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SingleShotLover Super Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2007 Posts: 1005 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2014 6:45 pm Post subject: RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Measure/Scale Combo |
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Having recently had an unexpected windfall from a couple of investments, my wife insisted (without any real resistance from me) that I use part of it to treat myself to a couple things I have wanted for years but kept putting off. One of these items is a S&W 629 with 5" barrel and the other is an RCBS ChargeMaster auto powder dispenser/scale combination. I'll pick up the Smith this week, but the RCBS I have had for 48 hours and have fallen in love.
I have been reloading for over 45 years and though I enjoy the case prep (trimming, neck-turning, primer pocket uniforming and etc.) in preparation of match quality ammo, the tedious task of throwing, hand weighing and case charging necessary for the most accurate ammunition has always been a bore. I had eyed the new generations of automatic dispenser/scale units for a long time but balked at the prices. This product was high on my "want" list. When it arrived I was excited to see if the various reviewers knew what they were talking about. After unpacking, plugging in and reading the somewhat scant directions, I was ready to begin.
First up was ammunition for my .17 Remington. Using CFE223 ( a very fine spherical powder) and in the process of throwing 40 charges I found NO variation from the set charge when tested against my beam-scale and two different electronic scales. Set on Auto, dispensing time was fast enough that most of the time by the time I had seated a bullet in a case, the next charge was beeping at me.
Next were loads for .223 Remington. Using AA 2200, another spherical powder, similar results were obtained with only 2 charges off by a mere .1 grain.
Finally a true test in the form of loading 22/250 Remington cases using IMR 4064, an extruded type of powder that has always been erratic when throwing from a measure due to its "stick" type of shape. Though dispensing took longer per load as a result of the powder shape and volume of charge, accuracy was astounding with variations again no more than +-.1 grain for any given charge.
When in Auto mode, the charge dispensing starts when the pan is placed on the platen. At this time the motor is running relatively fast and then drops off to a much slower speed as the charge approaches the target weight. This was quite pronounced with the IMR powder. The unit would run the weight up close to goal and then drop to the trickle speed and then finally run very slowly as it dropped as little as one powder grain at a time until the charge was complete.
Programming and operation is fairly straight forward, but I haven't tried anything fancier than pre-programing favorite loads as of yet. Changing powders can be a bit of a challenge with some of the spherical powders due to their tendency to cling to plastic sides, but can be managed fairly simply. It's a good idea to make a note to close the drain spout after cleaning and before dumping the next power into the hopper - guess how I discovered that little hint.
If things continue as well as they started, I am going to be a very happy loader.
_________________ If you can't hit it with one, you probably can't with two either!
The biggest problem with a closed mind is that it never seems to come with a closed mouth.
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Donut Slayer Super Member
Joined: Jun 27, 2007 Posts: 594 Location: Pensacola, Florida
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wiersy111 Super Member
Joined: May 13, 2009 Posts: 2376 Location: Central Minnesota
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Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 6:25 pm Post subject: Re: RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Measure/Scale Combo |
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I love my chargemaster, it's the best thing I ever bought myself. As you use it you will find certain powders that tend to throw on the high side. There are simple solutions to a few different percieved problems out there. One mod I did was to use a straw from McDonalds to allow less powder into the tube and cut small wedges out of the dispensing end. That really increased the accuracy with all powders. After getting used to mine for over a year I also found the correct numbers to speed it up and still retain the accuracy. When you get ready just google Chargemaster modifications.
_________________ A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America " for an amount of "up to and including my life."
US ARMY RETIRED
The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.
Being "Over the Hill" is much better then being under it! |
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SingleShotLover Super Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2007 Posts: 1005 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 4:50 am Post subject: Re: RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Measure/Scale Combo |
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Good tip, thanks. With the powders I have tried to date (AA2200, AA2700, H322, CFE223 and IMR 4064) the accuracy has been phenomenal. It's nice to know there tweaks for other issues. Thanks again.
_________________ If you can't hit it with one, you probably can't with two either!
The biggest problem with a closed mind is that it never seems to come with a closed mouth.
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acssa Rookie Member
Joined: Jul 27, 2014 Posts: 21 Location: South Africa/Namibia
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Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2014 12:10 pm Post subject: Re: RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Measure/Scale Combo |
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I have a chargemaster and I am not impressed. Its not accurate!
