The Hornady M2 Digital Bench Scale has become a staple for many reloaders, offering precision and convenience in a compact package. But is it worth the investment? This in-depth review will explore the scale's features, performance, pros, and cons to help you decide if the Hornady M2 is the right digital scale for your reloading bench.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Hornady M2 arrives in a sturdy box, well-protected for shipping. Inside, you'll find the scale itself, a protective cover, a calibration weight, and a user manual. The scale’s build quality feels robust, with a solid metal base contributing to its stability. The backlit LCD screen is clear and easy to read, even in dimly lit spaces. The overall design is compact and functional, making it ideal for even crowded reloading benches.
Key Features and Specifications
- High Capacity: The Hornady M2 boasts a capacity of 500 grains, more than sufficient for most reloading applications.
- High Precision: It offers a resolution of 0.1 grain, providing the accuracy needed for precise powder charges.
- Automatic Calibration: The included calibration weight simplifies the calibration process, ensuring consistent accuracy.
- Backlit LCD Display: The easy-to-read display is a significant advantage, especially in low-light conditions.
- Tare Function: The tare function allows for quick and easy zeroing after weighing a pan or container.
- Auto-Off Feature: This power-saving feature extends battery life.
Performance and Accuracy
In testing, the Hornady M2 consistently demonstrated excellent accuracy and repeatability. We weighed multiple charges of various powder types, and the results were consistently within the advertised 0.1-grain resolution. The automatic calibration feature is a significant time-saver and ensures accuracy remains consistent over time. The scale’s stability is also commendable; minimal vibrations affected the readings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Accuracy and Precision: Exceptional accuracy and repeatability are key selling points.
- User-Friendly Interface: The simple interface is easy to learn and use.
- Automatic Calibration: This feature simplifies maintenance and ensures ongoing accuracy.
- Compact and Durable Design: Its small footprint and robust build make it ideal for any reloading bench.
- Affordable Price: The Hornady M2 is competitively priced compared to other digital scales offering similar features.
Cons:
- Power Source: The scale relies on batteries, which will need replacing over time. While not a major drawback, it's something to keep in mind.
- Limited Additional Features: Unlike some higher-end scales, the Hornady M2 lacks some advanced features (though these aren't necessarily essential for most reloaders).
The Hornady M2 Compared to the Competition
The Hornady M2 holds its own against competitors in its price range. While other scales might offer additional features like counting or different units of measurement, the Hornady M2 excels in its core function: providing accurate and reliable powder measurements. The balance between price, features, and performance makes it a strong contender.
Conclusion: Is the Hornady M2 Right for You?
The Hornady M2 Digital Bench Scale is a reliable and accurate scale that's well-suited for both novice and experienced reloaders. Its combination of precision, ease of use, and affordability makes it a highly recommended choice. While it may not possess every bell and whistle found in higher-priced models, its core functionality is superb, and that's ultimately what matters most when it comes to ensuring consistent and safe reloading practices. If you're in the market for a new digital scale, the Hornady M2 should be at the top of your list.
