RCBS Chargemaster or Hornady

[GarySTL]

I'm looking to automate my power charging system for rifle loads. Right now I'm loading 308 and beginning 6.5 Creedmoor. Currently using Varget.

I like the RCBS unit, but I've seen some reviews on Amazon saying that it's going to be discontinued and/or RCBS won't repair of of warrenty.

Price difference is not an issue, I want the best unit.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[IraqVet1982]

I have a Hornady and it works good. No issues for the most part. Every now and then I get an over charge but that's about it, but no serious gripes.

I'd like to give the Lyman Gen 6 a whirl but no funds to do that.

 

[GarySTL]

Lyman huh? I'll have to look at that one.

 

[yugorpk]

Ive had several different powder measures over the years and as far as the adjustable barrel measures go I cant see the Hornady getting beat. Ive got two of them now and swear by them.

 

[GarySTL]

I'm looking at auto dispensers. I already have a hornady on my LnL press, but want something more accurate rather than a volumetric measure.

 

[tcoz]

I doubt the Chargemaster is going to be discontinued and even if it was I'd still say that it's been the best reloading investment I've made. I'd probably even buy another one as a backup. Mine throws charges plus or minus 0.001 gr every time and it's usually spot on. I almost never have overthrows either.

 

[Joe's]

? 0.001 ??

Joe's

 

[RUDY850]

I have the Lyman Gen 5

I have only used 700x powder in it so far. About 250 charges without any problems.

 

[tcoz]

? 0.001 ??

Sorry about that. I meant 0.1gr.

 

[GarySTL]

Thanks guys. I'll be ordering the RCBS unit today. Appreciate the input.

 

[tcoz]

Good decision!

 

[Offfhand]

Good decision indeed! A few weeks ago I spent several days at the Super Shoot benchrest tournament in Ohio. There were about 250 of the most particular, precision minded shooter/reloaders on the planet there and I noticed that several of them were using the RCBS Chargemaster. I saw no other brands of electronic powder measurers. Which tells you something.

 

[Gadawg88]

I love my Chargemaster combo but never used the Hornady unit.

On the topic of it being discontinued, here is an email response to me from RCBS on the subject dated 3/22/16.

"We have not discontinued the ChargeMaster 1500 Combo unit or the dispenser on it's own. We have however discontinued the ChargeMaster Scale on its own and Natchez is one of the only places to get the scale on its own because they do typically keep a stock of things we've discontinued. If we do discontinue the unit the parts and service (technical help) would of course still be available for quite some time after it was out of production. The warranty on the ChargeMaster combo in general is only one year from date of purchase. Hope this helps and have a great night!

RCBS Tech/AD
Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing and delivery.
Thanks for being an RCBS customer
Happy Reloading!
605 Oro Dam Blvd. E.
Oroville, CA 95965
1-800-379-1732"

 

[alexcue]

Know you bit the bullet...

I have the Hornady, mainly for price, which at the time was a great price. Couldn't be happier. I was looking at the RCBS, and was this close to buying it. Especially with the $75 rebate they were offering.

I would recommend with either one BTW, the reducer that's available on eBay. It really helps both units with the problem powders. ( I don't ever bother removing it.)

Also you might want to google the Chargemaster for some programming that can be adjusted for them.

From what I've read and seen the RCBS is faster by a bit than the Hornady.

 

[tcoz]

Good decision indeed! A few weeks ago I spent several days at the Super Shoot benchrest tournament in Ohio. There were about 250 of the most particular, precision minded shooter/reloaders on the planet there and I noticed that several of them were using the RCBS Chargemaster. I saw no other brands of electronic powder measurers. Which tells you something.

If I was considering the purchase of one of the units, this would be all the testimonial I would need.

 

[Jimfern]

I'm very happy with the Chargemaster. It works really well and while I wouldn't use it for pistol rounds because of the speed, it works fine for rifle rounds. I have yet to re-calibrate it because its kept it's accuracy since day one. I do always check it before each use, expecting to have to follow the calibration procedure, but it hasn't been required yet.

 

[tcoz]

I'm one of the few who uses his Chargemaster for pistol rounds as well as rifle. I batch load everything on a T-7 turret. Yes, it's definitely slower but I derive more pleasure from the processes than I do from the actual finished product. Of course my needs aren't that great and I have a pretty good stock of loaded ammo.

 

[GarySTL]

My club hosted the international benchrest shooting federation match last year. Thinking back I did notice several of the teams using the RCBS unit. If it's good enough for them, at least some, I'm sure it'll be great for me. Better than the Lee powder measure I'd been using for sure.

Delivery scheduled for Tuesday.

 

[tcoz]

As alexcue mentioned in his post, buy the reducer on eBay. I think it was about $12. For all practical purposes it makes overthrows a thing of the past.