Let’s Dive into Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale
The Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale is a tool that is essential for any serious reloader. Made by Lyman, this scale promises accuracy and precision at a price point that’s attractive to both novice and experienced reloaders. It’s designed to measure powder charges with consistent results.
I was tired of inconsistent loads affecting my accuracy at the range. The hope was that an electronic scale would eliminate the human error involved with my old balance beam scale and improve the consistency of my reloads. I needed something reliable and accurate without breaking the bank.
The Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale comes in a simple, functional package. My initial thoughts were that it felt sturdy enough for the task at hand, though not overly robust. It has a straightforward design and the touch screen is a welcome feature.
Compared to some higher-end scales I’ve seen priced two or three times higher, the Lyman seemed a good compromise between cost and functionality. I considered the RCBS Chargemaster Lite, but the price point and some mixed reviews steered me toward the Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale. I also briefly looked at the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper, but the auto-dispense feature seemed prone to issues based on online reviews, leading me back to a simple scale design.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It seemed like a good value for the money, but the proof would be in its performance and consistent accuracy over time. It was exciting to think of how this tool could improve the quality of my ammunition.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale in my reloading room, which is a controlled environment temperature-wise. I used it to measure charges for .223 Remington rounds and 9mm Luger rounds. The humidity was moderate, and the room was well-lit.
The scale performed admirably, even when measuring minute amounts of powder for the .223 rounds. It was incredibly easy to use from the beginning. The touch screen interface made it simple to tare and weigh charges.
There were no issues or surprises during the initial use. The scale powered up without a hitch and calibrated quickly. It seemed to be very responsive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale has held up surprisingly well. I’ve used it weekly. I have reloaded hundreds of rounds with it.
There are no signs of wear and tear. It sits on my bench when not in use. I keep it covered to protect it from dust. The plastic housing still looks like new, and the touch screen remains responsive.
Maintenance is simple: I just wipe it down with a microfiber cloth occasionally to remove any powder residue. I also keep the weighing pan clean. It appears to outperform my previous balance beam scale in terms of speed and precision.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale
Specifications
- The Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale has a maximum capacity of 1500 grains. This is sufficient for measuring powder charges for almost all common rifle and pistol calibers.
- It is available in both 230 Volt and 115 Volt versions, catering to different regional power standards. This ensures compatibility no matter where you are reloading.
- The scale uses an electronic touch screen interface for easy operation. The large display is easy to read and simplifies the weighing process.
- It provides accurate measurements to 0.1 grain. This allows for very precise powder charges, contributing to improved consistency in ammunition.
- The scale features a tare function. This allows users to zero out the weight of the pan, ensuring accurate measurements of just the powder charge.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the accuracy and ease of use in reloading. The ability to measure to 0.1 grain is essential for consistent ammunition performance. The touch screen interface makes the scale user-friendly.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale performs its job exceptionally well. It consistently provides accurate and repeatable measurements.
Its strengths lie in its ease of use, accuracy, and speed compared to manual scales. A minor improvement could be a more robust housing for added durability. It meets and slightly exceeds my expectations, considering its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is good for its price range. It features a plastic housing that feels reasonably sturdy.
It is user-friendly and requires virtually no learning curve. The touch screen is intuitive and easy to navigate.
Durability & Maintenance
It should last for several years with proper care. The components are not particularly rugged.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a soft cloth. There are no user-serviceable parts.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale comes with a weighing pan. It also includes a calibration weight to ensure accuracy.
There are no specific customization options for this scale. It is compatible with standard powder funnels and trays from other brands.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale
Pros
- High Accuracy: Measures powder charges to 0.1 grain. This ensures consistent ammunition performance.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive touch screen interface simplifies the reloading process. This makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced reloaders.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the money compared to higher-end scales.
- Fast Calibration: Calibrates quickly and easily using the included weight. This saves time and ensures accurate measurements.
- Tare Function: Allows for precise measurements by zeroing out the weight of the pan.
Cons
- Plastic Housing: The plastic housing could be more durable. This might limit its lifespan under heavy use.
- Limited Customization: Offers no specific customization options.
Who Should Buy Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale?
- Perfect for: Reloaders of all experience levels who need an accurate and easy-to-use electronic scale. It is especially beneficial for those looking to upgrade from a manual scale or those on a budget.
- Who should skip this product? Those who require extreme ruggedness and durability in their equipment might want to consider a higher-end, more robust scale. Those who need advanced features such as auto-dispensing might also want to look elsewhere.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A good powder trickler is a must-have for fine-tuning powder charges. A set of calibration weights can also be useful to verify the scale’s accuracy over time.
Conclusion on Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale
The Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale is a solid choice for reloaders seeking accuracy and ease of use at an affordable price. Its performance and functionality are impressive, making it a valuable addition to any reloading bench.
The price is definitely justified by its accuracy and ease of use. This is especially true compared to manual scales.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their reloading setup without breaking the bank. It’s a reliable and accurate scale. Level up your reloading game. Get the Lyman Micro-Touch 1500 Electronic Scale today!