5 Best Beam Reloading Scales + Buyer’s Guide

My buddy who started reloading ammo recently had run into some accuracy issues while weighing the charges to refill his rounds and was looking for a reliable scale. His measurements had turned out to be inconsistent, and he ended up reloading similar rounds with different amounts of gunpowder. So he had a question for me: Are beam reloading scales a better option to weigh shot charges accurately? 

When reloading spent cartridges, it’s important to make sure the charges that go in the cartridge casing are in the correct amount–or else your newly reloaded shots can be faulty. This is where beam reloading scales can help since they let you weigh your charges super accurately and leave very little room for error. 

I compiled a guide on the best beam reloading scales I’ve used for those who, like my buddy, are looking for reliable scales for reloading ammo. I have also added a buyer’s guide to help you decide on which scale to buy. Before we get to the list of best beam reloading scales though, let’s find out how to use one.

How to Use a Beam Reloading Scale 

Getting started with a beam scale for reloading ammo can be challenging at first, but it gets easier once you get the hang of it. Let’s have a look at a beam reloading scale and how you can use it to weigh charges. 

• Step 1 – Calibrating makes sure the scale reads accurately by ‘zeroing’ it, which means leveling the zero on the beam to the pointer when the weighing pan is empty. If the scale doesn’t read zero, you have to place it on level ground and adjust the leveling foot until the beam zeroes. That said, most beam scales come factory-calibrated, and you can follow the user manual for any further adjustments. 
• Step 2 – Weighing the charges has to be done carefully because even a single-grain difference can throw off the performance of your shot. First, you have to add the gunpowder or shot pellets into the weighing pan in small amounts. Next, you need to guess the weight and adjust the poises (sliding weights) along the beam. For example, if you think the charge weighs 150 grains, you need to move the main poise along the beam scale to get to the 150 mark. If the beam doesn’t level to zero, you need to move the main poise and the small poise (which indicates decimal amounts) back and forth until you get the reading to zero. A good practice is to look at the scale from the eye level; it helps avoid errors caused by an indirect line of sight. 
• Step 3 – Maintenance is important in beam reloading scales to make sure you get accurate readings consistently. Consider zeroing (calibrating) your scale regularly to maintain consistent accuracy. You can also use check weight sets with different grain amounts to test the scale and confirm it gives accurate readings. Make sure to wipe the weighing pan with a dry cloth after every use, because if gunpowder residue remains in the pan, it can seriously throw off your reading. Try to keep the beam reloading scale at a designated, level surface without moving it, because an uneven base can make it difficult to get to zero. 

Now, beam reloading scales can look like they need some work, but they are accurate and consistently reliable, making them an important part of any reloading kit. 

Gun University’s Choices of the Best Beam Reloading Scales

Best Beam Reloading Scales

Best overall RCBS M500 Mechanical Scale		Ambidextrous Uses magnets to stabilize the weighing pan Efficient readings Consistent accuracy	Buy on Amazon
Best stability Hornady Lock-N-Load Balance Beam Scale		Reasonably priced Easy-to-read laser-etched beam Uses magnets to stabilize the weighing pan	Buy on Amazon
Best capacity RCBS M1000 Magnetic Powder Scale		Ambidextrous Easy to set up and use Uses magnets to stabilize the weighing pan Comes with a dust/storage cover	Buy on Amazon
Best compact OHAUS 5-0-5 Reloading Beam Scale		Highly accurate results Magnetic stabilization to speed reloading High readability	Buy on Amazon
Best budget Lee Precision Safety Powder Scale		Precise readings Durable Ideal for weighing small to medium loads	Buy on Amazon

Beam Reloading Scales Spec Comparison

Below is a table of the specifications for each of the beam reloading scales.

Best Beam Reloading Scales

Here is our list for the best beam reloading scales.

1. RCBS M500 Mechanical Scale
2. Hornady Lock N loaded Balance Beam Scale
3. RCMS M1000 Magnetic Powder Scale
4. OHAUS 5-0-5 Reloading Beam Scale
5. Lee Precision Safety Powder Scale

Best Beam Reloading Scales – Reviews

While the beam reloading scales I’ve chosen are all performer great, I’ve sorted them according to their best feature. This can help you narrow the choices down to a beam reloading scale that works for your needs. 

Beam Reloading Scales – Buyer’s guide

Choosing a good beam scale can help you reload ammo with precise charges, so getting one that fits your requirements is important. I’ve put together this buyer’s guide to point you in the right direction toward purchasing a beam reloading scale that meets your requirements. 

Choosing between mechanical and electronic scales

Mechanical scales (like the beam reloading scales on this list) and electronic scales both have their own pros and cons, and one is not really better than the other. Here’s a laook at how each performs in several categories that I feel are the most important to consider when evaluating your options.

