Let's talk about scales for a moment or two...

[STFU]

BLUF: I want a scale that:

1. DOES NOT auto-shut off
2. No requirement for trickling
3. 0.1 grain resolution minimum (.05 grain preferred)
4. Cost is $250 or less

Long version:
I am currently using a FA DS-750. It works fairly well, but I cannot stand the fact that it automatically shuts off after a few minutes. This is very irritating when working up a new load.
Plugging into a 110 outlet is fine. No exceptions on this unless auto-shut can be disabled.

I am not doing any PRS loading and do not care if the scale has a trickle function. If it does trickle as well, that's OK, I just don't have that as a requirement.

To verify the charge weights, I am dumping 10x and taking the average. I do this because 10.6 grains and 10.9 grains are not the same....yet the scale will always round up to 11.0. Hence the reason I would like better resolution. (Many of the scales on Amazon advertise ".01 resolution," but that is in grams...not grains.)

Cost is lowest factor for me. That said, I also do not want to spend $1100 on a precision lab scale.

Please give me some ideas or tell me what you are using and why.

 

[Aszerigan]

That’s a tall order of requirements, friend. Good isn’t cheap, cheap isn’t fast and fast isn’t good, right? Something like that.

See if you can find a used RCBS Chargemaster. That will give you the always on, 0.1gn accuracy and will run you around $250-$300.

FA makes one as do other companies but I have no experience or opinion on them. Chargemaster is the OG and best for the price in my experience.

 

[Creedmoor]

My main scale is a RCBS 10-10 if I ever came across one of the Ohaus / RCBS triple beams at a reasonable price I would buy that.
I have two Dillon Eliminator scales, an old one and one that was bought last year when I send another 20 yr old one back and I got the new one for 80 bucks.
It works and I believe its within the specs that you are looking for.
I'm of the understanding that using the wall plug it will not auto shut off.
$150.00 and it will work with Dillons trickler.

Dillon Precision | D-Terminator Electronic Scale

Dillon Terminator Digital Scale from Dillon Precision on Vimeo. The D-Terminator Electronic Scale is a high precision unit with the latest in load cell technology, 1500 gr capacity, anti-static wind shield, and included check weight. The large backlit LCD display makes reading weights a breeze...

www.dillonprecision.com

https://dilloncdn.com/manuals/dillon-dterminator-manual-2017-english.pdf

 

[mcapo]

I have a Dillion scale. It works fine. Mine is probably for sale, if you’d like it.

This is more money but a lot of scale for the money.

Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 Precision Reloading Scale

Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 Precision Reloading Scale When every tenth counts, this scale measures to the hundredths. Introducing the TRX-925 precision digital reloading scale by Creedmoor Sports. Our development team set out to create one of the most accurate and precise scales on the...

www.creedmoorsports.com

Over the decades, I went from a beam scale to an Autotrickler V4/AD fx120i. It was worth every penny.

 

[Aszerigan]

One note- battery powered scales tend to lose accuracy and become erratic when the batteries are low. I use them as a double check only. My two cents, get an AC powered one if you want consistency.

 

[Aszerigan]

I have a Dillion scale. It works fine. Mine is probably for sale, if you’d like it.

This is more money but a lot of scale for the money.

Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 Precision Reloading Scale

Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 Precision Reloading Scale When every tenth counts, this scale measures to the hundredths. Introducing the TRX-925 precision digital reloading scale by Creedmoor Sports. Our development team set out to create one of the most accurate and precise scales on the...

www.creedmoorsports.com

Over the decades, I went from a beam scale to an Autotrickler V4/AD fx120i. It was worth every penny.

The TRX is an awesome scale. Great suggestion and perfect for the OP.

 

[tomcat13]

+1 on RCBS Chargemaster
(may Not be in your price range, but you get what you pay for)

 

[Leadeye]

I like the RCBS chargemaster, fine product, but my old RCBS 505 gets used every session as well.

 

[STFU]

I have a Dillion scale. It works fine. Mine is probably for sale, if you’d like it.

This is more money but a lot of scale for the money.

Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 Precision Reloading Scale

Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 Precision Reloading Scale When every tenth counts, this scale measures to the hundredths. Introducing the TRX-925 precision digital reloading scale by Creedmoor Sports. Our development team set out to create one of the most accurate and precise scales on the...

www.creedmoorsports.com

Over the decades, I went from a beam scale to an Autotrickler V4/AD fx120i. It was worth every penny.

Thank you. The TRX-925 is one I found late last night. I like the fact that it is NOT converting from grams to grains, yet measures directly in grains. Some great reviews on this one.

Now to wait for a sale or a coupon code!

 

[STFU]

One note- battery powered scales tend to lose accuracy and become erratic when the batteries are low. I use them as a double check only. My two cents, get an AC powered one if you want consistency.

Exactly, that's why it is first on my list...

 

[STFU]

The TRX is an awesome scale. Great suggestion and perfect for the OP.

Just found this review:

TRX-925 Precision Reloading Scale | The Ballistic Assistant

www.theballisticassistant.com

Love this: "Birthed and Raised in Grains, not Grams"

And yes, I know it is overkill for what I am doing but hey...I am an overkill kind of guy.

