Automated powder dispenser

[Andrew Short]

I have an RCBS turret press and the standard powder measurer. Adjusting the flow and constantly weighing has become annoying.

I’m looking to upgrade to an automated dispenser/scale in increase productivity. Do any of you hard core reloaders have an opinion on the Lyman Gen 6 versus Hornady/RCBS chargemaster?

 

[Tanks]

I have been very happy with the RCBS chargemaster. Thousands of rounds measured and loaded over many years. A friend of mine has two as loading 90+ grains takes a while, so he alternates to speed things up.

 

[JimP]

I also have the Chargmaster and once you learn just how to use it it works great.

 

[Andrew Short]

How about the chargemaster lite? Supposedly upgraded and a little faster?

 

[bruce moulds]

you might find that a thrower and a trickler is faster and more accurate.
the simple redding powder scale with its knives sharpened will weigh to less than i kernel of powder repeatedly if you feel inclined to to cut kernels to suit.
can an electric measure better +/- 1/10 gn?
fclass shooters are now using magnetic resonance scales and very expensive trickling systems from canada, but these will cost thousands of $.
cheaper electric scales WILL wander, and are not that accurate.
bruce.

 

[shootist~]

I have been very happy with the RCBS chargemaster. Thousands of rounds measured and loaded over many years. A friend of mine has two as loading 90+ grains takes a while, so he alternates to speed things up.

Same here.

 

[Andrew Short]

That settles it then. I’ll get the RCBS

 

[Hunter4752001]

I have been using the RCBS Chargemaster for a few years. I use it for my rifle loads and for my top end 454 Casull loads. Very happy with it. It may trickle out a fraction more powder than selected, however the readout will show how much was actually thrown and allow you to adjust. And yes, it will measure to 0.1 gn accurately.

 

[Andrew Short]

Thanks for all the replies. Consensus is definitely RCBS

 

[Nevada Wapati]

Natchez has the Chargemaster on sale for $320 right now. $230 for the Lite. RCBS has an additional rebates of $50, $75 and $100 for sales in August.

 

[Andrew Short]

I was on Natchez website earlier looking for primers but they don’t have anything. I’m ordering the RCBS from them now

 

[meigsbucks]

I had a Lyman for several years until it died. Bought a Hornady Loc-N-Load which I’ve had for about seven or eight years. I load about a hundred rifle rounds a week with it. It has it’s quirks but in general has performed well.

 

[tedthorn]

That settles it then. I’ll get the RCBS

Smart move

 

[shootist~]

A friend got the Hornady version last year. It's a mess. Runs way too fast and overcharges too often and too much.

There is a bit of a learning curve with the Chargemaster - as with most things, but no big deal.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I've had a Chargemaster for years and it works. It has it's quirks, tends to go over your intended charge load at times. But I wouldn't go back to the old way. You may want to look up the McDonald's straw trick. Google it. Yes, for real, you'll see.

 

[Andrew Short]

Just ordered the Chargemaster. Rebates are $100, $50 right now depending on purchase amount. Hard to pass up if you’re considering upgrading.

 

[shootist~]

......
You may want to look up the McDonald's straw trick. Google it. Yes, for real, you'll see.

There is a guy on EBay that sells a brass reducer that works a little better. Not really necessary unless you are anal and trying to stay inside .04 grains or so.

 

[Andrew Short]

There is a guy on EBay that sells a brass reducer that works a little better. Not really necessary unless you are anal and trying to stay inside .04 grains or so.

I wonder who thought to use a straw..

I’ll be happy if the RCBS holds to 1/10 grain. Per reviews it does

 

[Mike Van Horn]

To get very good loads. Set your loader .3 below your desired load and use a hand trickier to bring it up.

 

[shootist~]

I wonder who thought to use a straw..

I’ll be happy if the RCBS holds to 1/10 grain. Per reviews it does

The Chargemaster will tell you when it drops 0.1 or more over target. You do have to notice the screen, however. No biggie, just dump that pan and carry on.