10 Best Beam Reloading Scale Review in 2021

LAST UPDATED: July 5th, 2021

Reloading your own cartridges allows you to save a lot of bucks. Why? Because it is cheaper to buy the materials to do so instead of buying cartridges from your local store.

Not only that, but you also get to make sure that your ammunition has an accurate weight since sometimes, manufacturers fail to deliver based on what they claim. Not to mention, it is enjoyable and therapeutic!

However, getting a scale that does not work well will do the opposite of the benefits we have mentioned. Thus, getting the best beam reloading scale is very important.

If you are just starting to reload your own ammunition, or maybe thinking of replacing your scale beam, we are here to help you choose which one to get!

10 Best Beam Reloading Scale Review

Want to get your hands on the finest piece? We mean, who doesn’t? Be sure to check each review and take note of each products’ pros and cons.

OHAUS 30393272 5-0-5 Reloading Scale

Are you looking for a compact on the go beam reloading scale? If yes is your answer, you should give this product a try.

The first product on our list is a must-have if you have a passion for reloading. It is accurate and dependable — no wonder why it is one of the staple models in bullet and shot reloading all these years.

It is tiny enough to bring anywhere. Plus, it will not take a lot of space from your work area. Wonder why? Well, with the dimension of 3.5 inches (height) by 4 inches (width) by 11 inches (length), everyone can definitely tell that this model is portable.

That being said, it is not just its dimension, which makes this one of the best beam scales for reloading. Of course, we are going to be tackling its features.

For starters, it has a decent capacity of 511 grains. With the three poises that it offers, you can definitely feel how convenient it is to use for day to day reloading.

In terms of accuracy, you should not have any doubts about this model since it can measure as precisely as 0.1 grain. How cool is that?

What’s more, its rugged foundation comes with a leveling foot, which ensures the stability that will last years and years. Thus, you are getting the best reloading beam scale for the money.

RCBS M500 Magnetic 98915 Powder Scale

Reloading your ammunition does not require a lot of money. In terms of your beam scale, there are lots of models out there that are affordable and work really well.

Take this RCBS M500 for example, its price will not break the bank, and it will still act as a really nice reloading scale. That being said, if you want to start reloading your own ammo, this model is a good choice.

You will be surprised by the features this model comes with. In fact, considering how much it costs, you get more than what you pay for.

To start off, it offers a magnetic damping system. If you are not new to reloading, you might already know how it makes a model efficient and easy to use.

Now, if you do not know what magnetic damping means, it adds stability to your scale. So, what does that imply? Well, the more stable your scale is, the more accurate the results will be.

This is perfect for basic reloading since it offers a decent capacity of 505 grains. Also, it will impress you since it is able to read as accurately as 0.1 grain.

It does not end there. This product includes a tip-proof metal pan. The quality of the metal base adds to its stability and durability.

Ohaus 5-0-2 Reloading Scale

Since 1960, sports shooters, hunters, and archers have been trusting the Ohaus brand. The 5-0-2 model will not fail to keep up with the brand’s reputation. Let us know more about this product.

This light grey beam reloading scale is a nice addition to your collection. It is also a great scale for beginners who want to enhance their reloading skills.

The product is very compact, and you can store and use it anywhere you want. It only is 3.9 inches in height and 11.9 inches in length.

The cast metal used to create this product ensures the user that it will last for decades. It also comes with a large leveling foot. You have full control over this product, and you are sure that it is very stable no matter where you put it.

When it comes to capacity, this can read up to 505 grains of powder. It comes with two poises, which makes it very easy to use. You can accurately measure your powder since this is 0.1 grain sensitive.

For a lot of people, it is better to always have a mechanical reloading scale than just owning one digital scale. Why? Because you never know when that digital scale will stop working.

Mechanical scales, just like this one, does not even need a battery or any power source to work.

Hornady 050109 Lock-N-Load Balance Beam Scale

Are you in search of that classic, time-tested reloading scale? If you are, you must consider getting this Hornady 050109 scale. It is designed to last for decades and will surely be a useful tool for any reloading enthusiast.

This device will surely be loved by many hand loaders. Although digital scales are very widely used nowadays, nothing beats a traditional analog beam scale.

This piece has a beautiful true red color, and from the looks itself, you can already depict that it will serve its purpose for decades.

