the reliability, warranty, durability, maximum grain capacity, ease of use, the learning curve for zeroing and use scale accessories, and the price. We are pretty sure that you will find here the scale that works best for you.
Hornady – Lock-n-load Balance Beam Scale
The Hornady Lock-n-load Balance Beam is one of the best on our list and a great choice for shooters who prefer a more traditional scale. It is a classic manual balance system with 0.1-grain sensitivity. The Balance Beam scale will easily handle most reloading tasks and provide fast, accurate measurements thanks to the magnetic dampener.
This is an extremely durable scale and one that will last a lifetime. It can serve as an essential tool for your reloading bench but it’s not the best option if you are looking for a scale to take to the range with you.
The only thing I don’t like so much about the Lock-n-load is the low grain capacity. This manual scale has a 500-grain capacity which is a bit too low for my needs.
Pros
- Top choice for reliability
- Great for those looking for a long-lasting traditional scale
- +/- 0.1-grain sensitivity
- Magnetic dampener for accuracy
- Easy-to-read laser-etched bar
- Hardened pivot pins & bearings for durability
Cons
- 00-grain capacity only
- Not lightweight or easy to transport
- Does not have the high tech features of the more modern electronic scale
RCBS – M1000 Mechanical Scale
RCBS was founded in 1943 by Fred T. Huntington in Oroville, California. Huntington was an avid shooter, who started to craft his own dies in the back room of his father’s laundry and dry-cleaning business to reload varmint bullets. These bullets were used to shoot rock chucks, so he named them Rock Chuck Bullet Swage dies, later shortened to the ‘RCBS’ that is well known for top-quality reloading tools. RCBS offers a limited lifetime warranty.
The M1000 mechanical scale is another great product from RCBS. It gives users 1,000-grain capacity with +/- 0.1-grain accuracy. This scale is suitable for right or left-handed users alike.
It offers magnetic damping for fast readings and maintenance-free movement. There is a metal tip-proof pan that makes loading powder easy. The scale comes pre-calibrated so you should not have any problems finding zero. However, it is a great idea to place the scale on a shelf at eye level for exact weighing. Reading the scale can sometimes cause parallax. An easy solution is to use your phone and read the scale through it.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Great brand and limited lifetime warranty
- 1,000-grain capacity
- 3 scales in one
- 0.1-grain accuracy
- Magnetic damping
Cons
- Reading the scale can cause parallax
- Very expensive
Lee Precision – Safety Powder Scale
The Lee reloading business started in the workshop of Richard Lee in 1958 with the invention of the famous Lee Loader for shotgun shells. Richard Lee continued innovating his reloading tools and accessories, including scales, under his company Lee Precision. The company provides great customer service and guarantees that if their product breaks within 2 full years from purchase, it will be exchanged or repaired immediately.
The Safety scale is an extremely accurate scale. It weighs powder to 1/20 of a grain. That means it is a little bit hard to settle and the learning curve on how to operate this scale will be steep for a beginner. To achieve accuracy always zero your Safety scale before you start using it. Humidity and change of temperature can affect its calibration.
To calibrate your scale set the main base weight to zero and lock the two smaller weights on the right to zero as well. When that is done the left side of the base should point to the mark on the left base tower of the scale. There is a special thumb screw inside the base which helps with zeroing the scale. This scale is reliable and easy to use once you learn how to operate it. It has a capacity of 100 grains. The only complaint is that there is no way to lock the thumbscrew in place, making it possible to brush it and lose calibration when adjusting the slider position on the beam.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Great brand and warranty
- Very precise, to 1/20 of a grain
- Thumbscrew in the base helps with zeroing
- Capacity 100 grains
- Very good price
Cons
- The learning curve is steep
Lyman – Pro Scales
In the late 1800s, William Lyman, an avid outdoorsman and inventor, created his first product. Since then, the Lyman company has focused on innovation and manufacturing outdoor products, including reloading tools, that have a strong fanbase. According to Lyman, performance means delivering value while advancing technology. Lyman’s products certainly deliver, however, their warranty is not on the par with the other manufacturers described here.
