RCBS 505 Scale and Powder Trickler

[@bisonuberti]

Interesting... All mechanical scale instructions "Strictly" state do not oil. Shoot lots and stay safe.

[@richardkut3976]

Thanks, for the demonstration and set up instructions. That Yard Birds sticker brings back memories, I've got a slew of electrical devices with them, 19 cents mostly. Take care,

[@totherepublic358]

Btw, so people know, static can also affect a beam scale. It is not as prevalent as with an electronic scale but it can happen. I discovered this while I was working on my 505 (because I lightly oiled it and it was giving erroneous readings) on a cold day and I had an electric heater blowing on me in my living room. As I would reach toward the scale on the coffee table, (out of any wind from the heater) the scale would deflect fully from zero without me touching it! It would stay that way until i touched it to ground. Try it sometime, static can mess with a beam. Having said that, in normal use I have never had an issue but it is something to be aware of, especially in dry environments.

[@tripplebeards3427]

Thanks for an awesome video! I bought my master reloading kit back in 2000 and gave my 505 away to a new reloader as well because I bought a digital scale. That rotten RCBS master reloading scale was horrible. It would jump all over the place. It would take me two hours to load 20 shells I swear. I just finally got given a 505 scale and can’t wait to play with it since I never tried one before and all these decades. I finally got rid of that master reloading scale when it went on the blank a few years ago and got the charge master light, which is ridiculous accurate and quick. I can drop 20 powder charges in probably less than two minutes with it and they’re perfectly accurate but I still want a old-school scale to double check my homework.

[@tripplebeards3427]

I just got the one that was given to me today. Mine only has two adjustments and not three so it must be a super old one, but it’s still a 505. It looks like it goes to five grains in front and then in back it goes to 500

[@davemiller4852]

Good presentation. Learn something I didnt know each video..

[@davesmith357]

Thank you sir! Now I am looking at beam scale. Your presentation took away a lil doubt I had about this type of weighting operation. Well done! Cheers

[@vaughnprecision]

Hope it helped you out.!

[@davesmith357]

@@vaughnprecision yes, I haven’t reloaded in years and I need to clear my thoughts and proceed with caution.

[@quietm4]

After trying two digital scales, with poor repeatable results (Franklin Armory and Hornady), I picked up an old RCBS/Ohaus 5-10 beam scale. MUCH more accurate, VERY repeatable. It may be a little slower, but when I factor in all the charges I weighed, and then had to re-weigh because the digital scales couldn't give me a repeatable measurement, the analog beam scale is faster and reliable. It's a shame RCBS stopped making the 5-10 scale...it's phenomenal.

[@silverlining964]

I agree with you on the scale. The only draw back that I had personally was the counter wait being loose and would fall out. some minor tweaks and I've used it now for 20 years. I dig the videos keep up the great work.

[@vaughnprecision]

John smith thank you, appreciate the feedback..! I'll do my best

[@PapaDukesFl]

Thanks, this really helps me out. Looking forward to more videos.

[@joed7593]

I’m a beginner Interesting points thanks for the input

[@TheYjmfan]

You speak a lot of sense I have electronic but don’t trust them I use the lee one you mention but just won an rcbs 505 today on Ebay I used the 505 in the 90s best scale ever.

[@stevenfouts9150]

Thanks, great information! I really like my 505

[@micwell2247]

I haven't weigh my case or primers but, everything else. I agree with everything you said...reloading has made my firearms so much more accurate with consistency in the 10 ring . Which is the reason I reload...

[@TartanJack]

In my experience I follow the same procedure. RCBS/Ohaus 3 poise beam scale, Lee dipper, trickle to weight. Being careful, as one should be, it's a system that works, consistently produces repeatable weights and results on the range.

[@donjones5793]

Absolutely fantastic video thank you very much UK.

[@Docsjeff]

I used to use my 505 and a digital scale for every load in a .308 168BTHP SMK.The Manual scale was MUCH more reliable......especially when shooting CMP 600yd Targets.

[@gshock3092]

I had Lee. Now i have rcbs 502 and happy with it

[@raymondheinrichjr.2902]

Nice job

[@blueuscg]

Great explanation I am new to this and bought the RCBS Chargemaster combo, but also have the RCBS 5.0.5 scale and am seeing exactly what you talked about the brand new Chargemaster is pouring lite and not every load is exact same.

[@rocky4976]

Good video. Answered questions I had about the electronic scales. You sound like a long shooter. Thanks.

