Best powder measure when using HP38?

kshock · Jan 30, 2011

I load alot of 38 spl. (PPC shooter) using HP38 powder and I have been using a Lee Powder measure (the cheap one). Powder leaks from around the drum as the drum rolls and is kind of a PITA (Pain in the.....). What is the best powder measure for light charges of HP38/231 (3.1 gr) as far as accuracy and not spewing powder?

Gun 4 Fun · Jan 30, 2011

If you can get your hand son an older Pacific powder measure, I doubt you will ever go to anything else. They just plain work, and with most any powder- even the stick tyopes can be thrown pretty accurately (though you stillneed to trickle those types up to weight).

With HP-38/231 types, it's a walk in the park.

I see them every once in a while in decently stocked gunshops that have lots of reloading equipment with both new and old trade in stuff.
I've used mine for 30 years now, and won't switch to anything else.

Rule3 · Jan 30, 2011

I have read several posts on the Lee Powder Measure. Is yours the Perfect Powder measure?

I used one for some time with nothing but HP 38, I even bought a 2nd one to keep set for Bullseye. I never had a leak, run or error. Thing was spot on and I checked and double checked against a electronic and beam balance. Is the side screw tight?

For the price I thought they were great, the others are obviously more sturdy and better built.

ArchAngelCD · Jan 30, 2011

I use the Lee Pro Auto-Disk with W231/HP-38 and have no problems what so ever with leakage. It meters perfectly too.

RIKMAN · Jan 30, 2011

I use a Redding 30BR... does great even with Unique which won't meter accurately at all on my Dillon 550B.

K.38 · Jan 30, 2011

RCBS uniflow works real well with HP38/231. Loads for the .38 are easy with the RCBS.

Skip Sackett · Jan 31, 2011

Lyman #55. When I load on the Lee Classic Turret Press or in single stage, this is what I use. It will meter anything and as accurately as anything on the market. It has 3 chambers and I think you could even load the 50BMG with the big one all the way open. If you prime on the press though, you need to have a riser installed. It will hit the priming tray if not.

FWIW

Maximumbob54 · Jan 31, 2011

I would call Lee and have your powder thrower groomed. It sounds like you got one that is out of spec somewhere. I use HP-38 in an RCBS Uniflow, Lyman Ideal 55, and Lee Pro Auto Disk and none of them leak or bind up with anything but Unique and Trail Boss.

Rule3 · Jan 31, 2011

Maximumbob54 said:
I would call Lee and have your powder thrower groomed. It sounds like you got one that is out of spec somewhere. I use HP-38 in an RCBS Uniflow, Lyman Ideal 55, and Lee Pro Auto Disk and none of them leak or bind up with anything but Unique and Trail Boss.

I agree, or send them a e mail. They are hard to get on the phone. Still have not heard from the OP if it's the Perfect P Measure or what?? Either way contact them.

kingranch · Jan 31, 2011

Hi,
I'll second the Pacific PM opinion...but, have you tried: "When the measure leaves the factory the adjusting
screw is set so 16 oz. of pressure is required
to operate the lever. This setting is optimum for
most powders. Extremely fine powders may leak
very slightly at this setting. This causes no harm.
Should you find it objectionable you may tighten
the adjusting screw slightly. The rotor should
never be so tight that more than four pounds are
required to rotate the lever." This is from Lee Website.

Jellybean · Jan 31, 2011

The manual powder measures/meters I've used are:
1) RCBS Uniflow
2) Lyman No. 55
3) Lee Perfect Powder Measure (PPM)
4) Lee auto disk
5) Lee or custom dippers

I like my Uniflows a lot, but they can be a little fussy with very small powder charges. The No. 55 will handle these with no problem and gets used a lot. The PPM has been dedicated to collecting dust due to its' shoddy construction compared to the others. The auto disk is sitting in a land fill somewhere where it won't cause anymore trouble. The dippers get used pretty much on a daily basis for trickling and small lots of experimental loads that are hand weighed.

kshock · Jan 31, 2011

Yes, it is a Lee Perfect Powder Measure. I may have something else going on because although normally it rotates freely, occasionally it is much more difficult to cycle. Could it be something as simple as a loose part? The measure is pretty accurate and it is the first one I have ever owned/used so I am not well versed in the different types, etc.

brick · Jan 31, 2011

FYI, the smallest Lee dipper is 3.2 grains of HP38/231.

imakmst · Feb 1, 2011

I have used the Lyman 55 to throw very consistent loads of HP38. But, I usually load 3.2 for .38 and that dipper is very very easy.

Best powder measure when using HP38?

kshock

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Gun 4 Fun

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Rule3

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ArchAngelCD

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RIKMAN

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K.38

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Skip Sackett

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Maximumbob54

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Rule3

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kingranch

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Jellybean

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kshock

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brick

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imakmst

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