Both the body and the beam itself is made with metal, so you know it’s very durable. For the capacity, it can hold up to 500 grains. Others may look for a higher capacity scale, but for simple reloading, this is enough.

It will not let you down when it comes to accuracy. What’s impressive about this is that it can measure as accurate as 0.1 grain (plus or minus). Plus, it features a magnetic dampening system. Not only will it give you accurate measurements, but it can deliver the results fast.

Of course, the price is very affordable. If you already have an existing scale, it will not hurt to purchase another one for back up purposes, and this model is a good choice all in all.

RCBS M1000 Powder Scale

RCBS is a brand which strives to provide dedicated reloading equipment to meet the need of every modern hand loaders. That being said, you can be sure that they designed the RCBS M1000 for that very purpose.

For starters, the build of this product is superb. Its body is made entirely of metal. The base, on the other hand, is green die-cast aluminum. This mechanical scale is constructed to last a lifetime.

Compared to the first four models we featured, this one has a sufficiently higher capacity. As the name suggests, it can measure up to 1000 grains! With higher capacity, surely you can do more.

For accuracy, this product will make you go — WOW! It features a 0.1-grain accuracy (plus or minus)! This is a perfect mechanical scale for any reloading task.

Some left-handed people might have a hard time looking for a scale that they can use comfortably. If you are one of them, you will surely love this product.

You can operate this with ease, and with the magnetic dampening system, you will be able to know the measurement fast.
The model comes with a tip-proof metal pan, which you will enjoy using.

Lyman Brass Smith 500 Scale

The Lyman 500 scale claims to offer all the features that serious reloaders are looking for. Let’s find out if this is true.

First off, as you’ll take a look at this beam scale, you know that it is not playing around. You would really agree that the manufacturer created this model for all reloading enthusiasts.

The beam is double-sided, which makes it comfortable to be used by both right and left-handed people! Cool, right?

For its performance, this product will make you go — WOW! It can be frustrating when a scale vibrates once you put your powder into it. Time is gold, and the seconds it keeps on vibrating is such a waste of time.

Well, you do not have to worry about it anymore with this model. The aluminum material used for the body reduces vibration.

Users will love how easy it is to use this bad boy. The beam has a white background accompanied by black markings. You can easily read the measurement in a glance.Additionally, it has a decent 505 grain-capacity.

This beam scale also offers both magnetic dampening and precision ground knife. These features combined make way for smooth operation.

Lee Precision Safety Scale

A lot of people want to keep things minimal and straight to the point. If you are one of them, you may like this Lee Precision safety scale.

As the name suggests, safety and accuracy are its most important features. Let’s look more into this model, shall we?

Reloading enthusiasts will never go wrong with this product’s accuracy. You will be impressed that this product has been calibrated with weights that are certified by the United States Bureau of Standards.

How cool is that? We all know that accuracy is the main purpose of beam scales, so it’s good to know that this product has passed a credible agency.

What’s more, this product features a magnetically dampening system. This ensures that you will get a precise measurement in no time. It can be frustrating if your beam scale takes a long time to measure your powder, so having that feature is really an advantage.

This model claims to never get out of adjustment. Also, you should know that unlike most beams, this is not made of metal but instead made from phenolic. This is a tough material that cannot be bent.

If ever you drop this, you can still be confident with its accuracy. It has the capacity to read as accurately as 1/20 grain.

Lyman Reloading Pro 500 Scale

Unlike the first models we have reviewed in this article, the Lyman Reloading beam scale has a different look. The color orange is very eye-catching and adds some sort of a modern look to it.

Overall, it looks very fresh and exciting compared to the classic metal models we usually see.

As the name suggests, this model has a 500-grain capacity. This is just perfect for day to day reloading use. Also, for other hand loaders and reloading enthusiasts who are looking for a backup reloading beam scale for their digital ones, this is a good choice.

Instead of using the traditional metal to construct this beam’s body, the manufacturer opted for high impact polystyrene. It is a versatile, economical, and impact-resistant plastic.

To make it easier to use, it comes with a very large leveling wheel. It is incorporated with dual agate bearings as well. In terms of precision, you will be glad that it features a magnetic dampening system. This ensures more accuracy and helps you to get the readings fast.

Other beam scales may annoy you because they take long to reset to zero. Well, this model only takes seconds to do that. This means you get to finish a lot of measuring tasks more quickly.

For accuracy, it can read as little as 0.1 grain. Overall, this is a good reloading beam if you are on a budget.

