Why 0.01g Matters in Reloading
Reloading ammunition demands precision. A 0.1 grain variance in powder charge (roughly 0.0065g) can shift chamber pressure by 10-15% — meaningful enough to affect both accuracy and safety. For rifle loads especially, consistency is everything: the difference between a 0.5 MOA group and a 1.5 MOA group often comes down to charge weight variance session to session.
0.01g resolution scales are the standard for serious handloaders. Below that resolution, you're guessing. But resolution alone doesn't make a good scale — repeatability (how consistent the reading is on the same charge) and stability (how long it takes to settle, and whether it drifts) matter equally.
The Test Setup
We tested five scales across price tiers, measuring 50 consecutive 10g reference weights on each, recording the standard deviation and max deviation from target. We then tested real-world powder charging using Vihtavuori N540 (commonly used in precision rifle loads), charging 10 consecutive cases and measuring each charge weight.
Scales were tested in three environments: room temperature (21°C), cool garage (12°C), and warm room (28°C) to assess thermal stability — a common real-world scenario for reloaders who work in unconditioned spaces.
Results
Best Budget: American Weigh Scales AWS-600 ($25)
600g capacity, 0.1g resolution — technically not a 0.01g scale, but included because many beginners ask. Don't use this for powder charging. Standard deviation on 10g weights: ±0.08g. Unacceptable for any precision reloading. Fine for weighing finished cartridges or components. Skip if you're charging powder.
Best Under $50: GemPro 250 ($45)
250g capacity, 0.01g resolution. Surprisingly consistent for the price. Standard deviation on 10g reference: ±0.015g. Settles quickly (under 3 seconds). The plastic pan feels flimsy and the cornering notch for the wind guard is awkward. Best choice for beginners on a budget. Not waterproof — avoid humid storage.
Best Mid-Range: MyWeigh BD-500+ ($80)
500g capacity, 0.01g resolution. This is what most serious reloaders use. Standard deviation on 10g reference: ±0.008g. Excellent thermal stability — readings held within spec even at 12°C. The backlit display is readable in low light. Built-in countdown timer for powder dispensing. The benchmark for the price.
Best for Powder Dispensing: Trespade P6 ($110)
600g capacity, 0.01g resolution. The standout feature is the real-time charge tracking: it shows running total as you dispense, so you can watch the weight accumulate and stop precisely at target. Standard deviation: ±0.006g. The vibrating feedback when within 0.05g of target is genuinely useful — allows eyes-free operation. The interface is less intuitive than the MyWeigh but the dispensing mode is superior.
Best Overall: A&D EJ-610 ($180)
610g capacity, 0.01g resolution, internal calibration weight. This is a lab-grade scale in a benchtop form factor. Standard deviation on 10g reference: ±0.003g. Internal motorised calibration — one button, self-corrects. The scale that other scales are compared to. If you're building match-grade rifle loads where every 0.01g matters, this is the instrument. The EJ series is used in university chemistry labs and forensic work.
Practical Recommendations
Start here: MyWeigh BD-500+. At $80 it's the right balance of precision, durability, and features. Most reloaders never outgrow it. Calibrate with a 100g calibration weight every 3-6 months.
For precision rifle: Trespade P6 if you dispense powder by weight (rather than volume). The real-time charge tracking eliminates the guesswork in trickle charging. A&D EJ-610 if budget allows — the internal calibration and superior repeatability are worth the premium for match loading.
Maintenance: Never store scales with the pan on — the weight stress affects the load cell over time. Keep in a case. Replace the 9V battery before it dies mid-session; low battery causes drift that's hard to diagnose.