BillDoe708
Active member
I want to upgrade my scale for the bench. What's a good beam scale? I have the RCBS one that came with the kit. I have a small electronic scale but I'd like a nicer beam scale.
New scale
- Thread starter BillDoe708
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Addicting
Well-known member
Just buy a charge master. By once cry once kinda deal. But once you get one you will wonder why you ever messed with a beam scale.
Redmt
Well-known member
I have a 50 year old RCBS balance beam with 3 adjustment and weights that's dead on and always has been. I was sent a newer model RCBS to repair that only has 2 adjustment weights and the quality difference is very obvious. The old scale is perfect while the new scale is junk.
Redmt
Well-known member
I also have a Chargemaster. If I'm only loading a few rounds, the setup is a PITA.
Addicting
Well-known member
Hitting the on button and dumping powder in is a PITA?
Redmt
Well-known member
It needs to be calibrated each time you fire it up. Yup it's a pita for loading up a few rounds for a ladder. Balance beam is much simpler.
If I'm loading a known load with the same weight, the Chargemaster is easier just not for a few different weight charges.
Last edited:
jbell.preach
New member
- Joined
- May 7, 2026
- Messages
- 13
I use a creedmoor scale. Crazy accurate down to the grain, it just takes a lot of practice to be quick with it. Really only necessary if you are shooting F-class. Even for PRS or long distance hunting the chargemaster would be just fine.
antelopedundee
Well-known member
I'm still using my 50 YO Bonanza beam scale. I'm not a volume loader and it works fine and is still accurate enough.
Caseknife
Well-known member
This the scale that I have had for close to 50 years, works great. Don't know if this is still available. https://www.ebay.com/itm/3365309228...255-0&loc_physical_ms=111920&loc_interest_ms=
Redmt
Well-known member
Yep that's the old style scale I have had for at least 50 years.
Addicting
Well-known member
Nope, I check mine with a known weight. It has never been off. Mine doesn’t need a calibration every time. In fact it’s been so long, I can’t tell you the last time I did it.
Redmt
Well-known member
Next time I'll just fire it up and stick a check weight on it. Damn sure would be easier.
I still like my balance beam! As long as gravity stays the same,,,
antelopedundee
Well-known member
Or you don't relocate to a spot that's 12,252 feet higher in elevation.
std7mag
Well-known member
To those of you that said Charge Master, how long is the warranty?
I had an opportunity to buy 2, for a ridiculously low price. Come to find out that the scales were taken off and not included in the sale.
So I contacted RCBS about getting new scales for them.
Was told I had to buy whole new Charge Master from them. They will not sell parts!
That, along with a set of RCBS dies that were stamped wrong. When I brought it up with them, they told me to buy the "right" set.
I've been selling off all of my RCBS items.
They will never see another dime from me!
I had an opportunity to buy 2, for a ridiculously low price. Come to find out that the scales were taken off and not included in the sale.
So I contacted RCBS about getting new scales for them.
Was told I had to buy whole new Charge Master from them. They will not sell parts!
That, along with a set of RCBS dies that were stamped wrong. When I brought it up with them, they told me to buy the "right" set.
I've been selling off all of my RCBS items.
They will never see another dime from me!
Redmt
Well-known member
Wow. That's a real shame. I always have had great service from them. Oh well. I feel the same about midway and others think they are the best.
MThuntr
Well-known member
Something like the 505 or a Lyman balance is great and I trust those more than the little battery scales. If the 505 exists still that is like the gold standard for balance scales. I don't think there is a real upgrade to your RCBS unless you went to a scientific balance.
If I were to buy an electronic dispenser, I'd choose the RCBS matchmaster or an AutoTrickler over the Chargemaster or Hornady dispenser.
My Chargemaster was 0.3 grains over on about 30 loads out of 100 when I reweighed them which is why I upgraded to AutoTrickler. Yes it was stupid expensive and I did watch several videos that suggested statistically you won't be able to tell the difference between a Chargemaster and AutoTrickler so don't upgrade but if you had neither I'd spend the extra $ on the better versions
If I were to buy an electronic dispenser, I'd choose the RCBS matchmaster or an AutoTrickler over the Chargemaster or Hornady dispenser.
My Chargemaster was 0.3 grains over on about 30 loads out of 100 when I reweighed them which is why I upgraded to AutoTrickler. Yes it was stupid expensive and I did watch several videos that suggested statistically you won't be able to tell the difference between a Chargemaster and AutoTrickler so don't upgrade but if you had neither I'd spend the extra $ on the better versions
antelopedundee
Well-known member
I have a small electronic scale I got from Graf and Sons a number of years ago for about $25. IIRC it's good to about 0.2 grain which isn't too bad. Don't use it much. One could always fiddle around to see if it's 0.2 grain too high or too low.
antelopedundee
Well-known member
I have mostly Redding dies. A couple RCBS for non critical stuff.
