If you only shoot once in a while, the cost of ammunition probably isn't a huge issue to you. Pro shooters, on the other hand, may want to save a bit of money on the ammo they're using. For these people, reloading their ammo is a great way to pinch those extra pennies without giving up their favorite hobby, which is where the best reloading scale comes in.
These scales allow gun owners to reload their own ammo for a fraction of the cost. With properly reloaded ammo, you can also increase your accuracy and precision as well, making them even more worth the extra effort. There are also a few different types of reloading scales to choose from, so you can get the right one for your budget and your shooting needs. To learn more about the best reloading scales on the market in 2024, keep reading.
Short On Time? Here Is The Bullet List:
- Best Reloading Scale for Those on a Budget: Lee Precision Powder Measure Kit
- Best Volumetric Reloading Scale: RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure
- Best Portable Reloading Scale: Hornady Digital Scale
- Best Digital Reloading Scale: Hornady Electronic Scale
- Best Powder Dispenser Reloading Scale: Hornady Lock-N-Load Digital Powder Dispenser
- Best Reloading Scale for Accuracy: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser
**Below are our more detailed reviews. Click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Related Buyers Guides:
Different Methods of Powder Measuring
When it comes to measuring your powder, there are a few different methods to choose from. Each one has its benefits and flaws, so you need to consider which one works best for you depending on your budget and how much time you have to spend on reloading your ammo.
Volumetric
As its name suggests, this type of measurement is done using the volume of the powder. This is one of the cheapest options, plus it doesn't take very long to measure the powder this way, so you can get a lot done in very little time. The downside to volumetric measurements is that they aren't always very accurate, giving you inconsistent reloads.
Digital Scale
Digital scales have a few benefits, due to the digital technology that is used to take the measurements. They include calibrators that help to maintain the accuracy in each measurement, so each reload is getting the same amount of powder every time. These types of scales also don't cost very much, making them a great choice for those reloading on a budget. The downside to the digital scales is that they are quite time consuming to use, so you don't want one of these for a bulk load of ammo.
Balance
Balance scales are the most time-consuming scale type there is since you need to spend some extra time adjusting the beam to get the proper weight. The benefit of this is that the time you're spending allows you to get the most accurate weight possible, usually within 0.1 grain. These scales also don't cost a whole lot of money, even for a high-quality scale, so they won't push you well beyond your budget.
Powder Dispenser
Powder dispensers for reloading are the most accurate type of scale there is for one simple reason. They allow you to program in the exact amount of powder you want dispensed. Then it drops that amount every time until you change the settings. This means you can reload faster, with more accuracy in each one of your reloads. The downside is that these types of scales are pretty pricey so be prepared to pay for the added convenience the powder dispensers have to offer.
How To Choose a Scale for Your Needs
Since each scale type has its own specific benefits, it may be hard to decide which one to buy. Of course, some of them are better for certain projects, so consider what exactly you'll be using it for before you spend your money on a new reloading scale.
Precision Long-Range Shooting
When doing some long-range shooting, you need ammo with the proper measurement in order to make an accurate shot. That's why a powder dispenser is the right choice for a scale when reloading this type of ammo. It gives you those precise powder measurements so you have consistent ammo that can make those long shots every time.
Loading Bulk Ammo
When you have a large amount of ammo to do, you need a good scale that gives you those accurate measurements without taking a great deal of time to do so. For large reloading jobs, a volumetric scale may be the right choice. It allows you to work fast to get the job done, so you can spend more time out on the range.
Accuracy on a Budget
One of the reasons shooters choose to reload their ammo is because it is cheaper than buying factory-loaded ammunition. Of course, those on a budget will want to save money on their scale, as well as the ammo their using in their guns. This doesn't mean they need to get a low-quality scale, though. Decent balance or digital scales can give you the accuracy you're looking for without the hefty price tags. Many of these types of scales are also portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go for added convenience.
More Related Buyers Guides:
Best Reloading Scale in 2024 Recommendations
Best Reloading Scale for Those on a Budget:
Lee Precision Powder Measure Kit
The Lee Precision Powder Measure Kit has a great low price that will fit into pretty much any budget. It comes with a set of graduated powder dippers that range from .3 cc to 4.3 cc, so you can accurately measure the powder for a wide variety of ammo. Each one of the dipper scoops is sturdy, so the set should last for quite a while. The scoops also pour well, so you won't have to worry about spilled powder all over your work space.
