M14 Forum

SAPPNASTY

I could not think of where else to post this review, so being that it is reloading equipment I figured the ammunition area was top choice. Here is my review of the RCBS Chargemaster 1500 Dispenser Combo! Watch the video from top to bottom as it is a three part video. Sorry, but this was my blog's first full video review and I made it a lot longer than I meant to. Feedback is welcome...

T11b

Very nice review. Good camera work and narration. I have a Chargemaster also and I agree with your assessment. Thanks.
"T"

SAPPNASTY

Thank you for the kind words!

TheTinMan

Nice review. I've been lusting for one of these units for a long time. You obviously put a lot of thought and effort into a very thorough review. Thanks!

Now I'm going to play devil's advocate since you are "publishing" your equipment reviews and you asked for feedback:

35 minutes is way too long.

Please put batteries in the smoke detector if that's what is beeping throughout the first segment.

Powder drain is on right side, not left.

Those of us who are OCD/anal retentive would suggest that you should never touch your check weights with your hands. Use tweezers so that oil, dirt, etc. don't throw off the weight, even a little bit. My Lyman check weight set came with tweezers, so I' guessing that I'm not the only one who thinks this way.

That said, I was impressed that you calibrate the scale in two steps, at 50 grams and 100 grams. Makes tons of sense and gives me more confidence in the scale.

Why not put a pound or more of powder into the powder reservoir? In my old fashioned powder measure, I get more consistent results if the reservoir is at least 2/3 full. Maybe that doesn't apply here but I don't see the point of putting in less powder than you are going to use in a given hand loading session.

I didn't realize that you could program in a load by cartridge, bullet and powder name with multiple loads for a given cartridge (or rifle). That info is very useful. However, I keep detailed load logs for each caliber and firearm. What's the problem with just referring to your notes and typing in the weight you want?

Also, I'm still working up loads a lot of the time. How easy/difficult is it to use this device to load 20 cases at 40.1 grains, another 20 at 40.6 grains, etc.?

You give the RCBS C.M. a top rating, but you didn't mention any alternatives. I really want to know why this unit is better than the Hornady L-N-L electronic scale and powder dispenser. Almost everyone says the RCBS unit is the way to go and I believe that's true, but a great review would tell me why this one is better than another that costs a third less ($215 for Hornady unit).

Lighten up on the closing. Just say "I am not a paid blogger. No sponsors. No B.S. Other guys may have different opinions." If you make too big a deal about being independent, it's a natural tendency to wonder why.

There are threads here and elsewhere with tips for tuning up the RCBS Chargemaster. Your review doesn't need to get into that, but it would be good to know that it is possible to re-program the unit to speed up the time it takes to trickle a load. There's also something about inserting a straw into the spout but I can't recall exactly what that was all about since I don't own one of these green beasties.

Honestly, I can't justify $315+ for an electronic powder scale and dispenser. Would I like one? YES, but my $90 RCBS 5-0-5 weighs charges just fine and my Hornady powder measure is very consistent (except for stick powders). I can't imagine waiting on one of these for loading pistol cases or even recreational rifle rounds. For precision hand loading, trickling isn't $300+ hard. If I competed and needed to load hundreds of cartridges at a time, then I'd probably get one.

OH B.S. I want one of these! I just can't convince myself it's worth the $$$ for my low production volume.

SAPPNASTY

Okay I will try and to respond to everything in order of the way you gave it..lol I'll try not to screw this up:

35 minute long video: Absolutely...when I went to publish the video on Youtube, I did not realize how long it was until the editing was done. Being that it was my first real full video review, I was overly cautious not to leave anything out. Note taken and I am DEFINATELY going to make my next videos waaaay shorter.

Smoke Detector: YES! I need batteriesssss!!! lol arrrrgg...those little 9v's are so damn expensive...but then again my life and my family's lives are worth more! I guess I never noticed it in the video or when I was filming because I live with it and tune it out I guess - But shame on me!

Powder drain: I'm a tard (no other response)

Weights: Never heard anything about not touching with your hands but very good point and never really thought about it. I will still probably use my hands, but will just make sure they are very clean before each calibration. Im not that advanced yet!

Amount of powder: I said that because me personally as a reloader usually only reload what I need at a time...like for a service rifle match. So I was thinking it would not be necessary to pour in a pound or more of powder when your reloading 50 rounds. I never realized that the weight of the powder could potentially make it flow better when it's dispensing. Good point.

Recalling data: Yes, with this unit you can pull it up any way you want. I was simply stating that it is easier for me to scroll through them until I get the load I want, as I only have a few programmed in. I can't remember squat and even though I have it written down, it's easier that way for me.

