Well I just ordered some RCBS 9mm Carbide dies on sale at Cabelas for $35.99. My question now is, where I am going to be loading 45acp & 9mm would it be worth while to get RCBS's micrometer metering screw?

It looks like a helpful item in speeding up time switching between calibers & powders too I guess.

If it works as advertized, it seems like a useful item and would save time adjusting. I just do trial and error on my Uniflow with the basic screw, The indents and numbers are hard to see and read, so for that aspect I would like one of these.

Why not, if you don't like it you can always return it.

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Still Running Against the Wind

The only thing I guess I need to do before buying one, is measuring my Uniflow, apparently they make it in 2 different sizes--guess they change the size of the Uniflow, and newer models have larger opening.

Mine is a older one and came with two rotors and two inserts. I only use the small one. I use it for individual loading it is not attached to a press. The small rotor will do all my handguns and 223 rem.

Here at Midway it explains it. Does your meter screw come up through the powder hopper or out the cylinder?? The large is for the Uniflow where it comes up through the hopper, but I would call RCBS to be sure.

RCBS at MidwayUSA

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Still Running Against the Wind

Hmmm, will have to check tonight. I bought my most of my RCBS products pre-owned but NIB. The Uniflow sounds like the one you have with the 2 rotors & inserts.

Then I would get the small. But still better to double check.

Fits: RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure (Sold Separately) with a measuring cylinder with a 1/2" diameter metering chamber. This is the older style Uniflow Powder Measure. Function: 17-20 Caliber Drop Tube
Material: Steel
Notes:
Large micrometer adjustment screw, product # 654966 fits current style RCBS Uniflow powder measure with a measuring cylinder with a 11/16" diameter metering chamber


Large:

Fits: RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure (Sold Separately) with a measuring cylinder with a 11/16" diameter metering chamber. This is the Uniflow Powder Measure where the metering screw is removed from the cylinder up through the powder hopper. Function: 17-20 Caliber Drop Tube
Material: Steel

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Still Running Against the Wind

Well I measure my Uniflow today, and have 2 rotors. The one with the smaller stem measured at .5, and the larger one with longer stem measured .685. So I guess the smaller micrometer will fit my use for 9mm, and 45acp.

Please let me(us)know how you like it if you get one. I would be interested in getting one.

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Still Running Against the Wind

I have been using these in both sizes since they first came out. The smaller one is the best for pistol powders. Over time, I have accumulated several pages of settings for different powders and loads. Due to temp, humidity and such, they will not be exact sometimes, but they do save a lot of setup time. I wouldn't want to be without them.

My question to you would be are you using a powder baffle in your dispenser? If not, this would almost be a waste of time because the powder density will change and you'll be constantly changing the metering screw.

I've been reloading for 30yrs and never used one. I figure it doesn't take much time to set the metering screw anyway and it might save me 60 seconds.

Ohiococonut, I don't have a baffle in my Uniflow. Was thinking the micrometer would save more time than 60 seconds. I used to be fast, now I'm just half-fast. Thinking of the time if would take me to switch the meter between 45 acp loads & 9mm loads. Having to guess and check several times to figure out the depth of the metering screw. I am picking up my 9mm dies this week, and will start off by just changing back and forth with the current metering screw and see how much of a hassle it is. As they aren't exactly giving the RCBS micrometer metering screw away at around $40+ dollars.

A powder baffle is critical to throwing uniform charges. To illustrate my point, fill your powder measure with any powder. Next mark the level in the measure. Now raise and lower the handle, without going full stroke so you don't spill any, but tapping in the return position just as if your dropping a charge. Watch the powder level change. With each charge the powder will settle causing your charge weight to go up. In some cases it can be drastic and devastating.

You can either buy a powder baffle or make one. If you have an RCBS powder measure it measures 2" exactly inside. Find a piece of pipe or something round that measures 2"I.D. Next cut a thin slice off at 45degrees. This will be your template, it should look oval. Place it on a piece of aluminum or something fairly stiff. Even thick cardboard will work. Trace the inside of the cut-off on the material and cut it out. Then draw two half round, 1/2" circles on each end and cut them out. Next fold it to a 90degree, "L" shape and place it in the bottom of your powder measure.

What it does is allows a constant flow to enter the chamber below so no matter what's going on above, it doesn't effect it.

If you see a picture of a powder baffle my directions should be pretty straight forward. Check out Midway for a pic.

I have been reloading 45acp only, and have not noticed a significant fluxuation in charge throws. I check my charge loads very frequently as I have just gotten into reloading, the last 50 rounds I loaded I verified every 5th load, and don't recall any had one thrown over the 6.1gr of Unique I was loading. The only instance(s) it was off, was do to a slight undercharge, where the scale was just below the level mark-making it closer to 6.0gr. I empty my Uniflow after I am done reloading, when I loaded the 50 rounds of 45 recently, I don't think I added enough powder to the hopper to come up to where the baffle would sit. Seems like the baffle would be more crucial on loading rounds that held a great capacity of powder.

This is true. The larger the charge the chance for a larger variance. I like to fill my hopper no matter how much I throw or how many rounds I'm loading. There are too many variables using different powders and weights and I like to eliminate as many as possible.

What happens if you sit down one day to load 200 or 300 rounds at a max charge and you fill the hopper? The powder baffle gives me peace of mind. That's just my .02

I have one and love it. I've found that Unique is my mos problematic powder for metering, but if you keep the hopper at least half full it greatly mitigates the metering problem. For anything close to max loads, I throw the charge into a scale pan and weigh it.

I have thrown 20+ loads without a baffle and weighed each one on a beam balance and never seen a variance??

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Still Running Against the Wind

There is a small problem with these. They are so heavy that they rotate the drum with the handle starting in the up position. You can change it so the handle and micrometer are on the same side if you like.

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Dick

I fastened a counterweight on the handle and it eliminated the problem.

Andy

When I put one on my uniflow I too didn't like the rotor falling back on it's own. I ended up just putting the handle and the adjustment stem in the same direction and the at rest position is with the cavity fill position.

My technique is to rotate the handle up, tapping against the stop, and rotating back down with a tap at the stop. Fairly consistent as long as the grains aren't too long such as varget or IMR 4064. I weigh all of those.

I also have a baffle and I normally don't crowd max charges. Some powders I'm ok with dropping right into the case neck, typically ball powders for the AR. They're seldom off a tenth.