2 Subscribers have Liked and Sub'ed to Your channel. This was an Excellent test and I was fixing to buy the Frankford unit too. Thanks for ALL Your Hard Work, Sir.
I have the FrankFord Arsenal Intellicharger and I love it. It have more feature than the Hornady and RCBS. The BIGGEST PLUS on the FA Intellicharger is the BlueTooth features. I download the app and I can set/save/load every powder measure for all my loads on my phone. Once the FA Intellicharger is set on my phone. All I have to do is turn it on while my phone is near. It will pair together. Open my app and go to my library and pick with load I want and send to the powder dropper and hit start and off it'll go. If I would have knew about this sooner. I would got it long time ago. I really love the Powder Calibration and the BT feature the most.
Yeah, I’ve just never cared for the “load storing” features on any of the powder dispensers. I’m always going to have my load wrote down inside my Ammo box, or in a notepad. But that’s just me
I have to agree, this is one of the most accurate and detailed comparison videos I've seen to date. Great job. As far as I'm concerned, reloading speed isn't a concern at all but accuracy definitely is. This is one of the 2 reasons we reload (accuracy & cost). Again, great job and you got yourself another subscriber. Happy reloading ;o)
@@kellyrick8201 Yeah this 100% made my decision for me. Just the motor sound alone is telling... I realize there's a lot that goes into the overall noise from something.... but then that's the point, isn't it?
It's nice to see the effort you've put into making this video. It was exactly what I needed to see before purchasing the chargemaster for my father. Thank you so much from Canada.
Excellent job!!! I’m just now getting into long range rifle and you quickly realize that the ES in your muzzle velocity has great effect on POI at 500+ yds. Obviously charge weight accuracy is everything. The Franklin might be faster but the RCBS is more accurate. For my application I’d pick the RCBS. For handgun and short range rifle I use the RCBS Uniflow and charge the cases directly from it.
I’m not really concerned with how the weight thrown compares with other scales, but I’m concerned with repeatability. If my rifle likes 33.8 grains on the FA, as long as I way every charge for that rifle on the FA I am good. But, it appears that the chargemaster is more consistent… That matters.
Love these and your other head to head vids - subscribed sir! Certainly allows me and others to make our own decisions on brands and models of powder dispensers - in NZ these do not come cheap! So these vids are invaluable before parting with close to NZD $1000 investments... Keep up your good work - bloody superb!
@@stricklyreloading8494 If Jacinda ever opens NZ up again... Do you have a head to head or comparison RCBS CHARGEMASTER Link vs the Lite? or even a TL:DR on these two? Thanks
I've used both. Both worked as advertised. I prefer the FA Intellidropper, specifically because of the powder cal feature. The RCBS gets a +1 for the powder drain. It's better than the FA Intellidropper.
On 5/18/21 on Natchez website, FA is $199, RCBS lite is $239, Im just not a fan of the Green, so ill go w the FA, i currently use the FA regular digital scale with a Lee scooper and trickler method, i just cant justify the cost of $200 that basically saved me the time of trickling, i think for 200 ill just trickle. great video good job bud.
Yeah, if you’re just a casual shooter/hunter that doesn’t need a lot of ammo, you’re probably better off putting your money elsewhere. However, if you’re a long range competitive shooter who needs 150 or more rounds a weekend for a shooting match, it’s an incredible time saver, because while it’s dispensing your powder, you can be seating a bullet, and priming another case. Check out my “efficiently reloading” playlists.
...I check ALL powder throws on my 50 year old RCBS branded Ohaus scale I got with my Ammo Crafter Kit that I bought through the Illesheim (Germany) Rod & Gun club in 1973...
Awesome video, one thing I couldn’t help but think during this whole video is if a few seconds is really a big deal? When I’m loading with a auto trickler style unit like these I typically am taking my time and seating/crimping/ checking my Ammo while these are running. I very rarely am done before it is. Regardless great video and super interesting to see how they compare.
Keystone - many people including myself prefer to charge a tray or batch of cases & then seat bullets as a separate operation. The time taken for a unit to drop a charge adds up.
It is dependent on your shooting volume. f you are just loading 50 hunting loads for the season, not an issue. If you are a serious PRS shooter, going through thousands of rounds annually, this could equate to many hours over the course of a year. Loading 250 rounds for a two day match that comes out to almost 45 minutes of time for a single match. Also, depends on your life situation. The people with a family and kids and a full time job may have even less time than say a retired person. Don’t count the seconds per round, count the hours over time.
Thank you, you just saved me some money. I already have the RCBS and I find it fine. I was looking at the other one because the screen is bigger and sometimes I could really use that with my eyes. But the noise was the deal breaker for me. I already have a lab scale for stuff I want perfect I use the RCBS to come up to within .5 grain and then take it up with a trickler that drops one kernel at a time. The lab scale goes down to .01 grain instead of .1 grain. Thank you again for taking the time to do a very good comparison.
You’re very welcome! I used to do the same method you are doing now. I would actually set the chargemaster to throw .1 under my target weight, and only trickle up the last few kernels. Thanks for watching!
Im on my 4th. Frankfort Intellidroper. The computer in the machine burns out pretty often and you cannot use the machine at all. Frankfort is very good about replacing the machine. Be sure to let the machine warm up at least 15 to 30 mins. before using .
I was referring to the electro magnetic field between.these two dispensers altering that much in the comparison. As far as the best..I always try to buy the best.Sometimes it just comes down to likes or preferences as nowadays the equipment has gotten so good it's all up to your abilities in reloading and shooting. .25 MOA at 100 makes a lot at 1000.But now its wind
The Intellidroper seems so loud or it’s me? I can’t imagine loading 200rds with that sound buzzing in my brain. Great comparison video. It helped me decide to go with the RCBS. Thx
Great Video Comparison! As a newer reloader I bought the older Chargemaster on a real good deal from Mid South and the FA last year and I am still experimenting. With the older Chargemaster you can speed up the settings with custom programs and use straws and brass shells to get your load /time the best. The big thing with the FA is the big screen and bluetooth to me. They are both so close I cant really tell a big difference. I think any avg reloader would be happy with either. If you want better than these just get an autotrickler V3 for any major improvement and another decimal point on the scale. This just gets you the next level of better accuracy but its about 1000.00
patriotpaul I agree with all you said. I had the original chargemaster 1500 before getting the Lite. I do miss the programmable features. Thanks for watching!
