RCBS Chargemaster Issue

[Feesh]

On occasion my Chargemaster will throw a charge (ex 42.0 grains of IMR 4064), show the charge count, and then the weight will change (ex 41.6). I’ve only observed it reading lower after the charge count. Verified via single beam balance that the weight shown after charge count is accurate.

Has anyone else encountered this? How can I solve it?

 

[tscoz]

If you’ve reprogrammed your unit it might have something to do with that. If so, reset it back to the defaults and see if the issue continues. If you haven’t reprogrammed it or if you set it back to the defaults and it still continues, call RCBS. They should be able to help you out.

 

[Feesh]

If you’ve reprogrammed your unit it might have something to do with that. If so, reset it back to the defaults and see if the issue continues. If you haven’t reprogrammed it or if you set it back to the defaults and it still continues, call RCBS. They should be able to help you out.

Thanks for the reply. Currently factory settings - I will call RCBS.

 

[little_scrapper]

Wind?

 

[Feesh]

Wind?

I don’t think so. I’m using the tray cover, but I did recently move my bench to the bottom of my stairs which could cause a draft. How could I check for this?

 

[FishDr]

On occasion mine will be about 0.1 different after the trickle stops and the count number shows. Most recommend (and I think it’s in the manual too) to wait until the beep, and only use the reading that is stabilized AFTER the count shows and the number reading returns. Sometimes I’ll even remove the pan, and reset it to see if the reading is consistent if there is a question. Seems to help.
The ferrite chokes also helped with consistency and moving all sources of interference (TV, cell phone, computer) from being nearby.

 

[Tokay444]

I try to leave mine on all the time, but on the odd occasion where I've needed that plug socket for something else, I turn it on and leave it alone for at least 5 minutes before I calibrate it. I never seem to have a problem after that.

 

[Feesh]

I never give warm up time - I’ll try that.

 

[Jonzie]

I bought a RCBS charge-master lite about 2 months ago and was having the same exact issue you are. My procedure was to have the scale weight the powder charge. I would take power pan with a funnel and drop the powder charge in the case. Place powder pan back on scale to drop the next charge. While the scale was measuring the next charge I would move charged case to the reloading press and seat the bullet. Placed loaded round in the ammo box and restart process with new charge waiting on the scale. This is where my problem started. The vibration cause by seating the bullet was messing up the scale. My reloading bench is stable but seating a bullet ( .308, 7mm-08, 6.5CM) was causing enough interference to mess up the scale. So I modified my procedure to allow the scale to finish weighting the charge, and sound the beep, before I caused any movement, vibration etc, on the reloading bench. My problem has since gone away. The new procedure does take longer adding quite a bit of time to the process. I have thought about another table, stand etc next to the bench to isolate the scale from the press.

Try this out and see what happens. You have my curiosity up. Hope this helps Mark in Geo-Bama.

 

[Cerwinski]

I never give warm up time - I’ll try that.

There's you're problem.

 

[Doom]

All of the above are possible issues. I’ll expand on Jonzie. The less stable the bench or floor the greater the possibility that you moving around can cause a weight shift that tricks the CM into thinking the weight is high. I recommend not trying to do anything else while charging. Do x number of cases then go on to bullet seating.

One other possibility is static electricity. Wipe the unit down with a new dryer sheet. Static can cause some powders to clump which can cause a large change in weight at once and might result in the issue.

With 4064 the tendency should be to overcharge.

 

[Feesh]

I appreciate the input from everyone. I'm going to try charging my cases in a batch prior to loading so the press movement doesn't disrupt the Chargemaster, and give the unit some "warm-up" time. How long is recommended to turn on prior to use?

 

[Franko]

I warm mine up for at least an hour. I also use a line conditioner to electrically isolate it. With the variances you are experiencing I would first look for drafts or vibrations in the environment.

 

[FCrifles]

Static electricity as Doom mentioned above will make it act goofy for sure. I have a can of static guard that i spray on a rag and wipe down the whole unit and powder hopper inside and out before each session.

 

[Snuby642]

Warm up time.
I think all the brands recommend it.
No drafts or temp changes, vibration.
I have to cut off air vent because of cold air sinking down on bench.

I go half hr if I can then calibrate.

 

[Doom]

I forgot to mention that room temperature variation can cause zero shift, along with warm up time. Don’t think you’re seeing zero shift though from your description.

Half hour should be good.

 

[Feesh]

I forgot to mention that room temperature variation can cause zero shift, along with warm up time. Don’t think you’re seeing zero shift though from your description.

Half hour should be good.

Thanks!

 

[Steel head]

I never give warm up time - I’ll try that.

I feel warm up is really important.
I always let them warm up at least 15--20 minutes