Poll for best electronic scale/dispenser

t45 · January 1, 2011, 06:20 PM

Im in the market for an electronic scale/dispenser combo. I would like to here some feedback on which one you think is best for quality and cost.

t45 · January 1, 2011, 06:36 PM

I'll vote 1st. Im leaning towards the Hornady LNL.

Myke_Hart · January 1, 2011, 06:57 PM

I have the RCBS Chargemaster 1500 and say it is hard to beat.

I have had it 3 years and still going strong.

Very fast, accurate, completely programmable and can be used without warmup.

Others will not let you use their scales at all until after 30 min warmup is complete. (Lyman 1200 DPS)

I have not used the hornady... yet.

**Unclenick** · January 1, 2011, 07:01 PM

t445,

You left out the PACT ($248.99 at Midway).

By reputation, I believe the RCBS has had the most favorable general reviews. I don't know about the LNL. It's relatively new to the market.

t45 · January 1, 2011, 07:22 PM

Sorry Unclenick!

The Pact dispenser didnt come to mind.

jmortimer · January 1, 2011, 07:54 PM

I use Powder Dippers but if I were to go "high tech" I'd get the RCBS Chargemaster.

graham82 · January 1, 2011, 09:01 PM

I also have had the RCBS Chargemaster for about three years and really like the consistent accuracy and speed, but I don't have any experience with the other brands.

milo-2 · January 1, 2011, 09:19 PM

Buy the RCBS Chargemaster, it is the best thing since the canning of beer.
I have one, so do about 7 friends, we love them.
But where can you buy one for $279.00?
I have the old RCBS, Powder Pro scale-dispenser combo, same as the Pact, must have been made by Pact. JUNK. I will mail it to you if you pay shipping. With no reprecussions of coarse.
A friend just recieved the Hornady LNL for Christmas, I will have more info by midweek on his satisfaction.
I can load about 50 6.5X284 cartridges, 58 grain charge in 20 minutes. Seating the bullet while it is throwing charge. Can't go wrong.
But with any digital scale, a scale check wieght kit is a must, more cost. Calibrate often.

t45 · January 1, 2011, 09:32 PM

Milo, Natchez has it a sale in their Spring flyer. All the prices I quoted were from it.

jsflagstad · January 2, 2011, 11:10 AM

I have the Lyman...It's been sent it 2x now due to electronic failures. The company fixed/replaced it free of charge though. I didn't vote as I haven't used any of the others at all.

jb683 · January 2, 2011, 01:51 PM

I got one of the L&L Hornaday auto charge for Christmas from my wife this year. I can't speak for the others but I love this machine!

maillemaker · January 2, 2011, 03:23 PM

I got this electronic scale for $25 from MidwayUSA

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tnumber=713372

Steve

Wildalaska · January 2, 2011, 03:28 PM

I have the Lyman DPS II

WildtheyareallthesameAlaska ™©2002-2010

howlnmad · January 2, 2011, 04:27 PM

t45,

I love the RCBS ChargeMaster. The speed is good and charges are accurate. I've heard that the Hornady has problems with trickling the stick powders. I have no first-hand knowledge of this though.

milo-2,
The RCBS electronic scales are made by PACT. They also have an unlimited lifetime warranty,you should send it back and give them the chance to make good.

jepp2 · January 2, 2011, 04:48 PM

Don't forget about the $50 RCBS rebate.

http://www.rcbs.com/pdf/RC184_RCBSCoupon.pdf

p5200 · January 2, 2011, 05:10 PM

I'm glad I found this poll since I plan on purchasing one soon.

Wildalaska · January 2, 2011, 05:25 PM

Again they are all the same in terms of accuracy, durability, ease of use and speed. But consider your reloading setup and the layout of the machines. To me the Lyman worked better in my original personal setup, now I have changed setup and the RCBS woould fit better, but not enough to justify a new scale

The new electronic scales allow you to turn off the annoying beeps and can be set to auto dispense.

WildanddontforgetasetofleedippersAlaska ™©2002-2010

TXJohn · January 2, 2011, 08:27 PM

I don't own one still using the powder measure and trickle method but what I have read the RCBS is the one I would purchase.

