Rcbs chargemaster 1500 worth the $$$$

[scooter87]

Looking into getting a chargemaster 1500. But it carries a hefty price tag. Anyone have one and have an opinion on if it's worth the $$$. I'm doing more and more rifle shooting and it's so slow measuring each load by hand. Is the hornandy one a feasible option?

[CSACANNONEER]

I got mine pre owned for $250. I check it with my DI balances and it's right on. So, yea, to me it is worth it for precision loads.

[ExtremeX]

I think I would have bought one already if RCBS had a better warranty on it… It becomes an expensive item if it dies on you.

I like the unit but it’s a luxury item to me. I still throw short and trickle the last few grains… I’ve become fast at doing it, but it is a lot more “work”. That said I don’t load more than 50-100 per sitting, and that’s easy to do in an evening.

I’m just curious what powders you are using? I would never consider buying a CM1500 for ball or short cut stuff that meters well out of a thrower anyways.

[scooter87]

For the most part varget. Wish I could find a used one.

[maxx03]

I use it for rifle loads. Very accurate. and has cut my time in half. I have no regrets spending the money for it.

[sjb269]

For load development, a very big Yes
For medium paced precision rifle loading, a very big yes
For small batches of any caliber loading yes
For bulk loading of a known pistol powder charge…Not so much, RCBS uniflow works best for that
It certainly has a place on the reloaders bench.
You can find pretty good deals on them from time to time.

[slopoke]

I have two of them and love them. Great for stick powders like Varget and IMR 4895. From what I have read about ones that have died, RCBS replaced them for a nominal fee of around $45.00. You just have to return the broken one.

One thing about RCBS, they have fantastic customer service. For example, I bent a primer pocket swage rod and I was at fault and told the customer service rep that. I was going to buy the rod. She sent me one for free. I also just received in the mail last week a spent primer catcher for my Rock Chucker because I broke it when I pulled it from the press, I was going to pay for that too, but they sent me one for free.

[ExtremeX]

I have two of them and love them. Great for stick powders like Varget and IMR 4895. From what I have read about ones that have died, RCBS replaced them for a nominal fee of around $45.00. You just have to return the broken one.

One thing about RCBS, they have fantastic customer service. For example, I bent a primer pocket swage rod and I was at fault and told the customer service rep that. I was going to buy the rod. She sent me one for free. I also just received in the mail last week a spent primer catcher for my Rock Chucker because I broke it when I pulled it from the press, I was going to pay for that too, but they sent me one for free.

I know... I have a bunch of RCBS hardware including a RCBS Pro 2000 progressive from them. Their service is top notch and its nice to know im covered.

Good to know there is a somewhat reasonable repair path if it dies.

[Bastard]

YES, worth every penny.

[kmolles]

I love mine! Got it from Natchez for $289

[MIAMIbaseballer]

I love mine! Ratings on the other brands (lyman and hornady) are not nearly as high

[Colt562]

Never used one mainly because I haven't needed one. I use one of the lee dippers with my hornady scale and go from there. Super quick once you get the hang of it.

[Enfield47]

I don't own one but I have used one and is was quick and accurate with IMR 4064. It's nice because you can store several different loads that can be recalled at the touch of a button.

[Dark Mod]

If you shoot precision or use a powder that requires you to weigh every charge (800x) then i suppose it would be worth its weight in gold. I dont shoot precision and i steer clear of poorly metering powders so i dont think its worth the money for me.

For all my applications, my powder measures fit the bill.

[deac777]

They are worth every penny. I use mine when I'm reloading with stick powders. You can change the speed and tuning parameters, and have the screw feed the powder at various rates. Not cheap so buy once, cry once.