Best powder measure?

[fuzzymcnab]

I am looking to upgrade from my original RCBS powder measure. If I simply want the best, is it the Redding or something else?

Thanks, fuzzy

 

[Twoboxer]

I think many would say Harrells PMs are among the best if not the best.

 

[71firebird400]

For pistol powder I think the RCBS Uniflow (and Hornady equivalent) are nearly as good as it gets. Don't be surprised if the new one isn't much of an upgrade.

 

[Rockets]

Anything wrong with your RCBS ? If you extra $$ you wan to burn you can always check out Harrells.

I also love my Lyman 55... She's an oldie but a goodie

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Redding has some higher end measures but in a normal price range I feel the Lyman #55 can't be beat...

 

[Hairtrigger]

I think many would say Harrells PMs are among the best if not the best.

+1 for Harrells

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Depends on what powder you are measuring, but ordinarily, Harrells is about the right answer. For long sticks like IMR, the cheap Lee or the Belding & Mull are better, and the Prometheus, of course, is best. But for most powders, and for ease of changing settings, Harrells has it.

 

[Bart45]

All powder measures fill an adjustable opening with powder. Wouldn't be overly concerned with machining tolerances etc. of the dispenser. Do not care for any that must be knocked" to get consistent charges, as only knocker I own is on my front door.......

 

[AveragEd]

I have used both Redding and RCBS measures for my handgun loading for many years but all my handgun recipes became more accurate when I started loading them on my Dillon XL650. I don't think an expensive loader is the answer; instead, I credit Dillon's powder measure with the improvement because EVERY time I check my powder charges, they are exactly spot-on instead of being a touch light or heavy now and then.

Extruded (stick-type) powders can yield some inconsistency due to the cutting involved but one of the best ways to make your drops more consistent with any measure and any powder is by using the same stroke on the measure with a one-second pause at each end of the operating cycle. That way, the drum has the best chance of filling and emptying exactly the same every time. I've always operated my RCBS measure that way and do so with the XL650 but the Dillon measure is even more consistent.

Ed

 

[johngalt]

How many use an aquarium agitator on the powder measure? I read that tip here, and I've thought about trying it out.

 

[Collo Rosso]

I have a RCBS uniflow and a Lyman 55. Once set both will usually vary no more than .1 grain. I tend to stick with ball powders (WST, 2400, H335) as they work best for powder measures. Hate adjusting the uniflow as the lock ring tends to stick. Like adjusting the 55 but hate the clamp mount.

 

[rockquarry]

I use four Reddings I've had at least twenty-five years. In the past forty or so years, I've used others marketed by Herter's, Lee, RCBS, and Harrell. All those are gone. While there may be other measures that work as well as the Redding products, I doubt they are any better for most purposes.

 

[Cdog]

Who makes the best truck, car, etc.. I know what I like, but I haven't tried them all.

As posted above, spending more money doesn't always mean an upgrade.

 

[TAROMAN]

I use four Reddings I've had at least twenty-five years. In the past forty or so years, I've used others marketed by Herter's, Lee, RCBS, and Harrell. All those are gone. While there may be other measures that work as well as the Redding products, I doubt they are any better for most purposes.

Same here. The only one that stuck is the Redding.
The micrometer is a great time saver that has to be used to be fully appreciated.

 

[rck281]

Harrell makes the best measure and I have used one for many years when shooting benchrest. However, I'm not aware of any drop tubes that will work with cartridges larger than about 30 caliber. The diameter of the drop tube as it enters the measure limits the flare on the cartridge end of the drop tube. Harrell is not willing to address this problem and Sinclair doesn't have a solution other than to use a funnel. Disappointing.

 

[novalty]

I use a Harrell's for rifle only, and it is a high quality powder measure. Very positive click adjustments and consistent throws. With that said, my RBCS Uniflow is to handgun loads, what my Harrell's is to rifle loads.


Got a couple admirers on here that would love to get their hands on my RCBS Rockchucker Cover, so I sneak a pic in whenever the opportunity arises. Ain't happening boys...

 

[BuckeyeS&W]

Redding has some higher end measures but in a normal price range I feel the Lyman #55 can't be beat...

I agree my old Lyman #55 is dead on all the time.

 

[arjay]

Ive been happy with my uniflow for 30 years

 

[k22fan]

What's best depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

I apologize for posting without first reading the thread but I’m short on time.

Belding and Mull’s old measure that required handling each charge in a black powder style adjustable tube is more accurate than all the others measuring long stick and large flake powders. It was the most commonly used measure by bench rest rifle shooters. Unfortunately it is also about the slowest measure and of course has no application on progressive presses.

 

[M&PUSER]

I am looking to upgrade from my original RCBS powder measure. If I simply want the best, is it the Redding or something else? Thanks, fuzzy

The best is this: http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=rc98923 Once you've used it, you'll never want anything else.