Working up Loads: To answer your question? As easy as pie...a few simple touches of the dial changes your weight or you can manually dispense the weight by entering it on the key pad...this is what I was referring to as more advanced material that the user needed to refer to the manual for. I wanted to cover the basics, but at over 30 minutes long it may have been over an hour if I hit everything! lol...im long winded sorry

RCBS rating: I gave it such a high standard for how well it worked for me on my bench as compared to my 5-0-5. I would gladly make a comparison to other dispensors if I could afford to buy them or have a sponsor send me one. That is why I made sure that I stated in the video that the rating is for this product and is of my own personal opinion and how it works for me.

Blogging: This is where I am most passionate about my blogging. Essentially the reason I started my blog was to give honest reviews of products...good or bad. I was tired of reading reviews (especially in magazines) that seemed to be overly rated because the writer is probably making bank. Dont get me wrong, I would love to get paid, but I feel that I would still be honest...maybe that's why no one is paying me! lol As far as sponsors go, I have sponsors...quite a few of them in fact, but we have an understanding from the beginning when we talk that if they have a crappy product, I will rate it crappy if it turns out that way for me...despite if it's free for me or not. Most companies love this and send stuff anyways...some I never hear from again...hint maybe?

Tips: In the last video, I do mention that there are tips and tricks for the unit and even mentioned the one about slowing down or speeding up the unit....I explained that I would not cover them in my blog and that the user would have to do research on their own to obtain that info. Maybe a Chargemaster tips hints and trick video???? hmmm

Buy it: Stop procrastinating and buy it! lol j/k - No but really, I loved my 5-0-5 and if you remember from the video I never once talked bad about beam type scales...because they are the most accurate and precise...BUT, they are more time consuming and can be more frustrating...but never worry, I will never NOT have a beam scale on my bench as I NEVER totally rely on electronics...when they go to sh*t, you need to know the basics...always.

I thank you for your honest opinions and feedback..this is the only way I will ever learn and get better at it. I realized some of my mistakes after posting the video, but you definately helped me with other issues I will be changing or modifying. With out people giving me feedback, I continue making loooong videos, with no batteries in my detectors and so on...lol. Again thanks for that and I hope other than those things it was informative. Answer me this one question though..lets say you were on the verge of buying (didn't care about price and wanted the RCBS) and all you wanted to make sure of is if the unit was right for you...would you be able to say that I provided enough info to you in the video for you to feel comfortable in buying and knowing what your getting...that was my whole goal.

-Sapp

SAPPNASTY

Oh and just so you know...I also consider my reloading "low production" as well...I probably load less than 200 rounds a month. But when I do, it makes it fun, easy accurate and reliable. I can focus more attention on seating the bullet or other things while the Chargemaster is doing it's thing. You'll love it if you buy it...oh and don't forget that most of RCBS's products come with a mail in rebate. I think they still have $50 off for spending over $300...not a bad incentive. Yes it takes a while to get the $$$ back, but are you in that big of a hurry? lol

TexIndian

Thanks for going to the trouble, Sappnasty.

TheTinMan

You accomplished your goal. It was a very informative review and I want one of the darned things more than ever.

Thanks for taking my earlier post in the way it was intended.

Keep up the good work!

Stg1944

I've wanted one. Now I'm gonna get one.

SAPPNASTY

Thanks guys! Tinman, I asked for feedback...you gave it. Why would I take it any other way? lol - I'll even help you guys even more here:

BUY HERE: http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pi...-and-Dispenser

HERE IS YOUR REBATE: http://www.rcbs.com/pdf/RC201_WebRebateCoupon.pdf

Now there is no excuse....with the rebate it is $280! Not much more than that Hornady unit..

dozier

Thanks SAPPNASTY for the video. As I'm still working up four loads for .308 in ten round batches, I'll still do it the old fashioned way. Once I get the loads wired in, it'll be mass production, and the Chargemaster will be the way to go. I've got about 1,500 rounds of brass ready to go. Thanks again, dozier.

82nd ABN

Best review I have ever seen on any product via video!! Kudos Sappnasty! Any chance you have or do use the RCBS case prep center? if there is anything I hear thats a drawback to it is that it does not have enough torque and bogs down. Any thoughts?

Greenhorn

I hate your review, SAPPNASTY. I hate it because now I am trying to come up with the dough to order a Chargemaster from Sinclair :)

Good job...Always wondered about them. Watched it and thought ''Wow, its that easy?!''

Thanks for putting the review together.

Rileyo63

Sappnasty...I 100% agree with your review! I've been using mine now for about 4 months and found it very easy to use (as you have described in your video). Good job and thanks for having the guts to make the video, I probably would have had powder, brass and bullets all over the floor from being too nervous!

mustanggt

2 months ago I bought one based on a review from 6mmbr web site. I love this machine. What a great tool. I took along time trying to justify spending the money. In the time that it took me to poop or get off the pot they worked out their little glitches and I've had no problems with it. Once in a while during a string it will over charge 2/10ths. No big deal just throw it back and start again. I love that it will automatically dispense the powder when I put the pan back on and I can seat the bullet and measure it and its ready to go with the next one. If you are undecided I hardily endorse it. Good review snapp.