When it comes to the importance of accuracy and precision in a scale, there are two categories that come to mind for us here at bestfoodscale.com: Pharmaceuticals and Reloading. While pharmacists usually have commercial or industrial grade scales at their disposals, many hobbyist reloaders do not. This list is for those who are looking for an accurate and precise scale to measure their powder charges. Please note, this list is to provide our recommendations of the best scales for reloading; you should only engage in measuring powder charges/reloading if you know what you are doing or if you are working with a trained professional.
Many advanced level shooters and hobbyists prefer to reload their own ammunition due to cost and control. In the long run, reloading ammunition can be cheaper than buying preloaded ammunition. Reloaders can also use the measured amount of powder to optimize their accuracy and other aspects of their firearms.
Calibration and precision are paramount for scales used for reloading. Our ranking of these best digital reloading scales puts a higher value on calibration and precision than other attributes. For more information on calibrating scale, check out this article on how to calibrate a scale.
We believe most shooting enthusiasts will never need to go beyond 0.1 grain precision on their scales. That is about .0065 grams so we’re talking about some very precise measurements here. While you can find scales with higher precision, you will have to pay a lot more. Scales on our list can measure between .001 grams to .0065 grams.
So, take a look at our list below and start using one of our best digital reloading scales to confidently measure your powder charge!
Table of Contents
Top 7 Best Digital Reloading Scales
Accurate, portable, and efficient; our 7 best digital reloading scales listed below are the way to go.
Find details on all of these scales, and choose which one is right for you.
1. Smart Weigh GEM20
Accurate to a thousandth of a gram (0.001g) for extremely precise readings. Includes calibration weights, tray and tweezers to provide some additional help in powder measurement. This scale also has a cover to help protect it when not in use. This scale runs on 2 AAA batteries (included)
Over time if you see the measurements seem to be getting off, the calibration weights will help recalibrate the scale. For more information on recalibration check out this post on recalibrating digital scales.
At the price points its sold at, you’ll be hard pressed to find a digital scale as accurate as the Smart Weigh GEM20 that also includes the useful accessories.
The drawback we have to mention is the maximum capacity of this scale is only 20 grams so it is limited to only small weighing activities like reloading to jewelry.
- Reads out even by the number of milligrams
- Supports six measurement units (g, oz, ct, ozt, dwt, gn)
- Compact design
- Not adequate maximum weight limit
2. Frankford Arsenal DS-750
This scale weighs to .1 grain accuracy or .01 grams so it’s not as precise as the Smart Weigh Gem20 but can handle the job most hobbyist reloaders will give it. This scale comes with removable plastic case, a soft carry case, a powder pan, tweezers, and a calibration weight. It also includes 2 AA batteries which it runs on.
The Frankford Arsenal DS-750 can weight up to 750 grains or 50 grams which is not bad given its side. In our testing, we found it to be a better scale for lighter items than items closer to its maximum weight.
It’s clear when reading the reviews on this scale this thing is durable. Several buyers even commented they don’t remember ever needing to change the batteries on it which supports it having a great battery life. We have not had ours long enough to confirm this but it does seem to be very well made.
The backlit display is easy to read and the buttons are simple and intuitive.
You can switch between measuring units of grains, grams, carats and ounces and it includes an auto-shut off feature after 60 seconds.
Between the battery power the protective case/carrying case and the compact design of the scale, you are given the freedom to load the bullets right on the shooting range.
- Lightweight and compact scale
- Metal construction for the increased durability
- Good backlist display
- Not as precise as other scales
- Not as accurate for “heavier” items
3. Brifit Digital Mini
Advertised to accurately read .01 gram or .1 grain (more on this below), this scale is not ultra-precise like some of the others on this list. This scale includes a hinged lid that opens up for easy access, a calibration weight (50g, with a place to keep it so it doesn’t get lost) and an easy to read display. It also includes 2 AA batteries it runs on.
This scale also offers the standard tare (zero) feature, as well as auto-shut off, calibration mode, low battery indicator, overload indicator, and can measure in 6 units: grams, oz, ozt, dwt, ct, and grains.
We are also fans of the slightly raised weighing platform which allows you to weigh items that stick out over the width of the platform.
For a pocket scale, it’s super portable and easy to move around. With the lid shut, the scale is enclosed in a sturdy case.
When it comes to ultra precision, this scale starts to show it’s limitations. There is some inconsistencies when you start weighing below 1 gram and while it’s not too inaccurate to use we do have to factor that into our ranking. For the price you will pay for this scale, you will still get great value out of it.
Along those same lines, this scale does need to be calibrated frequently to achieve the most accurate measurements.
- Plastic cover for the enhanced protection
- Very affordable weighing scale
- Good overall design
- Needs to be calibrated often
- Questionable long term durability
4. Hornady Auto Charge
We’re jumping up significantly in price point and functionality with our next scale, the Hornady 050068 Lock-Load Auto Charge. Just going by the reviews, this is an interesting scale. There is a clear divide between buyers who love this scale and buyers who are not happy with it at all. Let’s take a look at both the pros and the cons of this scale.