Hi, thanks for this Vid. I have that same ChargeMaster lite , an RCBS 505 and a Dandy too . Haven't used it yet, done mostly 300BO subsonics in the 4 to 6gr range thus far . Will be doing 6CM .
Idk, but if you read the reviews of the FA, there are tons of complaints about the screen going bad. It seems like a genuine problem. I have also heard that FA has had alot of supply issues. So, between all that, I am leaning towards the RCBS.
I use a jeweler digital scale with 2 decimal places, it is far more accurate than any LNL or chargemaster I have seen being used. Especially with the ball powders. The pencil type powders show just how much a single grain can weigh. It is seldom that you get a .00 reading with pencil type powders, however you will get a reading of e.g. 44.02 or 43.8 with just one or two grains of pencil powder. Just a pity they don't make a auto charger with TWO decimal places which allows a certain tolerance for pencil powders.
Here in my part of Canada, the FA is $280 and the RCBS lite is $400 (plus tax). Makes the choice a little more difficult. Too bad the FA is so loud. I'm using my PACT I bought in 1989. Think I'll stay with it.
I have never had my charge master throw a double charge ,I don"t reload for hand gun though only have a .22 pistol. To speed things up I have two trays the same weight !!! now I can"t keep up to the charge master :)
This was really good work! The only thing missed one kinda major tho… Should’ve put the 44 grain check weights back on the RCBS and the Frankford otherwise, all the cross-reference measurements are Meaningless
In the programing setup; It is fast and easy to use; it is so fast, bought another RCBS Chargemaster Lite. I have a Hornady’s powder dispenser too difficult to program; it is a very long rest hiding.
I bought a Chargemaster Lite approximately a year and a half ago and at the time thought it was the best investment in reloading I could have made. It worked great during that time but eventually I noticed the zero starting to wander. Not much at first, only a tenth of a grain, so I chalked it up to needing more warmup time. It eventually got so bad that I could not trust any of the loads that it would throw and ended up going back to my trusty scale. I contacted RCBS on multiple occasions and have not yet received a response. From now on I'll buy Frankford Arsenal. They stand behind their products.
@@stricklyreloading8494 I appreciate the feedback but I'm not talking about it drifting a tenth of grain or so, I'm talking about a variance of 5 to 10 grains.
Eric Taylor oh yeah, mine would drift quite a bit too! Try leaving the pan on the scale and see what happens. It may not help yours, but it seemed to help mine. Also, big temperature swings can make them do that too.
That thing is SO damned loud, there's no way in hell I'll be getting one now. Frankford products seem to be real hit or miss. Either absolutely amazing price and performance, or absolutely awful.
Awesome! I have always used tri-beam agate (analog-type) scale and it is soberingly accurate but it is way too slow so I am still on the fence about these throwers. Fast forward to Dec 2022 and now the Chargemaster Link is out. Which would be your choice if you were buying throwers today? Are your inclinations toward the RSBS still the case? I am extra confounded because I have buddies that own the RCBS and I have friends that have the Frankfort and each of them that are adamantly loyal to their machines. Arguments usually erupt and are often the case😁. I realize that you may not have the Link to evaluate but I'd still be honored for your opinion. Thanks and Merry Christmas and may your New Year be one of the blessings!
The Intelledropper starts slower because its considerably more sensitive to outside interference and takes a bit more time to settle in after you replace the pan. Also it was done at 22 seconds almost every time after it calibrated itself to the powder, beating the charge master by a solid 14 seconds.
I wish someone would do a 3-way comparison/side by side review of these 2 and the Lyman Gen6. Also...The RCBS seems to be about $100 more than the FA or the Lyman...I see the FA and Lyman for close to the $200 price point...the RCBS is right around $300...
Hello from New Zealand. Great comparison and easy to understand video, just a quick question. How much would 3-6 granules of powder difference effect velocity on the 44 grain charge?
Thanks so much for watching! Hopefully my video has good signal quality in New Zealand 🤣! I would think 3 or so kernels of powder would have too much of a negative effect on your loads as long as you were in a good “node”
Just curious why you did not test both scales with the 44 grain test weights. It looks like a linearity issue. The 50 gram weight need to be accurate in order to get a good calibration with the two point calibration method used by both brands.
hmmm, i honestly don't know why i didn't think about setting my 44 grain weights on the 2 scales?!? However, i did use the same 50 gram check weights to calibrate both scales.
I thought the same thing. If one check weight is off on either of them then there's a problem. Also, I have had no luck with the Lyman check weight set. Another thing.... how good is it as a comparison with both sitting near each other creating two magnetic fields, not to mention electric fields/currents or even street noise? You wouldn't think street traffic would create a problem, but it did for me loading precision 338LM for LR. A quarter mile away the state was repaving the four lane undivided highway and the compaction rollers didn't allow me to get a good reading on my Lite for a week. Being retired I load during the day and my honey kept me busy at night with "the list".
@@kenmarsh Although I completely agree with you on the magnetic fields and all that. What Human can shoot PERFECT enough to actually tell the difference when we get down to Splitting Angel Hairs?
@@TexasTrained When you have SD's in the single digits, shoot 1/4" moa groups at 100 yards, and hit a 12" pie plate at 1,000 yards cold bore.... those "splitting hairs" add up if they are not eliminated. I respect your opinion, my shooting is abilities are not at a professional level, so I need every advantage.
I purchased a RCBS Chargemaster lite and used it for 18 months, it then stopped working. The touch pad will not always respond, sometimes it will not calibrate, it will not stabilize at the 100gm step. It will also not turn off, I have to unplug it. It was used once a week or so, calibrated every time. RCBS says well it is over a year old, so sorry not covered under warranty. Here is a repair shop and they can maybe help. I have not called the third party repair shop number they gave me yet. Don't know what the cost will be to repair it. Safe to say I would not recommend an RCBS scale. Update the repair shop gets a flat rate of $155 to repair this unit, plus I need to pay for shipping it to them. What would you do?
The only thing that you did different was you did not use the weights from the Frankford unit. i understand they should of been the same weight as the RCBS. I would of tried calibration with the Frankford weights. In other words use the weights that came with each unit. Great video.
