RCBS Matchmaster Powder Dispenser –
Matchmaster Powder Dispenser
RCBS’S new Matchmaster Powder Dispenser uses dual tube dispense technology and they claim that most charges can be thrown in under 20 seconds to 0.10 grain accuracy in Standard Mode. For the ultimate in precision, the pharmaceutical-grade scale components enable 0.04 grain accuracy in Match Mode.
RCBS states that one Matchmaster in Match Mode can dispense charges at the same speed as two of the older model Chargemasters in Standard Mode while in Standard Mode, it can dispense charges at the same speed as three Chargemasters.
User-adjustable powder dispensing settings allows for some fine-tuning to reduce dispensing times in Match Mode and, on this setting, it’s able to throw maximum charges of 300 grains. Maximum charges of 1 000 grains are possible in Standard Mode. To drain the powder from the bottom of the 1lb hopper, a flexible tube is supplied.
RCBS also has an easy-to-use app which allows you to, among other functions, store pre-configured powder profiles with details about specific loads including photos of group sizes, velocities, etc, and you can calibrate and control the unit via the app.
I started off by testing the Matchmaster for drift. I allowed the dispenser to warm up for 30 minutes, then zeroed it. After 24 hours the zero was still perfect. I then weighed a 9mm cartridge case 25 times with the Matchmaster and my own electronic scale (using up to two digits after the decimal) and the results were the same for each measurement. The only difference was that my scale consistently weighed 0.02gr lighter.
I then tested the Matchmaster with Vihtavuori N555 (slow burning) rifle powder (40gr), which was specifically developed for the 6.5 Creedmoor. Dispensing speed can be changed between Slowest, Slow, Fast and Fastest. To test speed and accuracy I set the Matchmaster to Standard Mode and the dispense speed to Slow. Five loads dispensed with the Matchmaster measured 39.98, 39.94, 39.98, 39.94 and 40gr on my scale. Dispense time was 13 seconds. Using the Standard Mode (Slowest) setting, increased the dispense time to 57 seconds with all loads between 39.94 and 40gr. Using the two faster dispense settings resulted in slight overthrows.
In Match Mode (Slow) average dispense time was 44 seconds and the extreme spread over 25 loads was 0.04gr. Match Mode (Fastest) surprised with an average dispense time of 17 seconds with 25 loads measuring between 39.98 and 40.02gr. Using the Slowest setting took an average of 72 seconds, again with an extreme spread of 0.04gr.
I did not have time to tweak the Matchmaster for increased accuracy, and there are numerous options available but, for general reloading, the Standard
Mode (Slow) at 13 seconds per throw is actually good enough for most precision shooting with an extreme spread of only 0.06gr. Match Mode (Fastest) is also impressive with a delivery time of 17 seconds and all loads were to within the claimed 0.04gr variance.
Using S335 resulted in slightly longer dispense times, but extreme spread between 10 loads in Match Mode was only 0.03gr. This is extremely accurate and the difference was only one or two granules.
Next, I set up the Matchmaster to dispense 5gr S121. In Standard Mode (Fastest) it took 10.5 seconds to pour the load with a maximum variance of 0.02gr. The same result was attained in Match Mode (Fastest), although the time was increased to 15 seconds. In Match Mode (Slow) the time per load was on average 43 seconds, but yet again, all loads were within 0.02 grains. I experienced no over or under throws.
The Matchmaster is certainly living up to RCBS’ claims, even in Standard Mode it is extremely accurate. It’s easy to use – especially so with the app, has enough settings to keep the most tech savvy amongst us happy (you can even customise the throw rates of the individual tubes), yet can be used with pinpoint accuracy even if you prefer not to delve into the menus.
At R26 624 (online at Safari Outdoor) it’s not cheap, but it certainly makes life a lot easier if you want the most accurate load for precision shooting. Being able to drop a powder load down to the last granule every 12 to 17 seconds means that a previously long, tedious day at the bench to produce excellent long-range accuracy for my 6.5x47 Lapua and .308 Win has now turned into an enjoyable and relaxing time at the reloading bench. If you are serious about assembling loads to the last granule the Matchmaster is a must-have.