Scooter wrote:Thanks Tom. Yes it was the Hornady one I had trouble with too.
I generally load about 100 at a time and I think the balance beam scale would do my head in.
You are 110% correct. Been there, done that, not going back. I have both and I went through a few models of both.
To put it really simple, (brand new, 2nd hand is of course cheaper, sometimes by a lot) expect to pay at least $150 for good solid balance scales. And yes, they are mind numbingly slow.
Expect to pay $270+ for good digital scales. And yes, they do drift, but you see that on the dial and can recalibrate in 5 seconds. In fact, it's suggested you calibrate every so often regardless. Also, you want mains powered scales, not battery powered. You can have both, but battery only will go to sleep when idle - very annoying.
All high-precision scales will have issues, digital and balance. Room temperature for example will be a factor for both, air circulation, bench level and how you zero (balance) them.
There are also amazingly good digital scales for under $50 (drug dealers can't be wrong, ay), however the base plate is a bit small for a powder cup and you will end up hacking one yourself. Wen I used them, I used a cut down baby formula scoop.
Basic question here, is not how much you load, but how much are you willing to pay, once you get that under control, you will know what to buy. As far as digital vs manual, digital scales these days are just as precise and a lot faster, it's a better option, just need to know the budget to make a decision.