My Intellidropper constantly drifts by a couple tenths of a grain, why? It drifted a full grain when I left it unattended for a few hours. Does anyone else have this experience or know how to keep it from drifting. BTW, there are no wind currents in my reloading area that would cause the scale to drift.
so both scales varied around 3 kernels of powder... seems prette much identical to me, only the intellidropper is a lot faster - how about doing a proper calibration on both scales first?
The see-through cover on my older RCBS ChargeMaster swings both left and right and it can also be removed, probably not as easily as the newer generation ChargeMaster Lite but it can be removed.
I contacted RCBS and they told me there were no settings to change on the original Chargemaster Lite. Not sure about the new “Link” version. Thanks for watching! I hope I earned a subscribe from you!
I have an older RCBS ChargeMaster that I purchased in 2013, probably the first generation and I've been happy with it. I wondered about the calibration method without using the metal trays on both devices, if I remember correctly the ChargeMaster's manual recommends calibrating the device the same way, since we usually dispense the powder charges into the trays, wouldn't it make more sense to calibrate using them?
that's actually the next comparison video I have planned to do! I'm currently just waiting on the new dispensers from hornady to become available! Stay tuned and thanks for watching!
1/10th isn't going to make much difference. Weight of the power, differences in bullet weights, humidity of the room when loading, then shooting the cartridge out side or in side, wind, temp, or if you clean the barrel each shot, you're not going to notice any difference in performance. You can take 50 115gn RN projectiles and you might get 30 at the exact weight. You going throw away 20 bullets because they didn't weigh 115gn?
The FA is always cheaper and even if it's off 4-6 kernels of powder that's fine with me its not going to make that much if a difference in velocity in the long run. I have equipment from both manufacturers and I generally like rcbs products better but I have the FA charger. You should do this again but with a spherical powder. That's where the FA shines.
Inteleidropper is so LOUD! I bought the lyman prep station years ago because of the quiet operation, it's still kicking through 10s of thousands of rounds. I hate the loud motor noises on something that is supposed to be used indoors and be a convenience.
My only critique is does the pan on your balance scale weigh the same as the pan on you intellidropper? That could explain the small difference. Just a thought but overall a really nice comparison video
Chad Lawrence I was not sitting the pan from the Intellidropper onto the balance beam scale. I was poring the powder from the Intellidropper pan into the beam scale pan.
If you zero out the scales using different pan weights then the calibration is off, that’s why the weights are different on each scale when you remove the pan. You have to use the same check weights to calibrate, check weights are different or off so using the same check weight ensures that each scale is the same and use the same pan. Putting different weight pan on one scale and another on the beam is two different weights. 🤷🏾♂️ when I use my auto throw and check with beam I use the same pan. When using different pan and you by pouring powder into pan on beam I got off measurement.
Chad Lawrence sir, when you “zero” the pan, you completely remove it from the process. Even if one pan weighed 10 grains heavier than the other, it would not matter as long as you zero out the pan on the scale you’re using, and KEEP that pan with that scale. The only thing being weighed is the powder charge. Each scale read “0” when it’s empty pan was sat on it. The same 100 Gram check weights were used when calibrating both dispensers.
Have you had any 'drifting' with the frankford arsenal dispenser? A few people have been moaning that it drifts and needs 're zeroing' every few minutes. Your video is great indepth and concise. Thank you.
I bought the Intellidropper and had high Hope's for it. Purchased it after seeing on another UA-cam-rs channel. It drifted horribly. I contact the mfg and they had me try to adjust a screw on the bottom, no help. I sent it in and they sent another which was just as bad or worse. Attempted to work with the mfg again and was basically told too bad, all scales drift.
Yeah, you have no idea how much louder the FA was over the RCBS in person haha. The ChargeMaster Lite is pretty hard to beat all around if you factor in size, price, accuracy, ease of use, and speed.
Excellent comparison. Do the powder drains completely remove all the powder or do you have to brush out residual grains? I have been thinking about getting a dispenser but it seems a bit too fiddley for me. I will continue to use an old style powder measure since I don't load much course stick powder like 4895.
Like with most, you do have to take the provided long handle brush to sweep out the last few kernels of powder, but they do both drain very well. Thanks for watching!
Maybe it’s just me but I am more concerned with consistency than correct weight. The RCBS was 3 grains light and up to 1 grain heavy for a difference of 5 grains of powder from one throw to the next. The other dispenser was 7 grains over at the most and 5 grains over at the least for a difference of 3 grains of powder. Just don’t like the noise, but faster and consistent might win out for me. Am I missing something in this assessment?
Guys, can these be used for food supplements (those in powder form)? I need to make hundreds of capsules💊, and it's so inconvenient to do it (weight every time, small weights) manually. Thank you for whomever will respond.
I don’t see why it couldn’t be? I suppose you would want to clean it out really good to start with like you would any food container! I guess just buy one and try it! Haha
@@stricklyreloading8494 I have a ten thousandth gram scale, in an unquieted area, it fluctuates into the thousandths. I can pass my hand over it and move into the hundredths of a gram with the wake disturbance. I have to keep it in an air-dead hood. At 6.5 thou aka 0.1 grain, air currents CAN be a cause of the variance. The point I am making... is that you can SAY it wasn't... but if the covers were in place, then it wouldn't be a question.
I also have a milligram scale (A&D FX120i) that does not move in my room. I highly doubt the two dispenser’s load cells are any more sensitive than my A&D
After watching and watching your video over and over again I have ordered the Hornady Pro. Why? (1) The Frankford is just to noisy. If I could have found a seller with free returns I would have bought it but I didn't want to spend the money and be stuck with that noise. (2) The RCBS is just to slow on pistol loads which is what I mainly load. (3) I have owned the Auto Load for 5 years. It was a great instrument till the power grid sent in the gremlins and messed it all up. So I am going with the new Pro. If I don't like it I can return it for free, within 30 days, and start my search all over. Or purchase another Auto Load. Thank for your help.
