RCBS Chargemaster or Lyman Gen 5

[advocatusdiaboli]

I am looking to get a scale-dispenser combo for reloading.

I know the Chargemaster is tried and true, but it's mechanical and the Gen 5, on specs at least, is equivalent but digital. Digital has a few advantages, the two prominent ones being: fewer issues with mechanical parts (including buttons etc.) are likely over the long haul and firmware is easy to upgrade fix issues or add more features over time.

Anyone try one or investigate in detail to determine how it compares to the 'gold standard' RCBS Chargemaster?

[Yreka]

Good question. Just started looking as well.. I was pretty set on the RCBS after eliminating the Hornady. You bring up some interesting points on the Lyman.. I haven't looked into them yet

[noylj]

My CM is as digital as any other--I have no idea what you mean "mechanical."
I am very happy with my CM, but I haven't used the Lyman

[J-cat]

The RCBS unit uses mechanical buttons, like an old cell phone. The Lyman uses a touch screen like a new cell phone.

[advocatusdiaboli]

The RCBS unit uses mechanical buttons, like an old cell phone. The Lyman uses a touch screen like a new cell phone.

Correct. Since the interface is software-defined, like modern smart phones, it probably has a lot more features and can be enhanced with updates. So if it is as good a scale and dispenser as the RCBS, I'd favor it.

But, checking the reviews on Cabelas, the Gen 5 got some scathing reviews about inaccuracy. the Gen 6 ( newer one) gets better reviews, but the RCBS has many more and a lot of praise. Apparently the Lyman is a bear to clear out when changing powders while the RCBS has a powered drain making it fast and simple.

Unless I find better reviews on the Lyman, I'll be going with the RCBS. I am not buying for a few weeks yet so we'll see.

[J-cat]

It it helps to make your decision, my RCBS is one of the early ones and the buttons have not worn out.

[advocatusdiaboli]

It it helps to make your decision, my RCBS is one of the early ones and the buttons have not worn out.

[cowboy777]

Both are good but the charge master is my pick. It dispenses more accurate loads than Lyman or the hornady. And there's tons of info online for reprogramming the motor.

[NineBear]

I have the Lyman Gen 6 and have dropped about 1800 loads with it. All have been for 9mm and 40 cal so the grains are quite small compared to folks who load for rifles.
I like the size of the Gen 6 vs the Gen 5 and I don't need any sort of memory for load information.
The Gen6 has been very accurate although 50% of the time it is .1 grains light, rarely does it go over.
I learned that if you let the unit warm up for a good 20 minutes it drops at a more consistent rate.
I find it easy to clean power from the unit and when it gets out of balance it won't drop a charge until you re-calibrate it. Then you simply hit the go button and it remembers the last charge.
It is very fast at dispensing and just what I hoped it would be when I had to make the same decision you are looking at.
I did have to return my first unit, but I think it was my fault. I was cleaning it and pushed up on the scale tray. I received a new unit in 11 days and have not had any further problems....naturally taking much care when cleaning around the scale tray. I use an artists paintbrush with long bristles now.

Having said all these complimentary things about Lyman Gen 6........I would not hesitate to purchase an RCBS Chargemaster. The comfort of having a lifetime replacement on a complex item like these auto scales/dispensers is a little ridiculous in this day and age. Plus I recently moved to mostly RCBS dies instead of Hornady and love them (except bullet seating).

[damndave]

Love my CM. No need to try anything else for me.

[B W E]

I don't have a ton of experience with it, but I just got a CM a couple weeks ago and it makes a HUGE difference for me. I reprogrammed it a bit to adjust the charge time, and was able to multi-task a bit in between throws. I double checked several of the charges on a second scale and numbers were good every time.

[Yreka]

Damn... You guys are costing me too much money.. The devil is sitting on my shoulder right now saying "You are about to start working up Varget loads, you need one of these" (The angel has been MIA for quite some time )

[45R]

Best place/price to buy one?

[Yreka]

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=RC98923&src=tpCtg

Best I have found

[JMP]

The RCBS unit uses mechanical buttons, like an old cell phone. The Lyman uses a touch screen like a new cell phone.

A touch screen in conjunction with reloading would make me favor the old fashioned "mechanical buttons". Although, the Chargemaster takes forever and a day for large rifle loads.