RCBS ChargeMaster vs 5-0-5 Scale Accuracy

[DenimChicken]

I've been using a powder dropper and then trickling up to charge on a 5-0-5 beam scale for a lot of years. I'm finally interested in joining the 21st century and getting some kind of of digital scale and powder dispenser. What is the actual accuracy of the 5-0-5, and will the ChargeMaster meet/beat it when it comes to weighing charges? I've worked up some great loads with my current system and while I would like to be as accurate as possible, I'm not interested in dropping over a grand on an Auto Trickler and FX-120i. If the ChargeMaster will at least match what I'm doing for accuracy, I'm all in. I'm not a super high volume reloader and would like to reasonably balance accuracy, speed and ease of use.

 

[sdupontjr]

I can tell you, Ive been using an old Ohaus M5 beam scale for years. Decided to pick up an RCBS 502 and send it to Scott Parker, who has been tuning these things for a long time. My 502 is sensitive to 1 kernel of Varget. So I decided to make my own dispenser using this tuned beam scale. No warm up, no static electrical issues, just tuned beam and gravity. Its set up with sensor to allow as close as possible to setpoint then trickle / bump from there. I do not have 120 to compare to, but this beam scale and his reputation for tuning beams scales is good enough for me. You may want to consider sending him your 505. And I too am not a high volume loader.

 

[skipper907]

the 505 is +or- .1grains same as a chargemaster link

 

[Castle Rock]

I can tell you, Ive been using an old Ohaus M5 beam scale for years. Decided to pick up an RCBS 502 and send it to Scott Parker, who has been tuning these things for a long time. My 502 is sensitive to 1 kernel of Varget. So I decided to make my own dispenser using this tuned beam scale. No warm up, no static electrical issues, just tuned beam and gravity. Its set up with sensor to allow as close as possible to setpoint then trickle / bump from there. I do not have 120 to compare to, but this beam scale and his reputation for tuning beams scales is good enough for me. You may want to consider sending him your 505. And I too am not a high volume loader.

That is the first I have seen of that, any info on where to get one would be appreciated please

 

[sdupontjr]

I built it. Cheap considering the cost of a 120 or any of the other electronic dispensers. I'll have to look but I have a complete list of items and wiring schematic. I just like the beam because it's no fuss. And gravity is undefeated.

 

[sdupontjr]

That is the first I have seen of that, any info on where to get one would be appreciated please

In this thread, it's all listed.

S

Thread 'Powder dispenser for tuned beam scale'

Feb 27, 2025

Been working on this off and on in spare time but works fantastic. Tried a several designs but this one is the cats Azz.

-Tuned RCBS 502 from Scott Parker (1 kernel of Varget sensitive.
-Built powder dispenser with 2500 grain hopper
-On/off power switch
-Red start switch
-Yellow bump / trickle
-Knob is speed controller
-NPN sensor for triggering the relays on the back of scale.

The attached video is a stiff charge of Varget that I use in my 130ttsx for 308. 49g of Varget dispensed at about 7 to 8 sec. Works everything. The system works off several relays and 1 timer relay. Throw...

• sdupontjr
• Replies: 6
• Forum: Reloading

• 

Also, I tried it with Varget, 8208xbr, TAC, H1000 and 4831sc. All work perfect. That's the only powders I use currently.

 

[flyfisher117]

I love a good Ohaus made scale but they are only as accurate as their condition allows. If they get abused or bumped out of pristine condition they can easily drop off.

My charge master lite or what ever they called it has been good enough. Honestly I don't think it's any faster or better than the 5 0 5 I learned on but it is 100% better than the garbage new production balance beam scale I bought when I moved out of dad's reloading room.

 

[N2TRKYS]

I got tried of the inconsistency and slowness of a beam scale and moved to a Chargemaster. Best thing I’ve ever done. My Chargemaster will pick up one kernel difference in stick powder. I would never go back to a beam scale.

 

[Foster_65]

I got tried of the inconsistency and slowness of a beam scale and moved to a Chargemaster. Best thing I’ve ever done. My Chargemaster will pick up one kernel difference in stick powder. I would never go back to a beam scale.

I have the supreme and I can’t get it to within a kernel. I’d say it’s within about 4 kernels which seems to be about .1 of a grain so I guess it’s as advertised. I say 4 kernels (h4350) meaning that about the extreme spread over about 25 rounds. I’d love to get it more accurate but I’m not sure that spread means much on target. Did you do anything to yours to get it so accurate. I’ve tried all the tricks. I use the straw mod otherwise I would get overthrows more than I liked.

 

[N2TRKYS]

I have the supreme and I can’t get it to within a kernel. I’d say it’s within about 4 kernels which seems to be about .1 of a grain so I guess it’s as advertised. I say 4 kernels (h4350) meaning that about the extreme spread over about 25 rounds. I’d love to get it more accurate but I’m not sure that spread means much on target. Did you do anything to yours to get it so accurate. I’ve tried all the tricks. I use the straw mod otherwise I would get overthrows more than I liked.

I haven’t done anything to mine. I’ve come to the same conclusion as you, though. I don’t think the difference makes that much difference down range. Folks have been making accurate ammo for a long time with thrown charges. Probably one of those things we worry about that don’t really matter.

 

[DenimChicken]

I have the supreme and I can’t get it to within a kernel. I’d say it’s within about 4 kernels which seems to be about .1 of a grain so I guess it’s as advertised. I say 4 kernels (h4350) meaning that about the extreme spread over about 25 rounds. I’d love to get it more accurate but I’m not sure that spread means much on target. Did you do anything to yours to get it so accurate. I’ve tried all the tricks. I use the straw mod otherwise I would get overthrows more than I liked.

Have you ever checked your SD and ES with ChargeMaster loads?

 

[DenimChicken]

Folks have been making accurate ammo for a long time with thrown charges. Probably one of those things we worry about that don’t really matter.

For sure. I’ve made some loads I’m plenty happy with on my beam scale. If the ChargeMaster can at least match it I’m happy.

 

[Foster_65]

Have you ever checked your SD and ES with ChargeMaster loads?

Yes. Chargemaster def has larger es and sds. More on tge es side. Seems 90 % are right in where they should be then some are just way high or low. This is compared to when I verify every load on my 10-10 beam. I’d say realistically my charge master is within .2 of a grain. Judging by my verifying on the beam and my es on the Garmin.