 

[patience0830]

I have a Dillion scale. It works fine. Mine is probably for sale, if you’d like it.

This is more money but a lot of scale for the money.

Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 Precision Reloading Scale

Creedmoor Sports TRX-925 Precision Reloading Scale When every tenth counts, this scale measures to the hundredths. Introducing the TRX-925 precision digital reloading scale by Creedmoor Sports. Our development team set out to create one of the most accurate and precise scales on the...

www.creedmoorsports.com

Over the decades, I went from a beam scale to an Autotrickler V4/AD fx120i. It was worth every penny.

I still use a Lee beam scale and a hand powered trickler. Kinda like the zen. If I shot more, well, I might invest. Little brother loads 9mm fast enough on his Hornady Lock-n Load that I don't need to.

 

[ljk]

My main scale is a RCBS 10-10 if I ever came across one of the Ohaus / RCBS triple beams at a reasonable price I would buy that.
I have two Dillon Eliminator scales, an old one and one that was bought last year when I send another 20 yr old one back and I got the new one for 80 bucks.
It works and I believe its within the specs that you are looking for.
I'm of the understanding that using the wall plug it will not auto shut off.
$150.00 and it will work with Dillons trickler.

Dillon Precision | D-Terminator Electronic Scale

Dillon Terminator Digital Scale from Dillon Precision on Vimeo. The D-Terminator Electronic Scale is a high precision unit with the latest in load cell technology, 1500 gr capacity, anti-static wind shield, and included check weight. The large backlit LCD display makes reading weights a breeze...

www.dillonprecision.com

https://dilloncdn.com/manuals/dillon-dterminator-manual-2017-english.pdf

Dillon doesn't make digital scales, only carry 1 year warranty. I found out after mine had a malfunction. I was told to contact CED for repair but after 4 months, I got an replay telling me it was non-serviceable.

 

[Creedmoor]

Dillon doesn't make digital scales, only carry 1 year warranty. I found out after mine had a malfunction. I was told to contact CED for repair but after 4 months, I got an replay telling me it was non-serviceable.

Well, Dillon has taken care of the customers that bought digital scales 20 plus years ago when they fail. It was simple, call Dillon, give them my customer number and they sent me a return number to put on the scale and put it in the mail to them with a check for 80 bucks. I thought 80 bucks was a better deal than $149.00 for another one.
Two weeks later a new one showed up on my front porch. Dillon has always been fair and good to me in our 40+ year relationship.

You mean companies rebrand products for resale??? Who knew.

 

[ljk]

Dillon Precision | D-Terminator Electronic Scale

Dillon Terminator Digital Scale from Dillon Precision on Vimeo. The D-Terminator Electronic Scale is a high precision unit with the latest in load cell technology, 1500 gr capacity, anti-static wind shield, and included check weight. The large backlit LCD display makes reading weights a breeze...

www.dillonprecision.com

All electrical/electronic components of Dillon Precision equipment are covered by a one-year warranty from the date of purchase

Mine was out of warranty, I paid for the postage shipping it to CED instructed by Dillon.

It's not the same old Dillon any more.

 

[Creedmoor]

Dillon Precision | D-Terminator Electronic Scale

Dillon Terminator Digital Scale from Dillon Precision on Vimeo. The D-Terminator Electronic Scale is a high precision unit with the latest in load cell technology, 1500 gr capacity, anti-static wind shield, and included check weight. The large backlit LCD display makes reading weights a breeze...

www.dillonprecision.com

Mine was out of warranty, I paid for the postage shipping it to CED instructed by Dillon.

It's not the same old Dillon any more.

I just did it last year, I've always been treated well by Dillon over the years from when Mike used to help with the phones, to seeing Mike at The Creek to being treated just as good after Mikes death.
I'm getting ready to buy another machine from Dillon, a RL1100 trimmer and a few conversions to upgrade my RL1000 machine.

 

[DadSmith]

I still use a Lee beam scale

I have one also. I use it to test out my digital scales from time to time to make sure they are still on.
Nothing wrong with the old Lee beam scale. I trusted mine for years. Finally decided to try a digital scale to save time.
But its good to have a beam scale to test digital scales.
If you every lose power or run out of batteries the beam scale will still work just fine.

 

[Paul 7.62]

I load precision rifle, so I bought a A&D FX120I which cost $580 or there abouts as of this post. Reasons it reads to .02 of a grain, it uses Magnetic Force Restoration vs Load Cell Scale. Load cells use a chip that tries to keep the scale at zero. Load cells like to have the weight placed on them all at once, not so with MFR scales.

• Magnetic Force Restoration scales are typically the go-to option for people who need extremely accurate weight readings. MFR scales are considered to be the most accurate of industrial-grade scales, but they are usually only made to accommodate maximum capacities of 50 pounds or less.

 

[Squid556]

My 2 cents for what its worth... I tried 3 different scales before I found a consistent one. All were around the same price point and of similar build. Pocket style battery operated.

Guess its luck of the draw with that kinda stuff.

 

[Paul 7.62]

Beam scales need to be kept clean so the jewel bearings can't have dust on them. Most needed is a accurate check weight package allowing you to verify the scale real world. Other things I've seen is the amount of powder granules it takes to move or not move a balance beam vs a good electronic scale.