BEST POWDER MEASURE

tlay

tlay

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I have been reloading for 4 years. I have only reloaded on my Lee turret press. I use the Lee powder dispenser on the press for handgun loads and a Lee table mounted dispenser for rifle rounds. My question is what is the best powder dispenser that I can use on my press? Sometimes the Lee doesn't meter small measures on the press consistently. I like the Hornady lock n load but I am not sure how well it will work on the press. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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tlay said:
I have been reloading for 4 years. I have only reloaded on my Lee turret press. I use the Lee powder dispenser on the press for handgun loads and a Lee table mounted dispenser for rifle rounds. My question is what is the best powder dispenser that I can use on my press? Sometimes the Lee doesn't meter small measures on the press consistently. I like the Hornady lock n load but I am not sure how well it will work on the press. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...

RCBS Uniflow.

Now if you are talking best powder measure, that doesn't go on the press I would say Harrell's Precision.
 
novalty said:
RCBS Uniflow.

Now if you are talking best powder measure, that doesn't go on the press I would say Harrell's Precision.
Click to expand...

I would agree that the Harrell is the best by a long shot. The problem is that I can't find any drop tubes that work with the larger diameter handgun cartridges; e.g. 45ACP. Without drop tubes of sufficient diameter, you have to use a funnel for every drop.
 
You can spend a lot of money on a Harrell's powder measure. Redding BR-30 is used by the Army Marksmanship Unit (according to photo in Precision Shooting) and I've found it very consistent for the price point. Redding has come out with the BR-10 for pistol sized charges. The BR-3 in a more price friendly, but didn't see any improvement over a RCBS Uniflow. The best powder measure for any size charge of any smokeless powder would be a Lyman 55 which is also available in a Black powder version (If you ever plan or think you will load BP buy it now) The 50 & 55 models have a "Hammer" on the front of the drop body to vibrate out the flakes of powder, making it a very consistent measure with all types of powder. The spouts comes in 2 sizes (included) to work on bottle neck and pistol cases, and long drop tubes are available (a strange one is included on the BP model). The older Hornady drop is as good as the Uniflow (have used both) but I haven't tried the L-N-L. On the progressive side, the Dillion case mouth activated is a very good and the old Dillion Push Slide drop that came with the 450 press is one of the most consistent measures with ball powder I have worked with and not bad with stick and flake powders. Hope this information helps, Ivan.
 
rck281 said:
I would agree that the Harrell is the best by a long shot. The problem is that I can't find any drop tubes that work with the larger diameter handgun cartridges; e.g. 45ACP. Without drop tubes of sufficient diameter, you have to use a funnel for every drop.
Click to expand...

Sinclair Intl. has an assortment of different drop tubes for Harrell's powder measures.
 
I am only interested in a powder measure that will work on the press and is activated by the case.
 
Uniflow with the micrometer adjustment kit and I installed an aluminum baffle in it like Dillon used to use(Dillon now molds the baffle in). I have used the Uniflow exclusively for my single stage loading for 46 years. When the micrometer kit came out I added one on and it's still going. For on press use on my 550 the standard Dillon with brass indexing knob kits is slightly better than the dead stock. I have tried and discarded many others including Hollywood w/micrometers and the old Ohaus. Still have my original Uniflow.
 
The best powder measure I have ever used is a early 70's vintage Ohaus Duo-Measure. Has both small and large chambers and is very accurate. I also have 3 old Lyman 55's that get a lot of use as well as 2 RCBS Uniflows. Still the best is the old Ohaus!
 
Last edited:
On the 55 does it come with a case activation or do you have to buy it separate?
 
I have a Lee Classic Turret (now idle) and a Hornady LnL AP with the case activated powder measure.

The Hornady is *incredibly* consistent, and a noticable improvement over my own experience with the Lee on-turret PM.

I've never tried installing the Hornady PM on the Lee Turret, but there's no reason I can think of why it wouldn't work. It uses standard threading, the Hornady LnL bushing is not part of the operating mechanic . . . so the only issue is fit during turret rotation.

It may or may not be possible to position the Hornady PM so that it will not collide with the primer system - specifically the tray - during rotation.

I am not where my presses are atm, and I've checked a couple of youtube videos but still can't be sure. Maybe someone else can verify now. Meanwhile, I have sent you a PM . . . er, a private message lol.
 
I have taken the rotating mechanism off of the turret press. I prefer to do one step at a time. I usually do 100 rounds at a time and do all of the resizing and new primers. Then all of the powders, then bullet seating, then crimping. This gives me a chance to look at all of the primers and then look at all of the powder loads. I have not had a case with low/no powder yet.
 
With no rotation and the primer tray easily removed, the powder die and PM will certainly fit and function.

Won't be cheap, but will give you a consistent case-activated PM.
 
the rcbs duo measure was an update of the ohaus after they were bought out by rcbs. they weren't made for very long but I feel they are the best. I still have my ohaus measure and have used the rcbs duo measure for many years now.
 
My first choice was going to be the LNL. Does it come with the case activation or do you order it separate?
 
The case activated mechanism is additional to the powder measure itself and is part number 050073 and the list price is $73.68. It is $49.99 at Midway.
Stu
 
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