Anyone own a DPS 3 AND Charge-master?

[DP425]

I'd just like some first hand accounts of the accuracy of the RCBS Chargemaster over the DPS 3. My DPS doesn't seem to be very accurate and I'm debating trying a chargemaster. Just not sure if it would be a big enough improvement to warrant $330. I'm mostly running Varget powder; maybe the DPS doesn't like Varget- I don't know. But some input would help!

Thanks!

 

[poison123]

Re: Anyone own a DPS 3 AND Charge-master?

I've got both.

The DPS is a piece of junk.

It doesn't like Varget, and mine got thrown against a wall when it took me 30 throws to get 10 loads of accurate powder.

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: Anyone own a DPS 3 AND Charge-master?

Never used the DPS, but I have a chargemaster. I purchased it after reading reviews like Poison's about the DPS. Get a charge master, reprogram the speed settings and you have accurate charges in 15-20 seconds.

Josh

 

[DP425]

Re: Anyone own a DPS 3 AND Charge-master?

Thanks guys! Yeah, some of the things I experienced:
-Horribly missed loads 40% of the time per it's own weight
-up to .5 variance when weighed on Dillion digital scale; all read the same weight on DPS
-slow dispense times when accounting for the 40% re-throws

Sounds like I need to toss the DPS on ebay and order a chargemaster.


When we talk about reprograming the speed settings, what exactly does that mean? There's no such option on the DPS, it's either restrictor in the tube or wide open.

Last loadings I did, I had velocity ES of around 50fps. To me that is unacceptable- seems it should be closer to 20

 

[Dogtown]

Re: Anyone own a DPS 3 AND Charge-master?

I guess I'm sort of the anomaly - I've used a DPS II and III now. The major difference is that I never relied 100% on its weighing function, instead preferring to double weigh with a second scale. The DPS spits out the load and then I confirm the weight with a beam or electronic and trickle accordingly. For loading large magnums like .338LM & .408CT it's been a great, reliable system. For smaller calibers I just stick to a traditional powder measure. But I do agree the Chargemaster's scale is superior to the DPS.

 

[2clicks]

Re: Anyone own a DPS 3 AND Charge-master?

Chargemaster is good by the time you seat a bullet the next charge has been thrown so you can round robin seating and throwing powder charges. Plus it throws Imr 4064 (long stick powder) just as well as Winchester 748 (ball powder). It's More accurately than my Harrells powder thrower too. Only by a tenth of a grain with Imr 4895. It's on about everytime with Win 748 (ball powder). I mention this because that powder thrower is a tad cheaper than the RCBS $259 for the Harrells I have. It depends on how precise you want to be. Is a tenth of a grain worth a $100 bucks to ya? I'm sure it is to some guys. It's faster than the RCBS IMHO. But the RCBS will remember a boat load of your favorite loads!!! Hahaha. Good luck.

 

[2clicks]

Re: Anyone own a DPS 3 AND Charge-master?

I've never reprogramed mine and I got it back when they were "slow" from the factory I guess if you call RCBS they can walk you through a reprograming sequence so the machine will throw the charges quicker.

 

[DP425]

Re: Anyone own a DPS 3 AND Charge-master?

After dealing with the DPS, I'm willing to fork out a little extra coin to make sure I have the best I can reasonably afford. That DPS is a freakin abortion!