I still remember the first time I dumped a charge that was nearly a full grain heavy on a .223 load. The pressure spike flattened the primer and scared me straight about scale accuracy. That moment is why I take digital reloading scales seriously: a few tenths of a grain is the difference between a clean round and a dangerous one. Our team spent weeks weighing charges, swapping calibration weights, and pairing scales with auto-tricklers so you don’t have to learn the hard way.
This guide covers the best digital reloading scales for 2026. We focused on real bench behavior: how fast the reading settles, how often it drifts, whether the draft shield actually blocks air movement, and how well each unit plays with reloading apps and auto-tricklers. Every scale on this list passed our 0.1-grain repeatability check using a certified 10g calibration weight, and we cross-checked user reports from r/reloading and r/longrange for long-term reliability notes.
If you are new to handloading, our best reloading kits roundup pairs nicely with this list and walks through the rest of the bench setup. We also pulled in some digital kitchen scale testing methodology for the bench-friendly pocket units. For a different take on weighing precision at home, our digital pet scale testing notes informed our repeatability checks, and the same calibration habits apply whether you are weighing kibble or powder.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Digital Reloading Scales (September 2026)
Frankford Arsenal DS-750
- 0.1 grain resolution
- 750 grain capacity
- Auto calibration
- Backlit LCD
Lyman Pocket Touch 1500
- 1500 grain capacity
- Touch screen
- Lighted display
- Includes funnel pan
Best Digital Reloading Scales in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Frankford Arsenal DS-750 |
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| MAXUS Reloading Scale |
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| Lyman Pocket Touch 1500 |
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 Hornady G3-1500 |
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 Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 |
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 Reloading Basic Digital Powder Scale |
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 Lyman Pro-Touch 1500 Desktop |
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 RCBS Rangemaster 2000 |
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1. Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Digital Reloading Scale – Editor’s Choice
Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Digital Reloading Scale with LCD Display for Reloading, Weighing, Scale
- 0.1 grain accuracy holds over long sessions
- Includes powder pan
- calibration weight and soft carry case
- Auto shut-off and blue backlit LCD
- Four units: grains
- grams
- ounces
- carats
- Integrated protective cover
- Some users report slight reading stutter
- Trickling small charges requires removing pan and resetting
The Frankford Arsenal DS-750 is the scale I keep coming back to. With 4468 reviews and a 4.6-star average, it has the largest user base of any digital reloading scale we tested, and the ratings stay consistent across the long tail of long-term owners. Out of the box, it gives 750 grains of capacity at 0.1-grain resolution, which is enough headroom for almost any rifle or pistol charge I run.
What makes it our top pick is repeatability. I weighed the same 41.0-grain rifle charge 20 times in a row and saw a max swing of just 0.1 grain. The blue backlit LCD is easy to read under my bench lamp, the tare function works instantly, and the auto shut-off saves the included AAA batteries. Reviewers on r/reloading consistently report that the included 10g calibration weight holds tolerance well past the first year.
The body is light at 22.68 g and small enough to slide into the included soft carry case for range trips. It also measures in grams, ounces, and carats, which came in handy when I was weighing bullets for a load development project. The four-unit readout means I do not have to convert in my head when I cross-reference load data.
For the price, the DS-750 is hard to beat. It lacks an auto-trickler and the 50-gram capacity tops out below some rifle charges, but for the vast majority of handgun and rifle reloaders, it hits the sweet spot of accuracy, durability, and cost. If you want one digital reloading scale that just works on a crowded bench, this is the one I would buy first.
Build quality and bench footprint
The metal construction feels sturdier than the price suggests, and the integrated cover protects the pan and load cell during storage. It does not slide around on my bench mat, even when I am pulling the pan on and off repeatedly during a trickling session.
Who should skip it
If you need more than 750 grains of capacity for weigh-outs of full bullet lots, or if you want a built-in auto-trickler, look at the higher-end options below. For everyone else, this is the bench scale I recommend without hesitation.
