For many of us, guns are a way of life. So much so that we actually make our own ammunition. I mean why would we trust anyone else to make ammo for our precious weapons? Also, why would we spend money on something we can make ourselves?
Granted reloading ammo is not all that exciting, but the results are worth the process.
Speaking of the process, precision is everything. Because everything you will use in reloading ammo will need to be measured to precision.
And this is where the scale comes in handy. Obviously, not every unit out there is the best and finest one. They come in different types, sizes, and shapes. However, for this article, I focused solely on the digital reloading scale. Here my top picks given below in the comparison chart;
Comparsion Of My Top Picks
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Why I Prefer Digital Reloading Scale
The reasons being I prefer them are;
- They are less prone to human errors
- Are easier to read results than analog ones.
- easier to calibrate than their traditional counterparts
- have a sleeker and more modern design
A reloading scale will be a very important component of your ammo reloading process. Thus, it is crucial you pick a quality digital reloading scale, your ammo depends on it. In this article, I have selected five digital scales for reloading that I think are worth a look at.
I selected these scales from a pool of 20 different choices that I researched and tested. But before I give you my personal reviews of the five here is a comparison table. It shows how these scales compare to one another.
Reloading Balance Beam Scale VS Digital Reloading Scales
The only thing that gives the reloading balance beam scale an edge over a digital scale is the fact that beam scales do not require electric power to function.
Needless to say, the reloading balance beam scale will be cheaper. However, due to the fact that they are manual beam scales are more prone to human errors. The same applies to mechanical scales, which are also cheaper compared to digital scales.
Other than that, digital scales are your best bet.
How To Choose The Best Digital Reloading Scale
There are certain characteristics that are a must if a reloading scale is to be considered the best. In this section, I will be discussing some of the characteristics that make up the best electronic reloading scale.
What Is It Made of?
Different scales are fashioned out of different materials. Some feature an all metallic construction while others are made from hard plastic. Irrespective of the material, though, durability and weight are the two things to consider in regards to construction.
If you plan on using your scale outdoors and regularly a lightweight portable scale will be ideal. Some scales offer an excellent balance between weight and durability. However, there are those that due to their construction are bulky.
How Accurate Is It?
For purposes of reloading ammo, a scale should have a precision of at least 0.1 grain. Sure you might consider investing in a scale that offers a precision rate higher than 0.1, but what is the point. An expensive industrial scale will not add any value to your reloading process.
How Easy Is It To Use?
Reloading ammo is a process that requires exceptional attention to detail. Meaning it is a process that takes time with or without a scale. Thus, there is no point in getting a scale that takes you up to 10 minutes set up. An easy to use scale will speed up your reloading process.
How easy a scale is to use will depend on its controls. I prefer scales whose controls are easy to find and have a visible display.
How Much Can It Handle?
Something else that can cause the reloading process to be more tedious than normal is the capacity of your favorite progressive reloading press. If you are reloading numerous rounds, then you will want a scale that can hold a bit more. The capacity of the scale will determine how long you take to reload ammo.
Additional Features
The debate on which is the best reloading digital scale can always be settled by looking at additional features. Apart from the basic features, some scales offer some unique and useful additional features. This may include removable bowls and pots and protective covers to protect against dirt and dust.
And thus without further ado, let us jump straight into my top five picks.
Top 5 Best Reloading Scale Reviews
Best Electronic Reloading Scale: Hornady 050108
- 1500 grains capacity
- AC adaptor
- grain precision to 0.1
- metallic powder pan
- Large LCD display
The Hornady electronic scale is a fantastic piece of machinery. I was impressed with its two different calibration weights. In my experience, not many scales have this feature. And as such, I rate it highly.
Given that it is considered as one of the best if not the best electronic reloading scale I was not surprised that it can measure weights of up to 0.1 grain. However, I will say that I was a bit disappointed with it being a purely AC scale.
The reason is that it needs to be plugged in for charging, meaning that electrical interferences may alter its readings. Nevertheless, this was not a big issue. In regards to maximum measurements, it can weigh up to 1500 grains, which is impressive.
But what I really loved about it was the large LCD display. A prominent feature that is impossible to miss, the display makes reading results a whole lot easier. While it may take you 15 to 20 minutes to calibrate, this scale will still make your work easier.
In a nutshell, it is a great electronic digital scale. However, it is not without its faults, which is to be expected of any man-made machines, electronic or otherwise.
Best Powder Scale For Reloading: RCBS Chargemaster Lite 120/240 Vac-US/Intl
- 2-300 powder dispenser
- 0.1grain accuracy
- An LCD touchscreen
- One pound weight
Lite is a term used to refer to items that are lightweight and compact. This is exactly what the Scales Chargemaster lite from RCBS is. Weighing a meager one pound, it is surprisingly lightweight.
