Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters RCBS quality going downhill?

Ok all, I need to rant a bit here. I just purchased a new RCBS 505 beam scale, online. To say I'm disappointed would be a vast understatement. I decided on the 505, as I've been using a borrowed one from a friend and was impressed with the accuracy and build quality.

First thing I noticed after pulling the scale from the box was the quality of the base. It was the most flimsy piece of diecast metal I've ever seen. The slightest bump while using would easily displace it. My buddies old 505 base is about 2 to 3x the weight of the new model.

After setting up the scale, it would not hold a zero. I cleaned the pivots, checked the knife edges, magnets, etc.. All was well...and it still wouldn't hold. Called RCBS and they couldn't help. Just said to send it in and they would give it a look see, which is the last thing I want to do. The flimsy direction sheet included was a joke. The black and white photos were so faded, they weren't even legible. Looked like the printer was low on ink!. My buddies direction sheet was printed on a heavier card stock in full, vibrant colors and are easily legible.

It all started to make sense when I discovered the "Made in Mexico" label on the bottom of the box! Obivious RCBS is trying to save money on the manufacturing process at the cost of quality. To be honest, this new 505 scale reminds me of a cheap Chinese knock-off when compared to the older unit. This is all very discouraging to me. I've always perceived RCBS as a company that builds quality components and products. Guess they are now caught up in this whole Globalization farce.

Anyway, guess I'll be returning this scale and looking at other options.

Dang, I'm glad I've got one of the old ones...

This should be interesting. I've never actually seen someone dragged to the city gates and stoned before.

That reply was very dry, and very funny.

Call RCBS and see what they say. I bet they'll replace it. I've got a 505 and a 10-10 and both work well.

I bought a 505 a few years back and had the same issue not holding zero. I turned around and bought a 10-10 and have had no issues with it.

djs -- so do I. 505,10-10 BOTH OLDER MODELS.

Sorry to hear, hope all are not that way.

Thought about doing the same thing,(for about a second) then realized the 1010 has probably suffered the same manufacturing makeover as the 505.

I quit RCBS years ago when they went to chinese castings for their presses. There equipment never 1ST class .
Cisco

The old ones were made for RCBS by Ohaus

Bingo!!!! Shop the gun shows, I see them somewhat regularly, I recently saw a pristine older Ohaus/RCBS10/10 scale, complete with the paperwork and still had the plastic sheet for shipping under the clear cover and in the original box for $40. Frankly, a gift at that price.

I have a 5-0-5 scale and two 10-10 scales. The 5-0-5 and one of the 10-10 scales are older. Less than two years ago I accidently dropped a heavy object on the balance beam of one of the 10-10 scales I had bought used. I called RCBS and they said to send the complete unit and broken pieces to them and they would solve the problem. Less than ten days later a brand new scale in a box marked printed in Mexico arrived at no charge to me. I called to ask for an invoice and they told me they replaced the scale I bought as a used scale from somebody else with a brand new in the box scale at no charge to me. I use the newer scale and do not notice any appreciable differences between the one they sent me and the much older model I had that says made by Ohaus. To me they are a TOP NOTCH company and I would not hesitate to buy from them again. I much prefer the 10-10 scales to the lighter and smaller 5-0-5 scale but use the smaller scale in my portable reloading kit that I take to the range and on long distance prairie dog shoots. Talk to them again and see how much extra to upgrade to the 10-10.

A no brainer to me. If you haven't made a mistake, you are not truthful. Give RCBS a chance. This is the best way to handle this type problem rather than on a forum.

And then no one would have to know about any problems. If a person had a problem, they could just think that they were the only one. Everyone else could be in the dark about potential problems with a product.

Wbyfan,

I understand your frustations. I purchased a 5-10 scales in 1976, and have used it ever since. Excellent set of scales. About 10 years ago, I bought a Lyman Dial-A-Grain at a gun show. I cannot imagine a better set of scales. RCBS offered the same one as a Model 304. (Or maybe it's the 504) Dang old memory!

Personally, I never cared for the 505 unit, I like the 510, much better. If I were you, I'd try flea-bay, there are always some for sale there. Be patient, tho', if you want a good buy. Or, as has been stated, haunt the gun shows. FWIW, I've found that it's good to have a back-up.

GH

I've found some good deals on Ebay for reloading stuff. You gotta know the retail price and know what each piece is worth so you don't over pay. Occasionally there's a bargain to be had.

DF

10-10 is the way to go

RCBS is the most customer friendly, service oriented firm I have ever dealt with. They made things right, not only when it was a problem with their product, but also when it was clearly my fault. I was willing to pay for my screw-up, but they replaced parts for free anyway. I recommend that you contact them.

I remember reading in some magazine (a rather detailed review of RCBS products) that a lot of their stuff is now manufactured in China to remain cost competitive....I have plenty of their old stuff, which was good, but dumped all my new RCBS stuff because of that. If Redding makes the product I need, they get my money now...all my dies have been replaced, etc. I did by one RCBS product recently...a lube pad...it seems to be working fine, but that is about all I will buy from them now. What a shame.

The primary reason I posted is not because my scale didn't work, but more importantly to voice my discontent with RCBS's choice to downgrade the quality, and move production of their 505 scale to Mexico. Was this chioce made to remain competitve in the market or to simply increase profits at the cost of quality? Don't know. All I do know is, the difference in quality between old and new is remarkable. Figured my fellow peers, who share the same passion for reloading and guns that I do, would like to know this before spending their hard earned Benjamins on a new scale.

If it makes you feel any better, I left a msg with RCBS 's manager of quality assurance to voice my opinion. Haven't heard back from him yet.