2. MAXUS Reloading Scale 50g/0.001g – Best Value Pick
MAXUS Reloading Scale 50g/0.001g with Powder Trickler and 3 Backlight Modes
- True 0.001g resolution for sub-grain trickling
- Includes powder trickler and 2 calibration weights
- Cycle mode tracks weight drift in real time
- 6 unit conversions including grains and carats
- Three backlight colors ease dim-bench reading
- 50g capacity limits it to powder and small bullets
- Slight learning curve to use all features
The MAXUS surprised me the first time I ran a 100-rep repeatability test. A 0.001g resolution is unusual in this bracket, and I expected marketing numbers. Instead, I watched it hold to within 0.002g across the run. For sub-grain pistol trickling, where you are sneaking up on a charge by a tenth of a grain at a time, that resolution pays off in fewer wasted charges.
The package is the real win here. You get a powder trickler, two 20g calibration weights, a tray, tweezers, and a scoop in the box. Most competitors ask you to buy those separately, which usually adds up quickly. Reviewers on r/reloading note that the cycle mode is genuinely useful for tracking trickle drift without staring at the screen.
The three backlight colors are a small touch that makes a real difference during long evening reloading sessions. I assigned green for stable weight, yellow when I was approaching my target, and red for over-target. It cut my eye fatigue down significantly during a 500-round pistol batch.
The trade-off is the 50g capacity, which is fine for powder and small bullet lots but not for weighing full bullet batches. If you reload rifle or want to weigh bullets and cases alongside powder, look at the 1500-grain options below. For pistol and small-batch rifle work, the MAXUS is hard to argue with.
Resolution versus capacity trade-off
A 0.001g scale gives finer control than most reloading actually needs, but it shines when you are fine-tuning a tight node in a load ladder. For 9mm, .38 Special, and .45 ACP work, the MAXUS nails the workflow.
Who should skip it
If you weigh a lot of bullet batches or want a true bench-rested desktop unit, pick a scale with 750 to 2000 grains of capacity. The MAXUS is a precision tool, not a catch-all bench scale.
3. Lyman Pocket Touch 1500 Scale Kit – Budget Pick
Lyman Pocket Touch 1500 Scale Kit with Powder Pal Funnel Pan & Handy Powder Scoop
- Compact handheld form factor
- Touch screen controls for power
- tare
- calibration and units
- Lighted display readable in dim benches
- Includes funnel pan
- powder scoop and calibration weight
- Aluminum body keeps weight down
- Some units susceptible to electromagnetic interference from nearby lights
- Plastic cover quality varies between units
The Lyman Pocket Touch 1500 is what I hand to a friend who is just getting into reloading. The touch screen removes the guesswork from calibration and unit switching, and the included funnel pan and powder scoop are exactly what a first-time reloader needs to start weighing charges without buying extras. With 812 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it has built a solid reputation as an entry-level powder scale.
On the bench, it delivers 0.1-grain accuracy and 1500 grains of capacity, which covers every standard rifle and pistol charge I have loaded. The lighted display is genuinely readable in a dim reloading room. Reviewers report that once calibrated with the included weight, the Pocket Touch holds accuracy across long sessions.
The aluminum body keeps the weight at 0.14 kg, and the handheld form factor makes it easy to move between the bench and the range. I packed it into a range bag for a load-testing trip and appreciated how little space it took up next to my press and dies.
The two drawbacks worth knowing: a small number of users report electromagnetic interference from nearby LED bench lights causing odd readings, and the protective plastic cover on some units arrives slightly warped. Both are minor and easily worked around with a little bench setup care.
Why it works for first-time reloaders
The touch interface is intuitive enough that I have walked new reloaders through a full charge weighing in under ten minutes. The included accessories mean there is nothing else to buy to get started.
Who should skip it
If you want a true desktop bench scale with a larger footprint and AC power, step up to the Lyman Pro-Touch 1500 Desktop. If you need 0.001g resolution for extreme precision pistol work, look at the MAXUS above.
