6 Best Reloading Scales In 2022 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Buying new rounds of ammunition is not exactly easy on the wallet, especially if you hunt regularly. That is why many of my fellow hunters opt to recycle and reuse their spent casings.

While it may not eliminate the cost of buying new ammunition entirely, it does make things a lot more affordable.

But reloading is not an easy task. You need to use a precise amount of gunpowder with a spent casing if you want to get a good value per shot.

And doing that without the best reloading scale is excruciatingly difficult. So if you want to recycle your ammunition, make sure you invest in a reloading scale.

But with so many different options, it can often get overwhelming. Having used many different reloading scales myself, I still get confused when I want to buy a new one.

To make sure things don’t get too hectic for you, I decided to make a complete list of some of my favorite reloading scales that you can consider picking up for yourself.

Top 5 Best Reloading Scales

Here is my roundup of the finest reloading scales that are worth your time and money.

1. Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Digital Reloading Scale with LCD Display for Reloading

I have nothing against expensive products, but those who know me know that I like to start things off with an affordable option. And when talking about the best digital powder scale on a budget, there is only one model that comes to mind, the DS-750 Digital Reloading Scale by Frankford Arsenal.

With its 750-grain capacity, which translates to 50 grams of powder, you would be forgiven if you overlooked it at first glance. But when you consider that it is accurate to within 0.1 grain, comes with an auto-calibration and auto-shutoff function, and has built-in protection against overload, its smaller capacity does not feel like too much of a deal-breaker.

It also has counting and a tare function to give it a bit more utility for you to work with. For those that don’t know, the tare function in the unit automatically eliminates the weight of the powder pan to give you a precise readout of only the powder weight.

You will also love the LCD digital display. Despite its smaller size, you will be able to notice the weight readout instantly, thanks to the blue backlight. As for your unit of measurement, you can choose to display it in grains, grams, ounces, and carats. So, you will be able to measure the weight of gemstones, too, if you want.

The simple and straightforward design of the unit is excellent for first-timers. Simply turn it on and let it warm up for 30 seconds. It shows error codes for any issues that may come up, such as exceeding maximum weight or running out of batteries. You can refer to the instruction manual for a clearer idea of the error codes.

There is one caveat that you need to be aware of, though. It is not as durable or well-made as some of the other reloading scales you will find on my list. So you need to protect it from extreme temperatures or moisture if you want to make it last. With proper maintenance, it will give you a decent lifespan.

It runs on 2 AAA batteries which come included with your purchase, along with a powder pan and the calibration weight. You also get a handy soft carrying case for better portability and storage.

As you can see, for the price, the quality and features that this reloading scale offers are quite surprising. At this price point, you would be hard-pressed to find a better option in the market.

However, if you do want to spend extra, you might be better off with the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Precision Scale. It improves on many of the features that you find with the DS-750 and also gives you better durability, albeit at the expense of a greater cost.

Pros

• Comes at an affordable price
• Compact and portable design
• Includes counting and tare function
• Perfect for beginners

Cons

• Not very durable
• Does not pick up slight changes in weight

2. RCBS 98923 Chargemaster Combo Scale/Dispenser

While the DS-750 by Frankford Arsenal is a fantastic pickup for beginners, pro hunters might not find it all that exciting. Don’t get me wrong, the DS-750 is an excellent product, but it does not hold up when you compare it to truly high-end, expensive options out there.

And if I am talking about the best digital reloading scale that even professionals will find exciting, then I have to talk about the RCBS Chargemaster. Despite being one of the most expensive reloading scales on the market, I have never heard professionals complain about it. That should already give you an idea of what to expect from its performance.

With this investment, you are getting a two-for-one. This unit combines the ChargeMaster 1500 scale and the ChargeMaster Dispenser giving you a complete setup to make sure you can measure the finest bit of gunpowder to make the perfect ammunition. And the best part is it comes fully assembled in the box.

It has a weight capacity of 1500 grains which means you will be able to weigh a large amount of powder with it in one go. On top of that, its accuracy of within 0.1 grains makes it a proficient tool for calculating gunpowder weights for professional reloaders.

However, it does have one drawback. This reloading scale is only compatible with smokeless powder. But look at the bright side. This means you do not need to worry about calibration as it is already calibrated for smokeless powders out of the box.

It is a simple device that does what it is meant to do perfectly. Since it comes preassembled, you do not need to tinker with anything before you get started. The hopper is large enough to fit up to a pound of powder, and you also do not need to worry about any spillage.

