Getting Started Handloading!

[The_Shadow]

As you start making decisions getting started looking on what to buy...There are many options to consider (single stage - progressives presses) and many brands on the market from Dillon, Hornady, LEE, Lyman, RCBS and even a host of stuff form older companies who have shut down but still in the used market.

My best advice to someone wishing to step into the hobby of handloading would be Do NOT scrimp on getting a quality scale!  I would suggest a beam type scale with a good dampening system, to help them stabilize faster.  Some beam types will bounce up and down as they try to seek their level.  A good dampening system built into your scale will be appreciated especially for hand weighing charges, where yo trickle in a few kernels at a time sneaking up on the exact weights.

I have used a RCBS 5-10 beam type scale since 1978...it is still as accurate and reliable as ever!  I know that those who see me post the pictures from the pull-downs see a small digital scale in those pictures, yes it is faster at finding unknown weights!

However, this particular digital scale will drift over time and requires re-zeroing often.  One of it's short comings is that it only registers to even numbered tenths of a grain on the grain/setting.  0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8.  Not all electronic/digital's are like this, but knowing their design and how the function is critical to accurate weights and measures.

I consider the SCALE, the most important piece of equipment as it relates to the loading process.  You need to know & trust your scale and how it works, to fully trust what you are doing with it!

Good luck with your choices! 

[gofastman]

I say get two scales, one beam and one digital.
set up your loads using both scales then do a quick check of your powder charge every 5 or 10 rounds with the digital one

[RMM]

I borrowed my friend's RCBS beam scale the other day to check it against my digital.  They are very very close (within 0.05 grains).   I agree that there is merit to using a beam scale when you are looking for the utmost precision possible, although for my purposes 0.1 grains is precise enough.

I have this digital scale:
http://www.brianenos.com/store/be.scale_be.html

It has been reliable for me so far.  I always weigh my charges with the Lyman powder pan/funnel and my scale hasn't drifted at all (so far). 
You do need to trust your scale and know whether or not it is drifting.  I know that the scale reads -65.2 grains with the funnel removed so if it ever drifts that number will change.  I also have some check weights.  The scale uses (2) AAA batteries which seem to last a long time, it reads in 0.1 grain increments.   No questions asked 20 year warranty.

This is just another data point for those who are looking for an inexpensive digital scale that isn't junk like a lot of those out there, I'm not claiming that this is the best scale out there but it has worked well for me so far. 

P.S.  You can get the same scale for a lot less money from E. Arthur Brown Co.:
http://www.eabco.com/store/reloading-supplies/electronic-powder-and-reloading-scale-1540-gr/

[REDLINE]

I consider the SCALE, the most important piece of equipment as it relates to the loading process.  You need to know & trust your scale and how it works, to fully trust what you are doing with it!

Me too.  Very good information from everyone who has posted so far.  Can't even think of anything to add without going into specific scales.

[sqlbullet]

I have both beam and digital scales.

Beam is always used for powder when loading. It is fast, and reveals the tiniest change in charge.

When checking bullet weight, or measuring powder in pull down's I use the digital.  Much faster at finding out what an unknown weighs than a beam scale.

[blastfact]

The most important tool a loader has to have is check weights. I don't care what press, powder measure, dies, scale or caliper your have. If you don't have at least a basic set of check/calibration weights your pooing in the wind. They keep your scales honest. And more important they keep you honest!