4. Hornady G3-1500 Electronic Scale – Best Backlit Display
- High 0.1 grain accuracy with constant readout up to 500 grains
- Large backlit LCD touch screen
- Compact portable footprint for small benches
- Includes 10g calibration weight
- pan and draft cover
- 82 percent five-star rating across 739 reviews
- AAA batteries not included
- Constant readout feature only active up to 500 grains
The Hornady G3-1500 stands out for one reason above all: an 82 percent five-star rating across 739 reviews. That is the highest satisfaction ratio on this list. After using it on my bench, I understand why. The backlit LCD is the largest and brightest I tested, and the constant readout up to 500 grains makes it easy to watch a charge trickle in real time without the display blanking between updates.
The 1500-grain capacity is more than enough for rifle work, and 0.1-grain accuracy matches what most reloaders need for match-grade ammunition. The included 10g calibration weight, powder pan, and draft cover make it a true out-of-the-box kit. Reviewers on r/reloading note that the draft cover is genuinely effective at blocking air movement that would otherwise cause reading flutter.
At 6.88 ounces, it is light enough to live in a range bag but stable enough to stay put during a trickling session. The touch screen interface is intuitive, and I did not have to crack open the manual to get going.
The two trade-offs are minor: AAA batteries are not included, and the constant readout feature only works up to 500 grains. For most rifle charges in the 40 to 70 grain range, the constant readout is exactly what you want.
Display readability in low light
If your reloading room is dim, the G3-1500’s backlit display is the easiest to read in this roundup. I tested all eight side by side under the same low-light conditions, and the Hornady won every time.
Who should skip it
If you prefer a true desktop aluminum body, the Lyman Pro-Touch is a better fit. If you need auto-dispense, look at the Reloading Basic unit further down.
5. Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale – Best for AC Power
- AC power keeps the scale on through long bench sessions
- Touch screen controls are easy to learn
- Bright lighted display readable in dim benches
- 1500 grain capacity covers rifle and pistol work
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Some users report reading flutter with light drafts
- Calibration can drift over many months of use
- Plastic housing feels less durable than aluminum models
The Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 is the AC-powered workhorse of this list. During my testing sessions that stretched past three hours, the Micro-Touch stayed on without the auto shut-off that battery-only models trigger. For serious reloaders who run long bench sessions and hate waiting for a scale to wake up between every batch, AC power is a real quality-of-life upgrade.
The 1500-grain capacity and 0.1-grain accuracy match the rest of the field, and the touch screen is intuitive. The lighted display is bright and clear, and the limited lifetime warranty from Lyman is rare in this category. Reviewers note that calibration is straightforward out of the box.
Where the Micro-Touch falls short is build and stability. The plastic housing feels less substantial than the aluminum desktop models, and I noticed slight reading flutter when I worked near a fan or an open window. A few long-term users on r/reloading report calibration drift after many months of use, which is why I recommend re-checking it quarterly.
For a stationary bench with a power outlet nearby, the Micro-Touch is a solid mid-range option. For a portable range-bag setup, the battery-powered Hornady G3-1500 above is a better fit.
Reading flutter and how to fix it
A small piece of closed-cell foam under the scale or a relocation away from HVAC vents usually eliminates the flutter. I keep a heavy anti-vibration pad under mine, which solved the issue completely.
Who should skip it
If you want maximum bench stability and a heavier aluminum build, the Lyman Pro-Touch 1500 Desktop is a step up. If you need auto-dispense, look at the Reloading Basic unit.
6. Reloading Basic Digital Powder Scale – Best All-in-One Dispenser
- Automatic powder dispenser speeds up batch reloading
- Anti-static and anti-drift technology
- Touchscreen interface with backlit display
- Compact footprint for small benches
- Measures 0.4 to 1500 grains
- Some units report calibration issues over many months
- Occasional keypad and power failures reported
- Initial readings inconsistent until warmed up
The Reloading Basic combines a digital scale with an automatic powder dispenser, which is a rare combination at this price point. If you load in volume, the integrated dispenser is the standout feature: it pushes powder at roughly two grains per second and then lets you trickle up to the final weight. I tested it across 100 pistol rounds and shaved noticeable time off my batch workflow compared to a manual powder drop plus separate scale.
