Good Powder Measure for throwing Unique

[sbrmike]

I am in the market for a powder measure for throwing consistent light charges of Unique.

I had a RCBS Uniflow with small cylinder and added the baffle and it worked pretty good.

I had heard that the Lee Perfect Powder measure although being less expensive and visibly not as rugged as an RCBS Uniflow was actually better throwing Unique as well as coarse powders such as IMR 4350. What are your thoughts. The main reason I ask is I know what new and used Uniflows go for but know where a brand new Lee Perect Powder Measure is for a great price locally.

I will be using the Powder Measure for 38 / 357 loads using Unique and also 223 Rem loads using H-335 which meters very well across the board.

[Fishinfool]

I too have used the RCBS Uniflow with good results with all but the largest stick powders.

For handgun rounds not being loaded on a progressive, I really like the RCBS "Little Dandy" system. The rotors are available in a variety of sizes along with a chart that shows what each cylinder throws with most popular powders. I have found mine to be very consistent with a variety of powders, including Unique. I have never experienced "powder bridging" with them.

I put 25 cases at a time in a loading block, then charge each in line. It's quick, and when you are done, you can look down into each case in the block, and visually check powder level. Makes it easy to spot an empty, or double charged case. These work great once you have established a "go to" load. Just use the chart to pick the proper rotor.

Larry

[rockquarry]

I had two old RCBS measures that I sold years ago. Both worked very well and would throw consistent charges with most powders, but I didn't like the the non-micrometer adjustment that made it difficult to find the same setting twice.

I use four Reddings, the newest of which is over thirty years old. The pistol measure will usually throw Unique with decent consistency, but occasionally (maybe one out of twenty-five or thirty rounds will be light, noticeably light, and easily seen, so I have to glance at every powder-filled case. Same thing with other flake powders like Herco.

I've tried using baffles vs. no baffles; my results have been inconclusive. Use what works best for you. Most powder measures work similarly, so I doubt you'll see a great difference between measures as far as consistency with Unique. With or without a baffle, keeping the hopper full or nearly full seems to work best. Regardless of the powder it's a good idea to settle powder in the reservoir by throwing fifteen or twenty charges before loading.

[bobbyd]

Originally Posted by Fishinfool

I too have used the RCBS Uniflow with good results with all but the largest stick powders.

For handgun rounds not being loaded on a progressive, I really like the RCBS "Little Dandy" system. The rotors are available in a variety of sizes along with a chart that shows what each cylinder throws with most popular powders. I have found mine to be very consistent with a variety of powders, including Unique.

I put 25 cases at a time in a loading block, then charge each in line. It's quick, and when you are done, you can look down into each case in the block, and visually check powder level. Makes it easy to spot an empty, or double charged case.

Larry

I am also in love with my two Little Dandys because they require no set up and are great for small lot, rapid change reloading. The only problem sometimes encountered is that the actual amount measured from a given rotor varies from the amount listed on their chart.
To obtain a more precise charge, I adjust the rotor by adding a few drops of fingernail polish and “calibrate” to precisely the load stated.
They are great with Unique as the ratio of diameter vs. depth is well suited Unique’s texture.

[Luke Duke]

I've found while throwing with Unique its more of the technique. I use a RCBS powder measure and use two hard taps before dumping powder. Im always with in 2 tenths of a grain. You just have to be consistent with the taps. I love Unique and use alot of it

[sbrmike]

Totally forgot about the Lil Dandy's. That may be a choice. I agree it is best with an RCBS Uniflow to keep the hopper fairly full and throw a few charges to get it settled in.

As far as loading revolver loads on a single stage, I follow the golden rule of never charging an upright case. I put my primed, ready to load cases mouth down in the loading block.

[GypsmJim]

I used to use a Herters measure. Then I bought a Lee PPM and wouldn't trade it for anything. It works perfect with BE, Unique, IMR 4227 AND w-231.

I upgraded to the micrometer adjustable setup and calibrated it with each of my powders. I am simply amazed at how my data is reproducible year after year.

[Troystat]

I have an RCBS Little Dandy that seems to work ok with unique.