Unfortunately you're trying to compare an analog device, the beam scale with an infinite number of positions between each full grain versus a digital scale with an accuracy of only a tenth of a grain so only 10 positions between each full grain. A better test would have been to see if the digital ones were within 1 tenth of a grain of what you wanted to throw because that is as accurate as they are ever going to get. I've been thinking about getting one of these but will probably just get the beam scale and a trickler and wait until they come out with more accurate models.
vicpinto1970 true. I think there are digital scales that are as repeatable and accurate as a good beam, but the downside is it’ll probably cost you at least $600 or more. The chargemaster lite is pretty good for hunting or some competitive uses considering the price point. I don’t know if the price of a great digital scale will ever get super affordable. There’s just too much stuff that affects them. Lights, cellular signals, WiFi, electricity, static, ex
My RCBS overdrops like 10% of the time. It's annoying. Sometimes, I put the pan back on it, and it's off by 0.4gn from zero. Because of that, I don't think I can trust the charge weights it puts out anyway. Also, just about every RCBS product I use fails me. If the FA existed, or I knew it existed when I got my RCBS, I'd have paid twice as much for it just to avoid RCBS. If you're gonna buy chinese stuff, might as well buy good chinese stuff.
Leon Weatherby I know what you’re saying, but it has been my experience with the beam scale that it is extremely repeatable, down to +\- 1 kernel of powder
I'm not sure about the Lite version, but you can change the settings on the regular Chargemaster that help a lot. I have to imagine there are options to do the same on the Lite version somewhere out there in the interwebs.
Will Stofferahn yeah! I’m familiar with changing the parameters on the old ChargeMaster 1500, so I called RCBS and asked if one could do the same with the Lite, and they told me no.
How do these handle ball powders like H335? I've noticed that in my manual trickler, small kernels of powder tend to slide out of the outside of the tube. Does this happen with these devices?
@@TeensierPython I never received this reply so sorry for the late reply. One thing I did do that was a mistake was to leave the most commonly used powder in the machine. Don’t do that cause it stuck to the internal hopper, (must have reacted to the plastic over a week or so). I basically use it for IMR type powder because it’s a little bit easier to clear out than ball or flake powder…
hmmmm, good question. At the time of this video, the prices of the two were within $20 or so. Be sure to keep a check on places like Brownells, Midsouth Shooters Supply, and MidWay USA for good prices.
This has to be one of the best head to head comparison videos I have ever seen, for any products. Good work, you have earned a new subscriber.
Wesley K thanks so much! I try! Haha
It is incredibly thorough; I agree!
2 Subscribers have Liked and Sub'ed to Your channel. This was an Excellent test and I was fixing to buy the Frankford unit too. Thanks for ALL Your Hard Work, Sir.
I have the FrankFord Arsenal Intellicharger and I love it. It have more feature than the Hornady and RCBS. The BIGGEST PLUS on the FA Intellicharger is the BlueTooth features. I download the app and I can set/save/load every powder measure for all my loads on my phone. Once the FA Intellicharger is set on my phone. All I have to do is turn it on while my phone is near. It will pair together. Open my app and go to my library and pick with load I want and send to the powder dropper and hit start and off it'll go. If I would have knew about this sooner. I would got it long time ago.
I really love the Powder Calibration and the BT feature the most.
Yeah, I’ve just never cared for the “load storing” features on any of the powder dispensers. I’m always going to have my load wrote down inside my Ammo box, or in a notepad. But that’s just me
I have to agree, this is one of the most accurate and detailed comparison videos I've seen to date. Great job. As far as I'm concerned, reloading speed isn't a concern at all but accuracy definitely is. This is one of the 2 reasons we reload (accuracy & cost). Again, great job and you got yourself another subscriber. Happy reloading ;o)
Make that 3 more :P
@@kellyrick8201 Yeah this 100% made my decision for me. Just the motor sound alone is telling... I realize there's a lot that goes into the overall noise from something.... but then that's the point, isn't it?
Thanks so much! I have the new Hornady Auto Charge Pro on backorder, and I plan on doing another video like this as soon as it arrives!
I ordered the RCBS after watching all your comparison videos. Thanks for offering these videos!
It's nice to see the effort you've put into making this video. It was exactly what I needed to see before purchasing the chargemaster for my father. Thank you so much from Canada.
Thank you for watching!!
Good video bro. I just ordered the F-A Intelidrop and been watching videos on it for a bit. Thanks for your time.
My goodness. This is the BEST comparison video I have ever soon. Extremely well done!
Excellent job!!! I’m just now getting into long range rifle and you quickly realize that the ES in your muzzle velocity has great effect on POI at 500+ yds. Obviously charge weight accuracy is everything. The Franklin might be faster but the RCBS is more accurate. For my application I’d pick the RCBS. For handgun and short range rifle I use the RCBS Uniflow and charge the cases directly from it.
Thanks so much! Check out my video on the Auto Trickler!
Just picked a Frankfort up $149. on sale Black Friday! along with a wet tumbler and separator $179 both. SCORE! XL 750 will be happy
I’m not really concerned with how the weight thrown compares with other scales, but I’m concerned with repeatability. If my rifle likes 33.8 grains on the FA, as long as I way every charge for that rifle on the FA I am good. But, it appears that the chargemaster is more consistent… That matters.
That's my problem, I have thrown out 2 digital scales now. The only reliable one is the mechanical one.
Love these and your other head to head vids - subscribed sir! Certainly allows me and others to make our own decisions on brands and models of powder dispensers - in NZ these do not come cheap! So these vids are invaluable before parting with close to NZD $1000 investments... Keep up your good work - bloody superb!
Thanks so much! Glad my videos are doing folks some good! I’d love to get over to NZ someday!
@@stricklyreloading8494 If Jacinda ever opens NZ up again... Do you have a head to head or comparison RCBS CHARGEMASTER Link vs the Lite? or even a TL:DR on these two? Thanks
@@NZHardhouser I have not yet tested the Link, but I believe it is essentially the same as the lite, except with Bluetooth connectivity
I generally like to reload naked with a case of Busch light. For maximum PRECISION!!!!!!
Joe Dirt 🤣🤣🤣
LMAO.
Wow I do the same thing except it's budlight and nothing on but my fluffy bunny slippers.
I've used both. Both worked as advertised. I prefer the FA Intellidropper, specifically because of the powder cal feature. The RCBS gets a +1 for the powder drain. It's better than the FA Intellidropper.
That was the best comparison video I have ever watched... thank you
Thanks so much! I have the new Hornady Auto Charge Pro on backorder, and I plan on doing another video like this as soon as it arrives!