The Pro scale is sturdy and durable. Its base is made from high-impact molded styrene with an extra-large leveling wheel for easy adjustment. It is very precise. It measures to 1/10 of a grain. The capacity of the scale is 500 grains.
Always calibrate the scale on the surface you will be using it on and always have the loading try on the scale. Move the big slider on the left of the beam to zero and the small poise on the right of the beam to zero as well. Check whether the line on the left side of the beam is pointing exactly to the mark on the left tower of the base. If it is not exact, use the screw under the left tower of the base to move it up or down as needed. When it is calibrated, set up the slider and poise to the numbers you want to measure and load the tray up. The scale settles quickly so you will have no problem using it efficiently.
Pros
- Well known brand
- Durable
- Extra-large leveling wheel
- Precise to 1/10 grain
- Maximum capacity of 500 grains
- Easy to calibrate
- Easy to use
- Medium price range
Cons
- Warranty is not as good
Lyman – Brass Smith 500 Metal Reloading Scale
As described above, the Lyman company is renowned for its reloading tools including reloading scales, although its warranty is not the best on the market.
The Brass Smith 500 reloading scale’s body is made from aluminum which reduces vibrations and promotes accuracy. The beam is double-sided and can be used by left- and right-handed reloaders alike. The capacity is 505 grains. The scale is precise to 1/10 grain. It includes magnetic dampening that helps the scale to settle.
Using the scale is easy. Although it comes pre-calibrated from the factory, we recommend calibrating your scale before every use on a new surface and always having the loading tray on. Similarly to its brother, the Pro 500 described above, you just need to move the big slider and the small poise to zero and check if the beam mark is pointing exactly to the mark on the big tower of the base. If not, just use the screw under the big tower to adjust it properly. The calibration is easy to learn. The same applies to the use of this scale. For easier reading of the scale beam, place the scale at eye level.
Pros
- Well known brand
- Sturdy
- Made from aluminum
- Lightweight, only 0.5lbs
- Easy to calibrate
- Easy to use
- Medium price range
Cons
- Warranty is not as good as other companies
RCBS – 502 Reloading Scale
This is another great product from the well-respected company RCBS. As mentioned above, RCBS has been around for over 60 years. It provides good customer service and a limited lifetime warranty.
Its 502 reloading scale is made from cast metal that makes it strong and durable. The capacity is 505 grains. Its accuracy goes to +/- 0.1-grain. There is a magnet inside the big tower on the left of the base that helps the scale to settle faster and be more accurate. It does not hold zero if it is moved around since the plastic knob underneath it levels the scale.
When you first buy your new reloading scale and before every use, you need to calibrate it. It is an easy process thanks to the magnet which keeps the beam inside the big tower on the left side of the base. Place the scale on an even surface, preferably glass. Then you set up the slider and small poise to zero. If the marks on the beam and on the left big base tower don’t match, you can use the plastic knob under the big tower to adjust the level. Always keep the loading tray on the scale when calibrating.
Pros
- Well known company
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Durable metal base
- 505 grain Capacity
- Accuracy to 1/10 grain
- Easy to calibrate
- Easy to use
- Ounce to grain conversion sticker
- Medium price range
Cons
- Does not hold zero when moved
What is a Beam Scale and How to Use it?
A beam scale, also known as a balance beam scale or a mechanical scale, is a type of scale that operates using gravity. It consists of two platforms, one for the object being weighed and the other for weights of a known measurement. To determine the weight of an object, users add weights until they equal the weight of the object on the opposite platform. Unlike digital scales, beam scales do not require electricity to function, and they can be calibrated mechanically.
Why is a Reloading Scale Essential for Owning Accurate Ammunition?
