Chargemaster accuracy/reliability?

[Rmeju]

I am strongly considering buying an RCBS Chargemaster combo. It'd be used to speed up loading for precision rifle, and would replace a powder drop/trickler/beam scale setup. However, I have two reservations.

My first concern is reliability. I've noticed quite a few reviews that read something like this: "I really love it...when it's working, but it died on me just out of (the one year) warranty. Now RCBS wants (~$40-$50) to fix it." RCBS customer service has always been great, but for the price, I really feel like I shouldn't have to worry about it dying for several years, minimum. Looking around on THR, I came across a thread saying that the CM had problems once upon a time, but that has since been fixed. Is this still a problem? Or are there still some lemons out there?

My second concern is accuracy. Everyone says the CM is accurate, but that can be a relative term. I'm anal about my charge weights for this application. Like, down to the granule anal. I know that some say that this is overkill and unnecessary for powder measuring, but my SDs are often in the single digits, and this is the only thing I do differently from my range buddies who can't seem to get those numbers, so I've kept doing it even though it's a PITA. Given my benchmark, how "accurate" do you think I'd find the CM?

As always, thanks in advance!

 

[Blue68f100]

I use my GemPro 250 to check the CM. What I have found is that it's normally within 0.04gr of the GemPro, provided the zero is good. I've found that zeroing the CM every 5-10 helps keep them tracking. When I find the CM off, it's normally due to a zero shift. Once calibrated I use the same weight to confirm each. I've added a inner tube to the CM to give it a finer dispense rate. With the big 3/8" hole it can over shoot pretty easy with some powders. I have it reduced to 5/16" using a full length tube with only a small 1/4" hole cut for powder to enter. I made these of brass tubing, so there is no static issue like there is using plastic straws. I have another insert that gives me a 1/4" ID for dealing with the very fine powders. Both of these prevent the unit from over shooting. I've played with tweaking the parameters too. This is to speed things up at start and stop soon enough to dribble accurately.

 

[Rmeju]

Thanks! Good to know some of the tweaks if I end up taking the plunge. I'll mostly be using RL-22, not exactly a fine powder, so I'll keep that 5/16 diameter in mind.

 

[25-5]

I've had mine a couple of years and find it accurate as said. I did the Mickey D's straw trick, but refrained from the reprogram speedup since I find it fast enough. I load rifle cartridges using Varget and the 4895's. By the time I seat a bullet it's ready to pour. No funnel needed. At least for 7.62.
Do not leave powder in overnight. Every now and then I give the reservoir a quick wipe with a used dryer sheet.
Oh, after you empty the powder make sure you close the spigot or an unwanted oops will occur next time your pouring in powder. Don't ask how I know.

 

[Rmeju]

Just curious, why not leave powder in overnight?

 

[lauderdale]

Don't do it w/B.E. you will have a problem after words! glycerin based? Eats into reservoir plastic tubing. You have to get one. the scale out of all the ones I own is very accurate from certain conditions air /wind heat my gem pro/nice but fussie! My dillion beam tells all then my d. a gram ohaus/pain but ,,, nice. I have 2 more big deal they are digitals Hornd. and a digits brand.

 

[Reloadron]

Just curious, why not leave powder in overnight?

Certain powders will react with the plastic hopper. That is true of any powder dispenser with a plastic hopper. Overnight? Generally when powder is left in a hopper the term is extended periods. Anyway my understanding is a chemical reaction between plastic and powder.

As to the Charge Master I have had mine a few years and never a problem or complaint. A forum search should yield several threads as it is discussed frequently, the last I recall maybe a month or two ago. Mine has remained accurate with regular calibration before starting a batch. There are many tips and tricks including some firmware hacks. I have not tried the latter as I never had a need.

Ron

 

[MCMXI]

I have two ChargeMaster 1500s and have had them for years. There's no way I'd reload without them. More recently I bought a GEMPRO-250 and use it with the CMs to check each load. The type of powder being dispensed makes a huge difference on the accuracy/precision of the CM. I didn't used to leave powder in the hopper when I lived in Hawaii and Arkansas where humidity was an issue. Up here in MT where it's dry I leave powder in the hoppers for months on end with no issues at all.


Here's a link to a post I made comparing dispensed loads from one of the CMs to the same loads wieghed with the GEMPRO.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...mpro-250-to-check-a-chargemaster-1500.800722/

 

[gahunter12]

I have a CM with a 2nd one on the way. I did the straw trick, and reprogram to speed things up. It's accurate to with in .1gr for sure. Usually if it under/over charges, I will dump it back in, and start over. I will verify with my beam scale every 10 rounds. I consistently get SD of 8-9 on my pet loads.