[@darwinwilde6973]

I have a 505 (could be Chinese - will try to find my box) and use it to measure each charge for my 22-250. My beam does not settle as quickly as yours seems to. Did you modify anything to improve it? Used to scoop black powder but never tried it for smokeless but I can see a lot of time saved there. I just super glue empty pistol brass to a plastic spoon - with a little grinding I think I be able to get close enough to finish with my trickler. Great video. Thanks.

[@billking698]

PLZ...I JUST GOT AN OHAUS 505 SCALE...IT ONLY GOES UP TO 50....SINCE I KNOW VERY LITTLE ON RELOADING...WHAT CALIBER CARTRIDGE'S WILL THIS SCALE BE GOOD FOR ?...THX

[@markchester7584]

I see you have the mildot master. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Maybe an in the field demo.

[@Robmartin26]

Great video subscribed!

[@rici_rowdy]

Really good video, thanks a lot

[@duckslayer11000]

The Yard Birds price tag! Those were the days...

[@timhatchett7048]

I’ve got a 505 like your videos i’m a beginner

[@bigbearm8521]

I have a 5-0-2 RCBS powder scale, how do I measure one tenth of a grain. Only has one poise.

[@PilotMcbride]

Good informative video. I use the 505 but scared the begeezus out of myself. Zero'd the scales, set my load, then accidentally bumped the frame. Checked and reset my lower settings which had moved but forgot to check the large scale (10s). I was setting up for development loads for a new untried powder, set my powder measure to throw just under desired load and trickled up....... Long story short, the 10s weight had shifted, exactly 5 grains, so when I finished loading the 50 rounds, they were all 5 grains over my desired load. After firing the first low load (3gns over max load listed, fyi - last load measured 4.5gns over max load), everyone at the range just stopped! I went white and was speechless for several minutes. Iced the session, as it blew the primer out of the pocket, expanded the case head by about 50 thou. A very close call. Now I have an electronic thrower (Lyman Gen6), and check weigh each measured load on the 505. If there is a major discrepancy between the electronic and manual scales, then investigation starts. So far, so good, with thrown loads within 0.1gn (easy trickle up), but for me the matching lines is the goal. Timewise, about the same as throwing with the manual RCBS powder measure, because I charge the case & seat projectile while the next powder load is being dispensed. Enjoy all your vids ol' mate, hopefully the draconian YT enhancements don't rob us of your exceptional content. Waiting for the future!

[@patrickgeorge310]

I don't trust my electronic scale enough. But I do use it after I trickle up to my load on my beam scale to verify it's within a couple of tenths so situations like yours don't happen.

[@kenjoyce3070]

Ballance beams are accurate if zero is checked every time you use them they are sensitive the gravity from the moon changes them they can be changed but electronics can't that's why they can't be trusted

[@kenjoyce3070]

Am I crazy

[@kenjoyce3070]

Tides come and go every day from the moon

[@Gunsandfun1961]

Just scored on one of these.. thanks 👍

[@mrdinme.4768]

Thanks, clears things up!

[@lanceschul]

Your final comment about being pissed off happened to me today. I have been trying to develop some loads using velocity testing. I use a Chargemaster and think I need to move to a scale for the consistency.

[@georgeferguson9779]

Thanks for the video. It helped me make a decision.

[@jeffspooner7637]

I am relatively new to handloading and I chose an RCBS Master Reloading kit with the Rock Chucker Supreme. It came with the RCBS beam scale and I bought the RCBS Powder Trickler-2 to go with it. I started out using Varget powder and the trickler worked great but I switched to using Winchester 748 ball powder which is very fine granules. The powder leaked out around the trickling tube and then it jammed up the tube so bad I could turn it. Have you experienced this and if so is there a remedy?

[@vaughnprecision]

Yes I have, some powder is simply a pain in the ass to work with. I don’t have a solution

[@davecollins6113]

May have just been the one I had, took forever to settle the beam, also found the base light and easy to knock over, ended up buying a Hornady M scale, heavier base and waaaay better dampening on the beam. May be the only Hornady product I bought that I do like though, bought a few items since then, that I wasn't thrilled with, that were bought because they were handily available. Perhaps the newer 500 scale is better, haven't tried it.

[@jerryrose6014]

I have used my Hornady M scale for well over 20 years. After moving several times I thought it was out of wack. 2 years ago I called Hornady and they recalibrated it free of charge. It is dead nuts on! I wont trade it for the world. My Hornady electronic scale on the other hand is junk. It drifts after 2 or 3 weight measures!