@@stricklyreloading8494 Looking very much forward to your next video. I use an old RCBS but its built like a tank. Thanks again
Wow! Fantastic review! I love all of the detailed info and testing. Thanks for doing this.
On 5/18/21 on Natchez website, FA is $199, RCBS lite is $239, Im just not a fan of the Green, so ill go w the FA, i currently use the FA regular digital scale with a Lee scooper and trickler method, i just cant justify the cost of $200 that basically saved me the time of trickling, i think for 200 ill just trickle. great video good job bud.
Yeah, if you’re just a casual shooter/hunter that doesn’t need a lot of ammo, you’re probably better off putting your money elsewhere. However, if you’re a long range competitive shooter who needs 150 or more rounds a weekend for a shooting match, it’s an incredible time saver, because while it’s dispensing your powder, you can be seating a bullet, and priming another case. Check out my “efficiently reloading” playlists.
This was an amazing review, and now I'm sure to get the rcbs model. Thank you so much for taking time to make such a detailed video
Great video
Excellent review/comparison. The exact two powder dispensing scales I’ve been looking at. Thanks!
Joe Di thanks so much! I plan on doing more of these kinds of reviews for precision reloaders.
...I check ALL powder throws on my 50 year old RCBS branded Ohaus scale I got with my Ammo Crafter Kit that I bought through the Illesheim (Germany) Rod & Gun club in 1973...
Awesome video, one thing I couldn’t help but think during this whole video is if a few seconds is really a big deal? When I’m loading with a auto trickler style unit like these I typically am taking my time and seating/crimping/ checking my Ammo while these are running. I very rarely am done before it is. Regardless great video and super interesting to see how they compare.
Keystone - many people including myself prefer to charge a tray or batch of cases & then seat bullets as a separate operation. The time taken for a unit to drop a charge adds up.
It is dependent on your shooting volume. f you are just loading 50 hunting loads for the season, not an issue. If you are a serious PRS shooter, going through thousands of rounds annually, this could equate to many hours over the course of a year. Loading 250 rounds for a two day match that comes out to almost 45 minutes of time for a single match. Also, depends on your life situation. The people with a family and kids and a full time job may have even less time than say a retired person. Don’t count the seconds per round, count the hours over time.
@@andrewpeters3200 or a year over a life time
Thank you, you just saved me some money. I already have the RCBS and I find it fine. I was looking at the other one because the screen is bigger and sometimes I could really use that with my eyes. But the noise was the deal breaker for me. I already have a lab scale for stuff I want perfect I use the RCBS to come up to within .5 grain and then take it up with a trickler that drops one kernel at a time. The lab scale goes down to .01 grain instead of .1 grain.
Thank you again for taking the time to do a very good comparison.
You’re very welcome! I used to do the same method you are doing now. I would actually set the chargemaster to throw .1 under my target weight, and only trickle up the last few kernels. Thanks for watching!
Im on my 4th. Frankfort Intellidroper. The computer in the machine burns out pretty often and you cannot use the machine at all. Frankfort is very good about replacing the machine. Be sure to let the machine warm up at least 15 to 30 mins. before using .
Wow! That’s impressive you’ve been through so many! About how many charges would you say they are good for before burning out?
Hmm. Interesting. But what I liked seeing the most is ur clever pipe cleaner dampened scale idea.
Thanks so much! Please check out my video called “all about beam scales” and I go into detail about all the crazy ideas I have 🤣
I was referring to the electro magnetic field between.these two dispensers altering that much in the comparison.
As far as the best..I always try to buy the best.Sometimes it just comes down to likes or preferences as nowadays the equipment has gotten so good it's all up to your abilities in reloading and shooting.
.25 MOA at 100 makes a lot at 1000.But now its wind
The Intellidroper seems so loud or it’s me? I can’t imagine loading 200rds with that sound buzzing in my brain. Great comparison video. It helped me decide to go with the RCBS. Thx
Great Video Comparison! As a newer reloader I bought the older Chargemaster on a real good deal from Mid South and the FA last year and I am still experimenting. With the older Chargemaster you can speed up the settings with custom programs and use straws and brass shells to get your load /time the best. The big thing with the FA is the big screen and bluetooth to me. They are both so close I cant really tell a big difference. I think any avg reloader would be happy with either. If you want better than these just get an autotrickler V3 for any major improvement and another decimal point on the scale. This just gets you the next level of better accuracy but its about 1000.00
patriotpaul I agree with all you said. I had the original chargemaster 1500 before getting the Lite. I do miss the programmable features. Thanks for watching!
excellent video. Very well presented. You helped me make my choice for the RCBS.
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the video!
Hi, thanks for this Vid. I have that same ChargeMaster lite , an RCBS 505 and a Dandy too . Haven't used it yet, done mostly 300BO subsonics in the 4 to 6gr range thus far . Will be doing 6CM .
Thanks so much! I have the new Hornady Auto Charge Pro on backorder, and I plan on doing another video like this as soon as it arrives!
Excellent, I have been thinking about getting an auto powder dispenser and this video was very helpful. Thank you for doing such a good video.
Been using one for quite a few years (15?). Never will go back. I just had one crap the bed. Didn’t even load until I could get another.
@@TeensierPython I bought a charge master 1500 after watching this video. I love it, loading is definitely more enjoyable now.
This is a real comparison video! Thanks
Idk, but if you read the reviews of the FA, there are tons of complaints about the screen going bad. It seems like a genuine problem. I have also heard that FA has had alot of supply issues. So, between all that, I am leaning towards the RCBS.
Thanks for the post , I’m convinced with the rcbs lite Didn’t even know it existed,I subscribed
I use a jeweler digital scale with 2 decimal places, it is far more accurate than any LNL or chargemaster I have seen being used. Especially with the ball powders. The pencil type powders show just how much a single grain can weigh. It is seldom that you get a .00 reading with pencil type powders, however you will get a reading of e.g. 44.02 or 43.8 with just one or two grains of pencil powder. Just a pity they don't make a auto charger with TWO decimal places which allows a certain tolerance for pencil powders.
Chill Blane The RCBS ChargeMaster Match has that capability.
