The Hornady M2 Digital Bench Scale has become a staple for many reloaders, offering precision and convenience in a compact package. But is it the right scale for your reloading needs? This in-depth review will explore the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Hornady M2, helping you decide if it's the perfect addition to your reloading bench.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions: Quality and Build
Upon receiving the Hornady M2, you'll immediately notice its robust construction. The scale is built to withstand the rigors of consistent use, featuring a durable plastic housing that protects the internal components. The included pan is substantial and provides a stable platform for weighing powders and projectiles. The overall feel is one of quality, exceeding expectations for a scale in its price range. The bright, easy-to-read LCD display is a welcome addition, making it simple to view measurements even in dimly lit spaces.
Key Features and Functionality: Precision and Ease of Use
The Hornady M2 boasts a number of features that make it stand out from the competition. Its high precision, capable of measuring in increments as small as 0.1 grain, is critical for consistent and accurate reloading. This level of accuracy ensures that your ammunition loads are safe and perform as intended. The automatic calibration feature simplifies the setup process, requiring minimal user intervention. Furthermore, the tare function allows you to easily zero out the weight of the weighing pan and any additional containers, streamlining the weighing process. Power is supplied via a standard adapter, eliminating the need for batteries.
Specific Features Deep Dive:
- Capacity: The M2's capacity is sufficient for most reloading tasks, comfortably handling larger charges and projectiles.
- Units: The scale offers a choice of measurement units (grains and grams), catering to diverse reloading preferences.
- Stability: The sturdy base and level indicator ensure accurate measurements even on uneven surfaces.
Practical Application: Weighing Powder and Bullets
The Hornady M2 excels in its practicality. Weighing powder charges is quick and efficient thanks to the responsive digital display and the well-designed pan. The scale reacts swiftly to changes in weight, providing near-instantaneous readings. Weighing bullets is equally straightforward, making the M2 a versatile tool for all stages of the reloading process.
Potential Drawbacks: Considerations for Serious Reloaders
While the Hornady M2 is an excellent scale for many reloaders, some potential drawbacks should be considered. The scale's sensitivity to vibrations might pose a slight challenge in environments with significant ambient vibrations. This is less of a concern for most home reloaders, but those in workshops with noisy machinery might experience minor inconsistencies. While the precision is generally excellent, consistent calibration is crucial to maintain the highest accuracy.
Comparing the Hornady M2 to the Competition
The Hornady M2 occupies a sweet spot in the market, offering a compelling balance of precision, features, and price. Compared to less expensive scales, it offers significantly improved accuracy. When contrasted with higher-end models, it may lack some advanced features such as automatic temperature compensation. However, for the majority of reloaders, its performance surpasses the need for these more advanced features.
Conclusion: The Hornady M2—A Solid Choice for Most Reloaders
The Hornady M2 Digital Bench Scale delivers impressive accuracy and ease of use at a competitive price point. Its robust build, user-friendly interface, and precise measurements make it a valuable asset for both beginner and experienced reloaders. While it might not be the ultimate precision instrument for the most demanding professional reloaders, it undoubtedly provides exceptional value and performance for the overwhelming majority of users. The Hornady M2 earns its place as a top contender in the digital bench scale market.