[@Docsjeff]

Have you tried the Hornady One Shot Case Lube?Ive used it for years in precision rounds and absolutely Love it.Doesnt dent shoulders and moves smoothly throughout the resizing stroke.

[@Docsjeff]

Just FYI ,the closest bullet weights I’ve used are Nosler Bal Tips for rifles.

[@totherepublic358]

Also, please do not take my comments as criticism or as being disrespectful to your channel. I watch it for a reason, it has lots of good info! I only commented about the scale because I have personal experience with them and I would hate to see a new guy have problems by oiling the scale.

[@MANUELMANNY509]

Good job and very helpful

[@Docsjeff]

Also used a Dillon precision but still weighed every 3rd charge before dropping into a case.

[@MichaelMoore-od4jz]

love the video makes a lot of sense

[@kensiyaka2081]

i have a hornady digital scale with a 10g and 50g calibration weight. you can use the 10g ( 154.3gr ) to check calibration on the 505

[@timhatchett7048]

Thanks good video

[@blueridgeboy6791]

I'm glad I watched this video. I was about to go buy an electronic powder dispenser but believe I'll just stick with old faithful. I'm only reloading very few rounds at a time an want the best precision possible so I really don't need anything more b

[@christophergoldhammer__]

Do I need the extra tray?

[@rbrown2746]

I have the m500 do you think that as just as good?

[@vaughnprecision]

I’m not familiar with that one so I can’t really say

[@rbrown2746]

@@vaughnprecision its the same but doesn't have the 1 grain measuring piece

[@kassilewis5511]

I have an m500. It is almost as repeatable as my tuned Ohaus/Lyman m5 (I've tuned the m500 as well) and charge weights up to 250 grains are within 1/10th of the m5's readings. One granule of Varget is easily detectable and repeatability over 20x of removing and replacing the pan is +/-.02 grains. I think it is probably one of the best "modern" scales available at the moment. The larger m1000's I have encountered have all had repeatability and linearity issues. My m5 is just something to behold.:) Edit: If you oil the blades to prevent rust, don't seat the blades in the agate bearings until they are degreased. Run the blades 100% clean and dry when in use.

[@kendavidson5752]

Yards Birds? In Chehalis?

[@vaughnprecision]

I believe it was the old Yard Birds downtown Olympia

[@rbrown2746]

Do you use that scale for 6.5 and larger calibers, for precision shooting?

[@vaughnprecision]

I use it for .223 on up

[@rbrown2746]

@@vaughnprecision can you recommend a round for a beginner in PRS, I currently shoot 223 CMP matches and want to build a PRS rifle

[@vaughnprecision]

@@rbrown2746 That's a tough one to answer but anything in the 6mm or 6.5mm seem to work very well. We shoot the 6.5 Creedmoor for PRS and do very well with it, plus components are easy to find (when they are available).

[@rbrown2746]

@@vaughnprecision thoughts on 6br?

[@vaughnprecision]

@@rbrown2746 excellent choice in my opinion

[@GeorgeGeorge7]

RCBS 505 Scale , A total hall of fame scale!

[@TheKenDaidone]

We should be able to add photos....

[@Targetmaster1066]

Just might be worth mentioning that the 502, 505 and 10/10 were all dropped from the RCBS range a couple of years ago - The current RCBS scales are the M100 and M500.

[@vaughnprecision]

thetargetmaster interesting, I still see them for sale but it must be left overs from stock. I checked the rcbs site and none listed. Thanks for the heads up on this, I just assumed they were still being produced.

[@Targetmaster1066]

Over the last 5-6 years Ohaus moved scale manufacture to China and Mexico - The recent scales are still marked "Ohaus, USA" but on the cardboard box it tells you where they were actually made. The M500 is a direct replacement for the 502, a simple two poise scale. It has exactly the same knife edge/floating agate bearing set-up as the 502, 505 and 10/10. It's made in China but the few I've seen have all worked well.

[@henkvanderwal4543]

bedankt super goed

[@madman432000]

Still has the Yard Birds price sticker on it...LOL.

[@TiroaTiro]

Tks for the review

[@USMC-ParrisIsland]

Can anyone tell me where can I purchase a foot for my RCBS 505?

