To ensure that cartridges are loaded correctly, you’ll need a reloading press, including a precise and accurate scale. The best reloading beam scale on our list are Hornady Lock-N-Load, RCBS 98916 M1000, OHAUS 30393272 5-0-5. The main advantage is to locate the most accurate measurement of the charge of powder that is suitable with your rifle. Let’s take a look at 4 best reloading beam scales on our list.
List of the Best reloading beam scales
So, what about reloading beam scale best by customer choice?
- Hornady Reloading Beam Scale – For reloading enthusiasts that prefer an analog powder measure compared to an electronic scale. An essential tool for any well-stocked reloading bench. Item no. 050109
- Precise and Consistent – The Hornady Scale has a classic, time-proven manual balance system that provides a measurement range from 0 to 500 grains. Consistent within a 0.1 grain sensitivity
- Easy to Read Measurements – The balance bar of this Hornady Powder Scale is laser etched and will not flake or peel. Features hardened pivot pins & bearings for durability
- Accurate and Reliable – The magnetic dampener provides fast, accurate measurements. Handles most reloading tasks. Made in the USA
- Precision Measuring – Hornady offers a variety of measuring tools, from micrometers and calipers, to powder measuring scales and precision tools for measuring rim thickness, bullet seating depth, bullet uniformity and more. By using these tools, you’ll achieve better accuracy and reliable results
- Package Dimensions: 27.0 H x 9.2 L x 11.4 W (centimetres)
- Package Weight: 0.487 kilograms
- Country of Origin : China
- Unit count: 1.0
Last update on 2024-01-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The best beam scale by expert choice are below!
Last update on 2024-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best by our choice: If you are a serious competition shooter who demands the absolute best out of their reloads, then this reloading from Hornady for you. 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.
Best by customer choice: If you’re a casual reloader and you want a reliable reloading beam scale that won’t break, then the RCBS 98916 M1000 is a great choice for you.
Best budget choice: OHAUS 30393272 5-0-5 Reloading Scale is the best budget choice if you are limited in budget, but want to get started right now, this is also a great option in terms of quality and price.
Let’s look at the products in more detail and tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of each.
4 the best reloading beam scales
So, let`s talk more deeply. And the first is…
1. Hornady Lock-N-Load Balance Beam Reloading Scale – best ever
- Hornady Reloading Beam Scale – For reloading enthusiasts that prefer an analog powder measure compared to an electronic scale. An essential tool for any well-stocked reloading bench. Item no. 050109
- Precise and Consistent – The Hornady Scale has a classic, time-proven manual balance system that provides a measurement range from 0 to 500 grains. Consistent within a 0.1 grain sensitivity
- Easy to Read Measurements – The balance bar of this Hornady Powder Scale is laser etched and will not flake or peel. Features hardened pivot pins & bearings for durability
- Accurate and Reliable – The magnetic dampener provides fast, accurate measurements. Handles most reloading tasks. Made in the USA
- Precision Measuring – Hornady offers a variety of measuring tools, from micrometers and calipers, to powder measuring scales and precision tools for measuring rim thickness, bullet seating depth, bullet uniformity and more. By using these tools, you’ll achieve better accuracy and reliable results
Last update on 2024-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Hornady Reloading Beam Scale is one of the top choices we have reviewed and is an excellent choice for shooters who want an older-fashioned scale. It’s an old-fashioned manual balance system that has 0.1-grain sensitiveness.
This Balance Beam scale can perform reloading jobs of all kinds and will provide quick, precise measurements due to the dampener that is magnetic.
Features:
It’s a very durable balance beam scale that is guaranteed to last for the rest of your life and even more it’s the most accurate reloading scale. It is an essential piece of equipment for your reloading bench, however it’s not the ideal choice to consider if you’re in search of an instrument to take on the range.
This one of the best beam scales come with the tried-and-tested balance beam model, which has an enormous base upon which you’ll find a helpful table of weight conversion. The measurements are up to 500 grains of capacity.
Beam scale comes with the standard magnetic damper to ensure accuracy. You can take a reading down to 1/10 of grains. Laser-etched bars are simple to read. It’s very sensitive. Any addition of 1/10 of a grain of the powder you’re measuring can result in a change within the line of balance. You’ll always be able to notice that your charge is either low or perhaps high.
2. RCBS 98916 M1000 – runner up
- Made of The highest quality materials
- Mechanical scale
- For an extremely extended period of time
Last update on 2024-08-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This mechanical reloading scale, M1000, is an excellent product of RCBS. It offers users a capacity of 1,000 grains with +/- 0.1-grain accuracy. This scale is appropriate for left and right-handed users alike.
