Lyman Vs RCBS Auto Powder Dispenser

[loadedround]

Guys, here's a new question for you. A milestone birthday is coming up next month for me and my two sons want to buy me an Auto Powder Dispenser and the three out there are the Lyman DPS3, the Pact, and the RCBS. I am at a loss as to which one is the better buy, so I am asking for any and all feedback on these dispensers....either pro or con. Help me out please.

 

[RB98SS]

Don't know about the Lyman, but I've had an RCBS for a couple of years now and like it. It's pretty fast, very accurate, and cleans up easy. I've no complaints. It doesn't get used as much anymore since I have a Lee Classic Turret with the Pro Auto Disk but still gets used for rifle loads.

 

[UltimateReloader]

loadedround- some important questions for you in order to give a good answer:
1. What type of loading are you doing (pistol, rifle)
2. What type of press are you using? Do you want case-activated functionality?
3. What types of powder do you plan to use? (stick, ball, flattened ball)

**Sorry just re-read your post- you're looking for an automatic dispenser, not a case-activated press mounted measure. Sorry.

 

[dboyles]

FYI, the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 combo is on sale at Natchez for $280.

 

[JimKirk]

I think ONE of you missed his question, He asked about the Auto Powder Dispensers.

He is asking about The Lyman DPSIII, RCBS ChargeMaster Combo and Dispenser and the Pact D.P.P. Scale and Dispenser.

Jimmy K


I see some of you reread his post. Sorry no help from me either.

 

[RB98SS]

I think you guys missed his question, He asked about the Auto Powder Dispensers.

He is asking about The Lyman DPSIII, RCBS ChargeMaster Combo and Dispenser and the Pact D.P.P. Scale and Dispenser.

Jimmy K

Maybe one of us did, but then realized the error. My feedback was indeed on the RCBS Chargemaster Combo. FYI

 

[tango2echo]

I had the Lyman. (Lyman 1200 DPS 3 Digital Powder Scale and Dispenser System 110 Volt) It went back for repairs (motherboard, power switch, and keypad) three times in the first year. It was only close to accurate when left turned on, and then it would overheat and shut itself off. I ended up sending it back a fourth time, and to their credit, Lyman refunded the entire purchase price, a year later.

I would get the RCBS, which is what I have now. (RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Scale and Dispenser Combo 110 Volt) I've had it a couple mouths with no problems, except it throws about 1.0-1.2gr light on large charges, which is fine since I trickle the last few 10ths myself anyway. I can set it .08-1.0 heavy and it is very close.

I have no experience with the Pact model.

t2e

 

[tango2echo]

You might want to check out the new Hornaday Loc-N-Load dispenser/scale that is coming out very soon. Midway told my Dad it would be in stock in Mid to Late March.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=818489

t2e

 

[RB98SS]

except it throws about 1.0-1.2gr light on large charges,

I hope you mean .1 to .2 grs light. If it's off by what you posted, there's a problem with it.

 

[tango2echo]

Nope, I said it right. If I want 45grs I have to set it for 46-47 to get it close. If I want 45grs of Varget I set it for 46.2 and it is usually pretty close to the 45grs, within .1 or .2 of the desired charge.

I'm not real happy with it the way it is, but it is consistant, and alot better than the Lyman.

t2e

 

[RB98SS]

tango,

Are you saying that if you set a charge to 46, the dispenser will stop dispensing at 45? Or does the scale read 46 but the actual weight is 45?

Have you contacted RCBS about it? Mine dispenses accurate to .1, worst case .2. Something is wrong with your setup.

 

[Slim Pickens]

RCBS Chargemaster has been working very well for me since 2007. I don't know how I lived without an auto digital scale for so long.

FWIW, you can change tuning parameters in the RCBS to make it slightly faster with certain powders and charge weights. I found this discussion on another board:
http://www.sahuntingrifle.co.za/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=24&func=view&id=122&catid=8

I never bothered tuning mine, because I use so many different powders and charge weights. It is quick enough for me in stock form.

The best feature on the Chargemaster is the drain valve - it is easy to empty out and change powders.

 

[tango2echo]

Are you saying that if you set a charge to 46, the dispenser will stop dispensing at 45?

Yes.

Or does the scale read 46 but the actual weight is 45?

No. The scale is correct.

Have you contacted RCBS about it?

Yes, and I have a box here to send it back. I just have not had the time. RCBS said send it back and they would replace it. For the moment I need it and can live with it throwing short and trickling the last few 10ths.

 

[RB98SS]

Glad to hear they stand beside their products.