With a 50 year background as a software and systems engineer, I fully appreciate your thorough and logical approach to doing a "how to" video amd a product review. All I can say is "More, more, more .."
...my absolute gold standard for the past 50 years has been the RCBS branded Ohaus micrometer adjustable scale I got in the RCBS 'Ammo Crafter Kit' I bought through the Illesheim Rod & Gun Club in Germany in 1973...
I have the chargemaster light. I have to re zero every 8-10 charges because it drifts. I’ve tried everything. It sits on a grounded pad to stop static from building up. I learned my lesson I loaded 100 rounds for my 6.5 creed. I was using it in auto mode. When I was done I realized that the scale drifted 0.6 grains. I was kind pissed off. It would of been bad if I was loading on the upper end of max. So now I use it in manual so I can check that the scale is at zero before I hit GO.
@@bryanmarks4070 I had an issue with my lyman manual scale. Turns out the power supply (rated a 6.5v when the batteries on 4.5v) was flaky. I switch the plug for a USB power supply. Rock solid. For a test I tried a bench power supply and it was far too noisy. The scale was drifting without a load and didnt stop.
@@bryanmarks4070 yea .6 grains off sucks man, but .6 grains ain’t gonna blow your rifle. Most rifles can handle at minim , 50 percent of what we usually see as max loads and pressures.
I just got one delivered and loaded my first 20 rounds with it. I'm a distance shooter and I look for accuracy and repeatability in every step of reloading. I was super impressed with this device. In match mode at the slowest speed it accurately dropped powder in less than a minute and all were within .01 grains as confirmed on my FX. So all I can say is, does anyone want to buy an FX? :) I'll make you a deal. Now, this thing is not for everyone based on the price, but I can't argue about the accuracy/price point, there just isn't any comparison.
As a mixed discipline engineer and product designer.....I believe the dispenser and the scale should be separate devices. The scale/balance can be treated carefully and the dispenser can be flipped and shaken without worry.
All that plastic just intensifies static just like the previous models, and a strain gauge scale still blows my mind at that price range. They better get off there high horse and lower that price to $400 if they plan to sell them to anyone that isn't brain dead.
You should have placed the charge master in match mode to check its accuracy. It was likely rounding up to the nearest decimal point. In match mode it reads to the hundredths of a grain.
@@danphelps368 Because I can do the exact same thing at a much lower price. A good manual powder measure and scales will get you results that are just as good, just an investment in time and I do enjoy my time reloading.
@@danphelps368 Because this is ludicrously over priced for what it is. Any of Redding's competition powder measures will do the same job for 200 bucks.
Dan Phelps you are totally wrong my friend when you say buying factory ammo is cheaper. Example = black hills 62gr TSX Barnes runs about $1.50 per round. I can make that same round for .80 cents. Not just because you like driving fast you have to buy a McLaren. Just saying!!
Love the speed, a whole lot easier than using a spoon and scale. I think you need to remind folks how important it is to store the powders in their original containers when they are actually loading. Thanks for another great video!
I‘ve measured the throws I am getting from my Chargemaster lite (rated 0.1gn accuracy) on my FX-300i and - depending on the powder - the charges are in a range of 0.15 - 0.20gn so it seems their rating is more like a +/- While that‘s certainly enough for decent precision, I can throw more consistent charges with my Redding BR-30. Would love to see some charges of this dispenser measured on a precision scale to get an impression of the real consistency.
Somebody needs to make a an electronic powder dispenser which dispenses INTO A CARTRIDGE CASE instead of a pan. Instead of a pan, there is a shell holder. You insert the case, press START, the scale zeroes to the case weight and drops powder into the case directly with the aid of a funnel that catches the powder from the dispensing tubes.
That will be a hassle. Now you will have to make sure every case weighs the same and then you will have to group your cases in different weights. Then ever group will have to start with a Tare before proceeding.
@@1spitkitty I think you are confusing calibration and zeroing. We are not using the cartridge case as the calibration weight just like we are not using the powder pan as the calibration weight. --- Without changing the calibration, when you insert the cartridge case and press the button, the scale zeroes to the weight of the case irrespective of what it may be. It then measures the change in weight as the powder drops. If you input 44.2 grains the measure drops when the case becomes 44.2 +- 0.05 gr heavier than it was when you pressed START. -- The point is that there is no need to take a pan with powder and pour the powder into the case. The measure drops powder directly into the case. No spills, no chance for idiot double charging, perfect for the precision reloader.
@@dwightlooi Ah' so this unit will zero itself before every charge? Ok. That makes everything different. So it will Tare automatically before it it charges.
Gavin, been impatiently waiting for your promised follow up on this. Thanks for this vid - great as always. The powder drain process seems really clunky and prone for extreme frustration. I'm also a little concerned about exactly how sensitive/accurate the scale truly is if you are talking, waving your hands and bumping your bench (which I know is solid....but) all above an uncovered weight pan. My precision scale wouldn't tolerate than and I wonder how a scale that claims the level of precision this one claims can maintain in that environment? If the final work product does, in fact, work something similar to your video then this will save a lot of time vs. rough weighing on a Chargemaster and verifying/final weighing on a pharm scale.
Gosh, I assumed street price would be $450 to $500. At $900 intro street price, I can't imagine they're going to sell many of these. Stupid price point aside, the drain seems like a point of concern. I don't think I'd like to pick up an ultra sensitive scale ($1124 MSRP) and smack it repeatedly to get the powder out of it.
@@OkieFarming, agreed. I bought my Chargemaster Lite new for $160 (Cablea's Bargain Cave + Veteran discount) and it gives me accuracy that allows consistent .250" groups and a best of .120" from my match rifle.