It has magnetic damping to ensure quick readings and maintenance-free movement. It has a tip-proof metal pan which makes loading powder simple. The scale is pre-calibrated, which means you won’t encounter any issues finding zero.
It is, however, an excellent idea to put the scale on the shelf at eye level to allow for precise weighing. The scale’s reading can cause parallax. A simple alternative is using your smartphone and read the scale using it.
Whatever your preference, whether left-handed or right-handed, its ambidextrous design makes the use of the device easier for users. The company has made a transparent plastic cover to ensure that it is possible to transport the scale from the range, and then back without much hassle.
If you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, top-of-the-line scale will be there for many generations. Although this may be your first time you purchase the reloading scale will find it easier to utilize.
3. OHAUS 30393272 5-0-5 Reloading Scale – best budget
- Package Dimensions: 27.0 H x 9.2 L x 11.4 W (centimetres)
- Package Weight: 0.487 kilograms
- Country of Origin : China
- Unit count: 1.0
Last update on 2024-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re a big enthusiast of Ohaus Try this model. The Ohaus 5-0-5 reloading scale has proven to be precise and reliable. Since the 1960s, this has been the best beam scale for shooting and bullet reloading for shooters who compete in sports. It’s small, which makes it easy to store compared to other scales.
Features:
The Ohaus 505 can hold a maximum of 500 grains and 0.1-grain precision. This allows you to get accurate measurements without any hassle. The set includes a poise made up of a big and small aluminum weight, which permits you to make fine or coarse adjustments.
To facilitate reading, the aluminum beam in black features a white and black high-visibility front plate, with the black poise which shows how much weight you’re reading. Alongside an integrated leveling foot, the base is made of sturdy, die-cast steel that provides a solid foundation when you work.
It is made in China. However, most customers are still saying that their unit they received were in good condition and worked flawlessly. There have been some complaints of rusty units, which is likely to be simple enough to repair through customer service.
4. Lyman Brass Smith 500 – best by quality/money
- Built upon a sturdy aluminum body which reduces vibrations and ensures accuracy
- Beam is double sided and the pan has two handles making it easy for right or left handed reloaders to use.
- Beam features black markings with a white background for easy reading throughout it's 505 grain capacity
- Scale also features magnetic dampening and precision ground knife edges for fast, smooth and accurate operation
Last update on 2024-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Brass Smith 500 Metal Reloading Beam Scale by Lyman is the best beam scale? The beam scale for reloading is designed for serious reloaders. Even those with digital scale might want to have this scale as an alternative to a reliable backup.
The scale is constructed of aluminum, which is more durable than steel that is standard. The aluminum body reduces vibrations, which enhances the precision of the measurement, so that is the most accurate powder scale.
In addition, you get precision ground knife edges that are ground to perfection to allow you to move the weights much more easily. Additionally, you will have magnetic dampening, which settles the weight marker faster. Everything is designed to allow for quick and simple work. The beam also has simple black markings with white backgrounds.
In reality, you’ll find it easy to use in the case of left-handed users. This beam actually dual-sided and the marks appear on each side of the beam. There are two handles on the pan, to allow you to utilize the pan with either the right or left hand.
It can take on weights of up to 505 grams, and the accuracy is within one 10th of one grain. The calibration is flawless and provides consistently accurate results that you can count on. The simple design makes it extremely efficient and efficient, as you don’t have to waste time.
4 Benefits Of A Beam Reloading Scale
The best beam reloading scale typically offers several benefits, so you can determine the amount of ammunition, gunpowder cartridges, as well as other accessories for reloading. These are the top benefits of beam reloading scales you may not be aware of.
1. Accurate Measurement
A reliable beam reloading system lets you weigh cases and powder precisely in accordance with the exact measurement. To achieve this, you need to put a certain volume of gunpowder into the scale. If you don’t, the round will not be precise and effective.
2. Built to Last
If you’re buying the best beam reloading scale made by a reputable brand, that implies that you’ll be able to keep it for a long time. Beam reloading scales made by top brands are made with top-quality components that are designed to last for a long time without causing damage.
3. Versatile
Beam reloading scales can be used as versatile tools. They are not just used to weigh bullets, gunpowder cartridges, gunpowder, and other accessories for reloading, however, they also measure gems, stones, tiny electronic elements, and much more.
4. Portable
The majority of beam reloading scales are less than 3 pounds. If you’d like to carry your scale anywhere, you’ll be able to carry it because of its lightweight. In addition, some come with a case that can keep it safe from accidental strikes.
How do I use beam scales?
What Are The Differences Between Precision And Accuracy?
