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  #1  
Old 11-27-2020, 4:00 PM
Parole Agent Parole Agent is offline
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Smile Digital Reloading Powder Scale

Hey guys,

I need some advice. I’m looking to buy an electronic powder scale and dispenser. I have narrowed down the choices to either a Hornady Lock & Load Powder Dispenser and Scale or a RCBS Charge Master. Both items are on sale right now but the RCBS model still cost 75% more than the Hornady model. Are the models comparable or is one model that much better than the other. I welcome your opinions. Thank you.
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  #2  
Old 11-27-2020, 4:02 PM
Divernhunter Divernhunter is offline
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I have both and had 2 Lyman units. Hand down the best is the RCBS. I have the Lite version since I have no use for all the extras in the 1500
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  #3  
Old 11-27-2020, 4:06 PM
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Smile Thank you.

Thank you for your input. Please explain why the RCBS model is superior to the Hornady model.
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  #4  
Old 11-27-2020, 4:06 PM
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I have the charge master. Works awesome. Use it for all my rifle loads and revolver loads that I make on my single stage press.

Haven’t used any other electronic dispenser - but no complaints with the RCBS.

C


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  #5  
Old 11-27-2020, 4:33 PM
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Had the first gen Hornady powder drop. Hated it within the first 5 mins of using it. I ditched it after loading the first batch of rifle. Its terribly slow (or my process is too fast), it would over\under charge a lot. Which I don't get why it would under charge. If the number is under the target weight then it should keep dispensing right? Its like the software doesnt trust itself to continue.

I've been around numerous Charge Masters. The Lite is cool, easy, accurate, efficient, cost point. But the 1500 didnt make me want to drop the extra money. Straws mods, software mods, tweaking meh eff that. But for large throws and efficiency the dual thrower set up is good. I want to get the Match Master.

But I think it depends on what type of powder your going to use, weight of the charges and the speed you want.

The Hornady was waaaaay to slow for big charges and worse for small charges. Big charge for me is 75gr, average is 50-60gr and smaller is the 5.56 loads 25-30gr. The Hornady was terrible for all of them. I ended up getting a Lyman Gen6. It's been great and does leave some to be desired. Its a bit slow but faster than the Hornady, its more consistent, cost difference a few bucks less, negligeble, but I didn't want to take a sledgehammer to it like the Hornady...so yea another vote for Charge Master.
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  #6  
Old 11-27-2020, 4:44 PM
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Smile Thank you

Thank you for your input.
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  #7  
Old 11-27-2020, 4:48 PM
Divernhunter Divernhunter is offline
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the Hornady would over charge and so I had to redo it far too many times. It also did a few other goofy things. This was happening no matter how many adjustments were done. The RCBS is just plug in and go with seldom a problem
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  #8  
Old 11-27-2020, 5:00 PM
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Default Thank you.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
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Old 11-27-2020, 5:59 PM
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I can't speak of all the ones on the market these days - I have been using a RCBS charge master for years... I don't even know what one it is because I bought it way before they offered the lite? or whatever it is they call it.

I've had it for so long now that I am probably spoiled & I can't imagine reloading without it and can't recommend it enough, but also can't explain what makes such an invaluable piece of kit... it just is.
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  #10  
Old 11-27-2020, 7:16 PM
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When using my Chargemaster I verify the weight on my 10-10. Seldom do I have a mismatch between the two.
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  #11  
Old 11-27-2020, 7:21 PM
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Have you looked at the Frankfort Arsenal Intelidropper

https://ultimatereloader.com/2019/03...etup-overview/
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  #12  
Old 11-27-2020, 7:56 PM
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My Hornady display went out. They don't sell replacement parts.for.scales.
Bought a RCBS lite. Much better.
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  #13  
Old 11-27-2020, 8:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by baih777 View Post
My Hornady display went out. They don't sell replacement parts.for.scales.
Bought a RCBS lite. Much better.
I have the RCBS lite, they don't sell replacement parts for it either.

bullseye powder left in it for a few weeks will eat away at the plastic

don't ask how I know


varget will not


RCBS says that the pistol powders seem to be the worst offenders at eating away at the hopper. I asked: why don't you just make it out of the same plastic that the powder manufactures make the jugs out of?!?!?!?!


little elbow grease and it's fully functional but lesson learned
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  #14  
Old 11-28-2020, 12:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BarrelProof View Post
Have you looked at the Frankfort Arsenal Intelidropper

https://ultimatereloader.com/2019/03...etup-overview/
No I have not. Please explain your recommendation.
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  #15  
Old 11-28-2020, 6:42 AM
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Be sure to get a AC line conditioner, to prevent voltage spikes/brownouts.
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  #16  
Old 11-28-2020, 7:04 AM
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The ultimate reloader has some great videos on youtube for us rookies...
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  #17  
Old 11-28-2020, 9:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBronco View Post
When using my Chargemaster I verify the weight on my 10-10. Seldom do I have a mismatch between the two.
Same experience here.