Randy Emerson I’m thinking the same thing. I bought my chargemaster and RCBS rock chucker supreme from Cabela’s for 269 for the kit and the chargemaster and they had $175 rebate if you spent 500. So for $363 I got an entire reloading setup a few years back. That was a great deal. With the chargemaster and the kit I have been able to load several 1/4 MOA loads for a few rifles. If the rifle is capable I’m able to get the best out of it with just the plain chargemaster .
Sean Lockner while I do agree the price of this unit is insane, the 0.04gn accuracy is also 2.5x of what you get from the 0.1gn accuracy of the frankford arsenal. Basically all other electronic dispensers are stuck with that 0.1gn accuracy - with a little practice you can get that accuracy from a drum dispenser
Very interesting.....I have the Chargemaster Lite and use it as a standard with which to measure other powder measure/dispensers. If you provide feedback to RCBS, let me suggest that it appears that the audio feedback (beep--beep) seems to be missing on the Matchmaster and I think it really is one of the features of the Chargemaster Lite that makes a big positive difference. Also, you might consider starting a special powder dispenser club for folks that have left the drain open and tried to fill the hopper. I know at least two potential members. Thank you for the review.
They should have a self-calibrate mode where it learns the behavior of your particular powder on a few test throws. With this hardware I'm sure they could squeeze a little more out of the cycle times, but few users will understand the settings well enough to tune it to that level.
@@xenonram There is a high potential for an accidental dropping of a an expensive piece of equipment, such as this! Unless one to put it on some type of dedicated riser mount, so as to access the straw to empty the hopper, is that a better explanation for you?For the time being, I'l stand fast with my Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper, it's a solid performer. It's like people are on Recruit Difficulty around here.
Definitely a no go for the price point. Along with the amount of time it takes to finish a load. Now if it was half the price, then it would be a much more interesting option.
A cheaper and more accurate end result is to get the RCBS chargemaster lite, an electric trickler and a lab grade scale in grains (A&D EJ123) accurate to 0.02gr (2× more accurate than the above shown product) around $600-$650 for all 3, but much slower. Hundreds of shooters complain of sudden inaccuracies of dispensers, is mostly due to static electricity in the plastic, acrylic parts. Clean all these surfaces with an amonia free glass cleaner, get an ESD soldering matt which grounds to Earth ground. I even run a earth ground wire to the body of the dispenser. I have zero static. Lights and magnetic items need to be 45+ inches away. You'll know you have static when the powder sticks to the clear tube.
Price point on it is WAY to high for an RCBS powder dispenser. And it’s horrible that it requires you to lift it up to drain out the powder. I’ll stick with my pair of Chargemaster lites and use the extra $500 dollars I would have had spend to buy this for bullets and powder. I wouldn’t even entertain buying it if it were half of the price they are asking based solely on the powder drain location. I can get a damn nice scientific balance for less than that thing nowadays. Buy a Harrell’s powder dispenser and scientific balance and trickler for the same cost and be faster and just as accurate if not more, AND I don’t need to worry about dropping them during powder draining. A big huge pass for me on this machine. Great review Gavin, just not a great product!
GAVIN 😎 I have watched several of your videos on digital reloading scales. I wanted to ask if you would consider doing a video on the topic comparing several of the different units side-by-side, and verify the accuracy of the scales with your lab scale. “Do any of the smaller scales compare in precision next to the RCBS matchmaster?” Thanks so much for your consideration on this topic. ~Casey
I noticed that both scales were not level when you did the weight comparison. That alone makes a huge difference in how accurate the scale is going to be.
@@xenonram The Intellidropper is junk! I bought it based in part on Gavin's recommendation. That thing will drift +.10 gr continuously, about every 8-10 seconds. I recorded a video of it and sent it to the mfg when i was trying to get it to work. First I was told to adjust a screw on the bottom. Then, it was sent back for a new one from the mfg. It was just as bad. Finally after several more back and forth emails, the mfg told me in so many words "too bad, all scales drift" and they stopped responding to me.
@@michaeldankert792, there's a review that puts the Chargemaster Lite against the Frankford, and the RCBS wins it in terms of accuracy and consistency.
My comparison is RCBS wins. My BRAND new Intelludropper wouldn’t do anything, brand new out of the box. 200 paper weight, plus specs per specs says intellidropper is nearly as precise. For precision rifle, you need precision weighing....
The previous model was particularly bad. RCBS was forced to release a new device. I did some tests on my channel and showed how unreliable the previous model is (unfortunately only in German). I no longer trust RCBS. At the beginning everything was fine - but not later. I am now using the 10-10. At that time, RCBS still delivered good quality. Still a good video! Thank you. greetings Tom from germany
Wish they would have put wind screen on a hinge. Both the new models fall with regards to the wind screen. I was very excited about this powder dispenser when introduced, but not so much now. I say that due to the wind screen, bottom drain vs. side drain “preference” and price closing on that of the AutoTrickler.
It will sell because rcbs is on amazon and is easily accessible. People who are just getting into reloading wont know about fx and hop straight on this “match dispenser.” Only the people who have done their research and frequent the forums will want a fx or Sartorius.
@@MikoMuru LOL. as of 9/2020 there are 4 reviews on Amazon, 54% of which are three stars and below. This was designed by a committee, especially the drinking straw trick coming out the bottom of the unit. Are you kidding me? $900. dollars? 1 year warranty? Another marketing driven design.