Among its other functions, it comes with a memory and a trickle feature. With the memory buttons, you will be able to recall any presets that you set up previously for use with the machine. And the trickle button ensures you get every bit of powder into your charges without wasting anything.

Before you start using the machine, let it warm up for around 20 minutes. I know this is a lot longer than most of the other machines, but it is quite understandable when you think about the level of power and quality that this brings to the table. Without the warm-up, you might get inaccurate readings.

While this device is built well, it is sensitive to extreme cold or heat, which can result in false readings. So, make sure the temperature in the room is set at a comfortable level when you are using this device. But as for durability, you should not have anything worth complaining about.

Pros

• Extremely accurate readings
• The large display is easy to read
• Zero calibration required
• Simple and efficient setup

Cons

• Only works with smokeless powder
• Requires 20 minutes of warm-up

3. Hornady 050108 Electronic Scale, 1500 Grain

Coming up next in my review of the best powder scale, I will be talking about a unit that gives you massive capacity without costing you an arm and a leg. The Hornady Electronic Scale is not exactly a cheap digital scale, but it is not that expensive either, making it a great pickup for just about anyone.

Be warned, though, with this price, you will only be getting the scale, which should be fine if you want to measure the weigth. But if you want a dispenser as well, you might be better off with another option. It is slightly larger than the DS-750 that I talked about before but features a more well-rounded design.

For instance, it can handle up to 1500 grains which, compared to the 750 grains limit of DS-750, feels like a massive bump. You can also expect it to give you a reading accurate to within one-tenth of a train when you are using it. On top of measuring powder, you can also measure casings and bullets with it.

You do need to calibrate it before you use it, though, unlike the RCSB scale. But thankfully, the calibration steps are pretty standard and easy to follow if you go through the instruction manual before you begin.

The thing that attracts me the most about this product is its large, easy-to-read digital display. It has a green backlight, and large digits in the display ensure you will never misread the value. In essence, it minimizes the chance of human error by a large bit.

Another fantastic thing about it is its consistency. Weight drifts are pretty common, as you may know when you are shopping on a budget. But with this model, this will not be something that you need to worry about. The readings that you get out of it will be consistent and accurate.

However, this all depends on how well you handle the device. It might not be as small as the DS-750, but it is still quite lightweight. And that, combined with the high sensitivity of the sensors, might result in some variations in reading if you are not careful with it.

For a professional, though, this should not be too much of an issue. It features solid construction, and while it may not survive a fall, it will last you a long time if you treat it well. And as a cherry on top, it features a shiny, dust and rust-resistant finish to extend its lifespan.

For the price, the performance that it offers is hard to find elsewhere. But if you can’t afford it, the Hornady M2 Digital Bench Scale will serve you well too. It is a smaller version of this model and, while not as accurate as this one, still offers you consistent results.

Pros

• Consistent and accurate reading
• Easy calibration process
• Large digital display
• Excellent build quality

Cons

• Not as portable as the DS-750
• Sensitive to vibrations

4. WAOAW W-01-50 Digital Milligram Scale 50 X 0.001Gram Reloading Jewelry Scale

If you asked me about the W-01-50 Digital Milligram Scale by WAOAW a few years back, I probably wouldn’t have recommended it. I would have said something like – this is good for jewelry, but for powder measurement, go with something else.

However, after trying it out for myself, I am here to tell you that this can be a great little pickup, especially for such a low price. While it may not be the best out there, it is definitely not the worst. It gets the job done in a pinch despite having a few quirks here and there.

This unit can handle up to 770 grains of powder which is not bad considering its price. But in a practical sense, you might have better luck using a 1000 grains model. Still, the accuracy rating of 0.1 grains that this unit comes with is quite admirable.

The digital display is also quite nice, giving you a clear and accurate reading. It has a blue backlight and also shows different error codes if it detects any issues. To understand the error codes, you should refer to the included instruction manual.

I absolutely love the build quality of the unit, though. It is made using plastic, but the quality of the plastic is pretty amazing. You can power this unit with 2 AAA batteries. That, combined with its tiny footprint, makes it a fantastic pick if you want your reloading scale to be portable.

It also includes an adjustable automatic shutoff feature and has low battery or overload indicators. While it might seem like a toy at first glance, the included features make it an amazing reloading scale that you can pick up if you are on a tight budget.

