Is the chargemaster 1500 worth the extra $100+ compared to the chargemaster lite, Lyman gen6, or the Hornady auto charge for the average weekend reloader?

Yes.

Buy once, cry once.

I feel like I'm aspiring to get up to the level of "average weekend reloader" at this point. Hopefully I will be getting more free time soon to do more reloading. So for what it's worth...

We got one and that is the single best "convenience" equipment. For example, I got another trimming tool to replace the basic one I had. It's definitely better but not that great so still on the fence about how great I think the Worlds Finest Trimmer ot if I'd recommend it based on its cost.
The Chargemaster is NOT that case. The alternative method was so time consuming and aggravating versus a scale, thrower and trickle combo. I'd recommend it and for us I stand behind the statement, "it was totally worth what I paid for."
Btw,my overall gun related budget annually is definitely not amongst the top of spenders on this forum. My "custom" rifle that I cherish and is the best rifle is have is a savage with an aftermarket barrel. Not some fancy $3-5k custom thing.

yep worth every penny. Don't have to by new. Slightly used ones come up for sale all the time. I paid $200 shipped for mine
from a guy several years ago that used it twice.Never had an issue with it. Most will still come with the box and all the paperwork. RCBS warranty is transferable too.

It is a good thrower for the $ just do not expect the warranty to be the same as say an RCBS press or dies. The Chargemaster warranty is NOT transferable and is for one year from date of purchase.

RCBS Warranty LINK

Yes it is. The charge master is far better than the others listed


Got a hornady one sitting in my garage I could sale you...


The big difference is the hornady will work on some powders just fine. Extruded powders like Varget do not play well with the hornady.

A reducing insert in the drop tube MIGHT make the Hornady work better, but since I don't have the Hornady machine anymore I can't say for sure. It sure makes my Chargemaster work better, though.

I suspect the scale in the Chargemaster is better than the one in the Hornady.

guess I miss read the warranty.

I like mine, have never had a real gripe with it. Not sure if I could drive yet or not when I bought it.

If you do a little searching you can find quite a few cases where people were not happy to find that their Chargemaster was no longer under warranty when they had an issue. Like a lot of companies electronics are not warrantied as long as mechanical items another case of that in point check out those expensive high end Binos with the range finder ability, the Binos warranty is often lifetime with caveat of range finder one or two years.

RCBS has evolved I believe on the Chargemaster’s.
My first one died after two years. I called and they said out of warranty BUT send us the old one and 50.00 and we will send you another new one.
I did and they did so all was good. Now I have read on forums that is no longer offered. So if it goes out you are on your own.

Well, it seems the chargemaster 1500 it is!!

Give this some real consideration:

http://www.ebay.com/usr/dm2596?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

Buy it, and thank me later.

Great addition to your chargemaster