Auto Powder Measure

[dfletcher]

I've been reloading for about 45 years, still use a single stage and old fashioned "beam type" powder measure. I'd like to get close to the 21st Century and buy an electronic measure and dispenser. I've checked on line, watched vids of the Hornady and RCBS.

I tend to reload rifle cartridges, some pistol, and generally no more than 100 rounds a session. I use the long grained IMR stuff just as much as ball or short cut. IMR 4198 is one of my favorites for 222 and 45/70.

Any suggestions? Keep in mind I still call a refrigerator an "ice box" - I like to keep things simple and reliable.

[Fjold]

After 30 years I switched to an RCBS Chargemaster and I love it. It's made reloading a lot easier.

[JMP]

Here you go:

http://www.natchezss.com/rcbs-chargemaster-dispenser-and-scale-110-volt.html

Then spend another $11 and you get a $50 rebate.

http://www.natchezss.com/media/wysiwyg/pdf/2015RCBSRebateJan1Feb28.pdf

The Chargemaster is pretty much what everyone uses.

[ar15barrels]

The RCBS chargemaster is the way to go.
Hornady keeps re-designing theirs in an attempt to take sales away, but the RCBS is proven.
You can even get into the tuning parameters if the Chargemaster and fine-tune it to a specific powder which can speed it up.

Combining the pan and funnel into a single piece speeds up the process as well.
Get the lyman powder pan with the funnel on the side.

You will need to glue a 3/8" washer to the bottom of the pan.
If you run the chargemaster in auto-dispense mode, it needs a scale pan that weighs at least 100gr for it to trip the auto-dispense when you place the pan back on the scale.
The all plastic lyman scale pan/funnel is too light to trip the chargemaster without the 3/8" washer glued to the bottom of the pan.

[Switchbarrel]

I've been reloading for about 45 years, still use a single stage and old fashioned "beam type" powder measure. I'd like to get close to the 21st Century and buy an electronic measure and dispenser. I've checked on line, watched vids of the Hornady and RCBS.

I tend to reload rifle cartridges, some pistol, and generally no more than 100 rounds a session. I use the long grained IMR stuff just as much as ball or short cut. IMR 4198 is one of my favorites for 222 and 45/70.

Any suggestions? Keep in mind I still call a refrigerator an "ice box" - I like to keep things simple and reliable.

Not sure if the info. you've already checked out is the stuff from Accurate Shooter or not. They have quite a few scale/powder dispenser articles. Whether it be the combo units you mention or a powder thrower-scale-trickler procedure.

I think these reviews are older since the Hornady isn't mentioned but, still some good info. if you haven't already seen it.

http://www.accurateshooter.com/gear-reviews/digital-powder-dispensers-part-one/

http://www.accurateshooter.com/gear-reviews/digital-powder-dispensers-part-two/

If you get the RCBS, it sounds like you'll want one of these to help reduce overcharges as well:

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php?topic=3846088.0

FWIW- I have the PACT setup, been using it for 13-14 years. Sent it back a couple years ago for the newer, speedier upgrade. I like it, it works. My buddy uses the RCBS and likes it just as well. They are both about the same as far as thrown charge accuracy goes.

-Rick

[dfletcher]

Thanks for the info. A friend has the RCBS and likes it. I'm still poking around on net, reading reviews.

The Hornady info referenced overcharges, which to me defeats the purpose of using the electronic dispenser. Is the RCBS accurate, will put out what's entered and not require any trickling?

[ar15barrels]

Is the RCBS accurate, will put out what's entered and not require any trickling?

Yes.
ALL of the dispensers occasionally overshoot the charge though when the powder clumps up and then a whole bunch of granules fall at once when it was trickling and only expecting a couple granles.
Tuning the dispenser to the powder definitely helps to reduce how often it happens though.

[BisDak]

Mine overcharges as well by about .01 or .02 gr when it trickles to compensate.

Saw the insert for remedy.

But, how do you tune the machine itself? Is there something inside to tweak?


.

[damon1272]

been very happy with my Lyman for some time.

[ar15barrels]

But, how do you tune the machine itself? Is there something inside to tweak?

It's in the programming menu.

http://www.accurateshooter.com/gear-reviews/speed-up-your-rcbs-chargemaster/

[BisDak]

^^^ Ok. Thanks for the info.

Mcdonalds straw...nice.


.

[joefrank64k]

Here you go:

http://www.natchezss.com/rcbs-chargemaster-dispenser-and-scale-110-volt.html

Then spend another $11 and you get a $50 rebate.

http://www.natchezss.com/media/wysiwyg/pdf/2015RCBSRebateJan1Feb28.pdf

The Chargemaster is pretty much what everyone uses.

That's a nice deal on the Chargemaster, even without the $50 rebate.

[Flyin Brian]

That's a nice deal on the Chargemaster, even without the $50 rebate.

That's where I got mine. Bought 2 shell holders and got the $50 back so in the end I am in it $260 or so? I would not want to go back to loading without it.

[Calif Hunter]

I have had the RCBS for several years. I had a problem with the on/off button after several years, contacted RCBS who had me send it back to them to check out...they sent me a brand new unit. RCBS all the way. Mine will sometimes overcharge the first powder charge as it starts slow, then rapidly speeds up and may not stop in time by a couple tenths. The subsequent dispenses are usually fine, so I just dump the first one back into the hopper if it is over.