Re: Is the accuracy & speed of the Prometheus Gen II -
I had the GD-503 with an Omega Trickler and Lee Perfect Powder Measure. I received my Prometheus Gen II about 2 weeks ago and have already loaded up a couple of hundred rounds with it.
The GD-503 is no less accurate than the Prometheus Gen II. It weighs down to the miligram (.005 grn) and is repeatable down to the .01 grn. A kernel of Varget weighs about .02 grns, so you will get the same precision with Varget.
Here is a post I wrote a while ago about this:
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I have been through 4 different setups. From best (and most expensive) to worst (and least expensive).
1) Prometheus (thrown then trickle up)
2) Sartorius GD-503 + Lee Perfect Powder Measure + Omega Trickler (throw and then trickle up to weight)
3) Acculab VIC-123 (same as Sartorius AY-123) + Lee Perfect Powder Measure + RCBS manual trickler (throw and then trickle up to weight)
4) RCBS Chargemaster (100% trickle up)
The Prometheus is the fastest. A reprogrammed Chargemaster is a little bit slower than I am throwing and trickling up. I am also more accurate throwing and trickling up.
The Sartorius GD-503 is faster than the AY-123 because it is not as stable and I have to wait for it to settle out, I have to continually rezero, and I have to reweigh a bunch.
The Omega is a way to go for the trickler. I wish that Brand Cole sold the Prometheus trickler as a stand alone. It is a work of art.
Cost-wise, you are looking at $310 for the AY-123, $1325 for the GD-503, $70 for the Omega Trickler, and $30 for the Lee Perfect Powder measure.
So the costs of my setups are:
1) $3,000
2) $1,425
3) $355
4) $290
Accuracy is:
1) +/- .005 gr
2) +/- .005 gr
3) +/- .025 gr
4) +/- .088 gr
Time to throw a charge:
1) 18 seconds
2) 40 seconds
3) 70 seconds
4) 60 seconds
The first 3 setups are "good enough" for long range. The Chargemaster, is probably "good enough," but you lose a bit. In terms of concentration required, the Prometheus and Chargemaster requires much less intense concentration. To achieve those times with my thrower, scale, and trickler, I have to really focus.
Hopefully, this gives a good overview. I need to get a GD-503 back so I can truly look at the weights of Prometheus throws. I will probably create a thread for the comparison.
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It takes me legitimately about 36 seconds a round to charge with the GD-503 setup mentioned above. Brand says I should be able to get down to 6 seconds a charge with 308 / varget. I have timed this and I don't see that physically happening, but I can see 12 seconds per round as being achievable when I learn how to use the RCBS Uniflow more consistently.
It is very true that you will need to keep another scale around to check against the Prometheus and to weigh anything else you might want to weigh. The AY-123 is plenty good for that purpose.
What I like about the Prometheus is that to achieve that 18 seconds a charge, you are not stressed at all. It is effortless. To get my times on the GD-503, I am having to concentrate quite a bit. It is a chore.
I hate reloading. Every second I can spend not reloading is worth gold, but it depends on what you are going for. If you want Prometheus II level precision, the GD-503 will get you there.
I figured while I was spending over a grand on a charging setup, I might as well go all the way. Charging used to be my least favorite part of reloading. Now, not so much. As a matter of a fact, I don't know that I have a least favorite part at this point. Maybe cleaning?
I am not as high on the Prometheus Gen II as others as I have used the GD-503. However, it is without a doubt the best solution out there.
The main issue that I am going to have with it is with load development and with setting it up for different loads. It is not that easy to set it up for a given load. For working up a number of different charge weights, it will be easier using the AY-123.
I would love to have both the 503 and the Prometheus II, but can't afford that.
In the end, for me, I will not be parting with the Prometheus any time soon. For you, depending on your finances and goals, it depends on what you are going for...