I have been using this about a year now. We shoot 1000yd benchrest it is expensive. But Will shrink your groups! Period we weigh measure and sort everything!
Manual powder drop dispenser for pistol powders and auto dispensers for flake powders is 10 times faster then when coupled with a five station press. It will drop powder pretty dam close to this scale for 10 times cheaper. Plus you can drop the thing and it wont hurt it. The Lyman Gen 6 is all you need if you want a accurate gain powder load because it doesn’t chop the grains but dropping accurate loads with in a thousandth isn’t the only thing that will help with accuracy folks can’t even resize prepare or even crimp bullets right master all that first before you blow $900
I currently use a regular RCBS Chargemaster Combo to get within about 1 to 1.5 grain of my chosen load and then move the charge over to measure the load and finish it off with a trickler on a smaller, more accurate scale. I don't really care about how fast or slow the first part of the process is because while the Chargemaster is doing that, I use the time to visually check the case I just finished pouring the last load in to be sure it didn't receive way too much or not enough powder or got skipped maybe and then set whatever bullets I am going to later seat to indicate to me that it has been charged AND visually checked. I never really just stand there staring at the first stage of charging process with nothing to do but wish it was faster. This method seems to give me good results with SDs down into the single digit range fairly consistently so I'm thinking that my powder measuring part of the reloading routine (I also use bushing dies and a "hard stop" case length/ chamfering trimmer) is precise enough. At this time, though that new RCBS has me doing some wishful thinking, I just CAN'T justify spending nearly 900 bucks (plus shipping and taxes!!) that wouldn't really gain me anything. MAYBE, just MAYBE, I'll go for one after some time goes by and (hopefully) the price settles downward to somewhere more reasonable.
I know this is a really old video. With that said, I have a strange question. In standard mode, is the match master still more accurate than the the charge master?
Thank you for the video but did I missed something? Speed? check. Precision? check. What about consistency? I can be patient, and I can adjust for precision, what I want/need is consistency.
How much difference is .08 grains (0.00001 Lbs) really going to make compared to the "low quality" auto tricklers? Worth the extra $700? Also you can get the Autotrickler V3 with a scale for $940 which has the same accuracy if not better and puts out loads much quicker.
It's a nice dispenser, the issue is the price. I have a Charger Lite for the bulk drop(for a 25gr I set to 24.8gr),then move the powder to a pan on a precision scale(0.001g) to trickle the last 0.2gr. While I trickle the last part (I use a Hornady vibrator trickler) and drop into the case, the Charger Lite is dropping the next charge. Essentially, I am doing the same, and when I get into a rhythm it is a little faster, but not by much. I would consider one if it was priced twice of the Charger Lite, but not what I've seen.
Very similar workflow for rifle with the FA Intellidropper, precision scale & trickler. For pistol, the Intellidropper alone is accurate to 0.05 gn (verified every 10 or so throws with the precision scale). Loading on a turret press, the next charge is ready by the time I seat and crimp. Intellidropper sits at the bench edge so easy to empty. $900, strain guage & bottom empty - big mistake for RCBS.
The price is very high and rcbs has always been high over the last 15 years. I wish they would cut their margin a bit to make it more attractive to everyone.
Interesting... but I think the price needs to come down... very similar less the .04 accuracy to the other Chargemasters on the market....Gavin you need some bounce dryer sheets on your loading bench for anti-static preps.... they work great. ! Thx for sharing.
I wish the accuracy test between the two you used the match accuracy test to see if it rounded up to .2 or if it was .16. I don’t like the bottom powder dispenser. Good review.
Gavin - can you do a head-to-head of between this and the V3? That would be hugely beneficial and something that anyone in the market would be directly comparing...or trying to with limited real world data out there.
I was gonna get a V3 but when I found out that I wouldn’t get it till next spring, I said F that and am happy with rcbs. Waiting 8-10 months on a scale? That’s a bummer
As with all strain gage scales, the new RCBS thrower still exhibits all of the same shortcomings. ie, slow, sensitive, and prone to drifting. I don't know what good adding the additional decimal place does when the thrower still struggles to dispense a small rifle cartridge worth of powder under 20 seconds.
Wondering what you're basing the "prone to drifting" on? From my article: Two-Day Drift Test: Here was my "acid test" for drift: Start with scale turned on, warmed up, zeroed, Leave scale on for two days, Check zero again. After performing the above test, the display read "0.0" - and that's pretty amazing!
Its interesting. Like the accuracy. Seems a tad slow. The powder calibration on the Frankford Arsenal seems better... And certainly much easier to empty than the RCBS. Lastly... Is it really $900??????? My god.
Can I load black powder with it? If not can I use just the scale without dispensing anything to measure black powder? Maybe a stupid question, but I'm new to electronic scales. Thank you
I've been handloading for over 35 years and have never felt that powder charges needed to be weighed to the second decimal place. I believe that the powder charge sweet spot is not a spot at all but rather a window. The smaller the case, the smaller the window. The larger the case, the larger the window. Two-tenths of a grain for .22 Hornet and similar and .5 grain for Ultra Mags. Powder charges falling anywhere inside those windows will give the same barrel vibrations. I've proved it to myself many times by shooting groups with ammo loaded at the lower and upper range of the window. I've tested most of the more inexpensive dispensers. No way I'm spending my hard-earned bling on the Matchmaster when it simply isn't needed.
Like he said at the beginning, your use case will determine your need for this device. You don't need the accuracy. Other people shooting or past a grand and trying to minimize group size, are going to want to minimize all variables. Even something as simple as reaming and chamfering the flash hole will be done to minimize variables.