	Mechanical reloading scale	Electronic reloading scale
Accuracy	Consistent and reliable, needs recalibration from time to time	Accuracy can get affected by battery issues, overheating, vibrations etc.
Functioning mechanism	No external power needed, but the mechanical parts have to be well-adjusted	Operated by electricity from batteries or a power outlet
Ease of use	Some effort needed. The scale has to be calibrated and checked for accuracy, and weighing takes some effort as well	Extremely easy to use, only requires switching on and placing the charges on the scale
Time	Takes some time to get accurate measurements	Results are immediate
Cost	Averages around $90-$100	Averages around $50
Durability	Often made from cast metal with high durability	Often made from a plastic material with low durability

Personally, I use a few mechanical beam scales because they are consistently reliable and my reloading setup is stationed at home, so I don’t have a need to carry it anywhere. If I had to take a reloading scale to the range though, I would go for an electronic scale because it’s much more convenient than taking a mechanical one and setting it up. 

Finding the best reloading scale for you comes down to your personal needs, priorities, and the complexity of the ammunition reloading you plan to do. Let’s take a look at some factors you should consider when narrowing down your options.

Factors to consider when choosing a beam reloading scale

These are some of the factors you should look at when figuring out what you need from a beam reloading scale.

• Accuracy – The weight of the charge affects the performance of your shot, so you have to be as accurate as possible when reloading ammo. Most beam reloading scales have an accuracy of +/- 0.1 (one tenth of a grain) and it’s good to look for that grain accuracy as a standard. There are beam scales with even more sensitivity up to one twentieth of a grain, but to get started with reloading ammo, +/- 0.1 grain accuracy is just enough. 
• Capacity – The most common capacity for beam reloading scales is 500-grain, and this works for almost any reloader. If you reload cartridges with a high load though, you can go for a scale with 1000-grain capacity, but it will drive up the cost of the scale a bit. If you’re only using the beam scale for small loads or to check the accuracy of electronic scales, a low-capacity beam scale at 100-grains might work.
• Size and Weight – While most scales come in roughly the same dimensions, they usually vary in weight. Heavier beam scales that weigh over 1 lb can hold up well against environmental factors like vibrations and breeze, giving you stability and helping maintain consistent accuracy. Lightweight and compact beam scales can be stored easily, plus they are more convenient to carry around. 
• Durability – Beam reloading scales are often made from composite metal, so their durability is often reliable. Plastic material is usually easy to break and can soften in heat, so if your choice of a beam scale is made of plastic, make sure the material is treated to last long. 
• Ease of use – Generally,beam scales are not considered user-friendly, but there are few things you can consider to pick out a beam scale that’s easy enough to use. Look out for an easily adjustable leveling foot to help with calibration, and make sure the numbers and grading on the scale are clearly visible. If you’re left-handed, look out for beam scales designed with markers on both sides of the beam for better accessibility.

These factors can help you decide on a beam reloading scale to purchase, and once you put some effort into setting it up and getting the hang of the scale, you’ve got a reliable device to help make your ammunition reloads much easier. 

Conclusion

Reloading your spent cartridges is a delicate business, but with the right tools, you can design your own ammo and save a few bucks while you’re at it. That’s why a beam reloading scale is a must-have in your reloading kit; it can help you weigh the right amount of charges for a shot that performs as same as (and often better than) off-the-shelf ammo. Don’t hesitate to pick out a beam reloading scale that best fits your needs, even if it’s tricky to operate. Once you get the hang of it, your charges will come out consistently accurate. 

Best Beam Reloading Scales – FAQs

How accurate are beam scales for reloading ammo?

Beam scales can be accurate within one tenth (0.1) of a grain for reloading ammo. The accuracy can change slightly with different models, but as long as you zero the scale before using it, you’ll be good to go. Consider using a set of check weights to routinely verify the accuracy of your scale.  

What is the best scale for weighing powder?

The RCBS M500 is a great option to weigh gunpowder because it’s accurate to one tenth of a grain and maintains consistent accuracy. It comes with a tip-proof weighing pan to make sure the gunpowder doesn’t tip over, and has a rugged aluminum base for stability. 

How do I choose a reloading scale?

Choose a reloading scale according to the capacity and precision you need. Consider the number of rounds you will be reloading and the amount of powder required per round to decide on the capacity. The precision of your scale also helps make your rounds consistent, so choosing a scale that’s accurate to 0.1 of a grain is a pretty safe bet. You can also consider other features like durability and ease of use to pick a well-rounded scale. 

Which is better – a mechanical or a digital scale?

Both types of scales have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you depends on your requirements. Mechanical scales are a better option if you need consistently accurate readings on a reloading setup stationed at your home. Digital scales are easy to carry around and give fast readings, so they are a better fit if you need to take a scale to the range. 

What’s the difference between a beam reloading scale and an electric scale?

A beam reloading scale uses a mechanical system with a balance beam to measure weight, while an electric scale relies on electronic sensors to provide readings. Beam scales are often preferred for their accuracy and reliability, especially for small-scale, precise measurements in reloading. Electric scales can be quicker and more convenient but may require more frequent calibration and maintenance.

How often should I calibrate my beam reloading scale?

You should calibrate your beam scale every time you use it to ensure the most accurate readings. If you’re using it frequently, consider calibrating it before and after each reloading session. Calibration weights are essential for verifying accuracy, so it’s good practice to check the scale regularly to avoid measurement errors.