RCBS Chargemaster vs. Lyman DPS

rmckeon

rmckeon

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Hi all,

I'm starting to take a serious look at electronic powder dispensing, and thus far I've been looking into the RCBS Chargemaster and the Lyman DPS systems. I'm wondering if any CGN'ers have had good or bad experiences with either. Also, is there another fully automated/electronic option one should consider?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!
 
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I have been using the Lyman DPS-2 for a few years now. I upgraded mine with the new DPS-3 powder box and it will now dispense 70 grains of powder in under 30 seconds.

I have never had a problem with my unit and would recommend the Lyman machine to anyone.


Someone will soon post that they don't like the warm-up time with the Lyman but in truth it has never bothered me. Usually the time I get the powder and bullets on the bench and prime some brass the scale is ready to go.

BTW: All electronic scales should be used in draft-free areas and not placed close to any florescent or quartz halogen lighting.
 
thanks 'Boo ... can you elaborate on the warm-up time? how long is it?

I reload in my basement, so I don't think drafts will be an issue. however, I'm curious about your warning of being away from Flour. or q-h lighting...

thanks!!
 
I have owned an RCBS Chargemaster Combo for some time now, and couldn't be more pleased! Quick, accurate and trouble free. I can recommend this unit. Practically instant ready when turned on. Regards, Eagleye.
 
I have the chargemaster... love it :)

My only complaint is that it can sometimes dump .2gr over; but still much better than throwing by hand on my old beam scale.

As mentioned above, it's fast.
 
rmckeon said:
thanks 'Boo ... can you elaborate on the warm-up time? how long is it?

I reload in my basement, so I don't think drafts will be an issue. however, I'm curious about your warning of being away from Flour. or q-h lighting...

thanks!!
Click to expand...

30 minutes is the warm-up although you can bypass it if you really need to.



I sent an email to Lyman after I first received my scale as I had heard cautions about using fluorescent lighting close to electronic scales. They replied that any device which has a magnetic field can cause errors with electronic scales. They suggested a separation of 3-4 feet from the unit and fluorescent and Q-H reading lamps which contain transformers.
 
I too have used the Lyman DPS for about 3 years. Awesome product. I got the upgrade kit for christmas and it made the unit just that much better. Mine consistantly throws 1/10 grain over, I just set it to stop dispensing at 1/10 grain under and it hits perfect every time.

If I'm loading for competitions I will wait the 30 minutes, but if I want to load 100 rounds in an hour, I just turn on, calibrate and go.

Its a bit more affordable than the chargemaster too.
 
Apologies for the hijack, but I need some educating.

For precision reloading I use balance beam scales. These are as accurate, reliable and cheap as it gets. For pistol reloading I toss, very occasionally checking.

If you can toss everything but precision loads, where do these automatic dispensers come into play ?
 
HKMark23 said:
Apologies for the hijack, but I need some educating.

For precision reloading I use balance beam scales. These are as accurate, reliable and cheap as it gets. For pistol reloading I toss, very occasionally checking.

If you can toss everything but precision loads, where do these automatic dispensers come into play ?
Click to expand...


...is the answer not "consistency" as well as "ease of use"?
 
rmckeon said:
...is the answer not "consistency" as well as "ease of use"?
Click to expand...

To tell the truth I only use electronic dispenser for rifle loads.

For max loads in pistol cartridges where I want the loads to be very consistent I still find it slightly quicker to use my RCBS beam scale in conjunction with a LEE powder scoop and RCBS trickler.

For low-power "plinking" handgun loads I just use a RCBS powder measure.
 
I use my Chargemaster for F class and precision loads...works just fine. The balance beam is gathering dust or stored away for a power outage.:) Seriously, I find the Chargemaster to be accurate for what I shoot. I found it was frequently over-charging. I read about a simple fix. I inserted a small section of a McDonald's straw into the dispensing tube. Very rarely do I experience an over-charge.
 
if a person weighs every charge, then a Chargemaster Combo is the way to go. For one, while you're off seating your bullet, it's weighing your next charge, and will often be sitting there waiting for you to take the pan away, so it can start again. It stops you from having to trickle powder into your scale, and all that boring crap. it does it for you. That's why all of us who own them have at least one balance beam scale sitting gather dust at the back of the bench.
 
Slavex said:
if a person weighs every charge, then a Chargemaster Combo is the way to go. For one, while you're off seating your bullet, it's weighing your next charge, and will often be sitting there waiting for you to take the pan away, so it can start again. It stops you from having to trickle powder into your scale, and all that boring crap. it does it for you. That's why all of us who own them have at least one balance beam scale sitting gather dust at the back of the bench.
Click to expand...

Same same with the DPS III.
I doubt very much these two set ups are doing anything differently, and wouldn't be the least bit suprised if they were made in the same plant.
 
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