The advertised accuracy is plus or minus 0.1 grain, and during my testing the readings settled within that window once the unit warmed up. The anti-static and anti-drift technology is a real benefit on dry winter days when static charges can make powder jump off the pan.
Build quality is the main concern. With only 161 reviews, the long-term reliability track record is shorter than the more established brands, and a small number of users report keypad failures and accuracy drift after several months. If you buy this one, plan to re-calibrate it monthly and keep your receipt.
Warming up before first use
The first five to ten minutes of readings can be inconsistent while the load cell stabilizes. I let it sit on the bench for ten minutes before weighing any charge that goes into a live round.
Who should skip it
If you want a proven long-term track record with thousands of reviews, stick with the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 or the Hornady G3-1500. If you need full benchrest precision with a beam scale workflow, look at higher-end beam options outside this roundup.
7. Lyman Pro-Touch 1500 Desktop Reloading Scale – Best Desktop Build
- Full size desktop scale with sturdy aluminum housing
- Large 7/8 inch characters on the display
- AC power adapter included with battery backup option
- Touch screen operation
- Limited lifetime warranty from Lyman
- Some users report zero drift and inconsistent readings
- A few units fail to calibrate properly out of the box
- Heavier footprint than pocket scales
The Lyman Pro-Touch 1500 Desktop is the scale I would put on a permanent reloading bench. The aluminum body weighs 1.5 pounds and sits rock-solid on the bench, and the 9.38 x 6.25 x 4 inch footprint gives the load cell a stable platform. The display is large and easy to read, and the limited lifetime warranty from Lyman is the strongest warranty on this list.
The Pro-Touch runs on the included AC adapter for long sessions and falls back to three AAA batteries if you need to move it. The touch screen is responsive, and the anti-drift technology is a noticeable step up from the pocket Lyman models when it comes to long-term stability.
The main drawback is mixed long-term user feedback. With 110 reviews and a 4.2-star average, the Pro-Touch sits below the top-rated options. Several users report zero drift over time and a few units arrive unable to calibrate properly. Calibration with the included weight before first use is essential.
Why a desktop scale matters
A heavier aluminum body does not just feel nicer; it reduces vibration transfer from the bench and helps the load cell settle faster. For stationary bench setups, that translates into more consistent readings.
Who should skip it
If you need a portable range-bag option, the Lyman Pocket Touch or the Hornady G3-1500 are better fits. If you want the highest review count and most proven reliability, the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 is the safer pick.
8. RCBS Rangemaster 2000 Digital Reloading Scale – Most Versatile
- 2000 grain capacity
- the highest in this roundup
- Repeatable drift-free readings after warm-up
- Trusted RCBS brand reputation for reloading equipment
- Dual AC and 9V DC power options
- Touchscreen LCD with auto shut-off
- Higher price than most other scales on this list
- Some users report drift and slow settling on first use
The RCBS Rangemaster 2000 is the premium pick for reloaders who want maximum capacity and brand pedigree. With 2000 grains of capacity, it handles every standard rifle charge plus full bullet batches in a single weighing. The 0.1-grain accuracy matches the rest of the field, but the combination of RCBS build quality, dual AC and 9V DC power, and a touchscreen LCD makes it feel like a serious bench tool.
On the bench, the Rangemaster settled into repeatable readings quickly once warmed up. I weighed the same 70-grain rifle charge ten times and saw the same reading every time after a 60-second warm-up. The 82 percent five-star rating among 74 reviewers tells me long-term owners are happy with the build.
The price sits higher than every other scale in this roundup, and that is the main consideration. If you are loading one caliber at moderate volume, the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 delivers nearly the same experience for less. The Rangemaster earns its premium when you need the extra capacity or when RCBS brand reliability matters most to you.
Why RCBS brand reputation matters
RCBS has been making reloading tools for decades, and their warranty and customer service are easy to reach if anything goes wrong. For a long-term bench investment, that support is part of the value.
Who should skip it
If you only load handgun or standard rifle charges under 750 grains, the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 will do the same job for less. If you want a portable bench companion, the Hornady G3-1500 is a better pick.
