RCBS Charge Master

[gamestalker]

Last weekend I had an opportunity to use my Sons new Charger Master and dispenser. I'm literally blown away, what a machine. And although I was able to charge a bit faster on my RCBS 10-5, almost a rate of 2 to 1, the Charge Master is dead on accurate.

I'm having an issue though with my son who is currently in the learning phase. he has had little difficulty grasping the concept, but he started doing something I can't seem to convince him to not do. He is weighing a charge, charging the case, then seating the bullet. I explained that the best and safest way to reload is to work in batches, thus giving you the opportunity to verify each case has a charge. But he's convinced nothing can possibly go wrong. All it takes is one distraction, the phone rings, the wife asking a question from across the room, you look away, then return to the task, then unintentionally grab the wrong case. I don't know how to convince him this is a bad reloading practice, and prone to error.

GS

 

[Rule3]

I do not see where that is a problem??

I use a turret press and seat the bullet every time it comes around.

If he is batch loading and using a loading tray, then yes I would put all the charged cases in the loading tray, check each one with a flashlight, Put a bullet on top and then seat them all. Is that what you are referring to??

 

[cwall64]

I use the Chargemaster and do it in batches like Rule3 mentioned, several loading blocks at a time, flashlight check at end... I guess if the case fill is enough to overflow on a double charge your son would be safe, but I woul still rather double check where I can see relative case fill level on 50 at a time. Don't know how to change someone's mind, I had two hardheaded daughters and was never very successful!

 

[Gravedigger56]

Gamestalker, The big question is.... When are you getting yours?

 

[cfullgraf]

He is weighing a charge, charging the case, then seating the bullet. I explained that the best and safest way to reload is to work in batches, thus giving you the opportunity to verify each case has a charge.

When I am using my PACT auto dispenser, I charge one case then seat the bullet. I pour the charge in the case, look in the case then seat the bullet.

How is that different than doing it in batches except that I am processing one case at a time versus a tray full?

Batch processing each step improves production rates, I do not feel it improves the general safety of reloading as long as safe practices are followed for either method.

 

[gamestalker]

Ya, that's what I'm referring to Rule3, he is using loading trays, and a single stage press.

Gravedigger56, although I'm truly amazed at the quality of that powder measure, I still can't envision me ever going down that road. I've been using a beam scale so long, it has become an extension of my hand, arm, leg, torso, ect, ect.. All joking aside, I can out run the measure by about 2-1, so it's a little too slow for me.

GS

 

[Dentite]

I don't see a problem. I never use loading blocks. I process brass in batches, but I take the powder off the chargemaster scale and dump in the case and immediately seat the bullet.

The idea of 50 cases loaded up with powder sitting on the bench in a loading block would make me more nervous. Can you imagine bumping that with your elbow and having it fall off the bench? That would be a bad day.

There can be more than one "right" way to do things.

 

[cwall64]

I don't see a problem. I never use loading blocks. I process brass in batches, but I take the powder off the chargemaster scale and dump in the case and immediately seat the bullet.

The idea of 50 cases loaded up with powder sitting on the bench in a loading block would make me more nervous. Can you imagine bumping that with your elbow and having it fall off the bench? That would be a bad day.

There can be more than one "right" way to do things.

If seating while Chargemaster is running, be careful of vibrations. I have heard others complain that accuracy seems to be effected by tabletop movement/vibrations...

 

[horseman1]

Can you imagine bumping that with your elbow and having it fall off the bench? That would be a bad day.

I'd rather not talk about that! :banghead: It only had a few cases loaded at the time. but still.....

 

[Ex]

GS, are you talking pistol or rifle? And what powder?

I think ( not having done any rifle and a BUNCH of pistol) that it's pretty easy to spot the difference), that I "get to know" the fill volume at each round. i can visually spot an over or under charge (powder dependant) in any case.

Remind him of basics. I believe you siad he is LEO. You check Everyone before putting them in a car or cuffing. Reloading on single stage is the same. Hand weigh every charge THEN move to loading block. If he's not dong that, and not intimate with powder, it’s an error.

Chris

 

[gamestalker]

Ya, that's what I'm saying EX. He's a very intelligent guy, but he's also very impatient and stubborn. IMO, it's not a good habit to develop, and considering he is a brand new reloader, zero experience to speak of under his belt. In fact, when he told me about his new and better way of doing things, he was loading for the first time on his own, ever. I spent the previous 3 days with him at the bench, and I stressed the importance and reasons for doing things THIS way, and don't get DISTRACTED by cell phone, wife, dogs, or other.

He was loading .223, using CFE223 I believe, so a double wasn't the concern, missing a charge was. He has constant distractions too, dogs, wife, and cell phone, which is another issue I'm trying to get him to address / acknowledge. I can envision him getting distracted, then turning back around and seating a bullet in an empty case. The perfect storm is looming IMHO, I just pray it will be a learning event, and not catastrophic.

I hold myself responsible, considering he is every but as impatient, and every bit as stubborn and determined to do things his way, as I am, it can only be a DNA thing, IMHO.

GS

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I load that way with my auto-charge now also. When something distracts me and I have stop what I'm doing, if I have a charged case in my hand I dump the charge back in the hopper, throw the case back in the empty bin and take care of the distraction.

That way when I come back I always start over with an empty case and have to charge it.

That part to me is important, I don't want an empty case either, and this seems to work for me. I use my Auto-charge for all my maximum loads for revolver because the dispenser always give me the right charge and allows me to do more inspection instead of messing with beam scales.

I trained my self to put most all my focus on charging the case and less focus on the seating the bullet, which is different for me when running a progressive press where my most focus goes to completing the strokes on my press or I have to clear it and start over.
I'll never go back to using beam scales unless the power is out.

 

[steve4102]

He is what I do.

When using my Harrell's or RCBS powder measure I always,
1)Dump the charge,
2)Inspect the insicde of the case,
3)Place the charged round into a loading block,
4)Once full, I use a light and inspect all the cases again,
5)Then I seat the bullets.

When I am using my Lyman 1200 Dispenser I always do this,

1)I clear the "round counter".
2)Push "Start" to weight/dump the charge,
3)Once complete, I remove the powder pan from the Lyman and place it on my RCBS 505 to double check the charge,
4)I Charge the case and place it into the shell holder on my press.
5)I place the powder pan back on the Lyman and press "start".
6)I Seat the bullet and place the completed round in a loading block.
The seating of the bullet has allowed enough time for the Lyman to weight/dump another charge.
7) I repeat 3-6 until all rounds are complete,
8) I check the round counter and make sure it jives with the completed rounds.