Included with this measure kit is a slide card, which shows you the exact grain amount each one of the dippers dispenses. The slide chart also lists 48 different powders for over 600 loads, to make it easier to choose the right measurement for the ammo you're reloading.
This powder measure kit is perfect for those who are doing small batch reloading, though they will take a long time for those doing some bulk work. The dippers are pretty safe to use as well as they measure by volume and can't be overfilled. The downside is that there may be some weight variances depending on how packed the powder is in each one, so they aren't the most accurate choice out there.
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Easy to use
- Multiple size options available
Cons:
- Not very accurate
- Slower than a volumetric powder drop
Best Volumetric Reloading Scale:
RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure
Though the RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure is a bit more expensive than some other volumetric reloading scales, it makes up for it in quite a few ways. First of all, there are two size options, small and large. This gives you the right amount of powder for the amount of reloading you plan on doing, so you can get the one that best suits your needs.
This product is also quite consistent with it's measurements, pouring uniformly every time from the measuring cylinder into the case you have ready. It doesn't clog when the charges are being dumped either, so you don't need to worry about overloading some while under-filling others. All of your ammo will have the same amount of powder every time.
Another great feature the RCBS Uniflow has going for it is its ability to change from charge to charge. You don't even have to empty the powder hopper when changing these out either. All you need to do is set the charge you want and the hopper does the rest. You may also want to check the measurements once in a while during your reloading but this is only a precaution.
There is a drilled stand plate on this product that makes it easy to mount at your work bench or anywhere else you're doing your reloading. It can measure all three major powder types, plus comes with two drop tubes that you can use for 22 caliber bullets and up.
Pros:
- Most accurate volumetric scale on the market
- Fastest powder measuring option available
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Expensive
- Less accurate than a digital powder dispenser
Best Portable Reloading Scale:
Hornady Digital Scale
If you are in need of a portable digital scale to use at the range as well as at home, the Hornady Digital Scale is a great option. It uses two AAA batteries to power it, so you won't even need to worry about carrying a bunch of bulky extra batteries to keep it going.
This digital scale gives you a maximum reference measurement of 1500 grains. It is also quite accurate, weighing to 0.1 of a grain while giving you a consistent readout of up to 500 grains. This means you won't be overloading your casings or ever have to guess just how much is in the tray.
Another benefit of this digital scale is that it is trickle-compatible, so you can trickle the powder into the pan as needed. You can also use it to weigh your bullets, cases, or charges right on the scale. It has a large display, so you won't need to strain your eyes trying to read it.
The controls are quite simple to use as well. There are only two buttons on the unit. One is to turn it on or off and zero out the display and the other allows you to choose the units or calibration. The Hornady Digital Scale also comes with a decent price tag, so will likely fit into any shooter's budget for their reloading gear.
Pros:
- Decently priced digital option
- More accurate than volumetric measurements
- Quicker than a balance scale
Cons:
- Less accurate than digital powder dispensers
- Low quality for a digital scale
Best Digital Reloading Scale:
Hornady Electronic Scale
The Hornady Electronic Scale uses the same high-quality, precision load cell that you would find on the Lock-N-Load Auto Charge that we discuss below. This makes this digital model a high-performance scale that is a great addition to your reloading work area. It has a compact size, too, so it won't take up too much space while giving you the accuracy and precision you want in a decent reloading scale.
This scale has a huge capacity of 1500 grains, so you can weigh pretty much anything you like on it. This includes powder, cases, bullets, cartridges, and so much more. You may even find uses for it beyond reloading due to its versatility.
There is a large LCD display on the front of the scale, which makes it easy to read. The scale weighs to 0.1 of a grain, so your measurements are all as accurate as possible. There are large buttons, two on each side of the display, to make it easy to turn it on or off, zero it out, calibrate, or choose the units. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of reloading, especially for beginners using a scale for the first time.
Also included with this electronic scale are 2 calibration weights and a metal powder pan. It even comes with both an AC adapter and a 220 Volt adapter to ensure you can plug the scale in no matter where you are.