Redding Reloading – Powder & Bullet Scale

This model is specifically made for reloading purposes, as the name suggests. What does this tell us? Well, this means that it is dedicatedly designed with utmost attention to meet each reloading enthusiast’s needs.

For starter, this reloading beam scale includes a magnetic dampening system. This results in extra fast reading and more accuracy. Who doesn’t want that? Nothing is worse than using a slow beam scale when you have a lot of bullet powder to measure.

Operating this beam scale is elementary. It features a simple two counterpoise system for easy operation. And what else can you expect from a powder scale beam?

Well, for me, a user-friendly bowl. You will be amazed that this product has a pour spout pan. No muss, no fuss, right?

The beam pointer is marked in 1/10 grain increments. This allows users to read easily if the powder is over or under the desired weight.

You do not need to move the two counterpoises to check the powder measurement.Furthermore, this manufacturer is so confident with this product that they even dare you to test it against its competitors.

This shows how this can be the best balance beam scale reloading that every enthusiast is looking for.

Lyman Pro 1000 Scale

If you liked the Lyman Reloading Pro 500 Scale, there is no doubt that you will like this one better!

Reloading enthusiasts who want to use their beam scale as their main tool when reloading should try and look for one with a higher capacity.

A good choice is this model because it has the capacity to measure up to 1000 grains.

This is truly a step up from most models in this article, which has a capacity of about 500 to 505 grains only. With more capacity, you can do more and really enhance your reloading skills.

To make sure you get the ultimate user comfort, the manufacturer incorporated a very large leveling wheel. Of course, you do not want any of that powder wasted, good thing that the pot also has a pour spout pan.

In terms of accuracy, you can definitely rely on this model. It can accurately measure as little as 0.1 grain. Just like the Pro 500 scale, this model is made from high impact styrene.

Yes, it is not metal, but the durability is still nice.Large reloading tasks call for a fast working beam scale. This one features a large magnetic dampener. Not only do you get accurate measurements, but you also get it fast.

Features to Look for Before Buying

Like any other product, you can end up buying the wrong beam reloading scale if you do not have the knowledge of what features and specifications to look for.

Knowing what points you should be considering is important, especially that getting a cheap beam scale can result in accidents.Don’t worry! We are here to discuss these points with you.

Quality of Materials Used and Overall Construction

What a beam scale is made of and how it is constructed are very important factors to consider before you make your purchase.

Nobody wants to repurchase the same tool every now and then. A good beam reloading scale should serve you a decade or two.

Hence, the build is a make or break factor here. It is recommended to get a metal one. In terms of the overall construction, try to reach for a very stable scale. If you fail to do so, you will surely get inconsistent results, and nobody likes that.

Measurement Accuracy

Accuracy is the most important feature you should look for in a beam reloading scale. The best one you can get should have the extreme precision to within 0.1 grain.

Magnetic Damping

A unit is more stable when it is magnetically damped. In turn, you will get a more accurate measurement. So, look for a model that comes with a useful magnetic dampening feature.

Ease of Use

If you decide on a beam scale for reloading rather than a digital scale, there’s one thing you should look for. You should be able to see the backlit display in a glance.

It is also good to know that there are models which feature manual and or automated dispenser option.

Which Rounds You Will Be Loading?

Will you load pistol rounds? How about rifle rounds? Whichever round you need to load, you want a scale designed specifically for that. Also, since you are the one reloading your rounds, you should know the ideal weight of each caliber.

What Units Do You Need to Weigh?

It is very important to know about the unit of “grain.” With most models in the market, you can measure by gram, ounces, and grain. Make it a point to look for a scale that includes these units of measurement so you can measure your powder very accurately.

Grain Capacity

This tells you how much the scale can measure. A beam reloading scale with a capacity of 1,500 should be enough. Try to avoid ones with less than 300-grain capacity.

Performance

While it is true that capacity and accuracy is the main component of a beam reloading scale’s performance, a few added features will not hurt.

These features will make a model easily stand out from the rest. For instance, some models feature detachable bowls or pots while some do not.

Another thing you should be concerned about is the speed of measurement. Low-class models may make you wait more than 15 seconds to come up with precise measurements. Some may even bounce around, which can really be annoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

There you go, the best beam reloading scales you can get your hands on. What are you waiting for? Bring out that reloading enthusiast in you! As always, be careful and be smart about how you use it. Good luck!