Tex S · January 3, 2011, 11:16 AM

I have a PACT that has been back to the factory once. It was repaired, but I was using it the other night and it was acting weird, so it might make another trip back to the manufacturer.

It sure is handy when it works right.

temmi · January 3, 2011, 02:36 PM

I have the RCBS and it is great...

Saltydog235 · January 3, 2011, 03:10 PM

RCBS is just awsome.

Ideal Tool · January 3, 2011, 06:39 PM

How about Denver Instrument? Mine has been in use for over 20 years.

Brian Pfleuger · January 4, 2011, 11:26 AM

My understanding is that some (most?) of the auto-dispensing scales do not automatically adjust their speed. The RCBS 1500 starts out fast and slows as it approaches the specified weight. I have read that the Hornady scale does not do that, I don't know about others. That variable speed, if the other scales lack it, would be a major benefit in favor of the RCBS (and any other scale which has it).

The only one I've ever used is the RCBS. It works great. I've said before that the first time you use it, it's like a light shines down from heaven and the angels sing. I can't imagine loading for rifles cartridges without one.

maillemaker · January 4, 2011, 12:09 PM

So what do these $200+ scales do that my little $25 electronic scale doesn't do?

Steve

Brian Pfleuger · January 4, 2011, 12:20 PM

Quote:

So what do these $200+ scales do that my little $25 electronic scale doesn't do?

They dispense the powder for you, quickly, accurately, repeatably and repeatedly.

View Poll Results: Which one is the best value, accurate and quality?
RCBS ChargeMaster $279.95	21	72.41%
Hornady LNL Auto Charge $239.99	2	6.90%
Lyman 1200 DPS 3 $239.99	4	13.79%
SmartReloader ISD Automatic $164.99	2	6.90%
Voters: 29. You may not vote on this poll

January 1, 2011, 06:20 PM	#1
t45 Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2010 Location: Foothills, NC Posts: 782	Poll for best electronic scale/dispenser Im in the market for an electronic scale/dispenser combo. I would like to here some feedback on which one you think is best for quality and cost.

January 1, 2011, 07:01 PM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	t445, You left out the PACT ($248.99 at Midway). By reputation, I believe the RCBS has had the most favorable general reviews. I don't know about the LNL. It's relatively new to the market. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

January 2, 2011, 11:10 AM	#10
jsflagstad Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2005 Location: Up Nort Posts: 419	I have the Lyman...It's been sent it 2x now due to electronic failures. The company fixed/replaced it free of charge though. I didn't vote as I haven't used any of the others at all. __________________ JSF "Is your rifle interesting? -Larry Potterfield

January 2, 2011, 01:51 PM	#11
jb683 Member Join Date: December 18, 2010 Location: Garner NC Posts: 66	Hornaday I got one of the L&L Hornaday auto charge for Christmas from my wife this year. I can't speak for the others but I love this machine!

January 1, 2011, 06:36 PM	#2
t45 Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2010 Location: Foothills, NC Posts: 782	I'll vote 1st. Im leaning towards the Hornady LNL.

January 1, 2011, 06:57 PM	#3
Myke_Hart Member Join Date: February 14, 2010 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 24	I have the RCBS Chargemaster 1500 and say it is hard to beat. I have had it 3 years and still going strong. Very fast, accurate, completely programmable and can be used without warmup. Others will not let you use their scales at all until after 30 min warmup is complete. (Lyman 1200 DPS) I have not used the hornady... yet.

January 1, 2011, 07:22 PM	#5
t45 Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2010 Location: Foothills, NC Posts: 782	Sorry Unclenick! The Pact dispenser didnt come to mind.

January 1, 2011, 07:54 PM	#6
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	I use Powder Dippers but if I were to go "high tech" I'd get the RCBS Chargemaster.

January 1, 2011, 09:01 PM	#7
graham82 Member Join Date: January 31, 2007 Location: Southside VA Posts: 35	I also have had the RCBS Chargemaster for about three years and really like the consistent accuracy and speed, but I don't have any experience with the other brands.

