Best Reloading Scale [2024 Review]

A reloading scale is especially important if you are looking for grain accuracy and precision when measuring your powder. That’s why I have prepared this guide to help you find the best reloading scale for your specific needs and funds.

My Best Reloading Scale Reviews

With so many scales in the market and the uncertainty of not knowing whether to buy a digital or analog scale, the whole process can be overwhelming. After doing plenty of research and comparing top options in the market, I’ve found the best reloading scales for people looking to cut their ammunition fees.

Hornady 050068 Lock-N-Load Auto Charge

For ammunition lovers looking for an easy and comfortable reloading scale, the Hornady 050068 Lock-N-Load Auto Charge will be a good fit. The best scale allows for speedy and accurate dispensing. The attached LCD keyboard allows for easy and quick input without compromising the ideal backlit LCD display.

If you have fallen out of love with mechanical scales, you will find this one a relief since it supports automatic dispensing. However, the reloading scale has a manual dispensing option if you prefer it that way. The drain tube, trickle tube, and hopper are straightforward to ensure that the powder does not mix.

Another essential feature is the inbuilt trickle function. The trickle performs as per expectations and even allows you to add a propellant. While in some rare circumstances the trickle can overcharge, restarting it will fix the issue.

Unlike other models such as Frankford Platinum Series Precision Scale and the Arsenal DS 750 digital reloading scale, the Hornady 050068 will only take 5 minutes to disperse the powder. However, you have full control over the dispensing as you can select three speed settings. This grain scale has a load capacity of up to 1000 grains.

The maximum accuracy level of the auto-charge is 0.1 grain. The scale is empathetic in weighing the powder and the bullets in the lock and load process. The grain-scale performs all this while ensuring the speed is not compromised.

The Hornady 050068 Lock-N-Load Auto Charge is specially made to save and use as little power as possible. For instance, it has an A/C of 110 to provide power in case the main power supply fails. It also comes with a 220-volt adaptor that protects the auto-charge from any overcharge and phase off any damage to vital parts.

What I Like

• The device is easy to use and operate
• The backlit LCD display keypad is ready and easy to use
• It is fast and accurate when loading rounds
• It is automatic, thus consistent flow

What I Don’t Like

• Takes long to charge
• A bit expensive

Hornady 050068 Lock-N-Load Auto Charge

Hornady Lock n Load Auto Charge 50108 Scale

There is plenty to love about the Hornady 50108 Lock n Load Auto Electronic Scale. With precision and specifications of some of the top Hornady reloading scale products and reloading tools, the 50108 precision scale is worth it. I love this reloading scale due to its affordability while maintaining a plausible specs sheet.

This Hornady Lock n Load auto reloading scale features a large LCD display with a blue backlight that makes it very easy to read. The precision scale has two calibration weights, a tare function, a clear protective cover, and a metal powder pan to ensure that it gives reloaders the most accurate results.

You might encounter some low powder load capacity issues on this precision scale. However, the Hornadysupport team can address the issue immediately after you report.

While the reloading workshop conditions can be harsh and rough, Hornady has ensured that the 50108 precision scale is advantageous over other brands by using top quality and durable materials. The design also features a lengthy inch wall to protect the inside components. However, the materials are carefully considered to ensure that the precision scale is light and very comfortable when using it.

The A/C adapter allows for a continuous reloading process, while the 220-volt adapters ensure that the scale receives only the relative needed power. The Hornady Lock n Load 50108 scale has a one-year warranty to ensure you are protected in case of anything.

In addition to the superb design and large LCD display, you will also get a desirable accuracy level of 0.1 grain. This allows for precise and accurate results thus providing a more fulfilling shooting experience.

With a satisfying 1500 grain capacity, you can also use this scale to measure powders, cartridges, cases, and rounds. You can work with a trickler if you measure small portions.For more accurate results, I recommend that you allow the scale to warm up before using it.

What I Like

• High grain capacity
• Good fit for measuring large amounts of powder
• Very easy to set up and operate
• Solid weighing pan
• It gives accurate weights results
• The large LCD display makes it easier to read

What I Don’t Like

• The scale slides over time
• It of recalibration
• Short battery life

Hornady 50108 Electronic Scale

Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale

It’s not every day that you get a scale that is precise and accurate while being lenient to thrifty buyers. The Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale stands out for packing a great set of features.

The 1500 grain capacity allows you to measure bigger loads, speeding up the whole process. With an accuracy of one-tenth of the grain, you should be able to maintain consistent weights while reloading and avoid the frustration of tweaking the calibrations from time to time.

The micro-touch uses a small slim-inch build wall. The casing consists of plastic materials to ensure the best digital reloading scale does not weigh powder more than 1 ounce. This makes it portable and a good fit for reloaders on the move.

One useful key feature added to the micro-touch 1500 is the calibration weight and the weighing metal powder pan. Together with the LCD display, you can enjoy accurate and precise gun powder weights. Although the scale can move the decimals on some occasions, the manufacturer provides manual reset instructions in case this happens.

While the reloading process is speedy, you will have to wait for some extra seconds. However, since this does not comprise the scale’s accuracy, the extra seconds isn’t a bad amount to pay.

