AJ
US Veteran
I know this has probably been asked before...but who makes the best powder measure? RCBS, Lyman, Lee, Dillon or who? TIA
Best Powder Measure??
- Thread starter AJ
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Redding measures are pricey but considered to be high quality.
Skyhunter
Member
Belding & Mull.
I've been using mine for better than 30 years.
WYT-P
Skyhunter
I've been using mine for better than 30 years.
WYT-P
Skyhunter
rck281
Member
george_lehr
Member
Nowadays I use a Lee measure mounted on a powder through die in a turret or progressive press. Before that though, the Belding and Mull measure was my best.
George
George
rockquarry
Member
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I've had Herter's, RCBS, Lee, Harrell, and Redding. All are long gone except four Reddings: one 3BR, one Competition BR-30, and two Match Grades. The newest one is at least thirty years old.
I have 2 that I use often. One is a C-H 502. I read a comparison of powder measures at LASC and The C-H was in the top three powder measures (three way tie). I also use quite often a Lee PPM. Both are extremely consistent and affordable. I would have purchased a B&M, but it jes don't fit my pension check...
My original Dillon 450 wore out two Lee disc powder measures before Dillon sold the auto powder measures. I get consistent, acceptable powder charges with the new up graded Dillon measures. My best one is the rusty RCBS Uniflow that I bought for $10, polished all the rust off of it, and added the micrometer large measuring spindle.
I have learned that the weakest link in my smaller group efforts is my right hand and right eye. It is not cases, powder charges, primers, reloading dies, or cast versus jacketed bullets. It is me the shooter.
I have learned that the weakest link in my smaller group efforts is my right hand and right eye. It is not cases, powder charges, primers, reloading dies, or cast versus jacketed bullets. It is me the shooter.
GB
Member
The best one out there, is the one that works best for you! Sorry, I am not being a twit. I own several measures and all work well. Lyman, Redding, RCBS, all function well ( some are a little finicky with certain powders) and with a little tweaking can be make to function with any powder. I like my Redding(had it the longest), my RCBS (2), An old Bair, an old Pacific, a couple of Lyman 55s are all good and the new Lyman model is working into the rotation. I do not have a Dillon or one of the better Lees but those that have them think highly of them. I must qualify by saying that I do not use a progressive machine and that does change the equation. Check with your friends that reload and see what they use. Then look at gun shows, pawn shops and gun shops for used stuff. Good luck!
I have owned Hornady, two versions from Lee (but not their newest) and the Lyman 55.
The Lyman 55 is not only my favorite measure, it is the one single tool I would grab from my loading room if I had to choose only one. I trust my Lyman 55 and it always backs up the trust I’ve put in it.
I cannot say if they still make it or if recent ones are high quality.
What I will say is that I believe the design itself is simply better for the task than the Hornady or RCBS or Redding. Instead of a vertical cylinder, the Lyman uses the cylinder laid horizontally.
I haven’t used the RCBS or Redding and I know they both make great equipment, but the Hornady uses the same vertical cylinder design and I think the Lyman horizontal cylinder is a better idea.
The Lyman 55 is not only my favorite measure, it is the one single tool I would grab from my loading room if I had to choose only one. I trust my Lyman 55 and it always backs up the trust I’ve put in it.
I cannot say if they still make it or if recent ones are high quality.
What I will say is that I believe the design itself is simply better for the task than the Hornady or RCBS or Redding. Instead of a vertical cylinder, the Lyman uses the cylinder laid horizontally.
I haven’t used the RCBS or Redding and I know they both make great equipment, but the Hornady uses the same vertical cylinder design and I think the Lyman horizontal cylinder is a better idea.
ACORN
Member
If I was still loading rifle rounds one at a time I’d opt for the Belding and Mull.
gwpercle
Member
For measuring everything from stick powder to fine ball powder the Lyman 55 will do it all . The secrete is setting powder adjustment slides (there are three) to form a deep narrow cavity...NOT a wide shallow cavity . And then operate the handle in a 100% consistent fill - settle - dump - and return handle operation , every time .
The deep narrow cavity setting and consistent operation will accurately measure even flakey old Unique and stick powder like IMR 3031 !
Gary
The deep narrow cavity setting and consistent operation will accurately measure even flakey old Unique and stick powder like IMR 3031 !
Gary
Golphin
Member
I have a couple of the Hornady and they are accurate and consistent. The have a pistol and a rifle cylinder.
I have used a Lyman 55 for, well forever. It only has 2 brass slides. The older first one that I gave to my BIL only had 2 slides. I've never saw one with 3 slides.
Baltimoreed11754
Member
Most accurate is my RCBS with the micrometer adjustment but for ‘getting it done’ my favorite is the Dillon 550. [450s are ok too] Tried the #55, an Ohaus and a CH, didn’t care for them.
I have two of the Lyman 55 from two different decades. There are two slides AND the much (much!) larger main drum also slide in and out.
So you two that are disagreeing may not actually be disagreeing.
LittleCooner
Member
Harrells for sure is the best on the market. I have and use two of the Lyman 55s and would say these are second best. One of my 55s is Homer Culvers modification and it has thrown many a charge of power in the last 30 years it has been in my possession .