If you’re into reloading your own cartridges, the primary goal is to make the most accurate ammunition possible. To achieve this, it’s crucial to measure the powder precisely, and that’s where the reloading scale comes in. While a powder dispenser that measures by volume is an option, to achieve true accuracy, those volumes must be verified on a scale. Some reloaders even weigh their brass cases and projectiles to achieve tighter groups.
Beam Scales vs. Digital Scales: Which is the Best Option for You?
Both beam and digital scales provide precise weight measurement, but there are differences between the two types of scales. Beam scales are accurate and their precision depends on the smallest possible measurement on a given beam scale. They need to be recalibrated after moving from one surface to another, as they are leveled based on the surface they are placed on. On the other hand, digital scales are known to be very precise, but they are prone to inaccuracies and are sensitive to environmental factors that can cause an inaccurate reading. Digital scales require electricity to function, usually in the form of batteries, while beam scales only need their mechanical parts to work. When choosing the best beam or digital scale, consider factors such as brand, materials, readability, ease of calibration, precision, accuracy, and price.
How to Choose the Best Beam Scale for Your Needs?
There’s no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to choosing the best beam scale. What works for one reloader might not work for another. However, there are general steps to follow to find the best beam scale for you. Choose a well-known brand, look for a scale made of sturdy and durable materials, ensure the beam is easily readable, see how easy it is to calibrate, look at the precision and accuracy, and consider the price.
How to Use a Beam Scale for Accurate Results?
To use a beam scale, place it on a flat surface, preferably glass. Recalibrate the scale by moving all the poises on the beam to zero and checking if the mark on the beam is pointing directly to the mark on the side of the scale’s base. If the marks are not aligned, use the leveling screw to find zero. When the beam scale is calibrated, move the poises to the desired amounts and fill the loading tray with powder. Check if the marks on the beam and the side of the scale’s base are in line, and adjust the powder if needed.
Conclusion
The market today offers different types of scales, including digital, electronic, manual, and mechanical scales. A beam scale, also known as a balance beam scale, is an essential tool for reloaders who want to achieve accurate results, while an electronic scale is more convenient and easier to use. Consider factors such as brand, materials, readability, ease of calibration, precision, accuracy, and price when choosing the best reloading scale, whether it be a beam scale or an electronic scale, to ensure consistent reloading and accurate ammo. Brands such as RCBS, Frankford Arsenal, Lee Precision, Lyman Brass Smith, and Gem Pro offer excellent choices.
For those who prefer a beam scale, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, use a tip-proof metal pan, and have a protective cover for your scale. It’s also a good idea to have check weights, calibration weights, and a magnetic dampener to ensure accurate measurements.
For those who prefer an electronic scale, make sure it is powered by a reliable source, such as AAA batteries, and has a large LCD display for easy reading. The RCBS Charge Master and the Lee Precision Safety Scale are popular options.
Regardless of your choice, it’s important to consider the grain capacity, the smallest weight it can measure, and the accuracy of the scale. Some scales measure even to 0.1-grain sensitivity, making them ideal for target shooters who want to minimize human error and achieve small variations in their measurements. It’s also a good idea to read scale reviews to find the best value and quality scale that fits your needs.
In the reloading process, the scale plays an important role in determining the amount of powder and ensuring consistent loads. A more accurate measurement of the powder charge results in less extreme spreads and charge weights, leading to good results. The easiest way to achieve this is by using a good quality scale, whether it be a beam scale or an electronic scale.
Our Top Pick: Best Beam Scale for Reloading
When choosing the perfect beam scale for you, always remember to first consider what the most important characteristics your scale should have are:
- If you are looking for a precise beam scale, choose the Lee Precision scale.
- If you are looking for a big grain capacity, pick RCBS M1000 beam scale.
- If you are looking for a lifetime warranty, go for Redding #2 Master scale.
- If lightweight is the most important aspect, take Lyman Brass Smith 500 scale.
Good luck with choosing your favorite beam scale and with reloading your own ammunition!
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