The touch screen controls are easy to use and access. Additionally, the A/C adapter ensures that the digital reloading scale is continually running. Besides, you can use the batteries as backup power at any reloading site.

What I Like

• The reloading scale is very light making it easy to move around with
• The digital features make it very easy to use and operate
• The digital scale is very sensitive to the weights; thus giving accurate results
• Great backlit digital display
• The handling capacity of 1500 grains is even better than some of the best powder scales
• Convenient touch screen controls
• Very affordable

What I Don’t Like

• The scale is not durable
• Some measuring tools like this require regular calibration

Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale

RCBS 98923 Chargemaster Combo Scale

With a lot of scales in the market to choose from, the RCBS 98923 Chargemaster Combo Scale easily stands out with its attractive design. While the original version is more than two decades old, the grand scale has gained popularity among most gun enthusiasts.

You will notice that the RCBS 98923 Chargemaster Combo Scale has a unique design, typical of mechanical scales which give you a mechanical advantage. The mechanical scale boasts of accuracy of 0.1 grain—the integrated alloy metal powder pan allows for precise measurement without powder spillage. The trickle functions also ensure that you use even the last gun powder. It has the power range to dispense between 2-300 grains.

You will find the alphanumeric keypad easy to use. The keypad keeps a record of all your loads making it easy to access information from the memory button. I love the fact that the LCD display has a black and white contrast which makes it easier to read the weights.

You can detach and attach back the 1500 scale and the powder dispenser combo back at your convenience. This gives you a smooth movement of the high performance scale from one shooting range to another. On the downside, this may also cause some stability issues which you can easily phase off by reloading on a flat surface.

The speed and accuracy of the reloading scales are simply unmatched. The RCBS 98923 Chargemaster Combo boasts of about five times better rate than other scales. With its automatic discharge, the scale eliminates the need for unnecessary calibrations even for smokeless powder. 

What I Like

• The two-piece combination makes it easy to pack and transport
• It is very accurate and fast compared to other reloading scales
• It has a memory option that eliminates the need for inputting the recipe twice
• Durable design

What I Don’t Like

• The dispenser can have some drawbacks, which can take time to adjust when reloading
• Very expensive

RCBS 98923 Chargemaster

What to Look For in a Reloading Scale

Since you can reload your ammo a number of times, you have to achieve consistent results for all your reloads, you will need accurate reloading scales. While most people debate between analog and digital scales I think the following factors should take a top priority when buying analog and digital reloading scales.

Ease of Usage

Sometimes, you will need to reload one round after another. The process can be tiring, and when not carefully done, it may lead to accidents and inaccuracy. For this reason, you need to buy reloading scales that are easy to use so you can avoid all the frustrations.

This will ensure that you don’t have to repeat complex processes whenever you reload. It will also give you more accurate results since you’ll be able to focus on the process instead of tinkering with the complexities of the scale.

A good scale should significantly save you time since you will not waste a lot of time trying to figure out how to operate it. This will naturally lead to a productive reloading exercise.

Reloading Accuracy

You should never compromise on accuracy when buying scales. Even if it means paying a higher amount. If you are measuring small quantities of say, gun powder, you will need a scale that affords precise and accurate results. I recommend that you go with a scale that has an accuracy of 0.1 grain.

Some scales are very sensitive even to small movements, so always ensure that you set up the scale in a calm and flat area. This ensures that you reduce all the variables as much as possible.

Instead of focusing on perfecting each measurement, ensure that your scale is free from external factors that may affect the analysis, such as humidity. When reloading in bulk, check the scale to ensure it hasn’t moved.

Performance

While reloading scales may be easy to use and very accurate, if it cannot perform the intended purpose, then it fails the test.  A high-performing scale is one that combines speed, mobility, and durability.

Some scales are very light to transport while others have several detachable parts that can be packed separately. For speed, a suitable scale will give you accurate results without waiting for extra seconds.

The materials used to make the scale enhance its performance by ensuring that the scale survives even the harshest conditions in the workshop. Paying attention to these performance details can save you time and be associated with reloading.

Scale Capacity

Each scale has a different powder capacity. Depending on the shells’ weights and the number of rounds you are reloading, you will need to go with a scale powder capacity that best suits your needs.

Powder scales for reloading with low capacity are a pain to use when reloading in bulk. You might have to spend a bit of time before winding up the process. This might contribute to inaccuracies especially after reloading for a long time.

To avoid this frustration, consider powder scales for reloading with a capacity of not less than 1000 grains to make the process swift and accurate. In addition to time management, continuous reloading ensures that the weights are consistent in each round.

Calibration

After making sure that everything is working as per expectations, one crucial thing you should consider is the scale’s calibration. You will need something of a known calibration weight that you can use to determine if the scale is correct.

Most digital scales come with a reference weight, and you can adjust it if you notice any issue with the calibration. A correctly calibrated scale will ensure that you get consistent results for all rounds. 

Conclusion

With the industry being flooded with a wide variety of reloading scales, finding one that is the right fit for your specific needs and savings can be overwhelming. However, if you look out for factors in my reloading scale reviews such as accuracy, ease of use, grain capacity, and durable designs, you should be able to get the most accurate reloading scale for you.