I bought a AnD scale to check it. You can see the powder bucket mass change at times...etc.
I would go for a Harrel and AnD scale combo
_________________ Accuracy is something that is hard to find! |
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SingleShotLover Super Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2007 Posts: 1005 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 5:00 pm Post subject: Re: RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Measure/Scale Combo |
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Some love them and some don't. So far mine checks out fine when compared to various electronic and mechanical scales.
_________________ If you can't hit it with one, you probably can't with two either!
The biggest problem with a closed mind is that it never seems to come with a closed mouth.
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Grey_Wolf Member
Joined: Aug 06, 2015 Posts: 196
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Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2015 7:52 pm Post subject: Re: RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Measure/Scale Combo |
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I have had mine for almost a year and love it. At first I checked loads on the beam every time and found no discrepancy. Now I will spot check a few here and there. Didn't know that it would run on auto, tried the MacDonalds straw trick and it works good. I'm going to google the mods now.
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SingleShotLover Super Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2007 Posts: 1005 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2015 8:07 pm Post subject: Re: RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Measure/Scale Combo |
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Welcome. It just happens that I finished loading 100 cartridges of various calibers today. I spot-checked about every 10 rounds. Guess what? None of them varied by any more than +/-.1 grain. Glad you are having good luck.
_________________ If you can't hit it with one, you probably can't with two either!
The biggest problem with a closed mind is that it never seems to come with a closed mouth.
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Elvis Super Member
Joined: Jul 27, 2008 Posts: 9330 Location: south island New Zealand
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Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2015 1:54 am Post subject: Re: RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Measure/Scale Combo |
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that sounds plurry awesome.
_________________ You shot it You pluck it !
Them who eats the most duck eats the most feathers! |
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SingleShotLover Super Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2007 Posts: 1005 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2015 6:47 am Post subject: Re: RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Measure/Scale Combo |
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Elvis wrote: |
that sounds plurry awesome. |
It is. Since I enjoy chasing that mythical 5-shot, single bullet hole group, all of my loads are weighed. Using a more traditional powder measure entails throwing the charge, weighing it and then transferring it into the case for bullet seating. Making the process even more tedious is using "stick" powder such as IMR4064 due to the tendency for the rotary drum in a measure to stick on or cut granules. Standing cases in a loading block for filling usually results in powder spilled into the block's holes over time.
Using the ChargeMaster, I just choose the stored load (or enter new weights), tell it to start and loading begins. I have it comfortably located on my bench so that reaching is kept to a minimum. My prepped cases are standing in a loading block and I take each one in hand with a funnel. As each load is measured, I remove the pan from the measure, dump the powder into the case, return the pan to the measure and proceed to seat the bullet. By the time I seat the bullet and return the completed cartridge to the loading block the measure is "beeping" at me that the next charge is done. There may be a short wait as the measure trickles the last tiny amount out to hit the exact weight, but it never is very long. Besides, if a person is in that big of a hurry, they probably shouldn't be loading!
It's fascinating to watch the unit dump the main load quickly and then, as the weight approaches the target, slow to trickling the powder. In some cases this ends with trickling as little as a few granules at a time. Kind of fun to watch.
I know there are people that have nothing but problems with it, whether it be mechanical, technique, set up or what have you, but I really like mine and will replace it if it dies for some reason.
_________________ If you can't hit it with one, you probably can't with two either!
The biggest problem with a closed mind is that it never seems to come with a closed mouth.
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chambered221 Super Member
Joined: Aug 17, 2007 Posts: 3455 Location: Lost for good !!!
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 1:42 pm Post subject: Re: RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Measure/Scale Combo |
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Wife got me the Hornady for Christmas a few years back..... love it the same !!!
_________________ Ask as many people needed, sooner or later your question will be answered the way you want it answered !!!
A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.
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MacD Super Member
Joined: Apr 08, 2011 Posts: 1052 Location: Canada
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 9:13 pm Post subject: Re: RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Measure/Scale Combo |
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I used a bit of graphite to reduce cling in my powder measures. I don't know if it is safe for an electronic measure. I suppose, after awhile graphite from the powder would do the same thing.
_________________ La a'Blair s'math n Cairdean
(Friends are good on the day of battle) |
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