For measuring powder weight which is better a digital or beam type scale? I have both and get different weights for the same powder drop.

For measuring powder weight which is better a digital or beam type scale? I have both and get different weights for the same powder drop.

What type of scales are you using?
What is the difference in measurement between the scales?

Most scales will be accurate to +/- 0.1 grain which could end up being a 0.2 grain difference between scales.

a quality triple beam is overall the best for weighing stuff but its slower and yours might need a recalibration.
what brand digital are you using? most of the ammo company branded ones arent any better than $10 amazon scales that go down to .01

For measuring powder weight which is better a digital or beam type scale? I have both and get different weights for the same powder drop.

try weighing a dollar bill and a nickel on each scale and note the differences. dollar bills are a gram and nickels are 5. if you have the metal 100g weight that came with the scale thats even better.

oh and dont get a scale that can weigh larger amounts. i thought i would get one with a wide range so i could use it to weigh food and stuff in the kitchen, so i got a digital scale that can weigh from .1 up to 2kg BUT its not very sensitive or accurate below a couple grams. so when i use it to weigh really light stuff i drop a nickel on it first to kind of preload some weight on there then i tare it out.

Get a set of check weights. A cheap investment for a peace of mind.
I have three scales. Digitals and beams. Calibrate them before every use.

I got  a frankford arsenal digital and a dillon beam scale. I think it was only.1-.2 grain difference, maybe I am expecting them to be 'too' precise? I am pretty sure those are both pretty good scales. I will try the dollar bill and nickel calibration.

What type of scales are you using?
What is the difference in measurement between the scales?

Most scales will be accurate to +/- 0.1 grain which could end up being a 0.2 grain difference between scales.

then it may come down to what jonjon mentioned above.


if i really want to be certain of a grain weight i take 3 measurements from each of my scales and see how they average out

then it may come down to what jonjon mentioned above.


if i really want to be certain of a grain weight i take 3 measurements from each of my scales and see how they average out

K that sounds good to me too, will do

I'm still using one of the old original Dillion digital scales, powered w?120V adaptor. Made a box to keep the dust off it and have always had good luck with it. I use a chrono  and usually stick with published data right out of the manuals also. My old RCBS beam sits in the box. But you got me thinking about pulling it out again, as if my benches aren't cluttered enough, LOL!

I ended up with both an electronic and a balance beam scale. I use one as a sanity check on the other,  especially when trying to work up loads.

I have a beam scale with a set of scale weight check to spot check and was eyeing the Winstead Peters ACC-2000 digital scale.   Think it's best to get both but need to cross check the digital before each use if you don't reload often.