RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Scale

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I'm not sure if you're looking at the scale only, or the combo... In any case, I had the combo for a bit but returned it. I haven't gotten into rifle yet (although I plan to), and I am convinced this scale is not made for pistol use. My first example wouldn't hold a zero to save its life; even leaving it on all night would find the scale still drifting around. Must have been damaged in shipping, so I sent it back and got another. The second one zero'd right away (as the instructions indicate it should). So I set off to load 50 9mm's with a pretty hot charge, which I wanted to be precise. I used AA#5, a very easy metering powder.

Dropping a charge took anywhere from 2 seconds to 3 minutes. Often it would seemingly never finish getting that last grain... So I'd have to tap the "trickler" or use a brush to brush out a few balls of powder to get it to finish. About 1 or 2 out of 10 came out quickly and on the money. The other 8 I'd be waiting and fiddling.

Might as well use a powder trickler and weigh them myself.

Before I boxed that one and sent it back, I tested the scale out (just using it as a scale). I am not happy with my Hornady digital scale (which is why I went looking and found the RCBS, anyway) and I wanted something with better precision and a more stable zero setting. The ChargeMaster scale definitely did those things, and I enjoyed it a lot. It seemed to be very stable, especially if I left it on for a few minutes before using it.

I returned the ChargeMaster combo and figured I should buy the ChargeMaster scale only (this may be what you're looking at, too). But I'm wondering; what's the benefit of the ChargeMaster scale over the LoadMaster? The LoadMaster is about $50 cheaper and looks basically the same...

So I still haven't bought my new scale :eek:
 
Many thanks guy's for the reply's and information; as its much appreciated.

ATT: loplop You're correct, as I was only interested in the Charge-
Master as a scale (or an improvement over my old RCBS 5-0-5 scale);
which takes forever to weigh a charge. What got me too thinking about
a digital scale in the first place, was the fact that I sold a LoadMaster
by RCBS to a very good customer. The only one we had left was the
ChargeMaster; so I bought it. You're also correct in assuming that its
really more scale than I need; as I only do handgun calibers these days.
So, I haven't used it yet; and haven't fully decided to keep it unless you
guys think its a major improvement (faster) than the 5-0-5 scale?
 
To me, if loading on progressive press, a mechanical scale is the best idea. My reasoning is that you are not working up loads you are in a set the measure and then recheck mode.

Now, I have a mechanical scale to back up the Chargemaster. The Dillon version of the 505 is what I use to back up the CM1500.

Plus a fellow has have a Trust but Verify way fo thinking!
 
Actually, I'm still loading on an R.C.B.S. "Rockchucker" that I finally
graduated to in 2000. For years, my only press was the old R.C.B.S.
Jr; and it served me very well. As you can probably tell, like you I
take my handloading very seriously; and prefer to handle each piece
of brass at the various stages, to insure quality control. The 5-0-5
will definitely be backing up the ChargeMaster; if I decided to keep
it~! :scrutiny: ;)
 
I've been using a Chargemaster 1500 combo for the last couple of months, and really like it. It's been very consistent, and I find myself using it to verify charge weights from my progressive over my 505 balance scale. It seems quicker to me, and I've always been more of a digital than analog kind of person, anyway.

Loading up rifle rounds on either the single-stage or turret presses is where it really shines. For this last range sesson, I loaded up 20 .500S&W and 30 .50Beowulf rounds. Seating and crimping while the next charge is being thrown, I was able to quickly get in to a rhythm where I never had to stop and wait - the next charge was always ready for me when I wanted it. And, working in an air-conditioned garage, with a vent almost over my head, I really appreciate the hinged cover that protects the scale from air currents.

I'm not as impressed with the memory function of the machine. I find it quicker just to key in the weight I want from the reloading manuals, rather than spend the time to store cartridge, bullet, and powder weight.

Lastly - I initially had a similar problem waiting for that last 1/10 of powder. Then I stuck a level on my bench. Yep - tilted slightly towards the back. Shimming up the back of the Chargemaster to give it just the slightest forward pitch cured that problem - and now it reliably, and quickly, completes each charge.
 
Many thanks Tom488 for that quick review. At this time, I guess I
will keep the ChargeMaster; but unfortunately unlike you, I do not have
electricy run to my free standing 10' x 8' handloading building yet. And,
it gets awfully HOT and horribly cold at times here in 'The Deep South". :eek:
 
Ala Dan,

I will concur with Tom, I have used the ChargeMaster combo for the better part of a year and I like it as well. I also have two RCBS mechanical scales and with all three of these, I don't have any stress when it comes to trigger pull time.
 
Please tell me more 'bout the R.C.B.S. ChargeMaster 1500 Scale~?
How 'bout precision accuracy, and will it hold its "zero setting"
when balancing? Many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I've been using the ChargeMaster Combo for about six months and have nothing but GREAT things to say about it. I've been using it for rifle loads for .223 Rem, .300 WSM, .308 Win and .300 Win Mag. I use Reloder 15 and 22 and have been dispensing charges ranging from about 23 grains all the way up to about 75 grains without a single problem. I find it to be FAST and ACCURATE. Just recently I loaded 50 rounds of .45 Colt using 6.0 grains of Trail Boss powder and I only had to return two loads to the hopper that were 0.1 grains over. I have my ChargeMaster plugged into a UPS which I would advise you to do if at all possible. A stable input voltage can really help accuracy so at the very least get a good surge protector. I never enjoyed weighing out powder using a Redding powder trickler but now with the ChargeMaster I can concentrate on other things while the CM works its magic.

:)
 
Sounds like it, apparently I got two bad ones.

I ordered mine on the web--perhaps they got banged around in shipping. I have also read that some older models were much slower. If I buy another one, I will buy locally, and make sure its fresh stock...

If I could be seating a bullet while the next case charged... That would be cool.
 
If I could be seating a bullet while the next case charged... That would be cool.
Click to expand...

EXACTLY!! Usually, the CM has already beeped to indicate a stable reading before I've finished seating a bullet in a charged case. In other words, it's waiting for me and not the other way around. I would estimate that my loading time has been reduced by about 60 to 70%. Measuring out powder was always the sloooowwww step for me which made reloading a chore particularly when loading 100 .223 rounds.

I bought my CM from Midway and it arrived in the mail without any problems. The thing is very well packed but if it were dropped I suppose it could get messed up.

:)
 
Quote:
If I could be seating a bullet while the next case charged... That would be cool.

EXACTLY!! Usually, the CM has already beeped to indicate a stable reading before I've finished seating a bullet in a charged case. In other words, it's waiting for me and not the other way around.
Click to expand...

As much as I am a fan of this Charge master combo, It will depend on what case you are charging. I do sometimes have to wait for the next case to charge while I seat bullets in between but that's when I am assembling my 300 WBY Mag rounds or my 338 RUM Rounds. I haven't loaded rounds for my 375 RUM in quite some times but they take a bit of time as well. But I am charging these cases with alot of grains:D You know what I mean?...

All of my other rifle calibers are as "1858" describes, with me slowing production.

I thank GOD for RCBS and thank RCBS for the Chargemaster Combo...

Cheers...
 
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