can anyone tell me the best powder measure to use to measure unique powder? i would like to know which measure that will measure it the closest. i have the dipper works best for me. just curious. any comments helpful. scooter-2
best powder measure;
- Thread starter scooter-2
- Start date
TAROMAN
US Veteran
The purists will scream, but the little dippers work best for me with these fast powders. Years ago I had a Pacific bushing pistol measure that was great, but not made anymore AFAIK.
Dale53
Member
There are a number of excellent powder measures available today. They will all measure Unique well IF the operator does his job well. It is extremely important to be completely consistent in the use of the measure.
I suggest you put your new measure (whichever you finally get) up alongside a good scale. Then PRACTICE operating the measure until you can get + or - .1 gr accuracy.
I collect powder measures. The nicest and most expensive ones are the Harrell measures. The best value in an EXCELLENT measure is the Redding micrometer.
Get a measure with a pistol size micrometer drum and you will be good to go after a bit of practice. Here's the one I recommend for best performance along with a decent price:
10xmeasure.html
However, you want to buy it from a discount supplier like Midway, Nachez, or Graf & Sons:
MidwayUSA - Advanced Search
Actually, the Redding #3 with a pistol metering chamber will do all you need. If you also load rifle, you get a better price if you buy both pistol and rifle chambers when you get the measure.
FWIW
Dale53
I suggest you put your new measure (whichever you finally get) up alongside a good scale. Then PRACTICE operating the measure until you can get + or - .1 gr accuracy.
I collect powder measures. The nicest and most expensive ones are the Harrell measures. The best value in an EXCELLENT measure is the Redding micrometer.
Get a measure with a pistol size micrometer drum and you will be good to go after a bit of practice. Here's the one I recommend for best performance along with a decent price:
10xmeasure.html
However, you want to buy it from a discount supplier like Midway, Nachez, or Graf & Sons:
MidwayUSA - Advanced Search
Actually, the Redding #3 with a pistol metering chamber will do all you need. If you also load rifle, you get a better price if you buy both pistol and rifle chambers when you get the measure.
FWIW
Dale53
TennTony
US Veteran
I have an RCBS Uniflow that I have been using for over 30 years. It came with rifle & pistol cylinders. Have had excellent consistency with Bullseye, Unique, Red Dot, Green Dot, 231 Ball and 2400. When I was just getting started I weighed every fifth charge, then every tenth. Now I set it to the weight I want, run a few into a pan then check. I do that four or five times before I start loading. I check every ten loads through the first 50 rounds. If everything remains constant I then check every 50 rounds. I would recommend this measure without reservation.
Raider
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I have an RCBS Uniflow also. Its very consistent with Unique and all my pistol powders. I can also recommend the RCBS Lil Dandy for consistency once you've settled on a powder charge.
Charlie
Charlie
mkk41
US Veteran
Redding BR 3
I have been using my Pacific (Hornady) 007 measure for 30 years. It is extremely accurate, and measures Unique effortlessly. I have done over 100,000 rounds of all types, sizes, and calibers using it, and have been extremely pleased with it.
Steve C
Member
The Hornady powder measure with the pistol insert works great for under 10 gr throws as that's what it was designed for. Most powder measures you buy need a small tube or rotor metering attachment to work well with pistol level charges though some come with both metering systems for a higher price. Typically the measures come with a Universal rifle metering set up.
Both of my Hornady measures, one on the LNLAP and the other manual set up mounted to the bench, is repeatable with Unique to the point that the scales will not show any variation once a few settling charges have been thrown.
I'm sure other pistol measures like the RCBS Little Dandy or Uniflow with the pistol meter installed are just as good.
Both of my Hornady measures, one on the LNLAP and the other manual set up mounted to the bench, is repeatable with Unique to the point that the scales will not show any variation once a few settling charges have been thrown.
I'm sure other pistol measures like the RCBS Little Dandy or Uniflow with the pistol meter installed are just as good.
durco
Member
I'm glad you asked. I was reloading some .45 Colt today with 7.5gr. Unique measured through an RCBS Uniflow.