I have a Hornady auto charge that is frequently off. I take the powder charge and put it on my balance scale. It’s off by as much as 0.4 grains depending on powder type. I’d like to see how these charges compare on a balance scale. For $900 this better NEVER be off more than 0.02 grains!
Can you also review the Lyman Gen 6 Powder Dispenser. Id like your in depth review and knowledge on that specific model, and looking through your videos I don't see if you have already reviewed this. Thanks
Nice video. I hope that there is a market for this product. I am not sure I see a reason to want one. It seems like a novelty. The accuracy seems noteworthy. Is it needed ? A beam scale is still the gold standard needed for hand loading. The reason RCBS made this product is interesting. I wonder what the projected annual sales will be ? I suspect they will sell out each year to maintain demand. I can't see myself choosing this over doing a charge by hand with a beam scale, powder dispenser & trickler. The warm up time lets you fill a lot of cases in a loading block. I am not sure it is any faster once up and running. It is something new and targeted towards the elite shooting class.
You cant bleed off static using a ground strap, the static does not travel well enough through plastic it collects on the surface. However... and this is a new development... in 3d printing there are conductive filaments which are not very conductive but would allow grounding of plastic. I assume they cant be made transparent... so if that isnt critical they should be able to do it.
Gavin, whats your thoughts on this vs say the A&D FX120i and autotrickler? I want to update my reloading equipment and I want decent to top of the line.... so looking for a suggestion / options
When you compare the RCBS Chargemaster at $380 vs. the Matchmaster at $900, do you think it's worth explaining why 2.4x the price for the Matchmaster is worth it in practical terms?
My only issue is I have many different types of powder and could only justify this if i made many rounds of the same recipe. I could buy 6 hornady powder measures plus a powder trickler per unit and always keep them with the same powder for they price of one match master...
For some reason I can't help but suspect this unit is neither as fast or as accurate as my Redding BR-30 powder measure. And changing powders or charge weight on my powder measure or simply cleaning up when i am finished is definitely quicker than what this thing would be.
sweet scale but i agree the lrice point is way over the top. if i was paid to shoot that precise or was paid to load that precise i could justify it. so i think this was geared towards to uber high end shooters. for me my gen 6 lyman is safe on the bench 😁
The $400 ChargeMaster 1500 needs a free McDonalds straw to dispense the same charge consistently, and now for $900 maybe I won’t need the free straw? You fooled me once RCBS ...
With a 50 year background as a software and systems engineer, I fully appreciate your thorough and logical approach to doing a "how to" video amd a product review. All I can say is "More, more, more .."
Aye, Gavin, it seems like any other powder dispenser. A for accuracy. B for looks. I'm not too keen on emptying the powder from the bottom!
The accuracy of that RCBS unit is impressive. I’ve seen other videos comparing this machine and it looks really good.
...my absolute gold standard for the past 50 years has been the RCBS branded Ohaus micrometer adjustable scale I got in the RCBS 'Ammo Crafter Kit' I bought through the Illesheim Rod & Gun Club in Germany in 1973...
Gavin, now load 100 cartridges without recalibrating and check the weight on your FX to see how much this RCBS drifts over a load session.
Niles Coyote indeed, would have loved to see a charge check with the fx-120
I have the chargemaster light. I have to re zero every 8-10 charges because it drifts. I’ve tried everything. It sits on a grounded pad to stop static from building up. I learned my lesson I loaded 100 rounds for my 6.5 creed. I was using it in auto mode. When I was done I realized that the scale drifted 0.6 grains. I was kind pissed off. It would of been bad if I was loading on the upper end of max. So now I use it in manual so I can check that the scale is at zero before I hit GO.
@@bryanmarks4070 i know how you feel i use mine in auto i go .2 below what i want then put it on the manual scales to check and trickle in what i need
@@bryanmarks4070 I had an issue with my lyman manual scale. Turns out the power supply (rated a 6.5v when the batteries on 4.5v) was flaky. I switch the plug for a USB power supply. Rock solid. For a test I tried a bench power supply and it was far too noisy. The scale was drifting without a load and didnt stop.
@@bryanmarks4070 yea .6 grains off sucks man, but .6 grains ain’t gonna blow your rifle. Most rifles can handle at minim , 50 percent of what we usually see as max loads and pressures.
Glad to see the comparisons of the charge weights across both scales as a verification...Looking like a great dispensing scale setup from RCBS!
I just got one delivered and loaded my first 20 rounds with it. I'm a distance shooter and I look for accuracy and repeatability in every step of reloading. I was super impressed with this device. In match mode at the slowest speed it accurately dropped powder in less than a minute and all were within .01 grains as confirmed on my FX. So all I can say is, does anyone want to buy an FX? :) I'll make you a deal. Now, this thing is not for everyone based on the price, but I can't argue about the accuracy/price point, there just isn't any comparison.
As a mixed discipline engineer and product designer.....I believe the dispenser and the scale should be separate devices. The scale/balance can be treated carefully and the dispenser can be flipped and shaken without worry.
Gonna stick with my Chargemaster Lite. Love it. Great dispenser for the price!
All that plastic just intensifies static just like the previous models, and a strain gauge scale still blows my mind at that price range. They better get off there high horse and lower that price to $400 if they plan to sell them to anyone that isn't brain dead.
You should have placed the charge master in match mode to check its accuracy. It was likely rounding up to the nearest decimal point.
In match mode it reads to the hundredths of a grain.
Gonna have to give it a huge "no-go" based on that price point...
