Redding #2 Master Magnetic Powder Scale 505 Grain Capacity

Some modifications I did to my Redding #2 scale. I got the ideas from a video by “thetargetmaster” on YouTube. I had an issue with the beam not raising when I would set the pan on the hanger. Knife edges are clean and sharp and bearings are clean and oil free. I would have to put a little downward pressure on the pan to break it free, then it would measure like normal. I used some check weights just to verify, and it is spot on. I cut a section of an o-ring and placed it in the bottom of the channel where the copper magnetic damper rides. This provides a soft landing for the beam/damper and also helped with sticking beam issue. I may have to nudge the pan one out of ten times or so. Before, I had to nudge the pan every single time.
Next upgrade was the zeroing bolt. The stock bolt has a narrow head without any knurling, and the tip of the bolt that acts as a foot is slightly rough. I bought a 1/4”-20 x 1” bolt and a 9/64” stainless bearing from McMaster Carr. (Part # 90200A547 and 9529K36) I center punched the end of the bolt and then walked up the drill bit sizes until the ball fit in the hole. I probably should have drilled deeper, but I was doing this before leaving for work. Then I JB Welded the ball into the end of the bolt. The scale is much smoother to zero now. Redding makes a good scale, but with a little modification, it can be a great scale.

I rate this well-crafted, accurate scale at 5+ stars, so the only thing left is to nitpick:

1) The levelling screw should come with a rounded end
or, even better, with a ball bearing foot. Of course a quick touch on the grinder and a fine file get's this done, but....this is a Redding product, after all.

2) The levelling screw head should be slightly larger in diameter and slightly taller, and also KNURLED, not just the standard head of a screw. It is a Redding, after all, so shouldn't every aspect reflect the quality of a ...... Redding?

3) Perhaps it's just the damping in my particular scale, but it is Ultra-sensitive to the slightest breeze and takes an inordinate amount of time to balance. I love the sensitivity and so of course adjust by closing up the shop during use, but it does take a painfully long time to settle, whether empty or with a charged pan.

One quick (+) to throw in: Redding's packaging (boxing) of this scale is par excellence. Everything is well-supported and protected, especially the beam, knives, and pan hanger stirrup. Graf's complimented this with their own packaging of my order.

I own and use a 70's era RCBS 5-10, a 60's era Pacific M, and a little Lee (also overly sensitive). All are unique and a joy to use, and each has their own idiosyncracies and faults.

Despite my nitpicking, the Redding stands "above" them on my bench.

The Redding #2 powder scale is an accurate balance scale, easy two poise system to set charge weight, 1/10 grain graduations are easily visible, scale is sensitive to individual pieces of powder. This scale replaced two other brand balance scales and a dispenser scale combo I have previously used.

This scale replaced my father’s Herter’s scale that is almost sixty years old and that I lost confidence in. I also had used a nice Redding No 1 scale I gave to a new hand loader. This Redding No 2 tested well with a Lyman check weight set. My pistol hand loads are much safer now. Thank you to Graf’s for having this product in stock at a fair price!

As with all my Redding tools . This scale is very accurate and consistent . Great quality as I have come to know with the Redding name.

Excellent Redding quality at a fair/sale price

I found the scale to be inconsistent when placing the prior powder charge back on the scale. The induction damper acted weak in slowing down the beam.