Pros:
- High-quality electronic scale
- Very accurate
Cons:
- Quite expensive for a digital model
- Slower than a digital powder dispenser
Best Powder Dispenser Reloading Scale:
Hornady Lock-N-Load Digital Powder Dispenser
Though it comes with a high price tag, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Digital Powder Dispenser has a wide variety of great features that make it well worth the extra cost. It has a sleek design, with a bright red casing that looks great on your work bench. Its set-up is quite simple and it is easy to use, thanks to the keypad design and the backlit display.
It has a number of great functions, including both automatic and manual dispensing, and a trickle function that includes 3 speed settings, slow, normal, and fast. These speeds allow you to choose the perfect one for the powder size, weight, and the charge weight you're using. There is also an on/off button, a zero button, and a number pad for inputting all the information needed for precise reloading.
Included with the scale are two calibration weights, a 10.00 g and a 50.00 g. There is a large hopper that has a capacity of 1000 grains, plus there is a charge weight of up to 300 grains. It even includes overcharge protection to reduce overcharging your load. In fact, it is so accurate that it can come with 0.1 grains for precision reloads.
If you're finished reloading or want to change powders, Hornady has made this process extra simple. There is a side drain that makes it easy to empty the hopper and quickly refill it with different powder, so there is no hassle when reloading different types of ammo in the same afternoon.
Pros:
- Most affordable digital dispenser
- Very accurate
- Quick and simple to use
Cons:
- Lower quality than the RCBS model
- Most expensive of all powder measuring options
Best Reloading Scale for Accuracy
RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser
This RCBS powder dispenser is a combination of the Chargemaster 1500 Scale and the Chargemaster Dispenser. They come fully assembled, so you don't need to mess around with attaching the two pieces together. This increases the speed and the accuracy of the reloading process. The downside is that it works best with smokeless powder, so you may not be able to do all your reloads with this one product.
There is a huge hopper that has a 1 lb capacity. There is also an alphanumeric keypad on the dispenser part of the unit, so you can enter the exact charge you need quickly and easily before you start to dispense the powder.
There are memory buttons that allow the dispenser to record up to 30 of your favorite load recipes for added convenience. The trickle button lets you get every last bit of the powder you're using out of the hopper, plus it is accurate within 0.1 grain. It even has four speeds to choose from, so you can work as quickly as you like.
On the front scale piece, there is a large display with a few extra buttons that allow you to turn it on or off, calibrate, or measure your powder in either grains or grams. Both right- and left-handed users can easily access the scale pan, so you don't need to fuss with your less dominant hand. There is also a clear cover that reduces air currents to help reduce weight fluctuations for even more accurate loads.
Pros:
- Highest quality dispenser available
- Most accurate option
- Quick and simple to use
Cons:
- Most expensive model available
- A bit finicky with certain powders
Best Reloading Scale Final Thoughts
Anyone who likes to shoot knows that the ammunition for their chosen firearms can be rather pricey. That's why so many shooters are opting to reload their own. This can save them quite a bit of money, and luckily, it isn't as time-consuming as you may think. Of course, in order to do your reloading properly, you need a decent reloading scale. This will ensure that all of your reloads are using the proper amount of powder, which will ensure they are as precise as possible. This will keep your shots, whether for target practice or hunting, as reliable and accurate as with normal factory loads.
Thank you for visiting Reloadingpresso.com! If you like any of the products that you see in this article, please click on one of the BUY NOW buttons to make your purchase on Amazon. As an Amazon affiliate, we make a small commission off any purchase made through our website. This commission is how we can provide you with informative articles. You will not pay more on Amazon if you click through our website because the price is the same. For more great products and information about guns, check out our Reloading Buyers Guides!
Even More Related Buyers Guides:
- Best Hand Priming Tools For Reloading 2024 [4 Picks Be Careful]
- Do It Right! 3 Best Reloading Manuals 2024 [For Everyone]
- Press Away! 4 Best Turret Reloading Presses 2024 [More Ammo]
- Less Cash, Better Shot! 7 Best Reloading Presses 2024 [Beginner to Elite]
- Outta Ammo? 5 Best Progressive Reloading Presses 2024 [Quick]
