My RCBS Charge Master 1500 crapped out

C

cw308

New member
My charge unit didn't go on, RCBS no longer services the unit. Went with the Hornady lock n load powder charger, ordered from Midway USA, should get it by next week. Anyone out there have one & how do you like it. My 1500 never gave me a problem till now.
 
RCBS Charge Master 1500

The charge master 1500 is still listed on rcbs web site. I have one and it's been great. No problems in 4 years of use.
 
Had three CMs, the third one I threw in the trash. I kept the scale. #1 to RCBS needed a new board, #2 I got a complete new unit. I can trickle a charge after a volumetric drop .3 grains light, in 15 seconds, so not a big deal.
 
SSGCharlie, I had my 1500 since 06 without a problem. When I spoke to the RCBS service tech, he advised me to call Natchez, the bought all the scales from them. The scale sells for 248 & the complete unit 285. Didn't like the idea they discontinued the system, so I went with Hornady. Midway also has the 1500 discontinued.Hope the Hornady works as well as the 1500.
 
MarkCO, sounds like you didn't have any luck with the 1500. I really can't complain, my unit was 10 years without a problem, shows ya things don't last forever. I think my Rock Chucker press my have a chance though.
 
Yeah, I really wanted it to work and I have gone back to manual for the time being. I keep thinking someone is gong to come out with a $200-$300 unit that blows all the others away.

My RC is like 25 years old and I still use it weekly. :)
 
I don't believe the RCBS Chargemaster 1500 combo scale and dispenser has been discontinued. It is currently listed for sale on the RCBS website and many others including Cabelas and Midway. I must be misunderstanding your post. Please clarify. Thanks.
 
Gadawg88, They may be listed but when you go to order they no longer have them. I was speaking to both RCBS & MidayUSA.Natchez bought all the units from RCBS as per RCBS. I Didn't want to order another unit that wouldn't be supported.
 
Well I still think we must not be on the same page because I just went to the Midway site and added one to my cart and went through the entire order process just short of placing the order. So they do have them instock. Midsouth Shooters Supply, Cabelas and Bass Pro also have them instock. Two days ago, I say three on the shelf at my local Cabelas and they are on sale for $300 which is a really good price. So, I think the Chargemaster 1500 is alive and well.
 
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Gatawg88, some may have them in inventory, will RCBS have the service. I called both RCBS & MidwayUSA no longer sell or service the 1500. I liked the Charge Master1500 but was hesitant to order one without support. Just call RCBS & Midway see what they say.
 
The CM is still shown on the RCBS site.
Wonder what they will replace it with, if they have discontinued it?
I have one of the first CMs produced and haven't had a problem. They should sell insurance for the units and make more money.
 
Call RCBS, their customer service is outstanding. With the CM 1500 I believe they offer their standard lifetime warranty on all the "non electronic" parts of the unit. Not sure exactly what that means but it's worth a phone call...

A few years ago I accidentally dropped my Uni-Flow and cracked the hopper tube. Called RCBS and got a replacement tube N/C and no questions asked.
 
Update on my Charge Master crapping out. Being I have a Hornady ordered & on the way from Midway, I removed the silver void label to remove the screw ( unit is 10 years old,out of warranty) to open the scale. Wires, circuit boards & connectors, all look good. No dust ,burn marks, like new. Screw it back together, plugged it in. Worked perfect, went on & off, calibrated and weighted charges. I'm glade, really like the unit. Guess I'll be one of those guys you see on line comparing powder units. Hopefully some things have a good chance to last forever. For what ever reason RCBS is fazing out the Charge Master 1500 powder unit.
 
Lee n. field, I agree. Almost all my reloading equipment is RCBS, great company. Have called them in the past, they are great. This last call with the 1500 not turning on, they dropped me like a hot rock. That's when I called Midway & ordered the Hornady unit.
 
I went and checked, to see if my recollection was correct. It was. RCBS warranty on the electronic equipment is 1 year.

(It also looks like they've dropped some of the mechanical scales. <scowl>)
 
I'm sorry to hear that.
They really don't seem to have the best reputation any more. (Well, when they were still in production.)


I sent you a PM about the unit.
 
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