Electronic scales

[Horace Patootie, SASS #35798]

I have a Cabela's branded scale that is 25 years old. It finally started acting goofy, so today I am relegated to one of my manual scales.  So, what is your favorite electronic scale ?

I am about to buy a new one and some of them if not most get too many unfavorable reviews.

Thanks !

Horace

[Sedalia Dave]

Find a jewlers scale on Amazon. Be sure the accuracy is .001 grams and not .01 grams. 

In grains this less than .05 grains. Way more accurate than any scale sold specifically for reloading. 
 

 Be aware that the scale is very sensitive and can be influenced by air currents. 
 

 Also be sure the scale is dead level as a slight tilt will cause weighing errors. 
 

 

[Idaho Gunslinger]

I've tried a few of the cheap ones that had good reviews and they were awful. Had no consistency. I'd weigh the same thing 3 times and get 3 different results. 

 

I bought one of those RCBS chargemaster lites when they came out and it has been very consistent for me. I was double checking everything against a balance beam and they always match. After a year or so of doing that I no longer use the beam scale anymore. 

[Eyesa Horg]

I've been using an inexpensive Frankfort Arsenal one. With various test weights it's always right on. Periodically I check against my Lyman balance beam and it's right on. Recently loaded one grain of powder in 32 S&W and again dead nuts with the balance beam. So for CAS it's been good for me.

If I ever need to replace it, I'll probably go with a jewelers .001 scale though.

[High Spade Mikey Wilson]

After my RCBS powder scale went kapoot about 7-8 years ago I bought a Frankfort Arsenal scale. It's quite accurate and was a affordable.

[Boggus Deal #64218]

It might die today but I’ve used a PACT for about 30 years. If it does go, I’ll buy another one.

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

All the consumer grade reloading digital scales (PACT, Lyman, Hornady, RCBS, etc.) are made in the same factory in China.

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

41 minutes ago, Boggus Deal #64218 said:

It might die today but I’ve used a PACT for about 30 years. If it does go, I’ll buy another one.

They no longer sell that 

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

This was the last PACT sold and it has been discontinued.  It was CHICOM.

 

[Roy Goode - SASS 114620]

I recently got the RCBS 98945.  It's been very accurate when I compare it against my good balance beam scale.  Works fine for SASS loads (and all my competitive handgun shooting needs).

 

I use my manual scale for rifle/hunting rounds and they are typically loaded hotter so I'm more paranoid about them.

 

https://www.amazon.com/RCBS-98945-RangeMaster-Electronic-Scale/dp/B00U8B4LDI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3K1II1C7Q4P4F&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cGJJRH2Z5hGYqsuR0MxnNXBZOnQim-Ys5kEVzPjiaUfWXIGJmh8qF34Ejt7ijLywvGsL0v6DsCT0aPon6MujXhIQHF_Bjbo8lXgWezv5QXP1gmRY4mR69JiX9VolE8mkXJDgrAffzH2LhMx11P1pVg.u8BIusQoOx-KRWdlK-QrQ7g-Sh48fwc-DCXljy_nhss&dib_tag=se&keywords=RCBS+98945+RangeMaster+2000+Electronic+Scale+120%2F240V+AC%2F9V+DC&qid=1747419214&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=rcbs+98945+rangemaster+2000+electronic+scale+120%2F240v+ac%2F9v+dc%2Csporting%2C187&sr=1-1

 

[El Chapo]

This is the scale I use:

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/255042817927

I had a similar one for 20+ years that I thought was broken so I ordered this one and it's great.  It was the same brand as this one, but slightly different in design.

 

I managed to solder the wires back together and my 20+ year old Digiweigh scale is still going strong.

 

I also have a Lyman 1200 and they all concur with each other so I've never had an issue.

[Horace Patootie, SASS #35798]

What about Dillon's scale ?  Anyone using these?

[El Chapo]

2 minutes ago, Horace Patootie, SASS #35798 said:

What about Dillon's scale ?  Anyone using these?

 

I had a bad experience with a Dillon tumbler a while back and I no longer buy anything from them that they don't manufacture in its entirety and covered by their lifetime warranty.  Caveat emptor!

