Ruger Redhawk

I ordered one of these from Midsouth this morning. They matched Natchez’s price.

RCBS Chargemaster Dispenser and Scale - 110 Volt - Natchez Shooters Supplies

FYI for some reason Midsouth is cheaper on their shipping then the others I have used.


I read reviews at Midway. There's something like 192 of them and most were very positive.

Before I ordered it I called RCBS asking questions. They come with a 1 year warranty. Sadly it’s Made in China. What isn't today? I asked if they had a repair facility if something happens after the warranty. You can’t beat this with a stick. After the one year warranty if something was to happen to it. You send it back with a note. Enclose 45.00 and they send you a brand new unit. They are almost 500.00 reg. price. I was afraid after the warranty you were out of luck if something was to happen to it. They guy said no you won’t be left in the cold. RCBS has a rebate going on until the end of Dec.If you buy 300.00 of RCBS they will give you a 50.00 rebate. If you order some selected items they will give up to 75.00 rebate.

Twoboxer

Natchez is a good outfit, consistently lower prices than Midway. They diff between them on shipping is a higher minimum shipping charge from Natchez . . . seems to start at around $14. Order another item, and it doesn't change but for pennies, etc. It soon becaomes competitive in most case I've checked.

BTW, a competing unit from Pact . . . Digital Dispenser . . . is made in the USA.

Ruger Redhawk

I agree Natchez has lower prices than Midway. I've dealt with Midsouth for years. I've ordered from Midway before but I always compare prices so Midway usually doesn't get my business. I would have checked in the Pactif I had known. A friend of mine had a digital Pact scale and he had nothing but trouble with it.

Not long ago I was going to order some Hogue grips and other stuff from Natchez. When I went to check out and got the shipping I stopped.Ordered the exact same stuff from Midsouth and it was almost 6.00 less for shipping.

Ruger Redhawk

Nobody seems to be interested in this. I just wanted to tell of the service I got from Midsouth.I ordered this late morning Thursday the 20th. I got it today the 22nd(Sat). I didn't know Fed Ex delievers on Sat. So far I like what I'm seeing.It appears to be well made. I haven't tried or played with it yet.

Twoboxer

You haven't played with it yet !?!

Got my Pact yesterday. Set it up, calibrated scale and dispenser, and did 100 x .223 (~25gr H335 spherical) and 50 x 30-06 (~55gr IMR4350 sticks). I thoroughly enjoyed the process!

The spherical (H335) hit the target weight ~90% of the time, and was 0.1gr short the rest. A finger flick or two at the dispenser dropped the remaining 0.1gr.

The tubes (IMR4350) were probably 60% on the target weight and 40% 0.1gr below. Enjoying the accuracy, I put some spare powder on a folded index card and slid in single stick(s) to hit the weight.

So the dispenser was 100% at either the target weight or 0.1gr below. I weighed 20 to 25 loads of both types on the Lee balance beam scale pre-set to the target weight, and all weights verified correct.

While I didn't time the dispensing, powder for round#2 was always ready before round#1 was charged, set, crimped and in the finished tray using 2 dies on a 4-hole Lee Classic Turret press. So there is no longer any time advantage for me to powder charge on the press. I've gained powder accuracy at no loss to my previous production speed.

If/When I get tired of enjoying this process, I may do a full video review

MidLife

I have it and like it very much

here's some photos:

James6591

Question.
Why is all RCBS gear green ?
Or is it just all the RCBS gear that I have ?
Thinking further on that, maybe for the same reason Dillon gear is blue.

Ruger Redhawk

I opened it up and looked at it was about all I've done so far. I haven't even read the entire instructions yet. Hopefully I'll play with it real soon.I had a busy weekend and was at the range all morning today.

I'm glad your happy with the PACT.

Yep MidLife that's the same one. I'm glad you're happy with it.

Iowegan

If you want to step back in time to the early 80's, here is my AMT AutoScale Powder Measure. It uses an Ohaus scale (just like a RCBS 510). Simple concept ... just set the poise weights to the desired charge weight and press the yellow button. The high speed auger will start dispensing powder then when it gets close to the desired weight, the high speed auger shuts off and the low speed auger kicks in to trickle up to exact weight. The green knob is adjusted for when you want the high speed auger to stop. Had I not already owned this very accurate "antique" measure, I would buy a RCBS Chargemaster in a heartbeat.

Ruger Redhawk

Thanks Iowegan, That is a neat set up. I didn't know they had that fancy stuff back in the 80's. I'm impressed with that. You wouldn't have any need for that Chargemaster when you have that AMT. I appreciate your comment though.

"Had I not already owned this very accurate "antique" measure, I would buy a RCBS Chargemaster in a heartbeat."

I was hoping I didn't make a mistake. I'm sure you know allot more about the Chargemaster or this type then I do. It must be pretty good that you would buy one in a heartbeat.

Iowegan

Ruger Redhawk, One of my shooting buddies has a RCBS Chargemaster 1500. When he first bought it last year, we "put it through the paces" and tried several different powders and charge weights. Like my old AMT, it favors larger charge weights and is especially good for rifle cases. Extruded powder doesn't meter worth a hoot in standard powder measures but it worked perfect with the Chargemaster, as do all other types of powder. With light charges for handgun loads, it wasn't quite as perfect and usually dropped a tenth or so low .... no problem, just press the "trickle" key and squirt out a few extra kernels.

If you load with a single stage press, you can develop a nice pace by pressing the "DISP" key then seat a bullet while the Chargemaster is cranking out a new charge. By the time you pull the handle and seat a bullet, your powder charge is ready to pour in the case. I think you will really enjoy it ... great piece of modern equipment!!

Ruger Redhawk

Thanks for the info Iowegan. I've use an old Rockchucker for years and have no plans on getting anything different so this should work out good. I appreciate the pointers and tips.

I've been meaning to email you. Did you ever decide to do one of your manuals for the 1911's? I know you had plans. I haven't seen anything about them.Please keep me in mind if and when you do one.

Thanks.
Frank

Claybirds

It seems like everyone has these dispensers on sale, (or at least cheaper than they used to be) I wonder if RCBS is coming out with something new?

Ruger Redhawk

You might have something there. Every place I looked they were way lower than the MSRP. Maybe they are cleaning out the old inventory and making room for a new model.

terry_p

I have had the combo 3 years (if memory serves me) and love it. It may be off 1/10 every now and then but usually is right there with the weight. I get in a rhythm with it as I drop the powder, dump it in the case and while it is dropping the next load into the pan I seat and crimp the bullet. All my loads have powder and all are within the accuracy of my scale. For me it is a great set up as I don't need high volume, 500 rounds at a time loading.