Sorta unhappy about powder measure...

[Bill M.]

Put my almost new RCBS Uniflow powder measure on its mount and half filled the hopper from my new bottle of HP 38. Reached up and noticed that the hopper seemed "loose". Well, the hopper had sheared completely off. I managed to get a lot of the powder back into the bottle but not all. I spent a very frustrating half hour so far on the RCBS website and cannot find a replacement hopper. No search I could run would find it either. Many searches found the video about how to replace the hopper if you could get one. Found a cracked hopper E-bay. From what I have read this is a common flaw in the Uniflow measure. I just assumed it should not happen to me, I guess. No, I have never dropped it and I keep it in a drawer when not using it.

Ordered a Redding from Midway. Gonna try to tape the hopper back on the Uniflow because I need some loads now.

Will go back to RCBS and see if I can get a hopper without having to ship the whole thing in with "proof of purchase".

 

[Pottimus]

Can you flip it upside down and re press it back in assuming you got the old piece out. then cut the top square.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I had bumped into my Lee auto drum and knocked the hopper off. Of course it happens when powder is in it. I now make sure it's screwed on tight. My Lyman brass smith drop. I had pulled the hopper off when removing the assembly to empty it.So gorilla tape around the hopper took care of that.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Put my almost new RCBS Uniflow powder measure on its mount and half filled the hopper from my new bottle of HP 38. Reached up and noticed that the hopper seemed "loose". Well, the hopper had sheared completely off. I managed to get a lot of the powder back into the bottle but not all. I spent a very frustrating half hour so far on the RCBS website and cannot find a replacement hopper. No search I could run would find it either. Many searches found the video about how to replace the hopper if you could get one. Found a cracked hopper E-bay. From what I have read this is a common flaw in the Uniflow measure. I just assumed it should not happen to me, I guess. No, I have never dropped it and I keep it in a drawer when not using it.

Ordered a Redding from Midway. Gonna try to tape the hopper back on the Uniflow because I need some loads now.

Will go back to RCBS and see if I can get a hopper without having to ship the whole thing in with "proof of purchase".

Trade you for a Lee Auto Drum! lol

 

[mkl]

Super glue? The kind of glue that sticks fingers together.

 

[edwardware]

.Will go back to RCBS and see if I can get a hopper without having to ship the whole thing in with "proof of purchase".

You've never dealt with RCBS, obviously. Their answer would be, "what's your address?" and a part, or whole new measure would ship forthwith.

This sort of best-there-is customer service is a major reason we all buy their gear.

 

[CQB45ACP]

You've never dealt with RCBS, obviously. They're answer would be, "what's your address?" and a part, or whole new measure would ship forthwith.

This sort of best-there-is customer service is a major reason we all buy their gear.

Let’s put it to the test OP

 

[lightman]

I'll bet that RCBS will help you. But if not, there is a company that makes glass replacements that seem to be well though of. A quick Google search should find them.

 

[Jim Watson]

No doubt RCBS will replace their cheap acrylic hopper.
I'd pay for the Dramworx Pyrex.
https://dramworx.com/products/rcbs/

I found a piece of copper pipe the same diameter as my Redding hopper for a replacement after leaving it full and rotting the plastic with double base powder. I use it for black. No nasty static, don'cha know.

 

[lightman]

Jim, Thanks for posting that link. I need to learn how to do that. The Copper pipe was a good idea!

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Put my almost new RCBS Uniflow powder measure on its mount and half filled the hopper from my new bottle of HP 38. Reached up and noticed that the hopper seemed "loose". Well, the hopper had sheared completely off. I managed to get a lot of the powder back into the bottle but not all. I spent a very frustrating half hour so far on the RCBS website and cannot find a replacement hopper. No search I could run would find it either. Many searches found the video about how to replace the hopper if you could get one. Found a cracked hopper E-bay. From what I have read this is a common flaw in the Uniflow measure. I just assumed it should not happen to me, I guess. No, I have never dropped it and I keep it in a drawer when not using it.

Ordered a Redding from Midway. Gonna try to tape the hopper back on the Uniflow because I need some loads now.

Will go back to RCBS and see if I can get a hopper without having to ship the whole thing in with "proof of purchase".

I predict you will have zero problems from RCBS getting it fixed and better. They're VERY serious about customer service!

I have a Uniflow. Bought it new on sale plus buddy discount brand new from Beckwith's in Micanopy. $40 out-the-door for the small measure kit. First thing I did was epoxy the hopper to the body. It's not coming off or getting loose. I'm 100% confident if I ever have a problem, RCBS will fix or replace it, free. At most they'll shake their heads and wonder why some yayhoo glued the hopper in place (did it because one of the few complaints about the Uniflow is the hopper getting loose). It works fine but will probably never replace the Lee dippers and a scale. NB: I'm not a high-volume reloader.