I agree Hank
Why get into handloading if youre afraid of spending money? Be alot cheaper to just buy factory ammo
@@danphelps368 Because I can do the exact same thing at a much lower price. A good manual powder measure and scales will get you results that are just as good, just an investment in time and I do enjoy my time reloading.
@@danphelps368 Because this is ludicrously over priced for what it is. Any of Redding's competition powder measures will do the same job for 200 bucks.
Dan Phelps you are totally wrong my friend when you say buying factory ammo is cheaper.
Example = black hills 62gr TSX Barnes runs about $1.50 per round. I can make that same round for .80 cents. Not just because you like driving fast you have to buy a McLaren. Just saying!!
Love the speed, a whole lot easier than using a spoon and scale. I think you need to remind folks how important it is to store the powders in their original containers when they are actually loading. Thanks for another great video!
I‘ve measured the throws I am getting from my Chargemaster lite (rated 0.1gn accuracy) on my FX-300i and - depending on the powder - the charges are in a range of 0.15 - 0.20gn so it seems their rating is more like a +/-
While that‘s certainly enough for decent precision, I can throw more consistent charges with my Redding BR-30.
Would love to see some charges of this dispenser measured on a precision scale to get an impression of the real consistency.
Somebody needs to make a an electronic powder dispenser which dispenses INTO A CARTRIDGE CASE instead of a pan. Instead of a pan, there is a shell holder. You insert the case, press START, the scale zeroes to the case weight and drops powder into the case directly with the aid of a funnel that catches the powder from the dispensing tubes.
That will be a hassle.
Now you will have to make sure every case weighs the same and then you will have to group your cases in different weights.
Then ever group will have to start with a Tare before proceeding.
@@1spitkitty I think you are confusing calibration and zeroing. We are not using the cartridge case as the calibration weight just like we are not using the powder pan as the calibration weight.
---
Without changing the calibration, when you insert the cartridge case and press the button, the scale zeroes to the weight of the case irrespective of what it may be. It then measures the change in weight as the powder drops. If you input 44.2 grains the measure drops when the case becomes 44.2 +- 0.05 gr heavier than it was when you pressed START.
--
The point is that there is no need to take a pan with powder and pour the powder into the case. The measure drops powder directly into the case. No spills, no chance for idiot double charging, perfect for the precision reloader.
@@dwightlooi
Ah' so this unit will zero itself before every charge?
Ok. That makes everything different.
So it will Tare automatically before it it charges.
Things just keep getting better and better. It’s crazy. Unfortunately the continued to get more expensive too 😂.
Just got one of these. Its so cool. hopefully i watch this review and you think so too. i always watch reviews after i buy.
@ 4:20 ----> the windscreen is important, but most people don't realize CELLPHONES being close (
Gavin, been impatiently waiting for your promised follow up on this. Thanks for this vid - great as always. The powder drain process seems really clunky and prone for extreme frustration.
I'm also a little concerned about exactly how sensitive/accurate the scale truly is if you are talking, waving your hands and bumping your bench (which I know is solid....but) all above an uncovered weight pan. My precision scale wouldn't tolerate than and I wonder how a scale that claims the level of precision this one claims can maintain in that environment?
If the final work product does, in fact, work something similar to your video then this will save a lot of time vs. rough weighing on a Chargemaster and verifying/final weighing on a pharm scale.
Good review. I will stick with my AutoTricker. I had an older RCBS scale fail out of warranty. No more RCBS electronics for me. Their dies are good.
Over at Midway they have it listed, in stock 11/20 for $899 (List price $1123.95) OUCH!
HOLY COW!!!! I WAS READY TO BUY ONE, YOU KNOW WHAT, I AM GONNA GET THE $199.00 MODEL, TRUST ME IT WILL DO THE JOB AND THEN SOME.😉👉
@@Plainsimple67 Holy shit 899! fuck that. I agree the $200 model will do the exact same thing
What the actual????
@@JFT803 for sure.
Emptying that thing sucks! I have a hard time shaking my precision scales!
Would be nice if the scale portion detached for the powder changes.
Try using canned air
Gosh, I assumed street price would be $450 to $500. At $900 intro street price, I can't imagine they're going to sell many of these.
Stupid price point aside, the drain seems like a point of concern. I don't think I'd like to pick up an ultra sensitive scale ($1124 MSRP) and smack it repeatedly to get the powder out of it.
Functions like my chargemaster lite, that price is the killer, just a Chargemaster lite with lipstick on
I can't see any advantage over my chargemaster. In fact, the price and powder drain being on the bottom would be a killer for me
@@OkieFarming, agreed. I bought my Chargemaster Lite new for $160 (Cablea's Bargain Cave + Veteran discount) and it gives me accuracy that allows consistent .250" groups and a best of .120" from my match rifle.
Randy Emerson I’m thinking the same thing. I bought my chargemaster and RCBS rock chucker supreme from Cabela’s for 269 for the kit and the chargemaster and they had $175 rebate if you spent 500. So for $363 I got an entire reloading setup a few years back. That was a great deal. With the chargemaster and the kit I have been able to load several 1/4 MOA loads for a few rifles. If the rifle is capable I’m able to get the best out of it with just the plain chargemaster .
its like a slower version of the frankford arsenal electronic dropper, but at a mere 4x(or more!) the price! what a deal.