[jimmyj]

RCBS Charge Master 1500 is what I use with Unique. I check each 20th charge with a Redding Powder Scale.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I know that Lee is one of the best with sticks like 4350.

Unique I don't know about. It has been nearly fifty years since I used it, and I just don't remember. I probably used a Belding and Mull.

The Lee is not so great with really fine powders, but I don't remember which those are.

[Nevada Ed]

I have an OLD Pacific powder tube, drop that does well with Unique powder, if

I load it at least 1/3rd full and tap the unit with my hand 4-5 times to settle the powder
and toss the first four loads back into the tube, before loading cases.

Large IMR rifle , stick powders, will sometimes give me a "Crunch"
and I toss this load back into the tube and hope the next charge works out better.

It's not perfect but it beats hand weighing each charge, for target revolver & pistol ammo
after I check each case in my loading block, when it is filled.

I use "Crunch" powders, just because, some give me top accuracy or fps in max or hunting loads.

[imakmst]

"Good Powder Measure for throwing Unique"

I read this and chuckled, "no such animal"

Anyway, good luck

[Eddie Southgate]

I use the Lyman 55 , plastic Lee, Belding & Mull and an old Hornady and never had any trouble with Unique in ant of them. Some are easier to get set . For me the B&M is the absolute easiest to set and use but they are not as easy to find and the charge tubes are hard to find if not with the measure. I also have an Ohaus Duo Measure and an RCBS, both work fine for me.

[Model19man]

Originally Posted by GypsmJim

I used to use a Herters measure. Then I bought a Lee PPM and wouldn't trade it for anything. It works perfect with BE, Unique, IMR 4227 AND w-231.

I upgraded to the micrometer adjustable setup and calibrated it with each of my powders. I am simply amazed at how my data is reproducible year after year.

Same here. I bought several pounds of Unique when Hercules was about to change ownership. I still have several unopened containers. It and 231 are my two favorite pistol powders.

[WR Moore]

I've used a lot of Unique over decades. Some powder weight charges seem to have issues with consistency, some don't. May depend upon the design of the measure.

I found with fixed chamber measures, like the Little Dandy and the obsolete () Pacific/Hornady measure, you need to make your own charge weight charts, starting with a freshly opened can of Unique. That way, you get the heaviest charge that particular insert/rotor will throw. If your bottle has been open for, say, a year or so, you might want to reweigh your charges. The charge weight seems to go down for the same volume and, at least in my experience, you need the weight to get the same velocities. Or, you might find you now have an insert/rotor that throws the exact weight you want.

[SS336]

Originally Posted by WR Moore

I've used a lot of Unique over decades. Some powder weight charges seem to have issues with consistency, some don't. May depend upon the design of the measure.
I found with fixed chamber measures, like the Little Dandy and the obsolete (***) Pacific/Hornady measure, you need to make your own charge weight charts, starting with a freshly opened can of Unique.

That is what I did, works very well. I do not have enough variance to matter. I do check the rotors occasionally and adjust if needed.
I don’t use it for max loads but just range and target loads. Quick and easy. Also have done it with Red Dot.
Of course you measuring technique might be different.

[Nevada Ed]

Originally Posted by SS336

That is what I did, works very well. I do not have enough variance to matter. I do check the rotors occasionally and adjust if needed.
I don’t use it for max loads but just range and target loads. Quick and easy. Also have done it with Red Dot.
Of course you measuring technique might be different.

For some odd reason when I saw this picture
I got a instant flash back of my 366 P/W , shotgun loader unit.

[rockquarry]

Originally Posted by sbrmike

I am in the market for a powder measure for throwing consistent light charges of Unique.

I had a RCBS Uniflow with small cylinder and added the baffle and it worked pretty good.

I had heard that the Lee Perfect Powder measure although being less expensive and visibly not as rugged as an RCBS Uniflow was actually better throwing Unique as well as coarse powders such as IMR 4350. What are your thoughts. The main reason I ask is I know what new and used Uniflows go for but know where a brand new Lee Perect Powder Measure is for a great price locally.

I will be using the Powder Measure for 38 / 357 loads using Unique and also 223 Rem loads using H-335 which meters very well across the board.