Here in my part of Canada, the FA is $280 and the RCBS lite is $400 (plus tax). Makes the choice a little more difficult. Too bad the FA is so loud. I'm using my PACT I bought in 1989. Think I'll stay with it.
Hey!
Someone else has the PACT dispenser.
I've had mine since 1991, and it's a real trooper.
The sound drives me nuts
I have never had my charge master throw a double charge ,I don"t reload for hand gun though only have a .22 pistol. To speed things up I have two trays the same weight !!! now I can"t keep up to the charge master :)
This was really good work!
The only thing missed one kinda major tho… Should’ve put the 44 grain check weights back on the RCBS and the Frankford otherwise, all the cross-reference measurements are Meaningless
Check my other videos. I started doing that just to appease everyone haha
Thanks for the reviews!
Throughout this video I was jumping from one to the other. I still haven’t made my mind up.
In the programing setup; It is fast and easy to use; it is so fast, bought another RCBS Chargemaster Lite. I have a Hornady’s powder dispenser too difficult to program; it is a very long rest hiding.
count me in also. great video!
Fantastic comparison!!
I bought a Chargemaster Lite approximately a year and a half ago and at the time thought it was the best investment in reloading I could have made.
It worked great during that time but eventually I noticed the zero starting to wander. Not much at first, only a tenth of a grain, so I chalked it
up to needing more warmup time. It eventually got so bad that I could not trust any of the loads that it would throw and ended up going back to my trusty scale.
I contacted RCBS on multiple occasions and have not yet received a response. From now on I'll buy Frankford Arsenal. They stand behind their products.
Eric Taylor I have found that my scale drifts less If I leave the pan sitting on the scales, rather than taking it off.
@@stricklyreloading8494 I appreciate the feedback but I'm not talking about it drifting a tenth of grain or so, I'm talking about a variance of 5 to 10 grains.
Eric Taylor oh yeah, mine would drift quite a bit too! Try leaving the pan on the scale and see what happens. It may not help yours, but it seemed to help mine. Also, big temperature swings can make them do that too.
That thing is SO damned loud, there's no way in hell I'll be getting one now. Frankford products seem to be real hit or miss. Either absolutely amazing price and performance, or absolutely awful.
The powder calibration measures the density of the powder
Great unbiased video! Also, I like the way you re-verify each result. Thanks.
Thanks so much! I have the new Hornady Auto Charge Pro on backorder, and I plan on doing another video like this as soon as it arrives!
Awesome! I have always used tri-beam agate (analog-type) scale and it is soberingly accurate but it is way too slow so I am still on the fence about these throwers. Fast forward to Dec 2022 and now the Chargemaster Link is out. Which would be your choice if you were buying throwers today? Are your inclinations toward the RSBS still the case? I am extra confounded because I have buddies that own the RCBS and I have friends that have the Frankfort and each of them that are adamantly loyal to their machines. Arguments usually erupt and are often the case😁. I realize that you may not have the Link to evaluate but I'd still be honored for your opinion. Thanks and Merry Christmas and may your New Year be one of the blessings!
I still have old model RCBS where scale and dispenser are separate,u set them beside each other and despencer throws charge on to scale
The Intelledropper starts slower because its considerably more sensitive to outside interference and takes a bit more time to settle in after you replace the pan. Also it was done at 22 seconds almost every time after it calibrated itself to the powder, beating the charge master by a solid 14 seconds.
I noticed that too, but ill wait the extra 8 seconds for a more consistent throw
@@mikestanton7757 😂
I wish someone would do a 3-way comparison/side by side review of these 2 and the Lyman Gen6.
Also...The RCBS seems to be about $100 more than the FA or the Lyman...I see the FA and Lyman for close to the $200 price point...the RCBS is right around $300...
Thanks so much! I have the new Hornady Auto Charge Pro on backorder, and I plan on doing another video like this as soon as it arrives!
Hello from New Zealand. Great comparison and easy to understand video, just a quick question. How much would 3-6 granules of powder difference effect velocity on the 44 grain charge?
Thanks so much for watching! Hopefully my video has good signal quality in New Zealand 🤣! I would think 3 or so kernels of powder would have too much of a negative effect on your loads as long as you were in a good “node”
Just curious why you did not test both scales with the 44 grain test weights. It looks like a linearity issue. The 50 gram weight need to be accurate in order to get a good calibration with the two point calibration method used by both brands.
hmmm, i honestly don't know why i didn't think about setting my 44 grain weights on the 2 scales?!? However, i did use the same 50 gram check weights to calibrate both scales.
I thought the same thing. If one check weight is off on either of them then there's a problem. Also, I have had no luck with the Lyman check weight set. Another thing.... how good is it as a comparison with both sitting near each other creating two magnetic fields, not to mention electric fields/currents or even street noise? You wouldn't think street traffic would create a problem, but it did for me loading precision 338LM for LR. A quarter mile away the state was repaving the four lane undivided highway and the compaction rollers didn't allow me to get a good reading on my Lite for a week. Being retired I load during the day and my honey kept me busy at night with "the list".
@@kenmarsh Although I completely agree with you on the magnetic fields and all that. What Human can shoot PERFECT enough to actually tell the difference when we get down to Splitting Angel Hairs?
@@TexasTrained When you have SD's in the single digits, shoot 1/4" moa groups at 100 yards, and hit a 12" pie plate at 1,000 yards cold bore.... those "splitting hairs" add up if they are not eliminated. I respect your opinion, my shooting is abilities are not at a professional level, so I need every advantage.
I purchased a RCBS Chargemaster lite and used it for 18 months, it then stopped working.
The touch pad will not always respond, sometimes it will not calibrate, it will not stabilize at the 100gm step. It will also not turn off, I have to unplug it. It was used once a week or so, calibrated every time.
RCBS says well it is over a year old, so sorry not covered under warranty. Here is a repair shop and they can maybe help. I have not called the third party repair shop number they gave me yet. Don't know what the cost will be to repair it.
Safe to say I would not recommend an RCBS scale.
Update the repair shop gets a flat rate of $155 to repair this unit, plus I need to pay for shipping it to them.
What would you do?
Is a few seconds really that big of a deal?
The only thing that you did different was you did not use the weights from the Frankford unit. i understand they should of been the same weight as the RCBS. I would of tried calibration with the Frankford weights. In other words use the weights that came with each unit. Great video.