I "say" 7.5gr., but that is an average. More like anywhere from 7.3 to 7.7 grains. I feel that I have a pretty consistent touch on the Uniflow - maybe not.....? I have been reloading off and on for 30 years and I measure every 10th round. If they seem to be wandering way off, I dump them back and charge the case again. Today, out of frustration, I measured 10 in a row. They averaged 7.505 grains, but the mean variation was from -.2 to +.2 grains. I don't like it, but have heard others say the same thing about Unique and any other similar flake powder. If I were loading near max I'd trickle. I think I'm going to try some 231.
Comments and critiques welcome.
Mike
running iron
US Veteran
Back in the 70's I bought a whole used set up for single stage loading. Rockrusher press and a Ohaus scale and a Lyman # 55 powder dispenser. It looks a little different from the new ones but works the same but only has 2 brass sliding adjustments for fine tuning the powder drop. The new ones have three. It is very accurate and stays where it is set. If you look at one you will see the difference. It also has a little knocker to tap the body to make sure every grain of powder is dumped. They are very easy to mount too. It is by far the best one made IMO. If anything ever happens to this one I will get a new one in a minute.
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Harrell's Precision Online Store
Harrell the most accurate measure I have ever owned have one for pistol and a larger one for rifle.
Harrell the most accurate measure I have ever owned have one for pistol and a larger one for rifle.
running iron
US Veteran
Those are nice, I stand corrected, those could be better than a lyman #55 but the same principle. I would have to consider the price difference, but it does look like you get what you pay for, Thanks. They look like they are made with better material but as far as throwing a charge, do you still have to use the trickle charge method to obtain an exact charge with powders like IMR 4350 or 4198? If not, I guess it's just the nature of those types of powder. I need an exact amount of powder when I load my 30-06 so I have no reason to complain if I miss what I'm shooting at, if you know what I mean.
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Dan Cash
Member
I favor the Lyman and have used them for many years with smokeless and black powder. They are not quite as perfect as the Belding and Mull which I also use but the B&M is tediously slow for volume measuring. Production loading I do on Dillon 550s and can not fault the accuracy of their measure either as long as you operate the machine in a consistent manner.
On the subject of measuring Unique, I believe the propellant itself varies a good deal in density which causes weight variations relative to volume. This, as it may or may not be, has never caused a problem for me as I do not push to the outer limits of a load.
Dan
On the subject of measuring Unique, I believe the propellant itself varies a good deal in density which causes weight variations relative to volume. This, as it may or may not be, has never caused a problem for me as I do not push to the outer limits of a load.
Dan
m1gunner
US Veteran
Have used a Lyman 55 for more than 25 years. About 1/2 of everything I have loaded was done with Unique. Never a problem, but also never load without a scale set up and zeroed right next to the measure.
thanks for the replies. i appreciate the info. i know unique is a flake powder. it is hard to keep an absolute measure on it. i have an ohause powder measure, it will stay within about 2 tenths of a grain. i guess thats close for unique. i am loading 5.2 grains in 38 spl. 125grain jhp. i like to keep the measurment as close as possible. anyother comments appreciated. i have been loading this combination for about 20 years. it shoots very well in my old model 14 s-w, and my 66 2.5 in barrel. best regards. scooter-2
sourdough44
Member
Some powder of course meters out more consistently than others. I have an RCBS 'uniflow', the Lee dippers, an electronic and beam scale. I mix and match & check the weights often as needed. With small charges of fast powders the Lee dippers are not all that accurate, Tightgroup comes to mind. I end up weighing each charge just to be sure.
I just ordered a new addition, it is a 'little dandy' with an adjustable rotor. It's a listed private sale but for any interested a guy on thefiringline forums makes an adjustable rotor for the LD that gets high reviews. I have not received it yet but look forward to testing it.
I just ordered a new addition, it is a 'little dandy' with an adjustable rotor. It's a listed private sale but for any interested a guy on thefiringline forums makes an adjustable rotor for the LD that gets high reviews. I have not received it yet but look forward to testing it.
dennis40x
US Veteran
A Belding&Mull if you can find one.
oldRoger
US Veteran
+1 for the Redding 10X It is designed to throw small amounts of powder accurately and does so.
No doubt the Harrells and B&M measures are beautiful and if money is not a limitation, go for it.
No doubt the Harrells and B&M measures are beautiful and if money is not a limitation, go for it.
