powder dispenser ?

rebs · May 2, 2014, 05:27 AM

I am in the market for a automated powder dispenser and need some help in choosing which one. I am looking at the rcbs, hornady, or lyman. Which one would be most recommended by you guys that have one ? The rcbs is the most expensive but is it the best ? What are the pro's and con's on each of them ?

jwrowland77 · May 2, 2014, 05:30 AM

I have the Hornady and absolutely love it. I don't have any cons for it. I've tried it with rifle and pistol powders, small and big charges and it's done great every single time. Helps cut my loading time down since I used to hand weigh every charge for both.

When I was deciding between Hornady and RCBS, I read more frustrations with the RCBS than I did with the Hornady, so I went with Hornady.

My mentor has the RCBS and hates it. He pretty much doesn't use it at all anymore.

Bart B. · May 2, 2014, 06:59 AM

'Tis my opinion that unless you're loading ammo used in super accurate rifles for use at ranges greater than 300 yards, they're not worth the cost.

Powder measures throwing charges to a 3/10ths grain spread works great. If it doesn't, the charge weight and often the powder, too, isn't the problem.

jwrowland77 · May 2, 2014, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bart B.

'Tis my opinion that unless you're loading ammo used in super accurate rifles for use at ranges greater than 300 yards, they're not worth the cost.

Sure helps speed up the process though when all you have is a single stage and go through 1500 rounds of just .308, plus several other rifles and several pistols. Most my .308 are shot in matches at 600 and 1000yd.

FreedomUIC · May 2, 2014, 08:54 AM

I love my RCBS charge master. Accurate and very fast.
It cut down the time it took me to reload 100 pistol rounds on my single
stage press by at least 1/2 hour.

I would recommend it to anybody that handloads. The old balance scales
are not what I use nor ever want to use.

rebs · May 2, 2014, 07:57 PM

Looks like I will take a close look at the Hornady.
Bart do you believe a spread of 3/10's is ok, do you mean 3/10 either way or total of 3/10's ? I have taken your advice in the past and you were always right. I value your knowledge that you willingly share.

Bart B. · May 2, 2014, 08:13 PM

A spread is some amount around some number. For powder charges, it's +/- .15 grain for a .30 grain spread. About 70% of the charges will have about 2/10ths grain spread.

Some powders give excellent long range accuracy with a 3/10ths grain spread; .308 Win with IMR4895 or Varget under 150 to 180 grain bullets, for example.

I'm a firm believer that if you don't get sub 1/2 MOA groups at worst at 300 yards with 3/10 spread, sub 3/4 ones at 600 with 2/10 and nothing over 1 MOA at 1000 yards with a 1/10 grain spread, you're using the wrong powder or primer, or, something mechanical isn't right. Either rifle, sight or ammo.

This assumes the shooter is excellent.

chiefr · May 2, 2014, 10:24 PM

Chargemaster. Natchez has them on sale.

cdbeagle · May 3, 2014, 03:39 AM

Chargemaster

May 2, 2014, 05:27 AM	#1
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	powder dispenser ? I am in the market for a automated powder dispenser and need some help in choosing which one. I am looking at the rcbs, hornady, or lyman. Which one would be most recommended by you guys that have one ? The rcbs is the most expensive but is it the best ? What are the pro's and con's on each of them ?

May 2, 2014, 06:59 AM	#3
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	'Tis my opinion that unless you're loading ammo used in super accurate rifles for use at ranges greater than 300 yards, they're not worth the cost. Powder measures throwing charges to a 3/10ths grain spread works great. If it doesn't, the charge weight and often the powder, too, isn't the problem. Last edited by Bart B.; May 2, 2014 at 07:05 AM.

May 2, 2014, 08:13 PM	#7
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	A spread is some amount around some number. For powder charges, it's +/- .15 grain for a .30 grain spread. About 70% of the charges will have about 2/10ths grain spread. Some powders give excellent long range accuracy with a 3/10ths grain spread; .308 Win with IMR4895 or Varget under 150 to 180 grain bullets, for example. I'm a firm believer that if you don't get sub 1/2 MOA groups at worst at 300 yards with 3/10 spread, sub 3/4 ones at 600 with 2/10 and nothing over 1 MOA at 1000 yards with a 1/10 grain spread, you're using the wrong powder or primer, or, something mechanical isn't right. Either rifle, sight or ammo. This assumes the shooter is excellent. Last edited by Bart B.; May 2, 2014 at 08:34 PM.

May 3, 2014, 03:39 AM	#9
cdbeagle Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2012 Location: Justin Texas Posts: 313	Chargemaster __________________ Assistant Secretary - U.S. Dry Bean Council

May 2, 2014, 05:30 AM	#2
jwrowland77 Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2012 Location: Conway, Arkansas Posts: 1,398	I have the Hornady and absolutely love it. I don't have any cons for it. I've tried it with rifle and pistol powders, small and big charges and it's done great every single time. Helps cut my loading time down since I used to hand weigh every charge for both. When I was deciding between Hornady and RCBS, I read more frustrations with the RCBS than I did with the Hornady, so I went with Hornady. My mentor has the RCBS and hates it. He pretty much doesn't use it at all anymore.

May 2, 2014, 08:54 AM	#5
FreedomUIC Member Join Date: April 25, 2014 Posts: 61	I love my RCBS charge master. Accurate and very fast. It cut down the time it took me to reload 100 pistol rounds on my single stage press by at least 1/2 hour. I would recommend it to anybody that handloads. The old balance scales are not what I use nor ever want to use.

May 2, 2014, 07:57 PM	#6
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	Looks like I will take a close look at the Hornady. Bart do you believe a spread of 3/10's is ok, do you mean 3/10 either way or total of 3/10's ? I have taken your advice in the past and you were always right. I value your knowledge that you willingly share.

May 2, 2014, 10:24 PM	#8
chiefr Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: AR Posts: 1,401	Chargemaster. Natchez has them on sale.