RCBS chargemaster woes

crapshoot

crapshoot

Well-known member
Just got the thing and was happier than a pig in slop. Have only used is a few times for some load development using h1000. So far so good or so I thought.

I was loading a few 308 for load development using Ramshot x-terminator.
Went to unload the hopper and noticed a sizable amount spilled out on my loading bench near the hopper drain. The drain was closed but as far as I can tell the spherical powder is so fine it slowly dribbles out through any small gaps.


Anyone else have this problem?

I'll be contacting rcbs tomorrow.
 
Going on year 9 with mine.

Its not perfect, but mine does not do that.

My wife made me a cool/custom pottery plate that lives right next to the machine.

The plate has a funnel shape on one side and makes a nice little powder tub.

I can just drain the powder right into it without lifting or moving the device.

Then i use the funnel shape to pour the powder tub/plate into a regular funnel that goes into the powder jub.
 
I have probably had mine for 7 years without any problems at all. The only time I have had a problem with powder coming out the drain hole is when I forgot to close it before dumping in the powder. You will only do that once, well, maybe twice before you make sure it is closed!
 
Originally Posted By: WyoBullI have probably had mine for 7 years without any problems at all. The only time I have had a problem with powder coming out the drain hole is when I forgot to close it before dumping in the powder. You will only do that once, well, maybe twice before you make sure it is closed!

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Originally Posted By: WyoBullI have probably had mine for 7 years without any problems at all. The only time I have had a problem with powder coming out the drain hole is when I forgot to close it before dumping in the powder. You will only do that once, well, maybe twice before you make sure it is closed!

Or for us slow to learn types, maybe three times.

I've had one of my RCBS CM for a pretty long time and no issues, other than ones that were my fault.

Unrelated to the OP's issue but I've had the best results with my CM's leaving them plugged in and turned on 24/7/365. I have them all plugged in to a surge protector power strip and they never get turned off.
 
If you make a custom powder tub, when you do pour powder, and the side dispenser is open, you will not spill much if any.

I have done it so many times i can't even count that high.

To add to what has already been said, you should let all electronic scales warm up at least 30 min prior to use.
 
I have a supreme. I had the same problem as you. I looked on the net and realized it's a common problem that being spherical it pours out too fast.
I went back to dropping it out of a measure. I use the Chargemaster for extruded.

I do know you can drop ball powders just as accurate as the Chargemaster so it wasn't a big loss.
 
Haven't heard back from rcbs yet. If I was just loading rounds all the same weight, I'd just throw them. But since I was changing charges every round is the only reason I was using the CM.



Thanks for the info on warming up the scale.
 
Originally Posted By: Coyote-conquestYou can try to find a taller powder pan so it won't go every where but even then I think it will still over charge a lot.

The pan isn't the problem.

It's leaking past the drain door on the side where you empty the hopper.
 
I think the door just snaps over the end.
You could try to gently pop it off. Then make gasket out of thin rubber or felt glue it to the door and snap it back on.
 
Originally Posted By: jd9770I think the door just snaps over the end.
You could try to gently pop it off. Then make gasket out of thin rubber or felt glue it to the door and snap it back on.

That's an idear. I'd still like to hear back from rcbs before boogering things up.
 
as a short term fix..... go to the store and get some finger cots. put one of them over the powder drain open/close knob. it'll keep the mess off the bench at least until rcbs gets ahold of you..
 
Originally Posted By: Plant.Oneas a short term fix..... go to the store and get some finger cots. put one of them over the powder drain open/close knob. it'll keep the mess off the bench at least until rcbs gets ahold of you..
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Stick an empty bullet box under the drain. That is what I use. The corner of the box makes it easy to pour. You can angle cut the corner as well to make it even easier to pour out of. My habit is to put the box under the drain before I even start. Actually the only time it isn't under the opening is when I am pouring powder out of it. That way if the drain gets left open it isn't a disaster.

There used to be a guy who would make a little insert to go in the end of the powder drop tube. That makes the Chargemaster much more consistent in the charges that it throws, nearly eliminating overthrows. Can't remember his name or what forum he was on. But it is a pretty simple part to make if you have access to a lathe. Every one of my friends that has a Chargemaster runs the insert and has zero troubles.
 
EBay has the inserts. Most are plastic now. I bought some brass ones years ago that are great. I have not seen those for a long time.

I put a plastic bowl from hummus under my spout to catch any mind stumbles and for emptying my CM.

Greg
 
I know its apples and oranges but I have a Lyman and it hates ball powder. It will throw a charge but if your doing many rounds, sooner or later it will get clogged up and the fill tube will eventually bind up. Then you have to stop, drain, clean, then start over. A real PITA at times. I think they all have some nitchs and we just work around them.
 
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