upgrade from RCBS Chargemaster 1500?

[flexible]

Hi everyone, flexible here. Just closed out my first BR match season and will be doing some more reloading and testing over the winter. Currently i have a RCBS Chargemaster 1500. It works well but sometimes stops while under or over.
Does anyone have recommendations for a better powder charger?
thanks

 

[piie]

Fx120i + V4 Autotrickler

AutoTrickler

Current estimate lead time is 4 weeks (September 2025). The scale is sold separately. You can order the AutoTrickler from us, or you can order with scale as a complete package from one of our distributors. See below for distributor information. AutoTrickler V4 $490 USD More Information Order Now...

autotrickler.com

 

[p5200]

You may have checked already but just in case, I had similar problem once and where the scale and hopper connected together was working loose. I guess from vibration so I tightened it back up and has been fine since then.

 

[dcali]

The autotrickler is everything the Chargemaster wants to be. I wish I hadn't waited so long to upgrade.

 

[Clancy]

I bought an autotrickler and sold it after a couple of days.

There’s no doubt it’s a nice unit, but it would have been nice to know that I needed several hundred more dollars in accessories to make it perfect. The quality is THERE but I wish it was all sold as a bundle.

I’m still using my Chargemaster with the spout insert and still very happy with it, but I intend to grab a Matchmaster soon.

If I shot 1,000 yard BR, I’d want a lot more scale, but I don’t. For hunting and 600 yards, the Chargemaster is more than good enough for me, because in my opinion, you’re either in a node or you’re not.

 

[divingin]

I bought an autotrickler and sold it after a couple of days.

There’s no doubt it’s a nice unit, but it would have been nice to know that I needed several hundred more dollars in accessories to make it perfect.

What else were you lacking?

I run the V4/FX120i as it came from Adam with a couple of exceptions: A small plastic weigh boat (I think that's what they call it - tray for weighing stuff on a scale; Amazon, like $6/100), a funnel (which you need with any of these things), and a fine point stainless tweezer (to pull a grain or two of powder out from the occasional overcharge - powder goes into the weigh boat.)

 

[Clancy]

What else were you lacking?

I run the V4/FX120i as it came from Adam with a couple of exceptions: A small plastic weigh boat (I think that's what they call it - tray for weighing stuff on a scale; Amazon, like $6/100), a funnel (which you need with any of these things), and a fine point stainless tweezer (to pull a grain or two of powder out from the occasional overcharge - powder goes into the weigh boat.)

Mainly a $100 minimum check weight, a suitable boat yes, and a single kernel trickler that’s very expensive. Mine was a V2 or V3. It’s been several years ago.

I like the cleaner appearance of the V4, but still not interested if I have to buy a weight and an ingenuity trickler.

I think I’m making it clear that I’m not bad mouthing Adam or his products, but the guys I know that have autos running how they want them are knocking on $2,000. That’s a lot of money if you’re not one of the 5 guys in the US that can shoot the difference in half a kernel at 1,000, so to speak.

I’ll throw out a vote for the Supertrickler AKA Mr Coffee. I’ve looked at those lately as well and may get it over the matchmaster if it doesn’t require a lot of add ons.

 

[JimSC]

For a few years now I keep waiting for my 1500 to die so I can justify upgrading to an autotrickler but the few seconds per charge just are not worth it for me. So instead I just throw on the 1500 and manually adjust. Tweezers are a PITA so I just use my fingers, you might be surprised at how quickly you can get to the point where your fingers get so sensitive you pick up one or two kernals.

Anyway some day I will buy a AT, just not today

 

[flexible]

I tried e-mailing Auto Trickler but it keeps getting bounced back. Maybe I'll call. Just sent a message to Unknown Munitions (they sell the full kits) looking for more info. Yikes, just looked at the Supertrickler prices. I'll try repairing my Chargemaster this afternoon.

 

[jimmymac]

The upgrade is the ST or an Autotrickler. That’s the next step up and it is going to cost some bucks. If you want the upgrade, that’s the price of entry. The scale itself is expensive. Add the powder dispenser and it’s more than double. It’s pay to play if you want top precision in an automated electronic powder dispenser.