Sean Lockner while I do agree the price of this unit is insane, the 0.04gn accuracy is also 2.5x of what you get from the 0.1gn accuracy of the frankford arsenal. Basically all other electronic dispensers are stuck with that 0.1gn accuracy - with a little practice you can get that accuracy from a drum dispenser
Very interesting.....I have the Chargemaster Lite and use it as a standard with which to measure other powder measure/dispensers. If you provide feedback to RCBS, let me suggest that it appears that the audio feedback (beep--beep) seems to be missing on the Matchmaster and I think it really is one of the features of the Chargemaster Lite that makes a big positive difference. Also, you might consider starting a special powder dispenser club for folks that have left the drain open and tried to fill the hopper. I know at least two potential members. Thank you for the review.
They should have a self-calibrate mode where it learns the behavior of your particular powder on a few test throws. With this hardware I'm sure they could squeeze a little more out of the cycle times, but few users will understand the settings well enough to tune it to that level.
Just bought one it's going to be awesome
That's an expensive dropsy waiting to happen, when emptying! How many drops can a precision balance/scale take?
People who use words like "dropsy," will DEFINITELY be more prone to dropping it. Right?
@@xenonram There is a high potential for an accidental dropping of a an expensive piece of equipment, such as this! Unless one to put it on some type of dedicated riser mount, so as to access the straw to empty the hopper, is that a better explanation for you?For the time being, I'l stand fast with my Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper, it's a solid performer. It's like people are on Recruit Difficulty around here.
Definitely a no go for the price point. Along with the amount of time it takes to finish a load.
Now if it was half the price, then it would be a much more interesting option.
What an amazing scale 😍 Looks like you get what you pay for.
A cheaper and more accurate end result is to get the RCBS chargemaster lite, an electric trickler and a lab grade scale in grains (A&D EJ123) accurate to 0.02gr (2× more accurate than the above shown product) around $600-$650 for all 3, but much slower.
Hundreds of shooters complain of sudden inaccuracies of dispensers, is mostly due to static electricity in the plastic, acrylic parts. Clean all these surfaces with an amonia free glass cleaner, get an ESD soldering matt which grounds to Earth ground. I even run a earth ground wire to the body of the dispenser. I have zero static. Lights and magnetic items need to be 45+ inches away.
You'll know you have static when the powder sticks to the clear tube.
Price point on it is WAY to high for an RCBS powder dispenser. And it’s horrible that it requires you to lift it up to drain out the powder. I’ll stick with my pair of Chargemaster lites and use the extra $500 dollars I would have had spend to buy this for bullets and powder. I wouldn’t even entertain buying it if it were half of the price they are asking based solely on the powder drain location. I can get a damn nice scientific balance for less than that thing nowadays. Buy a Harrell’s powder dispenser and scientific balance and trickler for the same cost and be faster and just as accurate if not more, AND I don’t need to worry about dropping them during powder draining.
A big huge pass for me on this machine.
Great review Gavin, just not a great product!
GAVIN 😎 I have watched several of your videos on digital reloading scales.
I wanted to ask if you would consider doing a video on the topic comparing several of the different units side-by-side, and verify the accuracy of the scales with your lab scale.
“Do any of the smaller scales compare in precision next to the RCBS matchmaster?”
Thanks so much for your consideration on this topic.
~Casey
I noticed that both scales were not level when you did the weight comparison. That alone makes a huge difference in how accurate the scale is going to be.
Yeah that price is gonna have to be halved for me to justify..... that's crazy
Utterly crazy. $900 bucks. Way to price yourself out of the market!!!
Double the speed of the charge master and More accuracy dubble the price
@@jadoncampbell2740 Same price as the more accurate FX-120i and Auto Thrower/Auto Trickler 3.0
I’d like to see a side by side comparison with the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper?
Considering it's 4x the cost of the Intellidropper, I'd say the Intellidropper is a much better value.
@@xenonram The Intellidropper is junk! I bought it based in part on Gavin's recommendation. That thing will drift +.10 gr continuously, about every 8-10 seconds. I recorded a video of it and sent it to the mfg when i was trying to get it to work. First I was told to adjust a screw on the bottom. Then, it was sent back for a new one from the mfg. It was just as bad. Finally after several more back and forth emails, the mfg told me in so many words "too bad, all scales drift" and they stopped responding to me.
@@michaeldankert792, there's a review that puts the Chargemaster Lite against the Frankford, and the RCBS wins it in terms of accuracy and consistency.
My comparison is RCBS wins. My BRAND new Intelludropper wouldn’t do anything, brand new out of the box. 200 paper weight, plus specs per specs says intellidropper is nearly as precise. For precision rifle, you need precision weighing....
The previous model was particularly bad. RCBS was forced to release a new device. I did some tests on my channel and showed how unreliable the previous model is (unfortunately only in German). I no longer trust RCBS. At the beginning everything was fine - but not later. I am now using the 10-10. At that time, RCBS still delivered good quality. Still a good video! Thank you. greetings Tom from germany
Wish they would have put wind screen on a hinge. Both the new models fall with regards to the wind screen. I was very excited about this powder dispenser when introduced, but not so much now. I say that due to the wind screen, bottom drain vs. side drain “preference” and price closing on that of the AutoTrickler.
I live under a rock so this is very exciting to me. I hope this is a good product.
Duck Slayer get an AutoTrickler V3 with the FX120i scale. Much better
No thanks. This unit isn’t going to sell well at all. The AutoTrickler V3 setup is 3x faster, more accurate and in the same price range. Hard nope
That is exactly what I was thinking.
And the FX has a much better sensor...
It will sell because rcbs is on amazon and is easily accessible. People who are just getting into reloading wont know about fx and hop straight on this “match dispenser.” Only the people who have done their research and frequent the forums will want a fx or Sartorius.