I used the same weights on both units because that would be the only fair way to see how accurately they measure together.
I've only experienced my intellidropper and heard the greeny is slower
My Intellidropper constantly drifts by a couple tenths of a grain, why? It drifted a full grain when I left it unattended for a few hours. Does anyone else have this experience or know how to keep it from drifting. BTW, there are no wind currents in my reloading area that would cause the scale to drift.
so both scales varied around 3 kernels of powder... seems prette much identical to me, only the intellidropper is a lot faster - how about doing a proper calibration on both scales first?
Both scales were calibrated using the same check weights. Thanks for watching!
The see-through cover on my older RCBS ChargeMaster swings both left and right and it can also be removed, probably not as easily as the newer generation ChargeMaster Lite but it can be removed.
Well done.
What do you have going on with your beam scale? Some kind of stop? Why? What’s your thinking about this? Very interesting
Check out my video on beam scales! I talk all about the mods I’ve done to mine.
@@stricklyreloading8494
Thanks for the reply.
I will check out more of your videos.
You do a professional job at it.
Great video! Just ordered the rcbs. 👌🏾
Why are those grains of powder running around your bench?😁
Excellent video. I can't decide which model to get. Both are really good.
Whichever you can find? Or the cheapest, if you can find them both.
@@TeensierPython I was leaning towards the Frankford because they have them in stock at Cabelas and I have $100 gift card😀
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the video! And as far as the messy bench goes..... well..... 🤣
You can recalibrate the Chargemaster Supreme to speed it up can you also do the same for the Lite ?
I contacted RCBS and they told me there were no settings to change on the original Chargemaster Lite. Not sure about the new “Link” version. Thanks for watching! I hope I earned a subscribe from you!
@@stricklyreloading8494 it seems that's the " Proprietary power learned feature," that the Supreme has but its and extra $200 lol
The sound of the franksford alone makes me not want to buy it
Never seen them side by side. I thought they were almost identical from pictures.
I have an older RCBS ChargeMaster that I purchased in 2013, probably the first generation and I've been happy with it. I wondered about the calibration method without using the metal trays on both devices, if I remember correctly the ChargeMaster's manual recommends calibrating the device the same way, since we usually dispense the powder charges into the trays, wouldn't it make more sense to calibrate using them?
I just don't know which one to go with?? 🤔
The fa is $160 on Cabela’s website but maybe that’s because they know they have problems maybe?
Awesome comparison. Anyway you can test the Hornady. Thx
that's actually the next comparison video I have planned to do! I'm currently just waiting on the new dispensers from hornady to become available! Stay tuned and thanks for watching!
Just ordered the rcbs lite thx for the video.
1/10th isn't going to make much difference. Weight of the power, differences in bullet weights, humidity of the room when loading, then shooting the cartridge out side or in side, wind, temp, or if you clean the barrel each shot, you're not going to notice any difference in performance. You can take 50 115gn RN projectiles and you might get 30 at the exact weight. You going throw away 20 bullets because they didn't weigh 115gn?
The FA is always cheaper and even if it's off 4-6 kernels of powder that's fine with me its not going to make that much if a difference in velocity in the long run. I have equipment from both manufacturers and I generally like rcbs products better but I have the FA charger. You should do this again but with a spherical powder. That's where the FA shines.
Inteleidropper is so LOUD!
I bought the lyman prep station years ago because of the quiet operation, it's still kicking through 10s of thousands of rounds. I hate the loud motor noises on something that is supposed to be used indoors and be a convenience.
I HAVE TO AGREE WITH YOU ON THAT!!
My only critique is does the pan on your balance scale weigh the same as the pan on you intellidropper? That could explain the small difference. Just a thought but overall a really nice comparison video
Chad Lawrence I was not sitting the pan from the Intellidropper onto the balance beam scale. I was poring the powder from the Intellidropper pan into the beam scale pan.
But the pans have to weigh the same across all scales!!!
SMARTT FIREARMS INSTRUCTION no, they do not, as long as each scale is zeroed for its own specific pan. All three scales had dedicated pans.
If you zero out the scales using different pan weights then the calibration is off, that’s why the weights are different on each scale when you remove the pan. You have to use the same check weights to calibrate, check weights are different or off so using the same check weight ensures that each scale is the same and use the same pan. Putting different weight pan on one scale and another on the beam is two different weights. 🤷🏾♂️ when I use my auto throw and check with beam I use the same pan. When using different pan and you by pouring powder into pan on beam I got off measurement.
Chad Lawrence sir, when you “zero” the pan, you completely remove it from the process. Even if one pan weighed 10 grains heavier than the other, it would not matter as long as you zero out the pan on the scale you’re using, and KEEP that pan with that scale. The only thing being weighed is the powder charge. Each scale read “0” when it’s empty pan was sat on it. The same 100 Gram check weights were used when calibrating both dispensers.
Have you had any 'drifting' with the frankford arsenal dispenser? A few people have been moaning that it drifts and needs 're zeroing' every few minutes. Your video is great indepth and concise. Thank you.
I actually no longer own the Intellidropper, but I do seem to remember it drifting a fair amount more than the chargemaster did.
@@stricklyreloading8494 why did you get rid of it? Didn't like it or just had to test?
IWatchedWhat I preferred the Chargemaster Lite. I plan on doing another review of the new Hornady AutoCharge Pro as soon as I can get my hands on one!
I bought the Intellidropper and had high Hope's for it. Purchased it after seeing on another UA-cam-rs channel. It drifted horribly. I contact the mfg and they had me try to adjust a screw on the bottom, no help. I sent it in and they sent another which was just as bad or worse. Attempted to work with the mfg again and was basically told too bad, all scales drift.
Well Done Sir 👍😉
Thanks so much!
That Alabama accent is THICK, son!
Haha it’s actually from the blue ridge mountains of VA, but thanks! 🤣
Have you used the Intellidropper App and upgraded the firmware on your intellidropper?
Did you level the scales before you started
Yes.
This was a great review
Jason Bubley thanks for watching!
The sound of the RCBS is much more tolerable... I was kinda rootin for the FA, but I think I agree the RCBS is a hair better overall...