I bought a Lee Powder Measure year ago not long after they were introduced. It actually worked very well and threw consistent charges of rifle powder(s). I really didn't give it a fair workout as I couldn't get over the cheapness of appearance and sold it.

The Lee might not be as durable as powder measures costing much more, but it just might work as well or even better with some powders. Maybe there are people here who have had experience with the Lee and a variety of powders.

[38SPL HV]

I’d pass on the Lee Perfect Measure, they leak and it’s adjustment stem has much to be desired. However, I’ve had good luck using Lee Deluxe Perfect Powder measure with Unique and VV N340, much better powder measure in my opinion.

I also use RCBS Little Dandy but be careful with the lower numbered rotors up through #11 when using Unique since the cavity circumference is not wide enough to always throw accurate charges; unless you tap the measure before throwing the charge…rotors #12 and above work with excellent consistency having wider holes for Unique to settle in its volumetric cavity. With Unique, I use rotor #12 (6.0 grs) for an accurate 357 Mag mid range load with generic cast 158 gr SWCs.

[38SPL HV]

Originally Posted by sbrmike

Totally forgot about the Lil Dandy's.

As far as loading revolver loads on a single stage, I follow the golden rule of never charging an upright case. I put my primed, ready to load cases mouth down in the loading block.

How do you get the powder into a mouth down case???

[max503]

I've recently begun using a Lee for 4.5 grains of Unique and it works surprisingly well, once you get used to its flimsy-ness. I work the handle with one hand while stabilizing the hopper with the other.

[ACORN]

I bought the adjustable rotor for my Little Dandy but the fixed rotors are handier once you have the exact powder charges correct rotor.

[sbrmike]

Originally Posted by 38SPL HV

How do you get the powder into a mouth down case???

The cases are upside down in the loading block. If they are upright they already have been charged. It is a very good practice. Take an upside down case, turn it up as you run it under the powder measure, and then seat the bullet.

[Skyhunter]

My Belding & Mull works well if I'm loading on the single stage press. It's a bit slow, but very reliable and repeatable.
The Dillion on my 550B has never been a problem and throws repeatable and reliable charges.

WYT-P
Skyhunter

[Green Frog]

Back when I was loading a fair amount of Unique about the only measure I had was a Lyman 55. I don’t remember having any problems with it.
Froggie

[johngalt]

The first powder I used was Green Dot (large flake) and a Lee Perfect. A highly exaggerated name. Leaked all over and was very inconsistent.

[TAROMAN]

I pondered this question many years ago.
Was loading 357 Magnum with Unique.
Loaded 50 with charges thrown by my Redding 3.
Another 50 were weighed individually.
Shot them all over the chronograph.
The result surprised us.
The thrown charge loads exhibited lower ES and SD than did the weighed ones.
My conclusion?
It doesn't really matter.

[rockquarry]

Originally Posted by TAROMAN

I pondered this question many years ago.
Was loading 357 Magnum with Unique.
Loaded 50 with charges thrown by my Redding 3.
Another 50 were weighed individually.
Shot them all over the chronograph.
The result surprised us.
The thrown charge loads exhibited lower ES and SD than did the weighed ones.
My conclusion?
It doesn't really matter.

If you have a measure that will throw consistent charges of Unique to around .1 of a grain or so (unless you're using a maximum charge), that's close enough. Low ES and SD numbers are fine and sometimes they actually coincide with an accurate load but not necessarily. Target results are much more meaningful.

[Nevada Ed]

Originally Posted by sbrmike

The cases are upside down in the loading block. If they are upright they already have been charged. It is a very good practice. Take an upside down case, turn it up as you run it under the powder measure, and then seat the bullet.

This;

1. It lets me know that all the cases have been primed and ready for powder.

2. next step is adding powder.

3. check all powder levels, in a good light. Twice, if needed.

4. add bullets to needed OAL.

crimp may be added or done in step number 5
per how the loader finishes the load

(with my loading, with the old RCBS single stage, loader)

[38SPL HV]

Originally Posted by sbrmike

The cases are upside down in the loading block. If they are upright they already have been charged. It is a very good practice. Take an upside down case, turn it up as you run it under the powder measure, and then seat the bullet.