Not to mention this RCBS only has 1 year warranty where the FX120i has 5 year warranty
@@MikoMuru LOL. as of 9/2020 there are 4 reviews on Amazon, 54% of which are three stars and below. This was designed by a committee, especially the
drinking straw trick coming out the bottom of the unit. Are you kidding me? $900. dollars? 1 year warranty? Another marketing driven design.
Fx120 auto trickler for the win.
ILL STICK WITH THE AUTOTRICKLER V3
Still quite much slower compared to the autotrickler, and yet not as accurate. Do you see any benefits of this unit over the autotrickler?
I don’t. You can get into a V4 with fx120 for $1000
Not bad I suppose. I would love to see you test the drops from the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper on the FX120i the way you did in this video.
I really like this video that be something to get right there
I have been using this about a year now. We shoot 1000yd benchrest it is expensive. But Will shrink your groups! Period we weigh measure and sort everything!
please do an in-depth review on the NEW RCBS Supreme!!!!!!!!!!!
I just watched a RCBS that said to NOT use the wind screen BC the static from it will effect accuracy.
Got one on order. .04 is less thann1 cornel of H1000. Fantastic
Manual powder drop dispenser for pistol powders and auto dispensers for flake powders is 10 times faster then when coupled with a five station press. It will drop powder pretty dam close to this scale for 10 times cheaper. Plus you can drop the thing and it wont hurt it. The Lyman Gen 6 is all you need if you want a accurate gain powder load because it doesn’t chop the grains but dropping accurate loads with in a thousandth isn’t the only thing that will help with accuracy folks can’t even resize prepare or even crimp bullets right master all that first before you blow $900
I currently use a regular RCBS Chargemaster Combo to get within about 1 to 1.5 grain of my chosen load and then move the charge over to measure the load and finish it off with a trickler on a smaller, more accurate scale. I don't really care about how fast or slow the first part of the process is because while the Chargemaster is doing that, I use the time to visually check the case I just finished pouring the last load in to be sure it didn't receive way too much or not enough powder or got skipped maybe and then set whatever bullets I am going to later seat to indicate to me that it has been charged AND visually checked. I never really just stand there staring at the first stage of charging process with nothing to do but wish it was faster. This method seems to give me good results with SDs down into the single digit range fairly consistently so I'm thinking that my powder measuring part of the reloading routine (I also use bushing dies and a "hard stop" case length/ chamfering trimmer) is precise enough. At this time, though that new RCBS has me doing some wishful thinking, I just CAN'T justify spending nearly 900 bucks (plus shipping and taxes!!) that wouldn't really gain me anything. MAYBE, just MAYBE, I'll go for one after some time goes by and (hopefully) the price settles downward to somewhere more reasonable.
Its been a year since this video. Hows it holding up and do you still like it
I know this is a really old video. With that said, I have a strange question. In standard mode, is the match master still more accurate than the the charge master?
Thank you for the video but did I missed something? Speed? check. Precision? check. What about consistency? I can be patient, and I can adjust for precision, what I want/need is consistency.
How much difference is .08 grains (0.00001 Lbs) really going to make compared to the "low quality" auto tricklers? Worth the extra $700? Also you can get the Autotrickler V3 with a scale for $940 which has the same accuracy if not better and puts out loads much quicker.
For $900 you can have the Autotrickler full kit with what is likely a better scale.
It's a nice dispenser, the issue is the price. I have a Charger Lite for the bulk drop(for a 25gr I set to 24.8gr),then move the powder to a pan on a precision scale(0.001g) to trickle the last 0.2gr. While I trickle the last part (I use a Hornady vibrator trickler) and drop into the case, the Charger Lite is dropping the next charge. Essentially, I am doing the same, and when I get into a rhythm it is a little faster, but not by much. I would consider one if it was priced twice of the Charger Lite, but not what I've seen.
Very similar workflow for rifle with the FA Intellidropper, precision scale & trickler. For pistol, the Intellidropper alone is accurate to 0.05 gn (verified every 10 or so throws with the precision scale). Loading on a turret press, the next charge is ready by the time I seat and crimp. Intellidropper sits at the bench edge so easy to empty. $900, strain guage & bottom empty - big mistake for RCBS.
After looking up the price I will continue to do this by hand with a scale.
I agree. I do it the same way myself
I agree. I do it the same way myself also
The price is very high and rcbs has always been high over the last 15 years. I wish they would cut their margin a bit to make it more attractive to everyone.
Interesting... but I think the price needs to come down... very similar less the .04 accuracy to the other Chargemasters on the market....Gavin you need some bounce dryer sheets on your loading bench for anti-static preps.... they work great. ! Thx for sharing.
Randall, good call on the static sheets, had some, lost them in the move :)
You hit the number “0” instead of the word “zero” during the transportation screw setup, that is incorrect.😉
I wish the accuracy test between the two you used the match accuracy test to see if it rounded up to .2 or if it was .16. I don’t like the bottom powder dispenser. Good review.
Price point is a killer.
Gavin - can you do a head-to-head of between this and the V3? That would be hugely beneficial and something that anyone in the market would be directly comparing...or trying to with limited real world data out there.
I was gonna get a V3 but when I found out that I wouldn’t get it till next spring, I said F that and am happy with rcbs. Waiting 8-10 months on a scale? That’s a bummer
As with all strain gage scales, the new RCBS thrower still exhibits all of the same shortcomings. ie, slow, sensitive, and prone to drifting. I don't know what good adding the additional decimal place does when the thrower still struggles to dispense a small rifle cartridge worth of powder under 20 seconds.
