I bought and used a RCBS system for a couple weeks. It seemed to work good, and made my reloading a little easier (if not faster), and then the dispensor went kaput. I got a Lyman 1200 DPS, and the same thing: a couple weeks of flawless service, and now I can't calibrate it. Yeah, I know the jazz about temp fluxes or "wind", and these are not issues. The damn things just go fooey.
I'll hassle the companies to get them fixed or replaced, but I typically don't register stuff when I buy it (who wants on a junk mail list?), so it may be a bit of a fight. More importantly, I like my toys to be reliable, be they a vehicle, rifle, fishing reel or whatever.
Has anyone bought one of these or, preferably a different brand, that are durable? Any recommendations?

I have been using the RCBS Powdermaster & Powder Pro scale since 1992 or so. I only throw H-4831SC for my big bores with it. It has performed flawlessly and I get low velocity SD with it. The trick to speeding up each 70gr+ throw is to use a Lee powder dipper to charge about 80% of the throw and then let the dispenser meter the remaining 20%. By the time I seat the bullet from the previous throw, the meter has finished the final trickle of power.

I understand that throwing ball powder is a problem with the older Powdermasters. Since I use a Harrell for ball powder throws, this is not a problem for me.

I have not used the newer RCBS Chargemaster so I have not idea about its operaton, however, I know that RCBS has excellent customer service so I am surprised that you could not get yours repaired to your satisfaction.

I had the same problem with my DPSII, it turned out to be one kernal of powder stuck between the load cell pad and the housing of the scale, picked it out with a needle cuz it was stuck and wouldn't blow or brush away....all has been well since.

http://www.6mmbr.com/powderdispensers01.html

Tim

Give RCBS a call. They don`t care when you bought it, they will warrent it. I`ve found them to be the best in the business when it comes to helping customers with their equipment.
The problem could be like the poster aboves powder grain, and be nothing more then a quick fix to get you going again.

Good advice all. The Lyman quit working very suddenly, so the powder thing may be an issue. Its true too that RCBS has a good service record. I would be nice to get something that worked.
The prefilling idea is great (why didn't I think of that), assuming I get a functioning dispenser.

I bought my Son an RCBS auto powder dispenser three years ago for his birthday. He shoots high power competetively and loads mostly for it, which is 223. He shoots heavy bullets and uses 4895 and 4320. I know he's loaded LOTS of 223's with it without a hitch.
Don

I bought the Pact scale and dispenser when they first came out o so many years ago and have not had a bit of trouble with it.

Lyle

I have the RCBS unit. I ran into a similar problem early on. Turns out the durn thing is very sensitive to static charges. So I keep an anti- static sheet with my scale. (Stolen from the laundry room prn)
Another problem could be "dirty" power. Significant fluctuations in line voltage can cause the scale to not hold zero(much like the above). This one needs the help of a good voltage meter+/-electrician. And maybe your power suppier's cooperation.
Just a few thoughts.

muck

I have the RCBS chargemaster 1500, so far I love it and it works flawlessly. I have used it with my AC running and the air movement has not bother it.

I have used two of the older Lyman Autoscales for many years now without a hitch. They are the kind with the automatic dispensor onto a balance beam scale. I now have a Lyman 1200 that I use when I have many cartridges to load with a specific powder, and have used it for over a year without a hitch. The former two I keep loaded with a powder I use weekly and never empty them, just add powder as needed. The later I change powders as the need arises. I wouldn't get rid of those babies for love nor money, that is of course unless the better deal came along. Good shooting.

Untill recently Pact and RCBS were made by the same factory, the RCBS is now different I bought both to try I sent the RCBS back as it would change the setting on me it is faster , than the Pact., at this point I use a Brunno , I can go as fast as I want with it.
I also tried a Harrel I did not like it , so basicaly I have worked several , there is no answer what ever fits you , luck I have heard good things about the Lyman .