RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Since Natchez SS had a smoking deal on the RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo, and RCBS is doing a $50 rebate, that was the last thing I needed to push me over the edge.

The dispenser came in yesterday, but I didn't get a chance to set it up until tonight.

The manual was straightforward and I got it warmed up, calibrated, and loaded with powder. I am going to load some 168's with IMR 4064 tomorrow so that is what I poured in to test tonight.

Setting the charge in memory was a bit fiddly, but I got it worked out. I zeroed the pan and hit "dispense". I didn't time it, but the charge trickled out pretty quickly. When it went into fine trickle it crept up onto the 43.0gr charge weight and stopped dead on the nose.

I kicked the dispenser into "auto" mode and it set off on the next charge. This I weighed on a Rangemaster 750 scale after the Chargemaster indicated that it was correct. The Rangemaster agreed. As soon as I dumped the charge back into the hopper and set the pan back on the scale it fired out another charge. I checked the next nine charges. They were all dead on the money.

This isn't much of a review, but I am happy to see that the unit worked out of the box with no reprogramming or soda straws needed. I will see if this holds true with RE15, Varget, etc.

Emptying the unit was fast and pretty simple.

I can't exactly give it a resounding review with only ten charges thrown, but I definitely am not regretting the purchase. It looks like this thing is going to greatly speed up my loading time. Switching charge weights (for workups) should be a snap too.

 

[oldgrayone]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

I also have one and agree with the extruded powder issue but it is not a big problem with mine. I have read somewhere about a mod using a soda straw on the spicket that solved the issue but have yet to try it. I threw 100 rounds today and enjoy using it. With it in auto I have a charge waiting when I get done seating a bullet in the previous charged case.

 

[mclevela]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

My Chargemaster is some of the best money I have ever spent.

 

[vman]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

Pulled the trigger ey lonewolf! Good man.

They are pretty awesome little units.

Its nice to be able to ponder about other stuff than a needle being dead centre and having to trickle... saves my back too.

 

[rocketron]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mclevela</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My Chargemaster is some of the best money I have ever spent. </div></div>

+1
two things to know. always close the port after emptying the unit and never try to rezero the pan when in auto mode. it will empty faster than you can make it stop.

Ron

 

[samnev]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mclevela</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My Chargemaster is some of the best money I have ever spent. </div></div>

+2

 

[Nessal]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

I bought a CM about half a year ago and it worked right out of the box! However with varget, you might get it over .1 grains once in a while. The mcdonalds straw fixed that quick.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

I just loaded a 178 BTHP workup today with it.

Holy smokes that was simple. I love the fact I can just key in the charge and hit "dispense". No jacking around with the micrometer on my old thrower and then still having to trickle.

Since it is a new piece of gear, I have been check weighing everything on the Rangemaster 750. Even with the double weighing it's still faster than throwing and trickling.

I don't shoot benchrest so I am fairly certain the 0.1gr variation is not going to make a difference on target.

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just loaded a 178 BTHP workup today with it.

Holy smokes that was simple. I love the fact I can just key in the charge and hit "dispense". No jacking around with the micrometer on my old thrower and then still having to trickle.

Since it is a new piece of gear, I have been check weighing everything on the Rangemaster 750. Even with the double weighing it's still faster than throwing and trickling.

I don't shoot benchrest so I am fairly certain the 0.1gr variation is not going to make a difference on target. </div></div>

Lies! I went from a .5 MOA to .00001 MOA groups when I weigh it to the kernal and line up all my powders in the same direction.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Lies! I went from a .5 MOA to .00001 MOA groups when I weigh it to the kernal and line up all my powders in the same direction. </div></div>

Nah, just the placebo effect. You just didn't realize you were that good.

 

[gabriellapua]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

i have the Lyman trickler and have never had a problem with it. my fathers Rcbs is a bit faster.

 

[rocky_lange]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stealth_man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not to hijack, but what is the McDonalds straw mod? I could use it. </div></div>

+1

 

[rrflyer]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stealth_man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not to hijack, but what is the McDonalds straw mod? I could use it. </div></div>

How do you know you could use it then??




Cut about an inch off the end of the mcdonalds straw and shove it in the dispense tube. It keeps the powder from clumping up at the end of the dispense, when in trickle mode, and dropping a couple tenths and making your charge go over.


McDonalds straws work best because they seem to be the thickest available. I reccomend picking some up with a couple breakfast burritos along with some some salsa and ketchup.

Put the Salsa on the Burrito and hang the Ketchup from the 200 yard range pole and see if you can make 'em explode with a 175SMK. Then when the wasps and flys come you can shoot them too.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

Just picked up a McDonald's straw tonight. I don't know if it really needs it, but for the price it would be stupid not to try and see.

I didn't think it NEEDED reprogramming, but it sure was nice to get a little extra speed.

 

[rrflyer]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

It didn't do it much but I probably averaged 10 or 12 bad throws per hundred before the straw. After it's probably 7 or so.

 

[k2peaker]

Re: RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser Combo

I agree with LoneWolf -- it's a good tool for sure. I did the MickieD straw and the speed up (I think Chad posted it awhile back) and it helped.
Like others have reported, I always wait for it to do the round # count, and then visually verify the charge before pulling the pan off. I often get a .1-.2gr overshot that I keep a wooden swab with a little case lube on the end to pull a few grains out.

In my set up, I will likely add a 2nd CM as I think that will speed up my reloading time considerably. (I can't help it, I still think of reloading as a necessary evil and was spoiled from years of IPSC high volume reloading).