This scale is for serious reloaders. The whole design of this scale is to help you scale up with loading your own ammo (see what we did there?) With an overall capacity of 1,000 grains and precision at 0.1 grains, you can load your bullets with the exact amount that you want. Comes with 10g and 50g calibration weights.
You can program the scale to measure powder to your exact weight, time and count. The scale is built to automatically fill the pan with the weight of powder needed for your bullets.
Comes with a 9V power supply with 220V converter plug so no worrying about finding replacement batteries. The screen is easy to read and intuitive. At over 8 pounds, the scale itself is sturdy and won’t move unless you want it to.
This machine will help you crank through lots of rounds with ease.
Now for the cons.
The elephant in the room is the price. Unless you can get this on sale, you will paying over $300 for this, more likely around $350. For what the machine/scale can do, it’s not a bad value but if you are only looking to weigh powder this is likely not what you are wanting to pay.
Secondly, this scale needs to be calibrated frequently. The calibration process is fast and easy but just know to keep your measurements precise you will need to calibrate it frequently and we recommend to calibrate it every time you use it.
- Large hopper with up to 1,000 grains
- Will quickly weigh and dispense powder for lots of ammo
- Does not require batteries (9V power supply included)
- High price point
- Needs to be calibrated frequently (calibration weights included)
5. Lyman Gen6 7750550
Fill a dozen more bullets in one go, the hopper fills with adequate capacity, converting you to a good time to retain focus over the shooting skill rather than fiddling with the refill.
With the compact size, and lightweight build, it saves you good space from the table so that you do not need a table to first empty before placing it.
Filling the hopper to top as it measures 3-inches diameter and 5-inches off the tube to fill the gunpowder to the brink of it which can ultimately reload many bullets in one round.
The touch-based display takes you to operate through the functions, and the blue backlit display clearly shows everything to you in clear details, be it a bright sunny day or sheer darkened night.
Get to warm it up for three minutes before using it to make sure nothing resists and causes interference by other electronic devices, this modern reloading scale has this prime feature that lets the unit operate without emitting any noise.
Push the weight calibration button, this lets the equal grains with equal mass go through the drainage pipe that allows gathering around the weight pan. The more the gunpowder goes to the weight purchased, being able to detect the extremely accurate weight measured within the unit you select.
- Super compact size
- Touch screen to operate the functions
- Does not cause interference by other electronic devices
- Requiring proper know-how to operate it
6. Truweigh LUX
Small and precise, the Truweigh Lux Mini Scale provides precision in a very small footprint.
With a maximum capacity of 1500 grains (100 grams), the real advantage of this scale is its precise readout accuracy of around 0.005 grams to know exactly how much gunpowder is in each of your bullets.
Very compact build with a stainless steel weighing platform that is slightly raised, it’s easy to weight a variety of items on this scale.
When not using the scale, you can place the cover over it to keep the scale protected from damage or particles/dust. The cover can also be used as a tray to expand the weighing platform.
The display can be a little difficult to read but includes overload warnings, auto-off (after 3 minutes), and the tare/zero function.
Another nice feature of this scale is the ability to disable the auto-off feature if you desire.
As far as different measuring units go, this scale offers: G, OZ, CT, and GN.
With it’s compact size, this scale is easy to carry along wherever you go and it operates with 2 AAA-rated batteries which are included with the scale.
- Highly accurate to over 0.005 grams
- Lightweight and affordable solution
- Powers up with AAA batteries (included)
- Maximum capacity of 1500 grains
- Works only with AAA batteries
- Display can be difficult to read
- Very small
7. KUBEI
We give this scale extra points for being chargeable by USB. For one thing, you don’t have to worry about rebuying batteries over and over. And when it’s charged, it’s transportable so you can take it on the go when you need to.
The look of this scale is also something to consider. It has a nice modern and sleek look and in our opinion looks better than many of the other reloading scales on the list.
Even considering its lightweight construction and the convenience of the USB charging, the best part is its accurate weighing mechanism. This high-precision milligram scale measures as accurately as 0.001g, with a slight error margin of 0.003g, and can hold up to 100g as a maximum capacity.
And change to your preferred weighing unit by just pressing the MODE button which easily switches through nine different measuring units from g, ml, oz, ozt, ct, gn, lb, tl, and dwt. Across all the scales we’ve reviewed, this is the only one to offer 9 different measuring units.
- Super affordable
- Goes to 0.001g
- Up to nine measuring units
- Questionable durability
The Buying Guide for the Best Digital Reloading Scale
It is no fun buying the best reloading scales. Buying one for yourself depends on when you want to use it, how often you plan to use it, and how do you generally treat a reloading scale.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Reloading Scale
When it comes to digital reloading scales, size is an important factor to consider, but it all depends on your specific needs.
