PACT Powder Dispenser and Scale
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dodgestdshift
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I have the older RCBS powder dispenser and Powder Pro Scale, both made by PACT. I love it, but it is an older version, and slower, I understand, than the newer versions. It is faster than balance beam weighing, but not exceedingly fast. Where it is great, it won't overcharge, and you don't have to bend and squint and dribble the powder. This makes it much easier, and less tension. The scale has to be warmed up for about 20 min before use, or the zero will wander. This is not a problem, just plug it in 20 minutes before use, and do something else. Both have to be calibrated, so I don't use them for small jobs (about 10-15 charges), instead use the balance beam scale. For 15 -30, I use the dispenser and scale exclusively. For larger jobs, I use a volumetric measure to charge about 1 or 2 grains light, and let the dispenser - scale trickle the final powder to get to the charge desired. Since I bought the scale/dispenser, I measure every charge.
The problem is not your eyes or age, I have the same problem. I have found out that the manufacturer of dials, and books cause the print to shrink as they get older. I have found that the sights on my guns are also deterioriating, and are now fuzzy. They used to be sharp, I assume I have worn them out with use over the years.
The problem is not your eyes or age, I have the same problem. I have found out that the manufacturer of dials, and books cause the print to shrink as they get older. I have found that the sights on my guns are also deterioriating, and are now fuzzy. They used to be sharp, I assume I have worn them out with use over the years.
I have the Pact dispenser and scale and my dispenser is one of the later, faster units. I use the scale all thet time and the dispenser from time to time.
The dispenser won't work with some of the finer powders - they bind up the motor. I can't use mine for H335 or Win296.
I use the dispenser for reloading rifle (excepting the powders above) and for working up new loads.
Paul
The dispenser won't work with some of the finer powders - they bind up the motor. I can't use mine for H335 or Win296.
I use the dispenser for reloading rifle (excepting the powders above) and for working up new loads.
Paul
I had one of the PACT units and it was great. I could use any powder type and I never had problems. I left it on constantly for a few years and it worked flawlessly except for routine calibration.
Be aware that the Pact unit is slow compared to the new RCBS ChargeMaster 1500. ($239 at Natchez) Large display that is backlit. Fastest dispense times on the market right now. Large powder hopper (1 1/2-2 pounds). Automatic dispense mode when you replace the pan on the scale.
At least give the RCBS unit a look before you buy. If I had to do it again, I'd buy the RCBS.
Ed
Be aware that the Pact unit is slow compared to the new RCBS ChargeMaster 1500. ($239 at Natchez) Large display that is backlit. Fastest dispense times on the market right now. Large powder hopper (1 1/2-2 pounds). Automatic dispense mode when you replace the pan on the scale.
At least give the RCBS unit a look before you buy. If I had to do it again, I'd buy the RCBS.
Ed
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kimbernut
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Pact
My only complaint on my older Pact dispenser/scale has been the slow speed of the powder dispensing. I have had the update done to the new quicker dispensing system and I'll be trying it for the first time tonight-I'll check back in on it tomorrow and let you know how much better it is or is not.
I've often heard of the system needing a warm up period and not working properly around flourescent lighting but I have never experienced either problem. Mine has always kept to within .1 grain accuracy- I check it often with my beam scale just to be sure.
My only complaint on my older Pact dispenser/scale has been the slow speed of the powder dispensing. I have had the update done to the new quicker dispensing system and I'll be trying it for the first time tonight-I'll check back in on it tomorrow and let you know how much better it is or is not.
I've often heard of the system needing a warm up period and not working properly around flourescent lighting but I have never experienced either problem. Mine has always kept to within .1 grain accuracy- I check it often with my beam scale just to be sure.
dodgestdshift
Member
PaulTX:
My slower dispenser handles W-296 all the time with no problems. Why don't you call PACT maybe they can give you a fix.
My slower dispenser handles W-296 all the time with no problems. Why don't you call PACT maybe they can give you a fix.
I talked to Pact and they said sometimes H335 would bind up and then another batch of it wouldn't. It wasn't like it was binding a little either! 
Otherwise the setup is great. Come to think of it, I believe I made a mistake - H335 works but Win296 doesn't.
Here's a short video I made of a dispense - it's 17 MB:
Pact Video
Otherwise the setup is great. Come to think of it, I believe I made a mistake - H335 works but Win296 doesn't.Here's a short video I made of a dispense - it's 17 MB:
Pact Video
GunAdmirer
Member
Do a search and check out my previous thread on this subject.
kimbernut
Member
Pact
Set up for loading .308 Win. last nite and did a few test runs after calibration. Using IMR 4064 dispensing 44.5 grains taking an average of 25 seconds - much better than the 40-45 second drop time prior to the update.
Set up for loading .308 Win. last nite and did a few test runs after calibration. Using IMR 4064 dispensing 44.5 grains taking an average of 25 seconds - much better than the 40-45 second drop time prior to the update.
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