 

[Bwana John]

I bought a RCBS powder measure at a garage sale for $3 with a cracked hopper.

I phoned RCBS to try to buy a replacement hopper with full disclosure about how I bought it used.

They said "no charge, what is your address?"

It arrived 4 days later, with large and small extra plastic case mouth drop tubes, a top for the hopper, and a flat stand mounting plate.

They have done this for me an average of once a year for 40 years now, and most of the time it was something I broke through incorrect usage, or worn out through years of service.

That is why 95% of my reloading room is green.

The only notable change has been how long you are on hold before you get a service representative, it takes quite a bit longer today than it did 20 years ago.

 

[dannyd]

I have four Uniflow powder measures and RCBS will send you a hopper for free. You can email them or call in 35 years RCBS has never let me down.

 

[Ironicaintit]

I've had outstanding luck with RCBS too. New, used, your fault, whatever... they'll fix you up right.

my uniflow is from the 70s, the tube isn't as transparent as it used to be, but it's still solid. Now that I've written that... it's probably gonna break

 

[CQB45ACP]

I have an RCBS Uniflow too and guess to go along with their great customer service they need to build a better product so we don’t need their customer service so often.

I’m needling you. Or am I? Of course I am.

 

[Bill M.]

Thanks for all the replies. I will contact RCBS. I taped it back together and loaded some this afternoon. It looks like the piece that was broken off was a step down from the cylinder OD. I think that i why it broke off clean all the way around.

 

[kalielkslayer]

Another customer that lost an item, couldn’t find a replacement to buy on their website so I called.

They sent me 2, free. I guess they thought I would lose one again.

 

[gifbohane]

well at least no one has told you trash it and buy a Lee, since it is perfect.............................yet

Seriously, RCBS has always made good on anything I bought from them and you will be made happy.

 

[gwpercle]

Call RCBS ... on the phone and speak to a real person .
Be real nice to them ... use a little Southern Charm if you're from the South ... if you are nice enough and pleasant to the person answering the phone I bet you can get a free one sent right to you .
My Mom a Gracious Southern Lady could charm the birds out of the trees and she taught me the art of being friendly and pleasant so others would do almost anything for you .
Don't get ugly and talk mean ...that will get you Doodly-Squat ... you gotta be NICE !
Gary

 

[SingleActionAndrew]

I proactively replace the hoppers with Dramworx

 

[dannyd]

Both Hornady and RCBS have sent me replacement parts for all of these free of charge.

 

[CQB45ACP]

I’m almost disappointed I haven’t had any problems.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I proactively replace the hoppers with Dramworx

That has become my SOP also

 

[jmorris]

In the past, when I have had a problem with RCBS equipment and I called them, they have sent me the solution without charging me.

They really have been as good as Dillon to me. Lee is actually just as good but they do want proof you actually destroyed something vs just sending out new parts to people that don’t need them, generally just a cell phone pic of a mangled pin.

 

[CQB45ACP]

In the past, when I have had a problem with RCBS equipment and I called them, they have sent me the solution without charging me.

They really have been as good as Dillon to me. Lee is actually just as good but they do want proof you actually destroyed something vs just sending out new parts to people that don’t need them, generally just a cell phone pic of a mangled pin.

Partial sarcasm alert for those unable to tell.

I don't want to deal with ANY customer service. Why would anyone? What’s wrong with you people? Why are you complimenting poor products?

Redding asked that I send a part (insert from a $100 micrometer taper crimp die) back to them before they polished & replaced it for free. Royal PIA for a cheap part. Separating fraudsters from customers I guess. I have a T-7, half-dozen dies, trickler, and other stuff and have never needed customer service.

Never dealt with RCBS customer service which is how it’s supposed to be—no problems with the one product I own—Uniflow.

I like Lee customer service, it’s the best I’ve dealt with. Much of it is automagical. You have a broken part? Just go to website and go through process as if you’re buying it and when you check out there is no charge, no shipping, nothing.

But here’s the rub, some of the products suck so badly it doesn’t make any difference how good customer service is. I don’t want to establish friendships with customer service reps. I don’t want them at the dinner table with me. That’s why I buy Apple products.

But back to my story. Specifically I’m talking about Lee’s crappy powder things. I own them all (literally) and they’re all back in their original boxes cause they’re awful. Had to send auto drum back for repair. No charge for anything but a pain and still didn’t work without leaking. Disks leaked, so-called “Perfect” and “Deluxe Perfect” were cheap made in Kampuchea or some place pieces of horse hockey. Everything leaks except the dippers! Love the dippers. And all this is why I bought the Uniflow.

I do like their dies very much, have three sets—two 45ACP & one 9mm. I especially like the FCD (and use it as a taper crimp only for 9mm. But that is another thread).

So, enjoy your customer service reps while I reload and shoot.