5 Best Digital Reloading Scales for 2023 [Updated Guide]

There are few things as important to reloading as an accurate scale. While the difference of a couple of grains or grams may not mean much in other fields, it can have profound ramifications for safety and performance. A digital reloading scale can be essential to properly measure charge and casing weights.

A quick online search will yield a dizzying array of options. To help you make the best decision for your needs, our team of experts have rounded up the best options on the market across different categories.

Some things we considered in making our decision included:

• Setup: Digital reloading scales come in different sizes and even cases to aid in more accurate measurements. We looked at the setup from a functional and ease of use perspective.
• Warmup time: A best practice with precision scales is to allow for a warmup before putting it to use. We tested digital reloading scales on the average warm up time. We also made sure there were no other features like auto shut-off that may interfere.
• Ease of calibration: There are a series of calibration tests that need to be run on a scale for accurate readings. We chose scales that provided a seamless calibration experience that did not have to be repeated multiple times.
• Accuracy: The entire purpose of a scale is accuracy. We compared the accuracy of these scales to professional, commercial grade options to see how they measured up.
• Precision & drift: Our testing looked to determine a scale’s repeatability in outputting an accurate reading with little drift in results.
• Capacity: It’s important to have a scale that will be accurate for the amount of weight you need to measure. We looked for scales that had a wide capacity without sacrificing accuracy on either end of the spectrum.
• Convenience features: Additional features are great as long as they enhance efficiency without getting in the way.
• Value: Our team included options at different price points. Regardless of cost, it’s important that each scale provides tremendous value in relation to its price tag.

Best Overall: Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Reloading Scale

Key Features:

• 2 calibration weights.
• Measures in grains, grams, ounces, carats.
• 1,500 grain capacity.
• Stability indicator.
• Accurate to 0.1 grain.
• Powered by 120v, 220v or (4) AAA batteries.
• Backlit display.
• Clear protective cover.
• Storage case included.
• Weight: 2.2 pounds.
• Dimensions: ‎11 x 9 x 4 inches.

While we’ve included some newer brands in this article, our best overall choice comes from Frankford Arsenal which is one of the most established names in the industry. They’ve leveraged their experience in producing a scale that’s both highly accurate and functional.

The Platinum Series scale is designed for regular to heavy use. Its protective case allows it to be comfortable on your workbench or in a mobile setup. This also allows you to keep everything organized. A common complaint about other scales is that users have to find other ways to keep track of their accessories. This model is great for people that want to stay organized.

Moving onto the scale itself, the construction is very solid given the price point. While it isn’t heavy, it feels substantial which is a positive for stability. The screen is backlit and easy to read even in dark settings. We found the warm up time was minimal, needing only a few minutes. Since it has an idle shutoff feature that kicks in at 180 seconds, we had to tap the scale every so often to keep it from shutting off during warm up.

The calibration process was very simple to do, and we were ready to go in just a couple of minutes. Since it comes with two calibration weights, it allows you to perform a 3-point calibration for greater accuracy and less drift. There was no constant adding and removing weights to get it honed in. The scale does a good job guiding you with on-screen prompts.

We tested this scale using different grain weights from 3 grains to 250 grains at points that represented the most common charge and casing weights. The product description states it is accurate to 0.1 grain. Users report it was very close to this number with an average drift of plus or minus 0.3 grains during repeatability tests.

This unit is flexible in terms of power with corded and battery powered options available. Overall, the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series is a very solid, all-around performer with great value.

What We Liked:

• Durable protective carrying case to stay organized.
• Simple calibration with two weights.
• Accurate with minimal drift.
• Wired or battery powered.
• Great customer support.

What We Didn’t Like:

• Some users report more-noticeable drift when measuring less than 5 grains.

Best Runner-Up: Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Digital Reloading Scale

Key Features:

• Backlit touch screen controls.
• Reads out in grains and grams.
• 1,500 grain capacity.
• 100 gram calibration weight.
• Wired or AAA battery powered.
• Weight: 0.88 pounds.
• Dimensions: ‎1.8 x 2.7 x 1.4 inches.

The Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 was designed to deliver the same level of performance as the rest but in a small, compact form factor. In terms of size, it’s incredibly easy to replace the cover and transport in a small bag or even your pocket. It comes with its own powder pan that fits the smaller footprint and a 100 gram calibration weight.

Since it’s a touchscreen, it might be more difficult for it to use if fingers are covered in residue or in cold conditions. However, to us, the controls seemed fine even in temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Best of all, the screen has a nice, bright backlight. It also has the ability to be powered via battery or plugged in with the provided AC adapter.

The warm up time and calibration process were very straightforward. While it wasn’t as fast and in-depth as other options, it did allow us to get going without many repeated steps.

It has a capacity of up to 1,500 grains, but its smaller size may make the upper registers of that capacity harder to manage. Many users mention that it’s extremely accurate in the lower weights but it tends to struggle with drift at the higher measurements.

