RCBS Chargemaster Combo

V

Vince

Handloader
May 26, 2012
4,480
912
Thinking about getting an RCBS Chargemaster Combo powder thrower and scale.

Anybody use one? I currently use a Lee powder dispenser that doesn't throw accurate loads of powder and spend half my life either trickling powder in or removing powder out. I'm looking to shave some time in my reloading process. What say ye?
 
I have one that I've used the past 3-4 years. I'm not so sure you're going to speed up your load time but you will get consistent charge weights. It takes the unit a little longer to dispense the charge, longer than simply using a powder measure alone.

If you're looking for a faster, more consistent, measure I would suggest a Redding.

Ron
 
I've been using one and absolutely love it. I enter a charge and have it start, so it throws while I'm seating the previous bullet. It's done when I'm done and I then move on to the next charge. It's a great machine.

If you want it faster there are plenty of tips on how to tweak it:
http://www.accurateshooter.com/gear-rev ... rgemaster/

I'd highly recommend it.

Of note, it seems to drift less if I occasionally spray it with Static Guard spray (like for your clothes). I also have a power filter on it to avoid any power spikes.

Patrick
 
Buy it, Vince; it is the standard for automated charging. I've used mine for quite a few years. While I'm seating the bullet, it is throwing the next charge. It is quite consistent. Dr. Vette has given you a good resource in the accurate shooter link.
 
They are a godsend. I love mine.

- Google "Chargemaster straw trick" - It really helps with non-ball powders.
- Isolate it if you can. I was getting a fair number of overweight charges before I moved my chargemaster off my bench that had the press I was using. The action of the press was enough to cause an occasional overthrow.
- If I'm being sure and stead, I find the time it takes to seat the bullet, measure the OAL and do my final visual inspection is just about right for the next charge to be ready to go in the next case.
 
Mine is awesome. Just make sure it is on a level surface when operating. It dispenses accurate charges everytime. The only issue I had was when it was hot last summer and I had a fan blowing in my reloading room. The scale measurements kept fluctuating and resulted in overweight charges. Get one Vince, you will love it!
 
If you're using log type powders such as the 4831's, 4350's and the like, you'll love that Chargmaster.
My ex-son i law bought a Winchester M70 Featherweight in .300 WSM and told me what he wanted to use for a load. he did not reload at the time. he gave me the brass, powder and bullets and the charge he wanted as recommended by one of his friends at work. I told him if I do the loads, it will be by working up from the star load until I reach what he wanted, that is if it did not prove to be too hot for his rifle. I'd been usig ball powders for years as I didn't have the hassle of 4831 and the like not measuring worth a damn from either my Pacific powder measure or the RCBS Uniflow. To make a long sad story short that first load work up took almost 8 hours. I'm pretty fussy when it comes to weighed charges especially with 4831, IMR in this case.
After a shooting session and prepping the brass for reloading, I was short on components so the wife and I took a ride over to Sportsman's Warehouse to get more bullets and powder. While there, I pointed out the Chargemaster to my wife and aid, "One of these days I'm gonna get me one of those." She looked at me, smiled sweetly and said, "Why not today?" I didn't have to be told twice. I got the new test loads done in less than two hours and it probably would not have taken that long except I kept weighing a charge on the beam scale every once in a while. I've learned to trust that machine and only check weigh at the beginning and at the end. I jhaven't had to pull any bullets yet. It's been close to 5 years now and it's still going strong.
The big thing is keep it out of drafts, wind from a fan or A/C units and it's that sensitive. THey do have a dust cover that can be used as a wind break but it's a bit of a PITA. When it's 100 in the shade out in my shed, I have the A/C going and use that dust cover.
Best way to use it is have it throw the charge, pour charge ito the shell, put the pan back on the machine and while it's throwing the next charge seat the bullet. It's not as slo as it sounds. The best thing is now I can go back and use those log type powders should they be the better option for a particular load. A win win situation as far as I can see.
Paul B.
 
My most used powders are:

Accurate #9
IMR 4350
Reloader 22
H 4831sc
H 4831
Varget

Still think it's a good choice for me?
 
I have a much faster setup!

Manual powder dispenser, mounted just above my Hornady electronic scale. Throw a charge, add last couple tenths, done.
 
AzDak42":36ic7eox said:
SJB358":36ic7eox said:
I think you'll like it alot. I use the ISD Reloader and it is very adjustable for different powders and it seems to be holding up very well.

Plus, like the others said, mount it on a different table than your bench so it sits undisturbed.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?co ... UYVBSR0021
Click to expand...


Is ISD making the chargemaster for RCBS? They look like variations on the same build...
Click to expand...

No idea, but my ISD has been very good. Think I am going on 2 years without any drama's. I leave mine on all the time, and have adjusted it for other powders and it has worked really well. Great piece of kit, and for the price, you can buy two of them for the RCBS.
 
I have had one for years. Never an issue whatsoever.
 
I have been using the RCBS set up for a number of years and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone :)

Blessings,
Dan
 
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