Digital Powder Dispenser Test & Review

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We've just completed a very thorough comparison test of three Electronic powder Dispensing/Scale Units: RCBS ChargeMaster, PACT Dispenser/Scale, and Lyman 1200 DPS II.

RCBSx160-76.jpg

Data was collected on accuracy, dispensing speed, and repeatability. We cross-checked accuracy with two balance beam scales. The comparison test consists of two LONG pages. Page 1 has the summary of the findings and a work-time analysis on how the dispensers can speed loading time by 60%.

Page 2 has detailed reports on each of the machines, with graphs and lots of photos.

Page 1: http://www.6mmbr.com/powderdispensers01.html

Page 2: http://www.6mmbr.com/powderdispensers02.html

The RCBS performed best overall, but the PACT was surprisingly good for the price (now discounted by PACT). The Lyman had issues. (You'll find a window on Page 2 containing Midway User reports on the Lyman).

If you're shopping for an electronic powder dispenser, you need to read this.
 
Interesting...

Funny after doing research, and working with the rcbs a bit, I chose the Lyman..it has given me exceelnt service so far

By the way I havent been able to find the advice to recalibrate every five loads in the instructions....

WildneedtofindthatAlaska
 
WOW, I think you need to go back and read the instuctions for the Lyman 1200. It is clear that you have no idea how to remove the powder from the 1200. In the Instuctions, if you read them, you will see that, after you remove the dispensing tube the entire powder hopper is removed for easy removal of any remaining powder. The entire process takes less than 2 minutes, but, only if you read and follow the instructions. I just read the instuction manual for the Lyman 1200 and I did not find any reference to "check zero after 5 charges". Please inform us as to were this procedure is recommended by Lyman. I am also not impressed with your comments, "However, there are more than a few reports of software and zeroing problems," and then list a link to a review page . If you are going to use a negative review such as this, the least you could do was investigate a little and find out some details. The internet is full of pissed off people that don't know ????.
After testing the 3 units your results are as follows, The RCBS is faster, all 3 are accurate to .1gr, and the Lyman is a pain to empty(see above). Then you go on and make comments about how you read,or heard, or know of a guy that has had problems. Your review should be your review. If you do a search for the RCBS or the PACT you will find negative reveiws on them as well.
 
By the way my 1200 is faster than anyhting to use...just so happens a measureing sp[oon I have holds about 37 grains of powder. Meaure into the pan and trickle the rest :)

By the way I have no real objections to the rcbs, just that the Lyman was as good and a better buy

WildstillwaitingforthoseinstructionsAlaska
 
There is not just a link to a review page. On page two there is an active window with the full text of reviews by Lyman owners. We also interviewed three Lyman owners who've complained about the zero drift alarm going off frequently and they were advised by Lyman to hit the re-zero button every five rounds. We also stated very clearly in our review that we did not encounter the same problems, and that "user error" might be involved in the third-party complaints. Regarding cleaning, here is the section from the Lyman 1200 DPS Vers. 1 manual. The version II manual is not yet available online:

"To begin cleaning the dispenser, lower the
powder cleaning chute on the rear panel behind the powder
reservoir. Be certain that you have a container under the
chute to catch all the powder from the reservoir and powder
box. Lift the powder shut-off door to allow the powder to
flow out. The cleaning brush can be used to remove any
remaining powder. When empty, remove the reservoir tube
and reservoir base by sliding the latch on top of the
Dispenser to the left. Then lift the reservoir base up and
out. Place the rubber cap on the end of powder tube to
prevent powder spillage. Powder feed tube can be easily
removed by inserting J shaped rod in small hole in the
motor coupling as shown in Figure A. Then unscrew
powder-dispensing tube by turning in counter clockwise
direction. Be careful to catch any remaining powder that
may still be in the tube. Now with the powder chute
closed, press in the powder box from the back and release
it. The box will pop out slightly for easy removal and
cleaning. To reassemble the dispenser, push the powder
box back in until it clicks in, slide the powder tube back
through the bushings in the powder box and screw it to the
motor shaft until finger tight. Place looped end of J shaped
rod under motor coupling to assist in aligning the powder
feed tube to the coupling threads. See Figure B. Snap the
reservoir base back inside the powder box and lock in with
the sliding latch. Reinstall the reservoir tube."

While the entire box can be removed, we found this actually made things worse because popping the box in and out tended to fling kernels. If you read the descriptions of cleaning the other two products you'll see the PACT was the easiest, followed by the RCBS. And that's what we reported.
 
Interesting......
I have had the PACT system for 3 years and am pretty satisfied with it. At that time, the RCBS system was nothing more than a PACT product with green plastic.

I would have strongly considered the newer RCBS had they been available, but unless somebody wants to give me a good price on what I currently have, me thinks I'll stick with it.
 
While the entire box can be removed, we found this actually made things worse because popping the box in and out tended to fling kernels.
Click to expand...

In your test you made no mention of removing the powder box. Funny how that got left out. I just went out to my loading room and did a little test of my own. Here is a list of the powders that I used, R-19, R-7, H414, AA2230, MagPro, Ramshot Big Game, and Ramshot Hunter. Removed the powder according to the instructions. I removed the powder box completely with all seven of these powders and DID NOT fling one kernel of powder. I think you flingging kernel therory is all wet.
 
I use to have a Lyman... I used it a couple times and returned it. I had all sorts of drift problems with the scale and emptying the powder was, in my opinion a pain. I also had the old style RCBS/Pact system. It worked OK, but always needed re-calibrating. I bought the new RCBS one, but I haven't had a chance to use it yet... but it does look promising.
 
If you read the descriptions of cleaning the other two products you'll see the PACT was the easiest, followed by the RCBS. And that's what we reported.
Click to expand...

Easiest for you ya mean.

So it comes down to the Lyman is less easy for you to clean, faster IN THE WAY YOU USE IT, and slowest to warm up.....

Thats fine, but tossing in the pure and utter BS about recalibration destroys your credibility....as is the snide line "The Lyman Had Issues"

Becasue I took the time to call Lyman...

They told me that A SCALE BEING USED PROPERLY does not require recalibration every five rounds.

Period...yet you state in your article that Lyman told YOU to recalibrate frequently...did they?

I also called RCBS....

They told me that if repeated "drift warnings" are occuring during the process, then there is a PROBLEM that is occuring that requires recalibration


In any of these scales, a "drift warning" indicates either a problem with the scale, or operator error.

I have extensively used the Lyman....its fast, easy to clean and accurate so far.....

Anyway, no sense in arguing, everyone is gonna have their favorites...sort of like metal finishes

WildontothenextargetAlaska
 
I have the Lyman 1200 and I like very much. I find that If I bump the bench(like when reloading rifle rounds) then the unit will beep because of drift.

In that case I just push the recalibrat button.

When you drain the unit you don't have to take that j-hook and do anything with just brush out all the powder that you can get to then trickle the rest out, and fill with your next powder.
 
isn't this like a Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge thing?

Just because somthing has a particular color or name-plate then its better or worse?

I would believe that the strain-gauges and load-cells used are more likely than not made by either the same process or even same company...

Personally have a Lyman 1200 and pleased as punch about its accuracy. Have a friend who has the RCBS setup and I have had opportunity to use it as well...just as fine a piece of equipment as that RCBS...I haven't used the PACT...but I am positive that the story is the same.

What it all boils down to is personal preference...and oppinion.

MTCW
Darrell
 
 
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