Looking for AR members' recommendations and experiences, good or bad, regarding the various automatic powder dispensers on the reloading market.

Specifically, the three I'm looking at are:

* Hornady's Lock-n-Load Auto Charge;

* RCBS's ChargeMaster;

* Lyman's Gen5 (or Gen6 powder) Touchscreen dispensers.

Not concerned with price differences.
Just wanted to get one that works consistently and saves time. Thanks!

I have the Hornady and my dad has the RCBS.

The Hornady works fine with ball powders and short extruded powder. It consistently over charges long extruded powder like IMR 4350, or H4831.

The RCBS is consistent with all powders and less frustrating to use as a result.

If I get another one, it will be the RCBS.

That said, I know nothing about the Lyman.

Jeremy

My experience is that a manual dispenser, electronic scale and manual trickler are faster to use and more consistently accurate.

I use an older Lyman/AMT Autoscale. It is basically a fast and a slow power trickler mated to an Ohaus beam scale. As a consequence it is much more reliable than an electronic scale and if it is not fast enough I just use 2 of them set to the same weight.

I have tried some of the earlier models, and did not think much of them.

I use an RCBS electronic scale, and LEE powder scoops to weight my charges.

I use the RCBS Chargemaster. I find when loading longer extruded powders I raise the front of the unit about 1/4 inch to minimize overcharges.

Got an RCBS Chargemaster eight years ago. Couldn't live without it and it always works. For volume reloading manual systems can be faster but this is the nuts for working up new loads.

I've been using the RCBS Chargemaster for a couple years now. It stays pretty consistent and you can set it to automatically begin dumping the next charge as soon as the pan is put back on the scale and zeroed. I've used mostly IMR4350 and H4350 and it meters pretty well.

Two tricks for the Chargemaster:

1. Wipe out the powder reservoir and plastic tube with an anti-static dryer sheet before adding powder. I use Bounce sheets. It helps reduce static which is important where I live.

2. To help it trickle properly, get a large soda drinking straw from McDonalds and cut a small 1-2 inch piece off it. Insert the straw into the open end of the metal tube-like nose of the powder dispenser. When you are looking at the dispenser you should be able to see the straw flush with the open end. I'm referring to the end which is directly above the powder pan and scale not the open end inside the powder reservoir. Just leave it in place, no need to remove the straw. It fits pretty good and mine hasn't fallen out yet. I read about this on the 6mmBR forum.

Thanks for everyone's input.

I'm was leaning toward the RCBS unit, as Natchez has a combo deal where you also get the 1500 powder scale.

I hadn't heard negative comments before this about Hornady's AutoCharge being finicky w/ certain powder types. Probably should have mentioned that the powders I use regularly include Varget, the 4350s, and Reloader 15/17. Sometimes 4831.

Sep - thanks also for your tips on the RCBS ChargeMaster.

Nick, I use all those powders with no problems. Sep- Thanks, cool tips.

I use the raise the front of the dispenser trick when running long extruded powders through my Hornady. Makes it much more useable.

The straw trick is a new one I'll have to try.

Jeremy

I shoot 2,000 to 3,000 rounds per year depending on the weather. I shoot all shapes sizes of chamberings for myself, son, 6 grandsons, and buddies. I use two Lyman Autoscales, two DPS 1200's, each with it's specific powder. Other powders I load individually with a Lyman electronic scale. When I need something else I will be using the next generation Lyman. The only problems I have had were self induced, not the scales. Good shooting.

I have a Lyman DPS1200 Gen 3 (yes, I know it's not what he asked about, but ...)

When I just got it, I was very disappointed and was going to return it to the shop because it would NOT dispense reliable charges. Every second charge it threw made it want to be recalibrated (it does that if it throws a charge > .3 gr off).

I was sitting that Sunday afternoon packing it all into the box getting ready to return it, when I noticed a bag with a rubbery insert and a piece of paper that said that certain powder (H4831SC was mentioned by name) wouldn't meter correctly and this device screwed into the dispenser end would help, so I tried it.

I still have that Gen 3 and still use it, and highly recommend it - if and only if you have the rubber gadget screwed in.

Also, now, I have only had to calibrate it when starting - never had to redo during a load.