[@kensiyaka2081]

calibration tricks to determine if your scale is accurate, the metric system actually works with these kind of problems , where 1 liter of water = 1 kg , and [ 1 kg = (2.20462 pounds ]* [7000 grains = 1lb] = 15,432.34 grains) therefore 1000ml=15432.34 grains 10 milliliters of distilled water = 154.32 grains which also by the way weighs 10 grams so if you can find a calibrated syringe with milliliters, or eyedropper and measure out 20 drops of water = 1 gram of water = 15.43 grains after you zero'd out the scale, and have no other weight, you can do this and check out if 10grains is actually 10 grains, etc you're welcome..

[@timhatchett7048]

That’s what I use love it

[@frankgill8526]

I bought one it will not balancing. What can do?

[@vaughnprecision]

Are you adjusting the foot to zero it.? Do you have the powder tray on it.?

[@joekirk167]

I only use a 505 and Around two years ago Igot the two little nylon blocks from rcbs and replaced them just because of their age . I won't use any other scale.

[@garryhynds4870]

Thanks

Thanks for this video. For price, I'll go to the Lee scale and also I can't get this one in my country... Use volume dispenser at first and after go grain by grain on an electronic scale... but found variations in speed (great group but on 20 cartdriges, two kind of group so some variation on electronic scale, one upper group and a lower one) and not really repeatly with electronic scale... your video is great to understand that this type of scale is better than electronics ;) Thanks !!! Note : not tried to do a Faraday cage to avoid deviation on my electronic scale , but can be tested ;)

[@daleleppert6914]

Awesome video. Really enjoyed it. I noticed you have a taller base on the bottom of your powder trickler and a longer stem. Can you buy these ore did you make them? Also agree about electronic scales. I bought a Hornady GS-1500 scale and noticed right off I would have the right amount of powder and just before I pulled cup off the scale the measurement would change and I would have to start over again. Not very happy with it at all. Once again, good video. I'll will be subscribing. Thanks.

[@joekirk167]

I blow the doors off electronic scales with 505.

[@patriciomunoz6400]

4198 powder is good for 243

[@redlew012]

My RCBS beam scale measures exactly .1 grain lower than it should be. And my charge master appears to be .2 higher than it should be. I will say the charge master is extremely consistent in my experience. you just need to know what you're actually dispensing vs. What you see. I know my charge master tells me a number that is actually .2 gn lower than what it actually is. If I copied that to my beam scale that same number would be .3 grains higher because it measures different. which is why you should not copy peoples loads on the Internet. Work your way up to a good load.

[@totherepublic358]

I could not disagree more about putting oil on your pivot points. I did this myself before I understood these scales when I first started reloading. The scale always gave non-repeatable readings. The oil, even a light skim, will run down over time into the v blocks and the surface tension will give you erroneous readings. Even after figuring out what happened, washing the blocks helped but still the problem returned. It was not until I washed the blocks and then rinsed in alcohol and dried that the scale worked properly. There is NO NEED TO OIL THESE SCALES! Zero. The sharp pivots rock in a vee and there is no wear or resistance unless you add oil, then there is resistance. These pivots will not rust, certainly not before the beam does. Keep the scale covered when not in use to keep dust out and use canned air to blow out once in while. Do not oil, it will attract dust and the surface tension of the oil will frig you up, I promise.

[@vaughnprecision]

No offense taken! I had an issue with a very small amount of surface rust that was causing my scale to give me very inaccurate reading, terribly inconsistent. What I found was that tiny amount of surface rust was causing that. After cleaning it and applying a skim of thin oil I've never had that issue again. I do check it on a digital scale and so far so good. However I can see your point, in theory the oil could cause an issue, I've just never experienced it.

[@totherepublic358]

@@vaughnprecision yeah, I was pulling my hair out trying to understand what was wrong with mine. The small amount of oil had migrated under the agate vee-blocks even and was stopping them from adjusting on their posts. This was giving me readings as much as .4 of a grain high or low...which is too much obviously. The beauty of the mechanical beam scale is that it tells you it is acting funny though, which saved me from having to pull a bunch of rounds if I hadn't discovered it. I just purchased a 50 year old lyman scale (Ohaus) a few weeks ago, cleaned it up, recalibrated and it is still perfect after all these years. As far a rust on the knife edges, that is a problem if it happens, for sure. Those edges have to be near perfect. So I wonder if there is a dry lube that could be used in very small amounts like a Hornady one shot thing? At least that wouldn't migrate.