The words “Precision” and “Accuracy” are two distinct terms and aren’t interchangeable. Many people confuse and apply them incorrectly. Let’s look at the definition of precision and accuracy and the difference between the two words.
What is Precision?
Precision is the term used to describe a situation which indicates that greater than two measurements are within a certain distance from one another, on whether or not. Therefore, it is important to remember that precision measurements are often be incorrect.
What is Accuracy?
Accuracy refers to the measurement that is very close to the value it is accepted as. It’s a benchmark that the results of a calculation, specification or measurement are consistent with.
Differences between Precision and Accuracy
Precision always shows the measurements of how close they are, even though they are far from the value agreed upon. But accuracy is the same thing as precision, but isn’t too far off from the value that was agreed upon.
For instance, every moment you’re planning to test the difference between the weight of a 10.10-grain charge versus one that’s 10.15-grain charge, the beam reloading scale can let you know there’s a noticeable weight difference through changing the weight indicator.
However, if you take a look at the difference between a 10.10-grain charge versus one that is 10.15-grain charge using an electronic accurate reloading scale, it may show that both weigh the same. This is because it will display only one decimal.
Things To Consider When Buying Reloading Beam Scale
1. Construction Material
The material used for construction is among the primary aspects to consider when evaluating a premium beam loading scale. The scale must be constructed from strong metals which can last for many years (at least 10- 20 years) without rust or damage. The edges of the knife must be clean and sharp.
2. Accuracy
This is a further reason to take into consideration when choosing a high-quality beam scale. If a beam gauge doesn’t always provide precise results, it is not advisable to buy the scale. In addition, selecting a reliable scale is essential. In the absence of it, it will not provide reliable outputs.
3. Brand
The best brands have years of knowledge in making high-quality beam reloading scales over the decades. If you buy an instrument from a trusted brand such as RCBS and Hornady You’re more likely to obtain a top-quality product. You can, however, purchase beam reloading equipment from any reputable brand.
4. Ease of Use
If the balance beam scales you have aren’t user-friendly the first time, then it’ll certain, turn into unintentionally difficult for you. This is why you must stay very cautious about these kinds of scales for beams, even though they’re not expensive. Instead, select a high-quality beam reloading scale that’s very simple to use.
5. Price
Based on the specifications and quality of beam reloading scale prices vary from one model to the next. It is important to not go for the lowest price, since the cheaper scales tend to undershoot. However, the high-quality ones will cost more, but will give you exact results all the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is balance beam scale more accurate than digital reloading scale?
If you calibrate it properly, the balance beam scale is more precise than a digital reloading scale of the same value. As time passes, it is believed that they cease to function effectively due to the excessive use.
However, if you’re simply looking to add a beam scale to pair with your digital scale to double-check the consistency of your loads, then this is a great budget option.
How do I know if my scale is accurate?
The object you weigh should be weighed multiple times. The object must be one that is weighted. Set your item on the scale and record the weight. Remove the item and let the scale return to zero. Repeat the process five times in order to ensure reliability.
Why does my scale keep changing?
This is due to an atmospheric pressure variations. As you move your weight from one bench to the next, you have to calibrate it to zero. If you don’t, you’ll experience variations in weights. This can be seen in the varied scale readings that you get.
Can a balance beam scale be wrong?
The balance beams used in the scales are durable and remarkably precise. The fact that they’ve been in use for many years demonstrates they work effectively. Always rebalance your weight to zero each time prior to the weighing session in order to avoid having a reading that is incorrect.
Do you know what is the distinction between precision and accurate?
It’s not interchangeable with “precision” and “accurate” terms. Even though they’re complicated, there are people who have misunderstood the meaning of these words. What is the distinction between Precision and Accurate, as well as their similarities.
Which balance is more accurate? Electronic or triple beam?
The triple beam balance, a piece of equipment that has great capacity and sensitivity. It is easy to use by people of all ages. But, an electronic scale can be a quicker device than the three beam balance. It’s ideal for measuring small quantities of chemical.
Final Verdict
The balance beam scales in this collection are fantastic, but recently, it’s been a risk. This is because some of these scales have been produced in China, which has led to complaints of subpar quality and the odd unit in a few places.
This is why we highly endorse the Hornady 050109 Lock-N Load Balance Beam Scale that is manufactured from the US. It’s simple to use and is easy to read and it’s sensitive to weight fluctuations which many digital scales aren’t able to detect.
Lock-N Load Balance Beam Reloading Scale is also a durable product, and you’ll want to get an item that is in excellent functioning condition when you purchase it. This best balance beam scale for many, the most effective beam scale for reloading, as long as you stay clear of from the air currents that could cause confusion in your readings!