Yeah, you have no idea how much louder the FA was over the RCBS in person haha. The ChargeMaster Lite is pretty hard to beat all around if you factor in size, price, accuracy, ease of use, and speed.
Excellent comparison. Do the powder drains completely remove all the powder or do you have to brush out residual grains?
I have been thinking about getting a dispenser but it seems a bit too fiddley for me. I will continue to use an old style powder measure since I don't load much course stick powder like 4895.
Like with most, you do have to take the provided long handle brush to sweep out the last few kernels of powder, but they do both drain very well. Thanks for watching!
Maybe it’s just me but I am more concerned with consistency than correct weight. The RCBS was 3 grains light and up to 1 grain heavy for a difference of 5 grains of powder from one throw to the next. The other dispenser was 7 grains over at the most and 5 grains over at the least for a difference of 3 grains of powder. Just don’t like the noise, but faster and consistent might win out for me. Am I missing something in this assessment?
I hope you meant tenths of a grain.
Tenths not grains buddy
Guys, can these be used for food supplements (those in powder form)?
I need to make hundreds of capsules💊, and it's so inconvenient to do it (weight every time, small weights) manually.
Thank you for whomever will respond.
I don’t see why it couldn’t be? I suppose you would want to clean it out really good to start with like you would any food container! I guess just buy one and try it! Haha
@@stricklyreloading8494
Might be "too sticky" for the design that was thought for gunpowder, I guess.🤔 Yes, I'll probably will try. Thank you. Cheers.
I wish you had used the wind covers when using the droppers. That is likely the variances you were experiencing.
It most definitely was not the cause of the variance.
@@stricklyreloading8494 I have a ten thousandth gram scale, in an unquieted area, it fluctuates into the thousandths. I can pass my hand over it and move into the hundredths of a gram with the wake disturbance. I have to keep it in an air-dead hood. At 6.5 thou aka 0.1 grain, air currents CAN be a cause of the variance.
The point I am making... is that you can SAY it wasn't... but if the covers were in place, then it wouldn't be a question.
I also have a milligram scale (A&D FX120i) that does not move in my room. I highly doubt the two dispenser’s load cells are any more sensitive than my A&D
Love the “just fine and dandy” comment. (I’m from around there myself.
Steve Kiemele ... your dandy if you do.
The green one♡♡♡♡♡♡
Unbelievable how noisy the Farnkford is. This could be a game changer for me. Like the machine but hate the noise.
After watching and watching your video over and over again I have ordered the Hornady Pro. Why? (1) The Frankford is just to noisy. If I could have found a seller with free returns I would have bought it but I didn't want to spend the money and be stuck with that noise. (2) The RCBS is just to slow on pistol loads which is what I mainly load. (3) I have owned the Auto Load for 5 years. It was a great instrument till the power grid sent in the gremlins and messed it all up.
So I am going with the new Pro. If I don't like it I can return it for free, within 30 days, and start my search all over. Or purchase another Auto Load. Thank for your help.
Why was the fly so excited?
LMAO.... never knew that electronic powder measure racing was a thing
Now that’s a good one! 🤣🤣
Unfortunately you're trying to compare an analog device, the beam scale with an infinite number of positions between each full grain versus a digital scale with an accuracy of only a tenth of a grain so only 10 positions between each full grain. A better test would have been to see if the digital ones were within 1 tenth of a grain of what you wanted to throw because that is as accurate as they are ever going to get. I've been thinking about getting one of these but will probably just get the beam scale and a trickler and wait until they come out with more accurate models.
vicpinto1970 true. I think there are digital scales that are as repeatable and accurate as a good beam, but the downside is it’ll probably cost you at least $600 or more. The chargemaster lite is pretty good for hunting or some competitive uses considering the price point. I don’t know if the price of a great digital scale will ever get super affordable. There’s just too much stuff that affects them. Lights, cellular signals, WiFi, electricity, static, ex
My RCBS overdrops like 10% of the time. It's annoying. Sometimes, I put the pan back on it, and it's off by 0.4gn from zero. Because of that, I don't think I can trust the charge weights it puts out anyway. Also, just about every RCBS product I use fails me. If the FA existed, or I knew it existed when I got my RCBS, I'd have paid twice as much for it just to avoid RCBS. If you're gonna buy chinese stuff, might as well buy good chinese stuff.
The rcbs beam scale has a +\- .1 accuracy same as the frankford. Hard to validate a tool with another that is no more accurate.
Leon Weatherby I know what you’re saying, but it has been my experience with the beam scale that it is extremely repeatable, down to +\- 1 kernel of powder
Excellent 👍
Purchased a Chargemaster Lite , loaded a few rounds yesterday . Its so much easier and quicker than the beam scale .
I'm not sure about the Lite version, but you can change the settings on the regular Chargemaster that help a lot. I have to imagine there are options to do the same on the Lite version somewhere out there in the interwebs.
Will Stofferahn yeah! I’m familiar with changing the parameters on the old ChargeMaster 1500, so I called RCBS and asked if one could do the same with the Lite, and they told me no.
How do these handle ball powders like H335? I've noticed that in my manual trickler, small kernels of powder tend to slide out of the outside of the tube. Does this happen with these devices?
Just like with a manual powder measure, the auto dispensers do a great job with the fine powders, in my experience.
I have the FA Intellidropper and I've use H335 on my dropper. It drop fine, no over charge once you do a Calibration.
My only complaint surrounding these machines is the royal pain in the ass when you need to empty them of powder...
I’ve never had one that’s been easy to empty. What do you recommend?
@@TeensierPython I never received this reply so sorry for the late reply. One thing I did do that was a mistake was to leave the most commonly used powder in the machine. Don’t do that cause it stuck to the internal hopper, (must have reacted to the plastic over a week or so). I basically use it for IMR type powder because it’s a little bit easier to clear out than ball or flake powder…
@@cal30m1 thanks!
I own a Chargemaster 1500. How does the Lite compare? Thanks
my dad has the 1500. it's a great unit as well. it's kinda nice because you can go in and change the "parameters" around for faster dispensing.
Pow call is supposed to set best feed rate for wat ever powder your using I have an inteidropper
is it worth $90 more?
hmmmm, good question. At the time of this video, the prices of the two were within $20 or so. Be sure to keep a check on places like Brownells, Midsouth Shooters Supply, and MidWay USA for good prices.