Getting ready to buy an electronic powder thrower....

The three I can find are the RCBS,Lyman,PACT

If you have one tell me about your likes/dis-likes

I have used the RCBS and Lyman units. Of the two I prefer the Lyman. It dumps powder faster.
But I still use my Harrell's powder measure for most of the single stage reloading I do. With a little practice it meters +or- 0.1 grain faithfully and is much quicker. Even with medium sized stick powders. A good consistent stroke and rhythm is all it requires.

muck

I own the 3rd version of the PACT. I've used the original RCBS and the second (not made by PACT) version. I have seen the the old and new Lyman at work. There was not much to choose between them until recently.

If I was going to buy one today, I would buy the Lyman for the memory feature.

Ted,

+3 for the Lyman.

I have had a Pact since the mid 90s. Have nad no problems. I did send it in for the upgrade for speed kit. My main reason for pact is lifetime warranyt and it is made in the USA. If your Lyman or RCBS dies after the warranty runs out how do you contact someone in China to fix it. Besides the Pact is almost $100.00 cheaper.
Lyle

Either the 6br or benchrestcentral website had a test abd write up on these not too long ago. It was pretty informative.

I have no complaints about my RCBS.
The lyman may be a better unit if so many guys say so, but it can't be a lot better.
With the rcbs, it usualy weighs a powder charge in about the same time it takes me to seat a bullet.
Speeds things up really well, with out sacrificing consistancy.
Once I have my brass primed and reay to go, I often just leave the unit turned on and load 3 or 4 rounds durring a comercial break on the ball game .
It works real well...tj3006

I had the 1st generation Lyman then I brought the DPS3. Its good a lot more user friendly with setting up and cleaning.
I noticed cell phones within 12' wreak havoc with the accuracy.
Lyman service was good and a fair price when I needed my 1st gen Lyman powder dropper calibrated.

quote:

Originally posted by YUMAN:
I have had a Pact since the mid 90s. Have nad no problems. I did send it in for the upgrade for speed kit. My main reason for pact is lifetime warranyt and it is made in the USA. If your Lyman or RCBS dies after the warranty runs out how do you contact someone in China to fix it. Besides the Pact is almost $100.00 cheaper.
Lyle

http://www.6mmbr.com/powderdispensers02.html

I bought the latest RCBS model based on this & am well satisfied with its performance & speed.
As someone else said; it dispenses a load in about the time it takes to seat a bullet.

I have the most recent Pact Model and like it a lot.

The RCBS combo is the way to go. I used 3 Lyman's 2 of which malfunctioned. The RCBS has been going like a soldier ever since the Lyman's went bad........................DJ

Love my RCBS 1500 combo! Has not skipped a beat in 2 years.

I have the Lyman 1200 DPS3. It works well, but I had to send it back after loading about 150 rounds. They told me they replaced the circuit board. They also told me to not use it next to any other electronic equipment or fluorescent lights.

A friend of mine has the Lyman and the RCBS 1500 and he seems to like the Lyman better. He says it is easier to unload when you want to switch to a different powder. I don't think you would be disappointing with either one. I don't know about any other brands.

Huh?!,

Lyman said not to use it near fluorescent lights??

You mean desk top lamps or overhead lighting? My shop is lit with fluorescent overhead lighting, hanging directly over my benches. You mean that will interfere with the Lyman?

I was thinking about getting one of those, now I dunno...

I use two of the old Lyman Autoscales, which has electronic dispensors onto a balance beam. I have one filled with RL-22, the other filled with H-1000, both of which I shoot hundreds of rounds yearly. I also have the Lyman 1500 DPS that I put the update kit in that is the best in the business for accuracy, IMO. I use this for various powders, it is easy to switch powders with. I also have the Lyman electronic scale with trickler that I use for those powders I want to use for only a few rounds at a time, and don't want to use the powder in the Dispensors. Good shooting.

I have and use both the PACT and RCBS. The PACT is an older model, I have used it for years without any failures. It is on the slow side, has to be calibrated for every different powder, and the transformer for the trickler is a different voltage than the scale, so you have to be careful not to get them mixed up. The RCBS is fast and accurate, is easier to manage in that it is a one-piece unit, and has been reliable for several years. Both are functioning in rooms with flourescent lighting with no apparent ill effects. With what I know, I'd go with the RCBS for reasons of speed, not much difference otherwise.

Slowpoke Slim
Fluorescent desk lamps. They sent me that info with my DPS3 after it was repaired. They didn't specify how close, but I will keep mine at least three feet from any other equipment. There may be info on their web site or you could call them at 800-22-LYMAN.

Slowpoke Slim
I just check the sheet (DPS 1200 Troubleshooting) that Lyman sent me and it mentions: Fluorescent lights, portable and cell phones, other electronic scales and appliances will cause erratic readings. This also includes close proximity to furnaces and air conditioners.

The furnace and A/C units could be due to air currents, which can interfere with readings. They also recommend that the unit's exterior be wiped occasionally with a non static dryer sheet to inhibit static electricity.

Try this link and scroll down to DPS 1200 Electronic Scale. It's on the FAQ page of their web site. http://www.lymanproducts.com/l.../scales-measures.php

I think you can see from reading some of the responses, The RCBS is FAR more trouble free than the Lyman unit. The Lyman has some nice features but they are only nice when it works. The RCBS is a no-worries unit.............................DJ

I think it's best to make things simple and do without one.I use a plastic spoon that I dip into the powder container.After a while you get good at it.

RCBS Chargmaster 1500. Even loading for my 338-378 Wby it has dispensed the next charge before I get the bullet seated on the previous charge. It works very well and is easy to setup and empty.

Ken....