I had a Lyman electronic powder dispenser with scale, an RCBS Chargemaster lite now, 2 different Amazon electronic scales and an RCBS mechanical scale.

They all read the same.

Get a good quality one, prices generally don't dictate accuracy, TO A POINT. We are not talking pharmacy grade milligram resolution.

Warm them up before use (15 minutes min) and make sure you have a very stable table.

I also use a marble slab base I got as scrap. A solid base makes a world of difference for accuracy and repeatability. Keep electronics and light ballasts away from the scale. Be aware if you are near a roadway. Passing vehicles can cause problems.

Good luck!
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  #18  
Old 11-29-2020, 9:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MarikinaMan View Post
I had a Lyman electronic powder dispenser with scale, an RCBS Chargemaster lite now, 2 different Amazon electronic scales and an RCBS mechanical scale.

They all read the same.
Here's a funny one. One day for fun I decided to test a bunch of scales. My buddy brought his Dillon, I had the Hornady Powder drop, a little Frankford digital scale and a Hornady digital scale.

I am not kidding you guys every scale was different. They're all within the +\- 0.2 as stated but it was shocking that none could be the same. So I got a beam and guess what I learned, there can be variation in the beam based on the set up of the scale and subjectivity of the user. The reference lines have a thickness, its up to the user to decide if a skosh above or below is acceptable.

I came to conclude that scales, just like published data, passed down data, and advice from the internet can only be guidelines or suggestions at best. People pick one and have to run with it, to have faith in whatever gear they're using and consistency is the key. Use a chrono to verify. Read brass, pay attention to bolt feel, how does sizing feel, how does primer pockets feel...anyways, just blabbing haaha. OP, hope you're getting some good information in this thread.
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  #19  
Old 11-29-2020, 11:40 AM
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I still use a Pact Digital Precision Powder scale from the mid 2000's, but have a full autotrickler setup on order because I've been putting it off for so long.

I think it works well enough. I warm it up for 30 min before use and I always calibrate it every weighing session and I always run check weights every 20 or so cartridges when I'm hand weighing my precision loads.
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  #20  
Old 11-29-2020, 7:16 PM
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$20, Who care name , made in China , on Amazon, so far so good. . But I will buy an American brand if this one broke.
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  #21  
Old 11-29-2020, 10:22 PM
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Love my auto trickler. It is an investment but well worth the money in my opinion. It weighs per kernel.



Chad
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  #22  
Old 11-30-2020, 9:09 AM
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saw this at the Vihtavouri website.

Does anybody recognize the machine?

Does anybody use a cartridge case this way?

Thanks
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  #23  
Old 12-02-2020, 7:45 PM
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You can use a case if it fits. The common mod is to shove a straw into the stem. Whatever work. The case idea definitely looks better haaha.
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  #24  
Old 12-02-2020, 7:55 PM
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Definitely the Auto Trickler with the FX120i digital balance of you can afford it. Fast and precise.
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Old 12-05-2020, 6:17 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by triggs75 View Post
Love my auto trickler. It is an investment but well worth the money in my opinion. It weighs per kernel.



Chad
This right here. I'm very happy with mine that I received back June. I have nothing to complain about it. I got the chance to set up and use the Hornady and ended up just putting it back into its packaging and giving it back to my friend.
Check out F class John reviews and others on YouTube.

http://youtube.com/results?search_query=autotrickler+v3
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  #26  
Old 12-05-2020, 7:38 PM
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Sold my chargemaster and got this.
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Old 12-05-2020, 8:24 PM
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that auto trickler looks sweet... but damn that price tag.
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Old 12-05-2020, 8:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Bastard View Post
that auto trickler looks sweet... but damn that price tag.
Its so worth it. I'm more accurate with a quicker weigh time.

Richard
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  #29  
Old 12-05-2020, 8:43 PM
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Originally Posted by hntnnut View Post
Sold my chargemaster and got this.
I use a Butler creek lenses flip cap for the trickler that fits tight.
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