RCBS Chargemaster Combo vs RCBS Chargemaster Lite

rkm456

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So I've decided it's time to add an electronic powder throw. Anyone have experience with both, or have any reason I shouldn't spring the extra 100 bucks for the combo over the lite? From what I've been able to find, the combo (in addition to having some extra features) also throws its charges faster than the lite and I definitely like that.

Any thoughts?
 
I used to have classic chargemaster combo, never tried the light
Worked ok
Don’t purchase at Cabelas
Google natchez, and check for sales. Even if based in the US it’s worth it
 
I just got the lite version a few months ago. Works great. Pretty quick from my experience. According to one u-tube vid I watched it works as quickly as the Chargemaster combo that has been reprogrammed and straw inserted in the drop tube.
 
I used to have classic chargemaster combo, never tried the light
Worked ok
Don’t purchase at Cabelas
Google natchez, and check for sales. Even if based in the US it’s worth it

The catch is that I have a bunch of Cabela's gift cards, lol.
 
Anyone know what Natchez shipping rates are like?

I got my Chargemaster Combo from them in March of last year.

Got it on sale for $260USD.

Shipping was USPS Priority Mail - $56.65. They will email you shipping options once you place the order.



Even with exchange, shipping, tax etc - landed to my door was about $140 cheaper than anywhere I could find it in Canada.

It is on for $270USD now....
http s://www.natchezss.com/rcbs-chargemaster-dispenser-and-scale-110-volt.html
 
Too bad, RCBS just had a rebate deal where you would have ended up with $175 off after spending over $400. I bought one from Natches, and after shipping/dollar conversion/custom fees (About an additional $25), it came out to almost exactly what I would have paid after the rebate from Cabela's here. Minus tax, I think. I'll be about $25 ahead after buying it from Natchez, and the rebate, lol.

Alsol, I think the lite has the same guts as the 1500, just with a lower capacity scale. The accuracy and repeatability will be the same, but it's something like max 300 grains instead of 500. Or 200 instead of 400. Either way, both are well beyond what you'd load into a single rifle cartridge, 'cept for maybe a .50?. That and the lite doesn't have the customization settings (Trickle time/speed, programmable memory , etc). But supposedly it's just as capable, without the bells and whistles of the 1500.
 
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While we're at it, anyone have experience with the Hornady Auto Charge? It seems to have mixed reviews, but I'm not one to believe every review I see on the internet.
 
No i don't have any experience with hornady.
But...
RCBS is touted the best as far as reloading/trickling scales go.
And once i got an FX120, my RCBS would now suck in comparison next to it.

So in that optic, the cheapest electronic i'd slightly consider is RCBS, and that if i didn't own an FX120
 
I had both units side by side during 3 weeks
I never wanted to use charge master afterwards and went on EE
When a unit (fx120 + auto throw + auto trickler) cost 2x more, it likely performs 1.5x more

Edit : video to my setup doing a function test for 43.5gr varget



Fx 120 will read 0.02gr accurate
Rcbs will read 0.10gr accurate

This means you can have +/- 3 kernels of varget off (each weight 0.02gr) and scale wouldn’t notice
Which translates in 6 kernels off if you consider both ends of spectrum, as in sometimes going 3 kernels lower and sometimes going 3 kernels higher

And to top it off, fx120 with auto add ons, gets your load ready more than twice as quick
 
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I was all set to order from Natchez, but once I ran the prospective numbers with the exchange rate against Cabela's sale price I figure the savings will be minimal and potentially cheaper by buying this side of the border so I ordered one up last night. They're listing it as "No Longer Available" today so we'll see how it pans out.
 
Chargemaster showed up yesterday, haven't had a chance to set it up though. My plan was to do a batch of .277 tomorrow annnnnd then I pulled a complete amateur move and stuck a case. Guess I'll have to find something else to reload.
 
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