Obviously, this is not the only good thing about this. As with other scales, it features an LCD display. The only difference with this one is that it is touchscreen. And in this era where almost every display is touchscreen, this display is a huge plus.
In regards to accuracy, it does not disappoint. It has an accuracy of up to 0.1 grain similar to the Hornady above. Where this scale edges out the Hornady is with its dispenser. It comes with a dispenser attached that can dispense between 2-300 grains of powder.
When it comes to ease of use, this scale is unsurprisingly easy to use. The brightly colored red off/on button on the right of the display is impossible to miss. To top it all off it comes with a 120/240 switching power supply.
All these features combined to earn this scale a place on my list of the best digital reloading scale. And while it does not have the grain capacity of the Hornady it still deserves a no two spot on my list.
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series : Best Precision Reloading Scale
- 2 calibration weights
- 1500 grain capacity
- 110V and 220V AC power supply
- Uses different measurement units
The Platinum Series Precision Scale does not look like your ordinary scale. It is capable of measuring in grains, karats, grams and even ounces.
Similar to the Hornady above it has a grain capacity of 1500 grains. Additionally, it has an accuracy of up to 0.1grains. Which means it is in the same league as the number one and two scales on my list. This is enough to earn it a spot on my list, but it offers much more than this.
One of the things I loved about this scale is its versatility. Apart from measuring in different units, it can also be used to weigh powder, rounds, cases, and bullets. This makes it one of the most versatile scales for reloading out there..
As with the other two above, it comes with AC adaptor for powering it. But unlike the other two, it also has batteries. This really extends its portability. And thanks to the auto-shutoff feature its battery life is quite impressive.
When left idle for more than 180 seconds or three minutes it automatically shuts off. A large LCD display with blue backlight rounds off its impressive list of features. This display is visible even in low lighting thanks to its backlighting. A molded plastic case keeps your scale protected.
RCBS 98923 Chargemaster Combo Scale/Dispenser
- 1500 grain capacity
- One pound capacity powder hopper
- 0.1 grain accuracy
- Automatic dispenser
The Chargemaster combo scale/dispenser is what you get when you combine a chargemaster scale and dispenser. As you would expect it offers the best of both worlds. In terms of accuracy, it is the best digital powder scales for reloading.
Its accuracy is achieved by it being able to utilize two calibration weights of 50 grams each. And when it comes to ease of use the scale again scores high. A keypad on the dispenser allows you to easily input your desired weight.
The scale on its side has an accuracy of 0.1 grain and a capacity of 1500 grains. Also, it boasts a large one pound capacity hopper. The hopper has a powder drain, which makes emptying it easy.
The hopper can only be filled with smokeless powder. It does not work with black powder. This is not such big an issue though. Obviously, the best thing about it is that it’s a two in one. Thus, you will save money by buying this combo.
And given that it is a product of Bushnell, it will appeal to many hunters. Its design, combined with its functionality and ease of use earn it a spot on the list.
Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Digital Scale with LCD Display for Reloading
- 750-grain capacity
- 2AA batteries included
- Large LCD backlit display
- 0.1 grain accuracy
Similar to the other Frankford scale on this list the DS-750 looks very different from other scales for reloading. Relatively smaller compared to the others on my list, it performed surprisingly well.
It has a simple and straightforward design, which actually makes it easy to use. There are only five simple buttons to operate it. And the backlit LCD display offers a readable platform to view the results.
The one thing you will notice upon looking at it is how small it is. As such, you should not expect it to have the same capacity as others on this list. In fact, I think the 750-grain capacity is quite impressive given its size.
Weighing under 9 ounces it is a lightweight and highly portable digital reloading scale. Thus, it is suited to on the go reloading of ammo. Powering this diminutive scale are 2 AA batteries. An automatic shut-off feature ensures that it does not waste battery power when it is inactive.
It comes with a pan and a carrying bag included. Unfortunately, the carrying bag is not all that impressive. I found it to be only suitable for carrying the scale around and not for protection.
Conclusion
Different brand offer something different. If portability is what you are looking for the DS-750 from Frankford is your scale. However, if you do not care much for portability I recommend going for the Hornady. Either way, it all depends on what you really need and want. Thus, it would be unfair to brand one scale as the best. When it comes down to it choosing the right scale will depend largely on your needs and budget.
About The Author:
Lake Streeter, A Gun enthusiast, and loves to hunt in the middle of the wood. Always check the latest hunting gears out in the market and try to share his honest opinion with the audience in Hunting Nook.