[Vail Vigilante]

I like the RCBS combo scale-dispenser. I also have a older Dillon that I like.

[Horace Patootie, SASS #35798]

24 minutes ago, El Chapo said:

 

I had a bad experience with a Dillon tumbler a while back and I no longer buy anything from them that they don't manufacture in its entirety and covered by their lifetime warranty.  Caveat emptor!

Their scale has a 1 year warranty, I noticed.

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

25 minutes ago, El Chapo said:

 

I had a bad experience with a Dillon tumbler a while back and I no longer buy anything from them that they don't manufacture in its entirety and covered by their lifetime warranty.  Caveat emptor!

Nothing Dillon (or anyone else) sells that runs on electricity is guaranteed for life.

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

1 hour ago, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

This was the last PACT sold and it has been discontinued.  It was CHICOM.

 

Mine is still going 

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

 

I'm no help at all to the OP.  I used an old fashioned Beam Scale for 50 years.  Works a treat even when the power goes out.  Plus, since I load APP, decimal point accuracy is NOT REQUIRED.  Not at all.  YMMV

[Boggus Deal #64218]

4 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

They no longer sell that 

Then I hope mine lasts…

[El Sobrante Kid]

I have been using this scale from Amazon for the last couple of years. I do a check every time I sit down to reload just to make sure the powder scale is dropping the same charge as the last time I used it. My test is to turn on the scale and let it warm up for a few minutes, then I turn it off/on to do the calibration test. First is the included 20g weight, then a second 20g weight (40g total), then lab grade 2g, 10g, and 20g weights. The scale has always been spot on. Early on I checked the electronic scale against my beam scale and they both showed the same charge weight. Only $18, measures to 0.001 grams, offers measurements in grains, and is very consistent. I can't make any comment on longevity as I have only been using it for 2 years.

[Horace Patootie, SASS #35798]

Thanks, all ! Based on lots of things, I ordered a Frankford Arsenal scale from Amazon. Supposed to be here tomorrow !  I'll post on success or failure of this adventure.

Horace

[El Chapo]

12 hours ago, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

Nothing Dillon (or anyone else) sells that runs on electricity is guaranteed for life.

 

Right.  Which is why I would never buy it.

[Lucky R. K.]

7 hours ago, El Chapo said:

 

Right.  Which is why I would never buy it.

I have been using the Frankfort Arsenal battery powered scale for several years. Before that I used the old RCBS 1050 balance beam scale. The RCBS was always right on the money, but it was slow to use. I use it now to check the accuracy of the Frankfort Arsenal, and it is always "right on" if I zero it before I start weighing.

Lucky 

[Horace Patootie, SASS #35798]

Well, I received the Frankford Arsenal scale today. Looks great. Has a nice case with all of the accessories. It has a clear cover which is more for shipping protection according to a video I watched. This one does have a power switch. Comes with batteries installed so just remove a insulator between batteries and use it, or plug it inand use it. First day but I like it so far.

Horace

[Von Dutch, SASS # 7995]

On 5/16/2025 at 11:53 AM, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

Nothing Dillon (or anyone else) sells that runs on electricity is guaranteed for life.

I have a RCBS (electric) Brass prep center, and it was about 15 years old, and the motor took a dump called RCBS to see if I could buy a replacement motor and they told me no need it was good for life, and they set me a new one that was about 10 years ago. Thats not the first time RCBS had taken care of me!

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

40 minutes ago, Von Dutch, SASS # 7995 said:

I have a RCBS (electric) Brass prep center, and it was about 15 years old, and the motor took a dump called RCBS to see if I could buy a replacement motor and they told me no need it was good for life, and they set me a new one that was about 10 years ago. Thats not the first time RCBS had taken care of me!

 

I actually had an OLD Dillon vibratory cleaner (at least 20 years old) and it was guaranteed for life.  However, it did not take long for manufacturers to realize they cannot guarantee electrically operated devices for life.  When my old vibratory cleaner died Dillon replaced it with a new one and it does not have a lifetime guarantee.  This is the warranty for the current version of the RCBS prep center.  I am talking about what is happening now not the "good" old days.  I just paid $2.80 for a regular size McDonald's hamburger.  I remember when they were fifteen cents.  Simply not relevant in 2025.  I also have received excellent service from RCBS on their presses and accessories as I have from Dillon and Hornady.