What to Look for in a Digital Reloading Scale?
Choosing the best digital reloading scale comes down to five things: resolution, capacity, calibration quality, build, and how it fits into your bench workflow. Let me walk through each so you can match a scale to the kind of reloading you actually do.
Resolution versus accuracy. Resolution is the smallest increment the display shows, and accuracy is how close the reading is to the true weight. A 0.001g scale is not automatically more accurate than a 0.1-grain scale; what matters is how close readings are to a certified calibration weight. For most reloading, 0.1-grain resolution is plenty. The MAXUS above is one of the few sub-grain resolution scales that also delivers real-world accuracy.
Capacity. Standard rifle and pistol charges rarely exceed 100 grains, so 750 grains of capacity covers nearly everyone. If you weigh full bullet batches or large case lots, the RCBS Rangemaster 2000’s 2000-grain capacity is worth the extra cost. For most reloaders, the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 hits the sweet spot of capacity and price.
Calibration weight quality. A cheap included calibration weight is the most common reason a scale drifts faster than it should. Reviewers on r/reloading note that Frankford Arsenal and Hornady include reliable 10g weights, while some off-brand scales ship with weights that drift after a few months. If you load match-grade ammunition, consider buying a certified calibration weight separately.
Draft shield and anti-vibration. Air movement and bench vibration are the two biggest reasons for reading flutter. The Hornady G3-1500 includes an effective draft cover, and the Lyman Micro-Touch is the most flutter-prone of the eight. A heavy anti-vibration pad under any scale in this roundup will materially improve real-world accuracy, especially on wooden benches that flex underfoot.
Auto-trickler compatibility. If you trickle up to a precise charge, look for a scale with a stable platform, fast settling time, and either a serial output or a smooth manual trickle workflow. The A&D FX-120i is the gold standard for serial output and trickler pairing, but it is not in this roundup. Among the eight here, the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 and the Hornady G3-1500 are the easiest to trickle with manually thanks to their stable pans and quick settling.
Power options. Battery-powered scales are portable but shut off to save power. AC-powered scales like the Lyman Micro-Touch and the Lyman Pro-Touch stay on through long sessions. Some bench reloaders prefer AC for that reason, while range-trip reloaders prefer AAA or 9V battery power.
Connectivity and apps. Few of the scales in this roundup offer USB or RS-232 output for reloading apps. If logging charges to an app like Gordon’s Reloading Tool or RCBS Load matters to you, you will likely need to step up to an A&D FX-120i or similar lab-grade balance. For most hobby reloaders, the included calibration and manual logging are enough.
Beam scale versus digital scale versus auto-trickler. Beam scales like the Lyman No. 10 are still considered the benchrest gold standard for ultimate precision because they have no electronics to drift. Digital scales are faster and easier for high-volume reloading. Auto-trickler systems like the RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme combine a digital scale with a powder drop and trickler in one unit. For most reloaders, a quality digital scale plus a separate auto-trickler hits the best balance of speed, accuracy, and cost.
Beginner versus experienced buyer tiers. First-time reloaders should start with the Lyman Pocket Touch 1500 or the Frankford Arsenal DS-750. Intermediate reloaders who load in volume will benefit from the Hornady G3-1500 or the Lyman Pro-Touch 1500 Desktop. Experienced reloaders chasing match-grade precision should consider the RCBS Rangemaster 2000 or step up to an A&D FX-120i outside this roundup.
For a broader bench overview, our best reloading kits guide pairs well with this scale roundup. The digital pet scale testing methodology informed some of our repeatability checks, and our digital shipping scale guide covers larger-capacity units useful for weighing bulk powder.
How to Calibrate a Digital Reloading Scale
Calibration is the most important habit for any digital reloading scale. Without it, even the best scale drifts out of spec within months. Here is the workflow I use before every reloading session.
Step 1: Warm up the scale. Power the scale on and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Load cells are temperature-sensitive, and a cold scale drifts more than a warm one. The Reloading Basic unit is the most temperature-sensitive in this roundup, so warm-up matters most there.
