Digital powder measures

Bruce Baldwin · August 03, 2022, 10:20:19 AM

Hello Reloaders
I have been reloading since 1965. I have been using a balance beam scale. Just recently, my son suggested that I purchase a digital powder measure. (What does he know?) More recently, I am beginning to realize that he may know more than I give him credit for. So I have checked Midway for these machines, and I found three that I am interested in:
RCBS Charge master pro
RCBS charge master supreme
Lyman Gen 6
Hornady Auto charge pro
Does any one out there have preferences concerning these? How about use information?
I appreciate your comments.
Thanks
Bruce Baldwin
brubal@earthlink.net

gitano · August 03, 2022, 10:49:29 AM

Welcome to THL, Bruce. Nice to see new blood that actually posts!

I have used digital scales for reloading for over 20 years. I like 'em, but I'm not "married" to them. I DO NOT have any experience with any of the ones you mention. I use "generic" ones, not specifically designed for reloading. If I remember correctly, sakorick had the Hornady scale, and DavidLT has one that I can't remember the manufacturer of. J0e_bl0ggs also uses one, but I don't think it's one of the ones you are considering.

Give this thread a day or two to reach people, and then if you don't get any other responses, ping those folks I mentioned. If you need answers quicker than that, ping them today. I'm quite certain they, and everyone else at THL would be happy to discuss the subject with you.

Paul

davidlt89 · August 03, 2022, 10:59:37 AM

Hello Bruce! I do not use a digital scale, I still use my RCBS balance beam scale. I have looked into the digital scales, thinking I might be able to make that part of the process "faster", but I don't think it is. I watched a video on one of the scales you mention and it was a 2-3 minute process for the scale to get back to zero and pour the specified amount of powder, so I opted not to get it.

I do remember sakorick purchasing one, he will probably have something for ya!! Also, if you do get one, would love to hear what you think about it.

gitano · August 03, 2022, 11:08:33 AM

Thanks for chiming in, David. Obviously, I thought you used one.

My experience is that using a digital scale does NOT speed up the process of reloading. Personally, I have no interest in speeding that process up, so that's not why I use one. My professional training and personal OCD simply prefer the unnecessary precision.

Paul

Hunterbug · August 03, 2022, 11:40:55 AM

I have the RCBS Chargemaster 1500 and I love it. I bought the Hornady first and it quit working after throwing 12 charges. Not 12 every time, 12 total. So I returned it and got the RCBS and never looked back. At first I compared several charges between it and my balance scales but found they were all right there.

davidlt89 · August 03, 2022, 12:16:43 PM

Quotepersonal OCD simply prefer the unnecessary precision.

Basically another reason I cannot pull the trigger. I would have to weigh out each charge on my other scale.

sakorick · August 03, 2022, 02:33:05 PM

I use both. First the digital than confirm with the balance beam. They are rarely the exact same. Welcome to THL.

j0e_bl0ggs (deceased) · August 04, 2022, 04:19:30 AM

Bruce, don't have any hands on experience - only 'looking at' re the type you asked about. My go-to is still a balance (304 style) and when the ocd kicks in a check with the analytical balance, I'm in the volumetric camp so in general its all about powder thrower setup. Personally would not part with that much wedge for a plastic machine! All the best.

Bruce Baldwin · August 04, 2022, 01:47:31 PM

Hello THL'ers
Thanks so much for your replys. I am interested in accuracy and precision first then speed. I am leaning toward the RCBS, but only because RCBS did me a great favor when I was first reloading and I have not forgotten it. I'll post my final decision.
Stay safe
Bruce Baldwin

Bruce Baldwin · August 15, 2022, 10:08:16 AM

I finally did it. I purchased the RCBS Charge Master didgital powder measure for the reasons noted above. I reasoned that if it really turns out to be a lemon, i could get better results by complaining directly to RCBS than going through Midway.
I'll post the resullts.

gitano · August 15, 2022, 11:56:01 AM

Reasonable logic, for my two-cents-worth. Please let us know how it works for you.

Paul

Bruce Baldwin · September 26, 2022, 01:55:14 PM

OK! this is my last message in this thread. I have used my RCBS Charge Master digital powder measure. I find that it works just fine. I did have a problem with the instructions, but a call to RCBS cleared ut up nicely. I loaded some M! brass with 47.0 grains of 4064. The measudre worked just fine after wiping it down with some anti-static spray. I did find that I didn't need the blue tooth app. I paid extra for it which was a mistake. Am I happy? Generally yes.

gitano · September 29, 2022, 07:17:45 AM

Good report. That's pretty much what THL is about; honest evaluations of hunting related issues. Thanks!

Good to hear you're happy with the purchase.

Paul

codger · November 26, 2023, 12:22:36 PM

Quote from: sakorick on August 03, 2022, 02:33:05 PMI use both. First the digital than confirm with the balance beam. They are rarely the exact same. Welcome to THL.

I don't trust anything if can't understand how it works. I will stay with my balance beam, it works perfectly.

Jamie.270 · November 26, 2023, 06:21:50 PM

Quote from: codger on November 26, 2023, 12:22:36 PM
Quote from: sakorick on August 03, 2022, 02:33:05 PMI use both. First the digital than confirm with the balance beam. They are rarely the exact same. Welcome to THL.

I don't trust anything if can't understand how it works. I will stay with my balance beam, it works perfectly.

Us old "Codgers" tend to be like that.
Even if we go by other monikers!