Need Powder Scale Recommendation
 

Hi,

Right now I am using an RCBS 502 magnetic scale, but I'd like to upgrade to a faster, maybe digital unit. I was looking on the Midway site today and was floored by how much many scales cost. Can anyone recommend a good one? I am using this in my garage and it can get pretty darn cold this time a year in Missouri, so I don't know how that will affect a digital scale. Thanks for any help.

I have the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 combo, its a great set up, dont know how I went this long without it.

That is nice, but a lot of money. Have you had any problems w/yours and does it give you accurate charges? Thanks.

I have not had any problems, and yes it throws very accurate charges, I still check it with my old scale to make sure every now and then. I couldnt be more happy with it, the best money i have spent for loading equipment.

Well, what I may need to do is get just the scale for the time being and add the powder dispenser later. Do you know what the difference is between the Rangemaster and Chargemaster scales is (other than the price)? I would be more inclined to get the Rangemaster because it costs less, but do you know if the dispenser can be added to it later. it looks like the dispenser might only work with the Chargemaster. Either way, I am going to have to order a micrometer for my current powder measure that came with my Rockchucker kit (it's less than 2 years old). It cannot throw a consistent charge to save its life. I am always having to check to see what its throwing. One more question: do you know if I need a small screw or large screw mic for my measure based on the age of my kit? Thanks for your help and advice. Merry Christmas.

I have used the RCBS Charge Master 1500 combo for the last four or five years. It works great and really speeds up the process. I do not know how excess heat or cold would affect it's operation.

The RCBS powder thrower on my bench is only used for pistol loads (flake or ball powders), but it does a good job. I found that the trick to getting consistent charges from it was to use it consistently. By this I mean using the exactly same motion and force every time I pull the handle. I weigh every tenth load and the charges are very consistent.
Years ago I tried to throw some rifle loads using IMR (long grained) powder and did not like the results.

Merry Christmas to you too!

Electroninc scales will drift, even the top end models will to some point. I recently quit using my electoninc dispenser/scale and went back to a beam scale, I used a 505 for a lot of years and thats what I went back to, but I just upgraded that to a 10-10 beam scale. I really like the 10-10 scale.

It doesn't matter what powder dispenser you buy you will not get consistant charges with extruded powder. Weigh every charge when using extruded powder. The micrometer adjustment is a nice feature for your dispenser but it isn't the answer for consistant charges

To date I have owned three digital scales and 3 beams scales. It is my opinion that beam scales can and do have just as many issues with drift and false readings as most any decent digital. The upside to beam scales is they don't have batteries and they aren't effected by induction.

The beauty of digital is that you don't have to know the nominal weight of the item you are weighing. With a beam you have to be close or you will spend some time weighing multiple items.

If you are just looking for a scale without dispenser assembly then my first choice would be a Dillon DTerminator.

I ordered RCBS's large screw and small screw micrometers and the small screw cylinder assy. today. I might take a look at the Dillon scale. Not to get too off topic, but the Dillon Super Swage tool looks awesome! I have the RCBS swaging die and I am not too happy with it. Even after using it, I still get LC brass that won't take primers. I have to use a reamer tool on the pp. This is too much work. The Dillon tool looks to do a good job. I also saw a video of a modified one that incorporated a spring-back action.

I have this one and I don't recommend it. It veries by .1 to .2 grains.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=118094