So far, I have only loaded .38 special using 3.2 grains of Red Dot under a 158 grain lead bullet. But I plan to start with 9MM after Christmas. How many people here leave the plunger locked at the setting for the caliber and buy a new set for new calibers?

If you want to do something like that I suggest using a little dandy powder measure.
They work well.

No, adjusting powder drops is a lot cheaper.

Try this: Throw 5 charges, weigh/record each . . . remove the metering device . . . drain some powder . . . re-insert the metering device, throw/weigh/record . . . then compare.

That will give you an indication whether keeping a locked metering device is worthwhile for you and your PM.

I tried that approach, and ultimately realized what pissed me off was how finicky the (eg) Hornady standard metering device was to adjust.

So I bought a micrometer device for rifle and one for pistol, and I can record the settings required by powder/charge and easily make any fine adjustments necessary for new batches/bottles/gremlins.

So if a micrometer metering device is available, I'd suggest trying one because it isn't a workaround . . . it actually eliminates the problem.

I agree, it's not a big deal to adjust it for what you need.

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John

Ok. But obviously take the measure apart and clean it before using a different powder, right?

No need to . Just dump the previous powder out, Pull tthe lever untill no more comes out. Put in new powder. Adjust mic or screw meter for new weight.No cleaning or buying new micrometers needed.

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Still Running Against the Wind

+1

+1 here too . . . as long as you have a micrometer and not a screw-and-locknut.

You could do that but it seems a bit expensive. The Little Dandy would be the way to go as suggested if you really like the idea.

There is a way to make setting the measure a bit easier. Weigh out a charge. Back the plunger out enough for all the powder to go down in the opening. Turn the handle until the hole is covered. Then turn the plunger in until it lightly stops. Lock it in place. Check the charge with the scale. Should be close.

What measure are you using?

Actually, I lock my plunger and simply change calibers. 5g Unique works very well for 45ACP, 9mm, 40 S&W and 38 Special (be sure to use it in a 357 gun, it's a little warm). The same volume is about 4.1g Red Dot which produces about the same results! Not only that, but 10 grains Unique is the perfect plinker rifle load for cast bullets in .308 (but I do change the rotor for that rather than double charging).

8 different loads with the same meter settings. Pretty good. I do weigh the charges at the beginning of each session however.

It's the hornady lock and load single stage kit.

I took a look at that one. It is made for changing inserts. I would get some and set them up for my standard loads. You still need to check the weights after changing the inserts each time. This will save some time and effort.