What is the best way to meter out powder when using a single stage press and loading about 100 rounds at a time. I've been using progressive loaders up til now. I need a way to dispense a repeatable amount of around 5 grains or less.
Best way to dispense powder?
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OP
What is the best way to meter out powder when using a single stage press and loading about 100 rounds at a time. I've been using progressive loaders up til now. I need a way to dispense a repeatable amount of around 5 grains or less.
john traveler
Member
A secondary powder measure, of course! Mounted on it's own stand on the bench, or at eye level on a shelf is good. The purpose-made pistol ones are best: RCBS Lil' Dandy is good. You can also use a rifle charge one but using the pistol charge cavity for better accuracy with small charges.
OP
There are several to choose from. I need to dispense very small charges. The middle priced 3BR Redding looks like you have to upgrade the micrometer for an additional charge. I also have the RCBS scale that can upgrade to the powder dispenser for slightly more money. That little Dandy has no description on the RCBS website, just a picture.
john traveler
Member
I've found the Lil' Dandy to give excellent accuracy and consistency. It is purpose made for pistol powder dispensing. You have to buy a specific numbered charge dispenser for what you want. A chart is provided that shows what that charge dispenser will throw for each of all the various pistol powders you may use.
The BEST
The little Harrell Schuentzen/pistol measure is the most accurate small charge measure ever produced - each click of the Culver metering system changes charge weight by approximately .03 grains. Charge weight range is 2 to 25 grains, and uses the smaller 250 ml (8 oz.) powder bottles. This measure is perfect for all pistol cartridge loading, small rifle cartridge (22 Hornet, 218 Bee) and many black powder cartridges being loaded with small charges of smokeless powder. Comes with a special pistol drop tube, but will accept any Harrell drop tube
The little Harrell Schuentzen/pistol measure is the most accurate small charge measure ever produced - each click of the Culver metering system changes charge weight by approximately .03 grains. Charge weight range is 2 to 25 grains, and uses the smaller 250 ml (8 oz.) powder bottles. This measure is perfect for all pistol cartridge loading, small rifle cartridge (22 Hornet, 218 Bee) and many black powder cartridges being loaded with small charges of smokeless powder. Comes with a special pistol drop tube, but will accept any Harrell drop tube
Dale53
Member
I have a Harrell Schuetzen measure and it is sure one elegant piece of equipment. However, it IS a bit pricy.
I have excellent results with the Lee Pro Auto Disc measure and the optional "Micro Disk" for that measure:
http://www.leeprecision.com/cg...catalog/powhan1.html
The Micro Disk will handle 1.1 to 2.5 grs of Bullseye. If you need slightly more powder all the way to considerably more powder, the regular discs that come with the measure will handle it.
However, there is one "Caveat", this measure must be used with the powder drop die in the Lee die set (with the powder drop mounted on the press).
FWIW
Dale53
I have excellent results with the Lee Pro Auto Disc measure and the optional "Micro Disk" for that measure:
http://www.leeprecision.com/cg...catalog/powhan1.html
The Micro Disk will handle 1.1 to 2.5 grs of Bullseye. If you need slightly more powder all the way to considerably more powder, the regular discs that come with the measure will handle it.
However, there is one "Caveat", this measure must be used with the powder drop die in the Lee die set (with the powder drop mounted on the press).
FWIW
Dale53
I just went through this in December and decided on the RCBS Quick Change powder measure. It comes with a small and large metering assembly that is easy to change out when needed. The movement of the unit is smooth and gives very consistent charges. I have it mounted on the optional bench stand which is very sturdy with no flexing when using the measure. Here is a link to it on the Midway site if you want to look.http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=491524
Cary
Cary
flash60601
US Veteran
I have an old Pacific "Bullseye", which must be the predecessor to the RCBS thingie. It takes a dedicated brass rotor, with a cavity drilled into it. I have made a few extras, and bored them out to "favorite" charges for the stuff I shoot most and it worked extrememy well for years before the Lee LOADMASTER with the adjustable AutoDisc powder measure came into my life. I still use it for when I want to load one or two hundred "special" loads.
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
Lyman #55. I have one that is a little long in the tooth BUT they are still available and it will meter anything. Nothing extra needed for coarse powders. Simply use the top "slide" portion rather than the larger cavity "slide".
They can be had for less than $50.
I used one for years before going with a progressive press.
They can be had for less than $50.
I used one for years before going with a progressive press.
dennis40x
US Veteran
With nettlesome course powders the Belding&Mull measure is excellent. The design is note worthy with two reservoirs. The main hopper/reservoir feed a sliding charger/ reservoir with actuation of a lever. The charger reservoir would slide horizontally dispensing powder into a calibrated (micrometer type) charging tube. The charging reservoir always had a constant head of powder which could be view thru a glass front. The charging tube thus full is removed and the powder funneled in to a primed cartridge.
The design object of the charging reservoir being a constant volume dispensed into the charging tube at the same density of the powder column for each charge.
The design object of the charging reservoir being a constant volume dispensed into the charging tube at the same density of the powder column for each charge.
dwhite53
Member
A set of Lee dippers. I just loaded 50 rounds of 40 S&W this morning with 3.3 grains of Clays. This is in the 0.5cc dipper. It's very consistent, easy to use, and very inexpensive.
If you are only using one load with the same powder you could make your own dipper for that charge from a spent casing. You may have to adjust the volume by filing off the top of the case. You can then solder/braze on a handle.
This would be the easiest way.
Charges less than 5 grains, especially with flake powders, can be problematic in some powder measures. Part of the reason I use dippers fairly often.
All the Best,
D. White
If you are only using one load with the same powder you could make your own dipper for that charge from a spent casing. You may have to adjust the volume by filing off the top of the case. You can then solder/braze on a handle.
This would be the easiest way.
Charges less than 5 grains, especially with flake powders, can be problematic in some powder measures. Part of the reason I use dippers fairly often.
All the Best,
D. White
+100. I've used a B&M measure since the 1960s, and in the ensuing years I've picked up four of them and many of the metering tubes; enough that each one is permanently set at a given powder charge. Easily the most accurate measure I've ever used.
Noah