January 1, 2011, 09:19 PM	#8
milo-2 Member Join Date: December 27, 2010 Posts: 32	Buy the RCBS Chargemaster, it is the best thing since the canning of beer. I have one, so do about 7 friends, we love them. But where can you buy one for $279.00? I have the old RCBS, Powder Pro scale-dispenser combo, same as the Pact, must have been made by Pact. JUNK. I will mail it to you if you pay shipping. With no reprecussions of coarse. A friend just recieved the Hornady LNL for Christmas, I will have more info by midweek on his satisfaction. I can load about 50 6.5X284 cartridges, 58 grain charge in 20 minutes. Seating the bullet while it is throwing charge. Can't go wrong. But with any digital scale, a scale check wieght kit is a must, more cost. Calibrate often.

January 1, 2011, 09:32 PM	#9
t45 Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2010 Location: Foothills, NC Posts: 782	Milo, Natchez has it a sale in their Spring flyer. All the prices I quoted were from it.

January 2, 2011, 03:23 PM	#12
maillemaker Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2010 Posts: 1,635	I got this electronic scale for $25 from MidwayUSA http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tnumber=713372 Steve

January 2, 2011, 03:28 PM	#13
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	I have the Lyman DPS II WildtheyareallthesameAlaska ™©2002-2010

January 2, 2011, 04:27 PM	#14
howlnmad Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2009 Location: Harriman Tn Posts: 424	t45, I love the RCBS ChargeMaster. The speed is good and charges are accurate. I've heard that the Hornady has problems with trickling the stick powders. I have no first-hand knowledge of this though. milo-2, The RCBS electronic scales are made by PACT. They also have an unlimited lifetime warranty,you should send it back and give them the chance to make good.

January 2, 2011, 04:48 PM	#15
jepp2 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2008 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 1,476	Don't forget about the $50 RCBS rebate. http://www.rcbs.com/pdf/RC184_RCBSCoupon.pdf

January 2, 2011, 05:10 PM	#16
p5200 Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2008 Posts: 241	I'm glad I found this poll since I plan on purchasing one soon.

January 2, 2011, 05:25 PM	#17
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	Again they are all the same in terms of accuracy, durability, ease of use and speed. But consider your reloading setup and the layout of the machines. To me the Lyman worked better in my original personal setup, now I have changed setup and the RCBS woould fit better, but not enough to justify a new scale The new electronic scales allow you to turn off the annoying beeps and can be set to auto dispense. WildanddontforgetasetofleedippersAlaska ™©2002-2010

January 2, 2011, 08:27 PM	#18
TXJohn Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Location: Ft Worth TX Posts: 163	I don't own one still using the powder measure and trickle method but what I have read the RCBS is the one I would purchase.

January 3, 2011, 11:16 AM	#19
Tex S Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TEXAS Posts: 909	I have a PACT that has been back to the factory once. It was repaired, but I was using it the other night and it was acting weird, so it might make another trip back to the manufacturer. It sure is handy when it works right.

January 3, 2011, 02:36 PM	#20
temmi Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 531	I have the RCBS and it is great...

January 3, 2011, 03:10 PM	#21
Saltydog235 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2010 Location: Pawleys Island Posts: 1,563	RCBS is just awsome.

January 3, 2011, 06:39 PM	#22
Ideal Tool Junior member Join Date: October 6, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,080	How about Denver Instrument? Mine has been in use for over 20 years.

January 4, 2011, 11:26 AM	#23
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	My understanding is that some (most?) of the auto-dispensing scales do not automatically adjust their speed. The RCBS 1500 starts out fast and slows as it approaches the specified weight. I have read that the Hornady scale does not do that, I don't know about others. That variable speed, if the other scales lack it, would be a major benefit in favor of the RCBS (and any other scale which has it). The only one I've ever used is the RCBS. It works great. I've said before that the first time you use it, it's like a light shines down from heaven and the angels sing. I can't imagine loading for rifles cartridges without one. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

January 4, 2011, 12:09 PM	#24
maillemaker Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2010 Posts: 1,635	So what do these $200+ scales do that my little $25 electronic scale doesn't do? Steve