I've only been reloading for about five years now and, as in many other areas, am still learning the ins and outs of the art and science of hand loading. I'm also 67-years-old, a bit obsessive over details, tend to forget things, and am always looking for the tools that will make any job I undertake a bit easier but still give results that are better than "good enough" - especially where safety is involved.
That said, I just plain got tired of manually throwing powder charges and, so, I began looking into automatic powder dispensers. By "looking into," I mean doing as much reading and research as I could into what would be the best dispenser for me. I'm a hunter and, since I only have two calibers to worry about (.270 & 30-06...mostly .270) and am not a long range or bench rest shooter, I just needed what I term "a hammer." Something that would do the work of powder dispensing reliably, repeatably, and accurately. Emphasis on that last.
What with reviews, articles, talking with friends, a gunsmith or two, and people who own automatic powder dispensers, I narrowed my choices down to the Hornady model and RCBS's model - both with the electronic scales attached. After looking them over at Cabelas, I chose to go with the Hornady Lock 'n Load Automatic Dispenser. My choice was based on the fact that - even though the RCBS model was rated "better" in many reviews - I did not need all of the additional features that it offered. Too, after talking with owners of both models, I found that - for my purposes - the Hornady would likely be the better choice.
I've been using it now for about three weeks and have reloaded somewhere near 200 - 250 rounds. What I've found is that it is as accurate as advertised. While reloading, I use check weights that match the powder charge I'm dispensing and run those weights into the electronic scale about every 10 rounds (I did mention that I'm a bit obsessive, didn't I?) and then run a dispensed powder charge through my manual scale about every 15 rounds. So far, I've never come across a disagreement in weights. As for dispensing an "overcharge," it does happen...but not by much and not very often (I did 40 rounds today and had one overcharge).
I tend to forget things, so I keep the instruction manual handy and follow the instructions for calibrating at every session. I also follow the other instructions for adjusting discharge speed, trickling, etc. so that the dispensing runs true to what I'm looking for. Yes, it require a little fiddling, but I've been fiddling with stuff all of my life and enjoy it. The RCBS may be easier, but I didn't buy it and I find that I'm perfectly happy with the Hornady. I don't go in for speed when I'm reloading as that tends to get me in trouble. Reloading is relaxing for me and taking my time (i.e., "fiddling") is part of that relaxation...and the Hornady model fits my needs, so far, to the proverbial "T".
Clean up is fairly easy. It doesn't take up a lot of room on my table. I find it easy to use. I caught it on sale. It works as advertised. I've come to trust it. And, over time, I'll find out how sturdy and long-lasting it is. If I come to regret my purchase, I'll post again.
For now, though, I'm a happy reloader.