Overall, the Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 is a solid performer for multiple uses related to the reloading process. The small form factor makes it a great choice for the workshop or on the road.

What We Liked:

• Small size is very portable.
• Great accuracy at lower weights.
• Straight forward calibration and warmup process.
• Large digital display.
• Backlight is bright.

What We Didn’t Like:

• Touch screen buttons may not be ideal for certain scenarios.

Best High-End: Hornady M2 Digital Bench Scale

Key Features:

• Backlit digital touch screen.
• 1,500 grain capacity.
• Accurate to 0.1 of a grain.
• Weight: 2 pounds.
• Dimensions: ‎9″L x 7.25″W x 5.5″H.

Hornady is one of the most recognized and respected names in manufacturing and ammunition. They offer a high-quality product that has been refined to produce a best-in-class experience.

The Hornady M2 is our pick for the best high-end digital reloading scale because of its accuracy. Of the units we tested, this model was the closest to their claim of being accurate to within 0.1 of a grain. What sets the Hornady apart is that it could produce this result across multiple grain weights between 3 and 250 grains. Producing accurate results across the entire spectrum of the most common charge and casing weights eliminates the need for having multiple backup scales.

The M2 is built extremely well with a solid base and casing that make it ideal for high amounts of daily use. We found that it provided a phenomenal calibration experience which is crucial at this higher price point. While less expensive options require many button pushes, the M2 can be set up with just a few.

Another advantage of this model is that it has a higher resolution that allows you to have more granular measurements. It also makes it ideal for trickle weighing powder which other scales are much slower at.

Overall, the M2 just works, with little fuss and offers high accuracy and reliability. It’s a great option that’s worth the investment if you’re looking for a professional option.

What We Liked:

• High accuracy and precision.
• Least amount of drift out of any scale in this article.
• Accurate at multiple grain weights.
• Solid and durable construction.

What We Didn’t Like:

• More expensive than many other options.

Best Alternative: Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Digital Reloading Scale

Key Features:

• Auto calibration.
• Plastic cover.
• 750 grain capacity.
• Backlit digital display.
• Measures in grains and grams.
• Powered by (2) AAA batteries.
• Weight: .5 pounds.
• Dimensions: ‎9.53 x 4.17 x 1.81 inches.

The Frankford Arsenal DS-750 is a great alternative for those that need something highly compact with a solid degree of accuracy. It tops our list in this category because it’s one of the most portable and easy to use scales we’ve tested. Coming from a company like Frankford Arsenal, it’s built very well. Even though it’s lightweight, it has a good heft which can help with accuracy at this size.

The DS-750 has half the capacity of the other scales we’ve featured, coming in at 750 grains. It’s unlikely for most reloading to require anything above 750 grains but capacity may play a factor in overall accuracy and precision.

It’s important to note that it’s not reasonable to expect a scale at this size and price point to have the same accuracy as the Hornady M2. That said, even though it didn’t come very close to the advertised 0.1 of a grain, it still was within a plus or minus 0.6 grain. This is still within an acceptable range for most uses.

However, if you intend to use this strictly for reloading, you’ll need to calibrate it several times during its use, just to make sure you achieve the most accurate readings. This unit did a good job with low to medium grain weights with a wider drift as you got higher. Overall, the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 offers a great portable option that’s nicely constructed and budget-friendly as well.

What We Liked:

• Extremely portable form factor.
• Lightweight design.
• Solid construction.
• Relatively budget-friendly.

What We Didn’t Like:

• Requires repeated calibration for the best accuracy.

Best Budget: NEOWEIGH Digital Reloading Scale

Key Features:

• Capacity 1,500 grains.
• Accurate to within 0.1 of a grain.
• Measures in grains and grams.
• LCD display.
• Auto-shutoff feature.

Our best budget digital reloading scale comes from NEOWEIGH a well-established brand at an affordable price point. It has a unique form factor that differs from our other selections. The scale is to the left of the screen and buttons. Ultimately, this allows for a relatively larger display in a small form-factor.

It has a capacity of up to 1,500 grains and boasts the same resolution as some of our more expensive options. Calibration with the provided weight is very simple. However, we had the most success when we allowed extra time for it to warm up.

In terms of accuracy, it performed on par with the Lyman Micro, especially at the lower weights under 50 grains. It struggled at the higher end but even then the drift was not a deal breaker. Even though you get what you pay for in most cases, we were surprised at how well this scale performed, given the budget-friendly price.

The NEOWEIGH scale is a solid option for those that need a decent degree of accuracy and precision. Although it could work as a primary reloading scale, many users mention it’s best served as a backup or to verify various aspects of the reloading process.

What We Liked:

• Great size for easy transport.
• High capacity.
• Most accurate at this price point.
• Budget friendly.

What We Didn’t Like:

• Not as accurate at the higher grain weights.