 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

2 hours ago, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

 

I actually had an OLD Dillon vibratory cleaner (at least 20 years old) and it was guaranteed for life.  However, it did not take long for manufacturers to realize they cannot guarantee electrically operated devices for life.  When my old vibratory cleaner died Dillon replaced it with a new one and it does not have a lifetime guarantee.  This is the warranty for the current version of the RCBS prep center.  I am talking about what is happening now not the "good" old days.  I just paid $2.80 for a regular size McDonald's hamburger.  I remember when they were fifteen cents.  Simply not relevant in 2025.  I also have received excellent service from RCBS on their presses and accessories as I have from Dillon and Hornady.

 

Back then Dillon and RCBS used USA made motors.

The newer ones are China made.....

[Horace Patootie, SASS #35798]

Finished up my reloading today for the next match.  The new Frankford Arsenal scale is great. Rock solid so far.  I'm using the clear cover just when I'm not using the scale.  So far, I really like this scale.  Speaking of vibratory cleaners, mine is also a Frankford Arsenal and 25 years old.  I haven't had a problem with it yet.

Horace

[Von Dutch, SASS # 7995]

2 hours ago, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

 

I actually had an OLD Dillon vibratory cleaner (at least 20 years old) and it was guaranteed for life.  However, it did not take long for manufacturers to realize they cannot guarantee electrically operated devices for life.  When my old vibratory cleaner died Dillon replaced it with a new one and it does not have a lifetime guarantee.  This is the warranty for the current version of the RCBS prep center.  I am talking about what is happening now not the "good" old days.  I just paid $2.80 for a regular size McDonald's hamburger.  I remember when they were fifteen cents.  Simply not relevant in 2025.  I also have received excellent service from RCBS on their presses and accessories as I have from Dillon and Hornady.

 

Sorry I know this is the real world I don't think RCBS would do some of the things they did for me in the old days now? That's why I said that was 10 years ago, but I think it was longer than that for the prep center? Take care Larsen E.

[Nostrum Damus SASS #110702]

On 5/16/2025 at 12:37 PM, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

All the consumer grade reloading digital scales (PACT, Lyman, Hornady, RCBS, etc.) are made in the same factory in China.

Source for that?

[Nostrum Damus SASS #110702]

I like the FA Intellidropper because I want a dispenser, not just a scale.  A few tips for accuracy: you MUST let it warm up for about 30 minutes to allow the electronics to stop "drifting."  And it must be level, which is easy enough to adjust with the bubble level on the machine.  And get in the habit of zeroing it frequently.  If you use two powder cups with EXACTLY IDENTICAL weights (you can make them so easily enough), it will fill one cup while you handle the other and you'll always have the next measured charge ready when you need it.

[Cholla]

In most cases a little work with a Zoom Spout oiler and some hand tools will get most fractional hp motors working again. 

[Dapper Dave]

I have always had excellent dealings with RCBS customer service. The ONLY reason my other scale is a Lee Challenger is because it was a gift. 

I have only used one electronic scale, a model from Berry's Bullets many years ago. It would not/could not hold zero, so I gave it away. I have been using an RCBS 505 from the late 70s for many years now and am completely happy with it. I don't worry about speed as I am relaxing in the reloading room, my personal space/man cave.

 

[Mogollon Munk,SASS#303]

The Dillon vibratory case cleaners have a 5 year warranty on the motor; lifetime on the other components. The digital scale, the D-terminator, has a one year warranty from the manufacturer, Competitive Edge Dynamics (CED). Beyond the warranty, we will replace a non-functioning scale for $90 plus the old scale in exchange. 

Sadly, there is no small motor manufacturing left in America. After NAFTA, it all moved to Mexico. Our experience was their QC was too spotty. Our current tumbler motor is made in Japan, engineered specifically for the task. 

[Rye Miles #13621]

I also have the Frankford Arsenal digital scale, works just fine!