RCBS Chargemaster vs A&D FX120i

[Tom S.]

Thread Resurrection!

OK, because this thread was referenced in another thread, and I didn't want to derail that thread, I'm officially resurrecting this one. I have a RCBS Chargemaster, but I'm not currently using it for rifle, I'm using it for pistol. Let me digress to explain. I bought a Model 52 (you may remember seeing my post about it) and have been working up loads for it. While I have a single stage press, I'm running these in my Dillon 650, without using the Dillon powder dispenser. Instead, I use the Chargemaster to measure out the starting charge weight, use a Lee thru die powder die to fill the case, and using this method, load rounds before moving up to the next weight.

So, my whole point is this: the powder I'm using is a lot finer than many rifle powders, and of course the charge weights are far less. Has anyone measured pistol charges from a Chargemaster to see how accurate they are?

Once I establish the weight I want to use, I'll dial in the Dillon and not look back, but until then, this method is far easier.

 

[Magload]

Well when working up loads my Chargemaster drops loads far more consistence then my Dillion 550. I normally set the Cm a few tenths of a gr. light and trickle up till the scale just reads what want. I have no where to shoot the benchrest AR beyond 200yds and mostly 100yds unless I have my son along to put up targets at the 200 mark. I can get 1/3 MOA and I know that wouldn't will nothing but I am happy with it and it gives me room for improvement.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

So, my whole point is this: the powder I'm using is a lot finer than many rifle powders, and of course the charge weights are far less.

Has anyone measured pistol charges from a Chargemaster to see how accurate they are?

I setup my Lyman M5 along side my Charge Master 1500. Started doing it, just as a confidence check, when I first got the CM1500. I use check weights to verify each's readings, at the start, then randomly double check the CM1500 against the M5. It's rarely more than half a tenth off, usually on the low side. I use it to load for pistol, 9mm thru 500 Mag.

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[Twoboxer]

. . . So, my whole point is this: the powder I'm using is a lot finer than many rifle powders, and of course the charge weights are far less. Has anyone measured pistol charges from a Chargemaster to see how accurate they are?

Once I establish the weight I want to use, I'll dial in the Dillon and not look back, but until then, this method is far easier.

I've never Chargemaster-ed my pistol loads. But H335 looks a lot like several pistol powders. So I wouldn't be surprised to find that most pistol powders give the same results that I got with H335.

 

[Tom S.]

Thanks guys!

 

[johngalt]

Thread Resurrection!

OK, because this thread was referenced in another thread, and I didn't want to derail that thread, I'm officially resurrecting this one. I have a RCBS Chargemaster, but I'm not currently using it for rifle, I'm using it for pistol. Let me digress to explain. I bought a Model 52 (you may remember seeing my post about it) and have been working up loads for it. While I have a single stage press, I'm running these in my Dillon 650, without using the Dillon powder dispenser. Instead, I use the Chargemaster to measure out the starting charge weight, use a Lee thru die powder die to fill the case, and using this method, load rounds before moving up to the next weight.

So, my whole point is this: the powder I'm using is a lot finer than many rifle powders, and of course the charge weights are far less. Has anyone measured pistol charges from a Chargemaster to see how accurate they are?

Once I establish the weight I want to use, I'll dial in the Dillon and not look back, but until then, this method is far easier.

Are you asking 'does it consistently throw the same weight of powder as measured with its own scale', or 'is the scale consistent when checked against another'?

When I first got it, I checked it against my Lee scale. I don't feel any need to any more. During a reloading session, the check weight stays consistent. My conclusion is the scale is accurate and does not drift.

I do load development same as you, except I have a hornady LNLAP. I also use it to load .357 (14 gr 2400). Maybe 1 of 20 might throw .1 off. I just dump it back in the hopper and throw another.

I find it to be both accurate and consistent with bullseye, unique, 2400, w231, and universal. Those are the powders I have used in it.

 

[Tom S.]

Are you asking 'does it consistently throw the same weight of powder as measured with its own scale', or 'is the scale consistent when checked against another'?

I guess I was kind of asking both. I did check the scale with my scale weights when I first got it to determine if it weighed correct to the scale weights (a very old RCBS set of check weights), but I didn't check for repeat-ability. When the OP cited his findings, it gave me cause for concern.