If you’re looking to reload a substantial quantity of bullets that will last you an entire day of shooting out in the field, then reloading scales with a larger size might be the perfect match for you.
On the other hand, if you prefer the convenience of reloading right at the shooting range and want something that you can easily carry with you, then compact and pocket-sized reloading scales are the ideal choice. They’re designed to be your trusty companion wherever your shooting adventures take you.
Battery-Powered vs. Corded Reloading Scales: What Suits Your Needs?
Choosing between battery-powered and corded reloading scales depends on your specific usage scenarios and preferences.
If your goal is to prepare your bullets in advance, ensuring they last throughout your entire shooting session, then corded reloading scales are the way to go. These are best used at home, providing you with the power you need for precision reloading. Not having to worry about buying batteries is a nice bonus here.
On the other hand, if you prefer the flexibility of reloading at the shooting range or on the go, then battery-powered reloading scales are the ideal choice. They can be powered either by AAA batteries or have built-in batteries, making them highly portable and convenient for on-the-spot bullet refilling during your shooting adventures.
For ultimate convenience, we recommend owning battery-powered reloading scales, as they allow you to use them anytime and anywhere. Just remember to check if your battery-powered scale has auto-shut-off features to help conserve battery life.
Unlocking Maximum Capacity: A Crucial Consideration
When it comes to digital reloading scales, understanding their maximum capacity is another consideration. It’s important to recognize that not all digital reloading scales are created equal in terms of how much they can handle.
When you’re dealing with just a few grams of gunpowder going into each cartridge, why waste time painstakingly filling bullets one by one and continuously adding gunpowder? Instead, consider a digital reloading scale equipped with a hopper. This feature allows you to pre-add the gunpowder into the hopper and efficiently fill your bullets with ease.
So, when you’re on the hunt for a digital reloading scale, prioritize those with a hopper for quick and hassle-free bullet refilling. It’s a time-saving and efficient solution for your reloading needs.
Finding the Right Balance: Reloading Accuracy Considerations
While we certainly value the importance of high-precision reloading scales, there’s a reasonable accuracy threshold that suits most needs.
In particular, we’re highlighting the impressive accuracy of 0.1 grains, which provides precise measurements when it comes to gunpowder. It’s essential to keep in mind that seeking out exceedingly expensive digital reloading scales just for measurements beyond this 0.1 grain point might not always be the wisest choice.
So, the question arises: why would you require a reloading scale with accuracy beyond this threshold? In most cases, sticking to a scale with 0.1 grain accuracy should more than suffice for your reloading needs, providing both accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
Multiple Measuring Units: A Key Consideration
When selecting a digital reloading scale, it’s also important to avoid ones that are limited to measuring in grams alone. The greater the variety of measuring units a scale supports, the more versatile it becomes for accurately measuring gunpowder in various units.
While grams are undoubtedly effective, having the option to measure in different units serves as an excellent method for double-checking accuracy. Our lineup of digital reloading scales boasts support for up to nine measurement units, with an average of five of the most commonly used units available for your convenience. This versatility ensures you have the flexibility to measure your gunpowder precisely, no matter which unit you prefer to work with.
Durable Construction: Built to Last
Good digital reloading scales are built to last, thanks to their complex combination of materials. These scales feature sturdy bodies crafted from tough, hard-formed plastic, ensuring durability and longevity. Complementing this, the weighing cradle is constructed from stainless steel, further enhancing the scale’s reliability. This combination of materials guarantees a solid and dependable build that can withstand the rigors of reloading tasks, making it a dependable choice for your needs.
Digital Convenience: New Features at Your Fingertips
“Digital” means a wealth of new functions readily accessible to you. Everything you need is displayed on a clear, bright backlit LCD screen, making it easy to read and operate.
For a touch of modernity, some of our options feature a touch-based panel, which is not only touch-sensitive but also easier to use compared to traditional buttons. This touch interface minimizes the risk of buttons getting stuck or damaged by spills or dust particles. It’s all about enhancing your experience with user-friendly and resilient technology.
Conclusion of the Best Digital Reloading Scales
In the showdown between manual and digital reloading scales, our choice unequivocally leans towards digital. The reason is simple: digital scales offer consistently precise readings that are easily comprehensible even for newcomers.
With manual scales, there can be an unsettling uncertainty about whether they’re accurately measuring each grain, leading to guesswork and a lack of confidence in your measurements.
Our top 3 choices for a digital reloading scale are:
1. Smart Weigh GEM20
2. Frankford Arsenal DS-750
3. Brifit Digital Mini
For reloading peace of mind though, we recommend any of the best digital reloading scales on our list. They represent the pinnacle of precision and accuracy, ensuring that every reloading session is backed by the confidence of spot-on measurements. Your reloading experience deserves nothing less than the best!