Chargemaster Powder Trickler

[madstyle1]

[jimmykan]

If you buy the original Chargemaster 1500 "Combo" or any of the newer RCBS trickler models, then you don't need to buy a separate digital scale.

Digital scales based on strain gauge technology (these RCBS scales included) tend to drift over time and temperature/humidity changes.

I would recommend getting a beam scale and check weights to periodically verify the readings from the digital scale.

[madstyle1]

Thank you for the clarification

[JackEllis]

I have a Chargemaster Lite. It comes with 50 gram check weights.

I also have a beam scale (Ohaus) that I'm no longer using.

What I would suggest you do is a) calibrate the Chargemaster's scale with the supplied check weights each time you use it, b) if you're doing a large run of cartridges, periodically recheck the scale. I typically can't do more than fifty at a time before needing a break and the calibration process only takes about three minutes.

[madstyle1]

Good to know. The charge master lite is more affordable. Ill get a beam scale as well as a back up.

[Full Clip]

...if you're doing a large run of cartridges, periodically recheck the scale. I typically can't do more than fifty at a time before needing a break and the calibration process only takes about three minutes.

Yeah, I would typically do the first 20, spot-check weigh five charges at random, do another 30-40 and spot check them and so on. But I love the Chargemaster, and I've never found it drifting on me.
#Paranoid

[golfish]

Good to know. The charge master lite is more affordable. Ill get a beam scale as well as a back up.

Good call...

[divingin]

Digital scales based on strain gauge technology (these RCBS scales included) tend to drift over time and temperature/humidity changes.

While I won't argue with you on this, my CM1500 was surprisingly stable. It was also surprisingly (to me) accurate; throwing within about .05 grains of target about 75% of the time.

I used to throw on the CM and verify and adjust on a strain gauge scientific balance (.02gn resolution); the balance drifted much more than the CM (though you'd be hard pressed to see the amount of drift on the .1gn CM display. If you do this, spend the money up front and get a mag force restoration balance.) Even so, my experience was that drift was meaningless on the CM. Stayed in calibration quite well, too.

[BigBronco]

I verify all CM throws on my 10-10 any difference back into the hopper. For large rifle only. Pistol I do not use the CM.

[smoothy8500]

So what does a resolution of .05 gr or even down to .02 gr improve in respect to accuracy?

[mikeyr]

remember to get a beam scale to double check your weights every so often.

[jimmykan]

So what does a resolution of .05 gr or even down to .02 gr improve in respect to accuracy?

Bryan Litz did a study...

And concluded something like every +/- 0.1 grain variation in powder charge weight results in approximately +/- 5 fps muzzle velocity for ~308-sized cartridges.

So if you want muzzle velocities with single digit extreme spreads, +/- 0.1 grain won't cut it.

[smoothy8500]

So if you want muzzle velocities with single digit extreme spreads, +/- 0.1 grain won't cut it.

Pretty impressive if you get single-digit Extreme Spread....But does it make a difference?

Using Hornady ballistic calculator, an ES of 30fps with 175 SMK changes point of impact (elevation) 8" at 1,000yds. That is only .75 MOA, yes which is added to whatever the rifle and shooter are capable of.

At 600 yards it is even less, only 2" (1/3 MOA). Most shooters probably wouldn't really notice. So, does that resolution of .05 gr really make a difference with your loads over a beam scale? Or is just throwing a charge that lands +/- .1gr of your load requirement sufficient for 600yds?

[divingin]

So what does a resolution of .05 gr or even down to .02 gr improve in respect to accuracy?

Probably about the same as weighing bullets or cases or primers for pistol ammo. Feel good stuff in the long run. It is, however, one less variable that could affect things.