I just like the added feature of the RCBS app that downloads on to your phone that allows you to store your load data. It has other features but that’s the one I like, certainly not enough to justify replacing the current one I have but it is cool.
One more question for ya'll. Any issues with dumping powder out of the unit, etc ?
I appreciate the info everyone has provided thus far as it really helps a guy make the best decision possible!
I have an rcbs chargemaster light. love it.
No issues at all dumping the powder, it is a very convenient set up.
I am still using an old PACT unit and love it. When it dies (hopefully not soon) I will replace it. I just don't know with what.
Dumping is simple. I would suggest having the opening of the tube facing up first. Then lean the unit back towards the hopper side. Use your powder funnel in your powder can. Slowly open your drain a little bit so that it continues to flow into the can without stacking up. Holding it up also allows the tube to empty.
Here's how I drain my Chargmaster. I use a Dixie Cup bowl under the drain valve, open the valve and drain 98% of the powder into the bowl, when I have about three cartridge case left to charge. Dispensing those last couple of charges will get most of the powder out of the dispensing tube. The remaining grains, left in the tube are removed by gently tapping the tube, while spinning, with a ink pen, pencil or wooden dowel. The paper bowl is easily folded, to pour the powder, back into the container without use of a funnel.
Been doing it this way since I got the unit over 20 years ago.
Winelover
Wife bought me a Hornady Lock and Load https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012762980/ for Christmas and it works great. Has an alarm if it's just a off the set value. I check it's weight with a GemPro 250 and it's always within 1gr or less. If I need anything more accurate I weigh every load with the GemPro. It's discontinued but you might be able to find one somewhere but with the luck I've had with this one or buy one of their new models.
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I have used the Hornady Auto Charge for years and I love it.
That`s all I use except when I am throwing small charges of ball powder.
I have a couple Chargemasters but I don’t think they are the most accurate method but better than a measure, for some powders.
I wish one could turn off the auto zero “feature”, I don’t like measuring instruments changing things on their own.
If you already have a beam scale, trickler and a measure, for ~$50 you could put together something like this.
Gives more consistency than the .1 accuracy of the RCBS machines, even best case.
These are the parts you would need.
The push button switch isn’t momentary, rather a latching switch.
BP | Bronze Point | IMR | Improved Military Rifle | PTD | Pointed |
BR | Bench Rest | M | Magnum | RN | Round Nose |
BT | Boat Tail | PL | Power-Lokt | SP | Soft Point |
C | Compressed Charge | PR | Primer | SPCL | Soft Point "Core-Lokt" |
HP | Hollow Point | PSPCL | Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" | C.O.L. | Cartridge Overall Length |
PSP | Pointed Soft Point | Spz | Spitzer Point | SBT | Spitzer Boat Tail |
LRN | Lead Round Nose | LWC | Lead Wad Cutter | LSWC | Lead Semi Wad Cutter |
GC | Gas Check |