Wondering what you're basing the "prone to drifting" on? From my article: Two-Day Drift Test: Here was my "acid test" for drift: Start with scale turned on, warmed up, zeroed, Leave scale on for two days, Check zero again. After performing the above test, the display read "0.0" - and that's pretty amazing!
The scale hasn't drifted ever, at all.
@@Ultimatereloader You threw a charge and then had to hit the zero button. It's in your video.
Its interesting. Like the accuracy. Seems a tad slow. The powder calibration on the Frankford Arsenal seems better... And certainly much easier to empty than the RCBS. Lastly... Is it really $900??????? My god.
Can I load black powder with it? If not can I use just the scale without dispensing anything to measure black powder? Maybe a stupid question, but I'm new to electronic scales.
Thank you
I’ll stay with my RCBS Chargemaster at that insane price point
I've been handloading for over 35 years and have never felt that powder charges needed to be weighed to the second decimal place. I believe that the powder charge sweet spot is not a spot at all but rather a window. The smaller the case, the smaller the window. The larger the case, the larger the window. Two-tenths of a grain for .22 Hornet and similar and .5 grain for Ultra Mags. Powder charges falling anywhere inside those windows will give the same barrel vibrations. I've proved it to myself many times by shooting groups with ammo loaded at the lower and upper range of the window.
I've tested most of the more inexpensive dispensers. No way I'm spending my hard-earned bling on the Matchmaster when it simply isn't needed.
Like he said at the beginning, your use case will determine your need for this device. You don't need the accuracy. Other people shooting or past a grand and trying to minimize group size, are going to want to minimize all variables. Even something as simple as reaming and chamfering the flash hole will be done to minimize variables.
@@xenonram Nope. Not even at a 1000 yards do you need to weigh your powder charges to the second or (gasp!) third decimal point.
I have a Hornady auto charge that is frequently off. I take the powder charge and put it on my balance scale. It’s off by as much as 0.4 grains depending on powder type. I’d like to see how these charges compare on a balance scale. For $900 this better NEVER be off more than 0.02 grains!
Love the unit, I’m just a bit concerned at constantly having to handle it with regard to a sensitive load cell.
I'm sure it goes through much worse during shipping
Looks nice but is spend the little extra get the v3 Auto trickler... but in fact I just orders a charmaster lite as it’s still very accurat and cheap
Can you also review the Lyman Gen 6 Powder Dispenser. Id like your in depth review and knowledge on that specific model, and looking through your videos I don't see if you have already reviewed this. Thanks
Gracias por su video y su explicacion
Nice video.
I hope that there is a market for this product.
I am not sure I see a reason to want one.
It seems like a novelty.
The accuracy seems noteworthy. Is it needed ?
A beam scale is still the gold standard needed for hand loading.
The reason RCBS made this product is interesting. I wonder what the projected annual sales will be ?
I suspect they will sell out each year to maintain demand.
I can't see myself choosing this over doing a charge by hand with a beam scale, powder dispenser & trickler.
The warm up time lets you fill a lot of cases in a loading block. I am not sure it is any faster once up and running.
It is something new and targeted towards the elite shooting class.
When calibrating, the 50g weight should be removed after showing stable before the next step. Small but important point.
Gavin, what’s your thoughts on this vs the FX120i? I was hoping maybe you’d do a comparison video!
Gavin which would you choose if your were in the market. The auto trickler v3 or the match master?
Do you have to let it 'warm up' every time or is that just the first start up?
Wonder why manufacturers don't put a grounding lug on these things to bleed off static charges?
You cant bleed off static using a ground strap, the static does not travel well enough through plastic it collects on the surface. However... and this is a new development... in 3d printing there are conductive filaments which are not very conductive but would allow grounding of plastic. I assume they cant be made transparent... so if that isnt critical they should be able to do it.
Why not the shell casing and not the pan?
Gavin, whats your thoughts on this vs say the A&D FX120i and autotrickler? I want to update my reloading equipment and I want decent to top of the line.... so looking for a suggestion / options
I dread to think how much that thing will cost when it hits the uk !
RCBS may well have priced themselves out of the market over here .
Have the previous rcbs unit excellent product and less than half the price.
Hopefully the firmware guys modify that backlight code to be epileptic compatible. Why does it flash?????
When you compare the RCBS Chargemaster at $380 vs. the Matchmaster at $900, do you think it's worth explaining why 2.4x the price for the Matchmaster is worth it in practical terms?
Is the weighing system based on strain gages?
Will the firmware be updatable for the general populace? Very nice video.
My only issue is I have many different types of powder and could only justify this if i made many rounds of the same recipe. I could buy 6 hornady powder measures plus a powder trickler per unit and always keep them with the same powder for they price of one match master...
Been waiting for you to review this one!
Steve Anderson would also advise match mode.
For some reason I can't help but suspect this unit is neither as fast or as accurate as my Redding BR-30 powder measure. And changing powders or charge weight on my powder measure or simply cleaning up when i am finished is definitely quicker than what this thing would be.
sweet scale but i agree the lrice point is way over the top. if i was paid to shoot that precise or was paid to load that precise i could justify it. so i think this was geared towards to uber high end shooters. for me my gen 6 lyman is safe on the bench 😁
Very interesting
Lovely 😍
Like victor Torres said... but f me here in Australia it's over $2000... I will stick to an A&D and trickle up manualy
Thumbs up for the ghetto, bolt on the right leg with no washer and not fully screwed in. Fucking killer! \m/
The $400 ChargeMaster 1500 needs a free McDonalds straw to dispense the same charge consistently, and now for $900 maybe I won’t need the free straw? You fooled me once RCBS ...
Hey guys, is it possible to put sugar in this machine?