Pros

• Comes at an affordable price
• Automatic shutoff and overload protection
• Decent accuracy
• Compact and portable

Cons

• Low capacity
• There are better options out there

5. Hornady Auto Charge Powder Measure & Dispenser

I usually try not to put two products by the same brand in a review, but this time I had no choice. While the Hornady 050108 Electronic Scale is a great option to go with, if you have the budget for it, the Hornady Auto Charge would make a much better investment.

It is one of the most popular reloading scales for both professionals and beginners. There are some mixed reviews here and there claiming that it stops working after a while, but personally, I never had any issues with my one. Needless to say, I am a huge fan of this reloading scale.

It has a grain capacity of 1000, which might not be the highest out there, but it is decent for the price. The accuracy of the readings is within one-tenth of grain, which means you will have a precise reading any time you use it. So even if you find its capacity lacking, its accuracy will make up for it.

In addition to measuring powders, it can also dispense them thanks to the built-in dispenser. The dispenser has three different speed settings allowing you to distribute powder into the scale perfectly. And if you hate spills as much as I do, the trickle function will make sure you get every bit of powder into the scale.

Calibrating the unit is also pretty straightforward. You get two calibration weights included with your purchase, and its one-button calibration gets you through the process as smoothly as possible. Just make sure you go through the manual before you get started.

The control panel in this scale features large buttons allowing you to switch between automatic and manual dispensing. Its digital display is huge, so you will not have a hard time reading the values.

You will also love the build quality and design of the unit. It comes with a plastic covering to make sure the powder stays in place. And the readings that you get with the scale are accurate and consistent. I think most professionals would agree with me when I say this; consistency is what makes or breaks the scale.

Its price might be the only downside to this. I mean, it is not the most expensive option out there; that much is certain. But for the price it asks, I would have preferred a slightly greater powder capacity. And unlike the RCBS Chargemaster, it does require some calibration before you can start using it.

Still, for what it’s worth, the Auto Charger by Hornady is one of the best “bang for your buck” investments out there. It does not cost as much as the RCBS Chargemaster, but it delivers a top-level performance for those who want to recycle their spent casings and ammunition.

Pros

• Decent powder capacity
• Large digital display
• Comes with a plastic covering
• Excellent build quality

Cons

• Reports of faulty quality
• A bit on the pricey side

6. Lyman Pocket Touch 1500 Scale Kit

By now, you should have a pretty decent idea of which reloading scale you would want for yourself. But if you are still unsure, or if the price of these scales seems too steep for you, then let me leave you with one final option that might be just right for you.

Layman is an industry leader when it comes to reloading scales. And the Layman Pocket Touch 1500 Reloading Scale is the smallest one that the brand offers. The idea behind this unit is to give new users a scale that does not cost too much but still gives them a taste of all that a good reloading scale comes with.

This tiny footprint reloading scale boasts a massive capacity of 1500 grains which means you will be able to measure large volumes of powder at a go. It features a formidable accuracy within one-tenth of a grain which is ideal for professionals. You can also switch between grams and grains for your unit of measurement.

Being a pretty barebones reloading scale, you will not find modern features like auto-shutoff or overload protection with it. But to take your job on the fly, its smaller size can be quite handy. You can simply put it in your pocket and go wherever you want.

So, if portability holds any importance to you, this is a strong contender with the DS-750 that I talked about before. Both this one and the DS-750 offer you amazing freedom and maneuverability.

In addition, the control panel in the Layman Pocket Touch is surprisingly good. It comes with a fully accessible touch screen that lets you quickly adjust different settings. The blue backlight in the display also makes it easier for you to read the value of your measurement.

Most people would underestimate this unit for its size, but if you give it a chance, it will blow your mind with the level of accuracy and consistency that it provides. In fact, the accuracy of this reloading scale is comparable to other top-tier options that cost significantly more than this one.

The unit is made using hard-shelled plastic, which might not be the strongest material out there, but it does the job. With that said, you should be careful when you are using it, as dropping it would likely break it. This reloading scale runs on A/C power or two batteries, and you get an adapter included with your purchase.

Pros

• Portable and compact design
• Comes at an affordable price
• Highly accurate readings
• 1000 grains powder capacity

Cons

• Not very durable
• Lacks modern features

The Bottom Line

Going with the best reloading scale can ensure you get the best performance from the bullets that you recycle.

So, investing in one is in your best interest regardless of whether you are doing it as a hobby or professionally.

I hope my roundup of the top products could help you figure out which one would suit you better. Good luck!