I got a Mr Coffee back in June and it is fast and precise. I can dispense charges 3 times faster than my CM 1500. I bought an extra pan and adjusted the weight of the heavy one to make it match the lighter one to have the ability to go even faster. Jury is still out on that because I can barely keep up as it is with one pan.

YMMV

 

[TRSR8]

Matchmaster has been tough to beat.

 

[jimmymac]

Here is one for sale. I have no experience with these. No idea how fast these things go, but maybe this is a step up for you without breaking the bank.

Sold - RCBS Match Master

RCBS Match Master, good condition in the original box. $495 + shipping

forum.accurateshooter.com

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Mainly a $100 minimum check weight, a suitable boat yes, and a single kernel trickler that’s very expensive. Mine was a V2 or V3. It’s been several years ago.

I like the cleaner appearance of the V4, but still not interested if I have to buy a weight and an ingenuity trickler.

I think I’m making it clear that I’m not bad mouthing Adam or his products, but the guys I know that have autos running how they want them are knocking on $2,000. That’s a lot of money if you’re not one of the 5 guys in the US that can shoot the difference in half a kernel at 1,000, so to speak.

I’ll throw out a vote for the Supertrickler AKA Mr Coffee. I’ve looked at those lately as well and may get it over the matchmaster if it doesn’t require a lot of add ons.

My v4 did not cost $2000 US. It doesn't need a "check weight". If I need to check, I chuck a Sierra 105g in the glass jug. Any container will do to weigh the powder. ( The glass does it better). I'm interested in making the loading process "easier" ie getting consistent accurate powder loads without taking too much time, than the 1 kernel of powder - but the precision is nice too.

 

[Rset]

Hi everyone, flexible here. Just closed out my first BR match season and will be doing some more reloading and testing over the winter. Currently i have a RCBS Chargemaster 1500. It works well but sometimes stops while under or over.
Does anyone have recommendations for a better powder charger?
thanks

The question I would have is what distance are you shooting? Many a very small group in short range as I understand it have been thrown, and not weighed. I used a chargemaster light with pretty good success at 600 yards and under in F-Class. It was slow, and I am short on time, so I now use a ST and an FX-120i.
The other question becomes if your current shooting ability would even notice the difference. Only you would know and even then, the more consistent your loading process, including powder charge, the more you would have confidence it that answer. Lots of variables though.

 

[mr45man]

I was just loading this morning, N. 133 at 33.2 Target weight.
set weight to 33.22 and that is what the V3 dispensed 90% of the time.
A joy to use.
The Charge master is just to slow and not accurate enough for short range .

 

[jimmymac]

The Charge master is just to slow and not accurate enough for short range .

I’ll agree with the first part but not the second. CM’s work fine for typical group and score shooting. They are widely used at group shoots. You can hear the beeping from every direction. I’m with you on the too slow part because my time is valuable to me.

 

[mr45man]

And the beeping and the wife did not get along.
(I set up the charging operation in the den during very cold weather)
She is happy now.

 

[DiRTY DOG]

Sell your Chargemaster 1500 for $150 and use that to upgrade to the Chargemaster Supreme.

 

[Clancy]

My v4 did not cost $2000 US. It doesn't need a "check weight". If I need to check, I chuck a Sierra 105g in the glass jug. Any container will do to weigh the powder. ( The glass does it better). I'm interested in making the loading process "easier" ie getting consistent accurate powder loads without taking too much time, than the 1 kernel of powder - but the precision is nice too.

I just looked it up again, and the calibration weight and glass cup are now standard equipment. That brings it to about $1558 for me, or $1833 to New Zealand, if purchased from CE. (With ingenuity trickler)

That’s a step in the right direction.

 

[TRSR8]

Here is one for sale. I have no experience with these. No idea how fast these things go, but maybe this is a step up for you without breaking the bank.

Sold - RCBS Match Master

RCBS Match Master, good condition in the original box. $495 + shipping

forum.accurateshooter.com

I generally set speed as fast and it cycles a charge in 11-12 seconds and throws within .02 of a grain. By the time you seat a bullet, it’s ready. Run it right off phone app.