How to use a balance beam scale – 3 easy steps

Today I woke up relatively excited about this write-up. “Why,” you ask. Well, it’s because I’m a firm believer in this reloading gem.

Even now, after I have gone down the rabbit hole of weighing powder charges, I am still always within arms reach of this piece of equipment.

“A mechanical balance beam scale is one of the top three essential pieces of reloading gear.”

This tool can be incredibly accurate, but the trade-off is speed. Even today, most Bench-Rest shooters use these, and I don’t blame them.

Without further ado, here is how to use a balance beam scale.

Step 1
Prepare your scale for use

First, clean off the scale. Pay particular attention to the powder pan.

Over time, powder dust will build up on the pan, potentially causing issues. You may not be able to see it, but it’s there.

I always clean the pan with a drop of soap and water before I get down to business.

Second, place the scale on a rubber mat or other abrasive surface. For most balance scales, the zero adjustment knob/level is located on the bottom of the unit.

All it takes is a slight bump to change the balance without you knowing it. (Ask me how I know!)

Third, adjust all three weight indicators to zero. I know I’m being obvious, but I kid you not – I just saved myself a stack of complaining emails.

Fourth, place some windscreen/wind block around your scale. A slight breeze can shift the arm on a balance beam.

Step 2
Zero the scale

With only the pan placed on your scale, adjust it until your balance line lines up. At this point, you should double-check by using check weights.

Check weights can be purchased online and are relatively inexpensive. You don’t have to, but it is better to err on the side of caution.

Step 3

If you have a powder trickler, this is the perfect time to position it with the spout above the pan.

Everything from here on is pretty self-explanatory, but I’m going to leave you with a couple of tips before I close this one out.

If you use the scale to get your final charge weight, starting low and using a powder trickle to work up to your target weight is best.

Try to get your scale at eye level, making the whole experience more pleasant. That way, you’re not laying your head on the table every time you weigh a charge.

I am going, to be honest. I would use a beam scale if I didn’t have to load such a large amount of ammo for a single F-Class event (200+).

Hell, there have been times when I loaded all the ammo for a BR match in the time it would have taken my electronic scale to warm up.

I know a high-end fast balance beam scale is available, but my pockets aren’t that deep.

The problem with electronic scales is most of them are absolute garbage. Even the good ones have electronic drift. Some of my earlier digital scales were so bad that I blew them up because that’s all they were suitable for.

As always, I hope this article has helped you on your journey. A balance beam scale has gotten me out of more than one unexpected jam, and maybe someday it will you, too.

Remember, shoot better than me – Mac R.

Disclaimer: Reloading/handloading can be hazardous to your health like many things in life. You take full responsibility when performing these procedures. 5 Gun Nation is unliable for your decisions. Don’t be an idiot, and if you are, it is not our problem.

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