digital powder system question

[glocks-a-poppin]

Which of the digital powder dispensing systems on the market is the best in terms of accuracy and reliability? Lyman, RCBS or pact?

 

[MCMXI]

I have the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Combo.

Is it the best of the three that you listed?

I have no idea since I've never owned/used a Lyman or PACT. However, if you look on Midway's site, the RCBS has 4.5/5 from 108 reviews, the PACT has 3.6/5 from 35 reviews and the Lyman has 3.7/5 from 39 reviews .... hmmm ... maybe I should submit my 5/5 review for the RCBS.

Is it accurate?

Yes ... confirmed by a Lyman's check weights.

Is it reliable?

Yes ... so far (used it at least once a week for over one year now).

Would I buy another RCBS?

Heck YES!!

 

[Rokman]

I use the RCBS Chargemaster 1500 and really like it. The original one that I purchased fizzeled out after six weeks, but RCBS replaced it without questions and paid shipping both ways. The current one works great and is accurate and reliable for the last year. It seemed really fast at first, but since my skills have improved, I find myself wishing for a little more speed. I quess I am spoiled, but my reloading time is somewhat limited. I paid $279 for mine and would probably do it over again.

 

[glocks-a-poppin]

I forgot about midway and there reviews. thanks for the info

 

[IMtheNRA]

I have the RCBS and I love it. Absolutely no complaints at all.

 

[nbkky71]

Here's a review on 6mmbr.com: http://www.6mmbr.com/powderdispensers02.html

I've got a RCBS 1500 and it's worked great, however it's started to 'drift' as of late causing me to doubt it's reliability. So much so that I've gone back to the beam scale and a trickler. Mine is going back to RCBS for a look-see.

 

[Jim Watson]

I have a PACT that works well. But a friend bought one like it and did not get good results. He returned it for refund and is just now starting over with an RCBS, based on those same 6mmbr reviews.

I think the Vibrashine power trickler and a plain scale would be worth a look:
http://www.6mmbr.com/poweredtricklers.html

 

[epmn]

I started with a Lyman and replaced it after a couple of years when the touch pad started getting weird. The replacement was an RCBS, which I have had for the last year and a half. Several thousand rounds loaded with both. I have been happy with both of them, so my view is six of one half dozen of the other. One thing I prefer about the Lyman is that I think it is easier to empty. Call me strange.

epmn

 

[ADKWOODSMAN]

+1 for the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Combo.

I've had it for a year and a half. No problems at all.

I'm a single stage loader and use it for rifle cartridges. Don't forget to always shut the hopper off, after you empty it, so the next powder doesn't go on the floor

 

[redneck2]

I have a PACT. So far, it's great. I've had it maybe a year.

I used to turn it off between sessions. Mine would drift also. You need to leave it on. Perfect after that.

Don't know about the others.

 

[Afy]

I have a Lyman DPSIII and have been happy with it. Yes it isnt as easy as RCBS, but it does work great, and I am happy with it...

 

[lgbloader]

I have a Lyman DPSIII and have been happy with it. Yes it isnt as easy as RCBS, but it does work great, and I am happy with it...

But that's all that really matters, Mate.

Bon jour, Afy

Bon Journee aur revoir...

I use the RCBS 1500 Chargemaster combo thingy and it works great for extruded powder for my rifle cartridges. I use my Dillon PM's or my Uniflow's for pistol.

LGB

 

[jgh4445]

+ another for RCBS 1500. Mine works flawlessly. So much so, I'm about to let my D Terminator go!

 

[gunrac]

I was always under the impression PACT made the despenser for RCBS.

 

[Jim Watson]

I think they did early on, but the new ones are entirely different in configuration. If they are made for RCBS by PACT, they are building separate models for the two brands.

 

[Tim the student]

I have a Chargemaster combo, but have been too busy to use it since I got it. The midway ratings convinced me to buy it. Since owning it, I've only "played" with it a bit, and I like it quite a bit. Very accurate as confirmed with checkweights, and against my 505. I do plan on giving it a workout tomorrow to make up for lost time.

 

[SEMNshooter]

I bought the PACT units about 4 years ago and put the dispenser back in the package about 3 1/2 years ago. I like the scale although I am thinking about getting a smaller one. I like the idea, but I am able to use my Lyman thrower (and trickle if need be) faster than it can throw the charges, even weighing all charges. Most of my reloading is done in groups of 20 (most rifle), 50 (pistol), and 100-200 (.223). My method of reloading is to do each step completely before I move to the next one, ie throw all powder charges then seat all bullets. If I was throwing powder/seating bullets at the same time, it may work better for me. I haven't had any problems with the scale and never had a problem with the dispenser when I used it. It was a good, accurate unit, just a little slow for my method.