Hi everyone,

Of the commonly available mechanical powder measures (rcbs uniflow, hornady, redding 3br, etc.), which one throws the most consistent charge weights?

Also, is anyone using the RCBS 1500 Chargemaster system? Does it work correctly?

Thanks

I've yet to find my redding 3br lacking.

I have the RCBS 1500 Chargemaster electronic measure/dispenser and really like it. I had the Lyman DPS 1200 and sold it on e-Bay because it was too slow and too difficult to setup. It had a 30 minute warmup period before you could be sure it was zeroed. The RCBS is almost instantly ready and far faster than the Lyman. Both throw accurate charges.

I have the RCBS Uniflow manual powder measure. It throws very consistent loads with most powders. It throws RL-22 without a hitch, but sometimes gets hung on H4350 which I suppose is a longer grained powder. I don't load much so I measure every charge on a RCBS 5-0-2 beam balance and add a bit if necessary with a powder trickler. I have a friend with the automatic Chargemaster and he really likes it, but I don't think it's much faster than my Uniflow/Beam Balance.

Harrells

It looks as though the Harrels measure is sufficiently $$$ that the RCBS 1500 Chargemaster is a better buy. Practically speaking, you can get the mechanical measures fully set up for around $120-$160. Once you go over $200, why not just step up to the Chargemaster?

DITTO on the RCBS 1500, I have it and love it!

a_p, I suppose the answer may hinge on how many cases you'll charge at one sitting, the kind of powder (ball, extruded, flake) you'll use most frequently, the amount of $$ you want to spend, etc. E.g., most powder measures meter ball powders very accurately (They'll even throw uniform charges of fine ball powders such as AA #9 or H110, but they'll also bind and need to be cleaned.); extruded powders (but not IMR 5010) a bit less so; and flake powders with difficulty. Btw, the RCBS got glowing reviews in one of the gun mags a few months ago.

I think Paul Brasky's got a pretty good handle on it.

My 48 year old Redding I use for extruded powders when doing perhaps less than 50 at a time.

The resently aquired RCBS Uniflow? handles the same quantites when I'm using ball powders.

When doing fine work( which really isn't my forte ) I use The LEE dippers and a trickle charger.

Large quantities are done with my Lyman 1200 DPS.

Some times with just a few and loading ball powder I use my little LEE dispenser and than clean up the powder that leaks out all over the place.

Golly! I hope this did not compound your choice. roger

Old age is a high price to pay for maturity!!! Some never pay and some pay and never reap the reward. Wisdom comes with age! Sometimes age comes alone..

Another vote for the RCBS 1500. IMHO it is the only wat to go.

The JDS Quick Measure is the most accurate measure produced today. It will not cut the long grain powders and will work with all powders. This measure will measure 4831 to +/- .1 grain. Will also work on a progressive press with their adapter and eliminate powder bridging. Check it out at www.quick-measure.com

quote:

Originally posted by smalstuf:
The JDS Quick Measure is the most accurate measure produced today. It will not cut the long grain powders and will work with all powders. This measure will measure 4831 to +/- .1 grain. Will also work on a progressive press with their adapter and eliminate powder bridging. Check it out at www.quick-measure.com

Ditto, pricey but worth it.

lyman 55, don't look back

jeffe

The JDS is indeed a "paradigm shift" (i.e., it makes the former methods obsolete).

I'll put in another vote for the Lyman 55. 35 years and hasn't failed me yet.

Nashcat

My Harrell's Premium will throw Rel 22 or Rel 25 to +/- .2 gr. If I hadn't bought it last year the JDS Quick Measure looks very interesting.

If you ever get to the point you want to load at the range, I just don't see how an electronic scale/measure combo will be trustworthy. But, I have zero experience, so don't take my opionion on that one.

I do like to use the KISS principle with the Harrell's.

I use two of the old AMT Autoscales... at the same time....Reliability of the balance beam and speed.

My old Pacific gave up a year ago and since then I´ve been using a cheapo Lee that looks like a carnival prize...but it throws consistently.

I don´t know how durable it is but so far so good.

If you have unlimited funds. You may want to get a Prometheus, by Prometheus Tool Corp.
6mmBR.com did an article on this measure.

http://6mmBR.com/prometheus.html

muck

I have spent way to much on powder measures over the years. I have had RCBS, Redding and even a home made version that I semi-liked. I would have saved a lot of MONEY if I would have bought a Harrell's first. I still check it with my 10-10 scale, but I wonder why sometimes as it always repeats. I have loaded as little as 5.5 grains to as much as 91.5 grains of powder. Harrell's makes an awesome product.
http://www.harrellsprec.com/
Thanks,Doug

I'm really torn between the JDS and the Chargemaster.

Any last minute thoughts?

Neil Jones makes one of the very best measures but his price will tell you this.

I use a Redding, I throw a little low then trickle up, I don't trust the chargemaster, might be ok for blasting ammo, but not for pin point stuff, IMHO.

I’ve been using a uniflow for around 30 years and it has worked reliably. I purchased a 1500 about 6 months ago and I really enjoy using it. It’s accurate and convenient.

The Harrell Powder measure for about the same money would be a better long-term investment. The 1500 Chargemaster is electronic and all things electronic eventually die. I have no illusions that this Chargemaster will be around in 30 years.