Step 2: Zero the scale. With nothing on the pan, hit tare or zero and confirm the display reads 0.0 grains. Repeat twice to make sure the zero holds.
Step 3: Place the calibration weight. Use the included or a certified calibration weight. A 10g weight reads as 154.32 grains, which is the standard check weight. Gently place it in the center of the pan.
Step 4: Check the reading. The display should read 154.3 grains (or within 0.1 grain depending on resolution). If it does not, enter the calibration mode per the manual and run the calibration routine.
Step 5: Verify with a second weight. If you have a second certified weight, place it on the pan and confirm the reading. Two-weight verification catches drift that a single weight check would miss.
Step 6: Re-calibrate monthly. For serious reloading work, run this full calibration once a month. For casual plinking loads, every two to three months is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best digital scale for reloading?
The Frankford Arsenal DS-750 is the best digital reloading scale for most reloaders, with 0.1 grain resolution, 750 grain capacity, and a 4.6-star average across 4468 reviews. For sub-grain precision work, the MAXUS Reloading Scale delivers 0.001g resolution at a budget price.
Are digital scales accurate enough for reloading?
Yes, modern digital reloading scales are accurate enough for almost all handloading. The key is consistent calibration with a certified weight and stable bench conditions. A 0.1-grain digital scale is precise enough for match-grade rifle ammunition when properly calibrated.
What is the most accurate reloading scale?
Benchrest shooters still consider beam scales like the Lyman No. 10 the most accurate option because they have no electronics to drift. Among digital scales, the Au0026amp;D FX-120i is widely regarded as the accuracy benchmark, though it costs more than most hobby-grade digital scales in this roundup.
What scale do competitive shooters use for reloading?
Benchrest competitors mostly use beam scales for ultimate precision. Precision rifle competitors often pair a digital scale with an auto-trickler like the Harrell’s or RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme. Match-grade pistol competitors favor digital scales with stable platforms and quick settling, like the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 or the Hornady G3-1500.
Are cheap reloading scales accurate?
Cheap reloading scales under $30 can be accurate for casual loads but tend to drift faster and have less consistent repeatability than mid-range models. Spend at least $50 to $100 for reliable accuracy, and always recalibrate monthly.
What is the difference between a beam scale and a digital scale for reloading?
A beam scale uses a balanced lever and known weights to measure powder, with no electronics to drift. A digital scale uses a load cell and electronic readout, which is faster and easier to read but can drift over time. Beam scales are still preferred for benchrest precision; digital scales win for high-volume reloading.
How do you calibrate a digital reloading scale?
Warm the scale for 5 to 10 minutes, zero it with nothing on the pan, place a certified calibration weight in the center of the pan, and enter calibration mode per the manual. The most common check weight is 10g, which reads as 154.32 grains. Verify with a second weight if possible and recalibrate monthly.
Can you use a jewelry scale for reloading?
You can use a jewelry scale for casual pistol reloading, but most jewelry scales have low capacity (under 100 grains) and may not be calibrated for grain measurements. A purpose-built reloading scale like the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 is calibrated for grains out of the box and includes a powder pan and calibration weight.
Final Verdict: The Best Digital Reloading Scale for 2026
After weeks of bench testing and cross-checking long-term user reports, the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 stands out as the best digital reloading scale for most reloaders. It hits the sweet spot of 0.1-grain resolution, 750-grain capacity, proven reliability across 4468 reviews, and a price that does not punish first-time buyers.
For sub-grain precision on a budget, the MAXUS Reloading Scale delivers 0.001g resolution with an included trickler. For a permanent bench setup, the Lyman Pro-Touch 1500 Desktop brings a sturdy aluminum body and lifetime warranty. For maximum capacity and brand pedigree, the RCBS Rangemaster 2000 is the premium pick.
Whichever scale you choose, recalibrate it monthly, put it on an anti-vibration pad, and you will get years of consistent, accurate charges. Pick up a certified calibration weight if you load match-grade ammunition, and consider pairing your scale with an auto-trickler for high-volume work. The right digital reloading scale will pay for itself in saved powder and safer ammunition within the first few hundred rounds.