so i got my chargemaster the other day,i set my charge at 92 grains of reloader25.it stop and beeps at 92. i put it on my 505 scale and it reads 91.4 so i trickle a bit.i repeat the process.i put it on my 505 scale and now it reads 92.8.what the f^$$?did i waste $500?
rcbs chargemaster
- Thread starter grizzlyo
- Start date
The RCBS 5-0-5 scale, manufactured for RCBS by Ohaus Corp. It's a 3 poise balance scale.
I have one, and it seems to work very well (I don't have check weights, but I do know that it consistently shows a measured charge at the same value when removed, and replaced in the pan).
I also know that it can be affected by outside sources. For some reason I could not get it to measure charges consistently on my table in my room. I don't know if it's the table, the lamp mounted to it, or some other factor, but the charge weights were all over the place (measured charges that were metered say 10 rounds ago, and they wouldn't show the same value I trickled them to). I moved downstairs to a table that had no nearby influences (electronics, lamps, etc) and had no further problems. My dad put his laptop on the table briefly when he got up, and I noticed I started to have problems again with metering consistency. My guess would be that it has something to do with the magnetic dampening device, and somehow the field is upset, deflecting the beam.
I ran into issues recently with my chargemaster.. lots of info on the web if you look. Some fixes include installing plastic "McDonalds" style straws in the spout, lifting the weighed pan off the scale and then back on, using a voltage regulator, not having florescent lights nearby, let the scale warm up prior to use, leveled properly, no drafts and so on. Also heard that digital scales need a 24hr burn in period...
I just bought an Acculab-123 and have found that my Chargemaster more times then not throws on the heavy side by 0.1-.02 grns. I have an old Chargemaster and I am also experiencing the infamous "key board" glitch. Even though I am out of Warranty RCBS told me to ship it to them with $45.00 bucks to be repaired or replaced.
I firmly believe that if you are ok with +/- .2gn in your loads then the Chargemaster, or any other dispensing/weighing combo is ok. More precise then that you'll need to bump up to a better scale. When I get my chargemaster back I'll likely use it for practice ammo, and when I need precision Ammo I'll use it to throw .3 grains under the load I want, and trickle over my ACCULAB for the rest. Since loading with the Acculab my SD on my loads has dropped noticeably.
I just bought an Acculab-123 and have found that my Chargemaster more times then not throws on the heavy side by 0.1-.02 grns. I have an old Chargemaster and I am also experiencing the infamous "key board" glitch. Even though I am out of Warranty RCBS told me to ship it to them with $45.00 bucks to be repaired or replaced.
I firmly believe that if you are ok with +/- .2gn in your loads then the Chargemaster, or any other dispensing/weighing combo is ok. More precise then that you'll need to bump up to a better scale. When I get my chargemaster back I'll likely use it for practice ammo, and when I need precision Ammo I'll use it to throw .3 grains under the load I want, and trickle over my ACCULAB for the rest. Since loading with the Acculab my SD on my loads has dropped noticeably.
My Chargemaster throws within 2-4 kernels of Varget when checked with my RCBS 5-10 scale.
Depending on the powder used, when the chargemaster is trickling the last few kernels, it is possible for a clump to come out and put it over weight, the straw trick helps minimize this. I use a piece of modified .223 case rather than a straw but it does the same thing.
See HERE for some optimization tips. Worked well for mine. Copy and paste the first post into a .doc file and save for future reference.
Depending on the powder used, when the chargemaster is trickling the last few kernels, it is possible for a clump to come out and put it over weight, the straw trick helps minimize this. I use a piece of modified .223 case rather than a straw but it does the same thing.
See HERE for some optimization tips. Worked well for mine. Copy and paste the first post into a .doc file and save for future reference.
People are calibrating their Chargemaster with a 505? The Chargemaster might have an accuracy of +/- 0.1 grs, but the display is dead accurate, i.e. +/- 0. The 505 on the other hand has a "display" (the pointer) that is subjective (where exactly is centre?) and that alone would exceed +/- 0.1 grs, without even considering its inherent accuracy and consistency.
The Chargemaster comes with a set of weights, and you can buy others. Check your 505 against the weight set and the Chargemaster. Make sure you clean the 505 regularly as instructed.
I have a 505 and a 1010 (both good balance beam scales), but I use a Chargemaster 1500. I found that using a powder thrower and scale was not as accurate as the Chargemaster. It is faster though, as long as I'm doing at least 50 rounds (even checking the weight every 10th round).
The Chargemaster comes with a set of weights, and you can buy others. Check your 505 against the weight set and the Chargemaster. Make sure you clean the 505 regularly as instructed.
I have a 505 and a 1010 (both good balance beam scales), but I use a Chargemaster 1500. I found that using a powder thrower and scale was not as accurate as the Chargemaster. It is faster though, as long as I'm doing at least 50 rounds (even checking the weight every 10th round).