…I was having fun with your original explanation which didn’t quite say it correctly; hence, the smiley face…

I gotcha, safety first.

[ArchAngelCD]

I have use the Lee Pro Auto-Disk with the adjustable charge bar and it worked fairly well but the very best IMO is the Lyman #55 powder measure.

[nbedford]

Originally Posted by Luke Duke

I've found while throwing with Unique its more of the technique. I use a RCBS powder measure and use two hard taps before dumping powder. Im always with in 2 tenths of a grain. You just have to be consistent with the taps. I love Unique and use alot of it

My RCBS powder measure is fairly accurate, and I need it to throw say 6.8 grains for 44 Special. But I certainly weigh each charge and if it is 1/10th of a grain low I use my old Hornady powder trickler (base weighted with a lead shot epoxy mix) to bring it up.

[glenwolde]

The Perfect Powder measure has always worked well for me, though there is a leaking issue with some very fine powders, which gets worse if you attempt to fix it by tightening down on the drum screw. Do not try to tighten that screw! There are YouTube videos about fixing leaks by lapping the cone-shaped drum. It worked for me. I still get a little leakage but only with the finest of powders like TiteWAD. Unique won't leak.

I've recently gone back to a Little Dandy because the size works better for me at this point as we are spending a lot of time in our RV. Portability and size matter. I had forgotten how neat they are. I first used one decades ago that came on an RCBS Green Machine. It made me prefer fixed-disk powder measures.

[lppd4]

I use an old powder measure that came with with RCBS Rockchucker in the late 80's. Works great with powders such as Unique and other powders that aren't extruded. I get it set to the correct charge and verify every once in a while and have never found it to vary. Extruded powders that I use in rifles I set it to throw light and trickle the rest of the load into the pan on the scale

[dogdoc]

Dillon measure and rcbs uniflow or hornady work good enough for me. I don’t think a tenth or two in either direction makes enough difference to matter. Your scale is only accurate to +- a tenth anyway.

[shil]

Originally Posted by Nevada Ed

This;

1. It lets me know that all the cases have been primed and ready for powder.

2. next step is adding powder.

3. check all powder levels, in a good light. Twice, if needed.

4. add bullets to needed OAL.

crimp may be added or done in step number 5
per how the loader finishes the load

(with my loading, with the old RCBS single stage, loader)

Good practice. My technique differs only in that I charge one case at a time and immediately seat the bullet. I, too, use an RCBS single-stage.

[Skeet 028]

Actually a good balance scale can be more accurate than aa tenth. I mostly load Unique in the Dillons. My former measures were Lyman 55s I also have a micrometer RCBS and it is great with the right technique. The best I ever used with Unique nd Herco is with an old Herter's measure. Still have it...somewhere. Had a powder reservoir that looked like a mec powder bottle

[PapaWheelie]

I use the Lee Perfect Powder measure for Unique and have had no problems with accuracy in thousands of loads. I weigh every 10th to 15th throw or so and have never had to redo any charges.
Yes, it leaks a little. No big deal though - some powders I use don't leak, some leak a little, but the amount is small.
Yes, it's made of plastic rather than metal. I don't beat on it so durability hasn't been an issue either.
I have found though that it is very accurate with every powder I use.
I have the older version with the lid on the hopper. The newest version with the bottle hopper looks like a true PITA.

[BLUEDOT37]

I use a lot of Green Dot, Blue Dot & Unique powders but no matter what type of powder I use they all come out of the same measure.

.



.

[Marksman]

I have been loading Unique in .44 Special and .44 Magnum for many years, I shoot the same charge in both 7.5gr. so I designed and built my own measure to throw that charge. I've also used an RCBS Little Dandy measure for about as long, been completely satisfied with both.

[ArchAngelCD]

Originally Posted by BLUEDOT37

I use a lot of Green Dot, Blue Dot & Unique powders but no matter what type of powder I use they all come out of the same measure.

.



.

Nice cat lol. (I like cats a lot)

[bbqncigars]

I've been happy with the small cavity in either one of my Duo-measures for flake powders. Different measures are used for larger volumes or extruded powders (B&M).

[Marksman]

+1 on the RCBS Little Dandy, it's all I've used for many years.