Powder machines

[ScottPriestley]

Just getting into reloading - researching all.

Any feedback from experienced users on:
1. RCBS Chargemaster 1500
2. RCBS Chargemaster Lite
3. Lyman Gen 6
4. Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper - includes a nifty mobile app for data

Others?

All of these seem to be in the same price range/features.

 

[Ryridesmotox]

I have a frankford I got during their black Friday sales. For like $160. I used to load with a beam scale, but now i don't know why i waited so long to upgrade. I load with IMR4064, and do 308 and 223. I have verified on my dillon ohaus beam scale and the frankford throws every charge within its advertised margin of error. I haven't used ther bluetooth feature extensively, but its alright to keep different loads in there. It has increased my work flow significantly.

The only other one I woukd consider on thet list is the RCBS chargemaster 1500

 

[nn8734]

I use #1 (2 units) and #3 (one unit) for years and haven’t had any issues with either.

Will add that both dispense spot on 99% of the time with a rare overcharge of .1 grain.

Never had to use customer service.

 

[ScottPriestley]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. Instead of a kit I've decided to take recommendations here and go with a Lyman Turret Press and probably the Lyman powder system too.

 

[nn8734]

Check out the Lyman hand priming tool as well. Best one I have used to date.

 

[Batemanb12]

Look into the redding R7 and Lyman 8 dont have to keep changing out dies....

 

[Steel head]

I run the Hornandy.
I think the RCBS is better.

over charges are common but now I have a straw insert tuned we’ll and honestly it’s been doing really well lately.

 

[Greenday4537]

I use the 1500. I love it. Reloading has become a lot faster, it's accurate, and consistent.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

I have two 1500s and they do everything I need them to.

I've done the straw and software mods to speed them up a bit. Typically, I can load 100 rounds with 2-3% overthrows.

For some, this is unacceptable, but I can live with it.

 

[Steel head]

I have two 1500s and they do everything I need them to.

I've done the straw and software mods to speed them up a bit. Typically, I can load 100 rounds with 2-3% overthrows.

For some, this is unacceptable, but I can live with it.

That’s not bad.

 

[Codiekfx400]

I keep a steel tweezers around and when I get a over charge I just pull it out. Takes a couple of seconds.

 

[Doc68]

Chargemaster lite. No issues. Even being neglected and not used for 9 months.

 

[Muley Buck]

I keep a steel tweezers around and when I get a over charge I just pull it out. Takes a couple of seconds.

I dump the inital powder charge from the Chargemaster 1500 to another pan and set it on a Gem Pro 250 to double check and + or - a kernel or two when needed with some steel tweezers. Usually the charge weight is good but those tweezers are awesome for quick corrections.

 

[NCHillbilly]

I too, have used the rcbs chargemaster for years with no issues. The drinking straw mod has saved me untold aggravation.

 

[just browsing]

I have an FA Intellidropper and an FX120. I got the FA almost as a joke with Cabela’s points, with plans to use it for .223 and .308.

Stating the obvious, the FA does not compete with the FX120 in terms of accuracy (or cost).

BUT I have not been able to differentiate the FA vs the FX with any of my match chambers either. My 6x47 flat spot is ~.3gr wide with RL16 and 109 Hybrids, and the FA is accurate well within that range. My speeds and spreads are the same, and the FX was ~5x as much.

This is not to say I would take the FA over the FX, but if you’re in the market for a cheap auto throw, the FA does the job just fine.

 

[x_789]

I currently am using a FA and for the price it's a great machine. It has a.powder.calibration and the thing can throw some powder. The app is useful for storing loads. Second choice would be a charge master lite. I would stay away from Hornady.

 

[ScottPriestley]

Sorry this is a newb question but are variances of .1 gr acceptable for precision rifle or should I be expecting less variance?

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

If your node is decent it shouldn't make much difference. The goal is to find a charge weight that doesn't vary velocity much within a few tenths of a grain.

 

[B y r o n]

I have been using the RCBS Chargemaster for several years. When it began to malfunction and RCBS said they would not help because it was out of warranty I went shopping. I found the
Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Charge Powder Scale and Dispenser 110/220 Volt
Hornady # 050068 for less than a replacement RCBS. I find it functions as well as, if not better than the RCBS, and cost less.

I eventually got the RCBS functioning again by opening and pulling the electrical connections and reinstalling them but I'm still using the Hornady.

 

[Steel head]

I have been using the RCBS Chargemaster for several years. When it began to malfunction and RCBS said they would not help because it was out of warranty I went shopping. I found the
Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Charge Powder Scale and Dispenser 110/220 Volt
Hornady # 050068 for less than a replacement RCBS. I find it functions as well as, if not better than the RCBS, and cost less.

I eventually got the RCBS functioning again by opening and pulling the electrical connections and reinstalling them but I'm still using the Hornady.

I’m a bit surprised you like the Hornandy more than the RCBS.
For what I paid for my Hornady it’s been a good unit.

 

[achalmersman]

I have the FA. Good for the money used with a few tricks.

Some info I added to a guys post on facebook:

I just compared mine to a Sartorius 0.0001g scale. Long story short over 30 charges (set 43.7gn) the std dev was 0.04038 gn and the extreme spread was 0.156gn. Relative to the average weight of a kernel of H4350 this is a std dev of 1.56 kernels and extreme spread of 6.046 kernels

I was then asked to test with a flake powder so I retested using Titegroup @ 10.0gn

Statistics over 30 charges of Titegroup @ 10.0gn. Standard Deviation = 0.0358gn Relative Standard Deviation = 0.354% Extreme Spread = 0.132gn

 

[little_scrapper]

I jumped into the reloading game fairly recently. I bought the RCBS Lite. Works well. I have not done the straw mod yet. I load 168/175 SMK over Hodgdon4895. I trickle to .1gr under then take a small pick and scoop out a grains at a time until it ticks over.

I have on many occasions simply left if on 24/7. Have also on occasion left a cal weight on it to see if it would drift. I have so far only seen it drift on me once. However, that was after being left on with a weight for several days.

I brought my cal weights into work and had them verified to like 5 decimal places. As I recall they camr in a tad light. Around 49.9987grams or something like that. Ehh close enough.

I think I would prefer a spring loaded drain that closes when you let go. That way I done dump powder all over my bench because the drain was partially open or fully open.

 

[LawnMM]

Chargemaster will do fine, if you want to compete and are ascending to higher levels, or getting into ELR, you will want an Fx120

 

[ditter]

Chargemaster Lite is fine for me. I don't get very many overcharges. Maybe 2-3 every 100 cases and only by .1, but with stick powder like 4350, you have to expect it.

 

[pmclaine]

Just pick up a Prometheus or three.......