Sub $500 Auto Powder Throwers

[AndrewMT34]

I received a $400 gift card to Amazon from my work for Christmas. Currently I use a manual powder thrower and weigh/trickle each charge before loading the case and seating bullets. I'd like to speed up the process a bit.

I'm interested in picking up an auto powder thrower, the two options I've found around $400 are the RCBS Chargemaster Supreme or the Hornady Auto Charge Pro. A lot of my searching online has had mixed reviews of these units. Anyone have experience or thoughts?

Or is it best to save up and get the AutoTrickler/A&D combo?

 

[skipper907]

I have been running two chargemaster links for 3yrs loading for prs and for the price they have been great

 

[Marbles]

I have a Chargemaster and like it.

 

[Raider4044]

I’d grab a Chargemaster lite/link and use it until you get ready to upgrade to one of the A&D based dispensers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Shortschaf]

+1 chargemaster lite
Mine's been great going on 5 years

Chargemasters probably outnumber all other electric trickler+scales combined 10 to 1

 

[coast range]

Man I just went ahead and bought the ad scale 2 years ago. I still manually throw charges and it’s fine. I load 100 or so every month or so.

The scale is the important part. Someday I get an auto thrower but buying and “cheap” one doesn’t seem to be the answer… at least it wasn’t for me.

 

[Backcast88]

I had a Chargemaster Link. Died on me within a year. Was okay until it wasn't.

I was able to get my money back and put it towards the Hornady Auto Charge Pro. I've had it for 2-3 yrs and loaded a lot of ammo on it. Never had a single problem. Its consistent and I get the results I am looking for. I would certainly buy another one if it dies tomorrow.

I will be in the minority and say avoid the Chargemasters but that's just based on my experience. I know a lot of people have them and like them. But, I wouldn't buy another one.

 

[Bobby Johnson]

Chargemaster

 

[KY_coop]

Ive got an autocharge pro. Its not perfect but I do like it alot for the price. Mine had an issue around a year after purchase and hornady replaced it without issue with quick turnaround time.

 

[wind gypsy]

Chargemaster 1500 supreme is what I started with. Never had an issue and still use it occasionally. Moved across the country with it 5 times (read: Bounced around in a cargo trailer) and it still works good 12 years after purchase. There does seem to be a number of people who've had issues but it treated me well. I dont shoot any better with Auto trickler charged ammo.

 

[AndrewMT34]

Thanks everyone for the feedback, much appreciated.

 

[Ruggedsportsman]

https://amzn.to/4qLXai1

I use this one. I never had one issue with the intellidropper. As long as you calibrate it correctly I rarely ever have overthrows/underthrows. I use mine for loading my PRS rounds.

 

[Tanner]

Chargemasters are good for the coin, especially if you can find one lightly used. After the high dollar upgrade of a gas station straw inserted in the tube, mine quit overthrowing charges which was my only real complaint. It’s a good setup and expedited my loading a bunch since I can seat bullets while it’s dispensing charges.

 

[AndrewMT34]

Anybody have a bad experience with the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper? Or should I stick with RCBS/Hornady

 

[sdupontjr]

Make one. I made this for about $80. Sent my scale off to Scott parker. No warmup time, turn on and let it eat. The gray one is the new one I made with bigger hopper. Holds a little over an entire 1l of powder. I have varget, 8208xbr, TAC, H1000, 4831sc and trailboss. Only one I haven't tried yet is TB for my subs in 308.

video is 49g of varget for one of my 308 loads.

 

[AndrewMT34]

Make one. I made this for about $80. Sent my scale off to Scott parker. No warmup time, turn on and let it eat. The gray one is the new one I made with bigger hopper. Holds a little over an entire 1l of powder. I have varget, 8208xbr, TAC, H1000, 4831sc and trailboss. Only one I haven't tried yet is TB for my subs in 308.

video is 49g of varget for one of my 308 loads.

View attachment 999422

Do you have a guide or how-to on how to DIY one??

 

[sdupontjr]

I'll send you a PM.

 

[Castle Rock]

I'll send you a PM.

Could you please also send it to me
Thanks

 

[sdupontjr]

Could you please also send it to me
Thanks

On deer stand. Ill start a thread with the updated info.

 

[menhaden_man]

Anybody have a bad experience with the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper? Or should I stick with RCBS/Hornady

I used one for maybe 3500 rifle rounds and really liked it. Went belly up out of nowhere but I gotta say their customer service was great. Sent me a brand new one.

That said, I sold it unopened and bought a chargemaster. Love great CS and folks standing behind their stuff but I’d rather it not break.