New Reloader - Great 1st Time

[rsrocket1]

I did have one issue that chewed up a couple hours;
When I was going to load the first rounds, I could not get the volumetric measurement on the Lee "perfect powder measure" to sync with the calculated volume per the chart. It was off by about 20% by weight. So, either the volumetric powder measure was 'off' or my scale was 'off'. Anyhoo, wanting to NOT blow myself up, I hauled the scale, powder measure and powder up to my friendly LGS and borrowed one of their digital scales to test mine. Well, my scale matched the digital one. So that told me that the powder measure was off. I went with the scale and the ammo worked fine.

Edit: ...and as my LGS friend pointed out: you get nickle and dimed on the cheap kits because you may have to replace all the components. I will have to drop another $30ish on a digital scale just to be safe.

The issue with the powder measure is not "does the volumetric measurement in sync with the table"

The issue is "are you getting consistent drops with the powder measure?"

Volumetric cross reference tables should only be used to get you in the ballpark. Powders are often not of exact densities. Powder manufactures strive to make the energy content of a powder consistent with the weight. That's why they tell you how many grains of powder you use in a load, not how many cubic inches.

We reloaders translate weight into volume with the assumption that the powder keeps a consistent density within a container. That much is true. So once we find the the proper volume that translates into the right weight, we are confident that the drops will be correct.

So if the Lee Perfect Powder measure is dropping the same weight time after time, it's doing its job. If it's not, you need to adjust your technique (such as tapping the measure on each drop) or go to another powder measure.

I would be very leery of an electronic scale that goes for less than about $200 being any better or even equal to a mechanical balance scale. Many inexpensive electronic scales are real cheap imports and vary greatly in their readings depending on whether they are used in fluorescent light, varying AC voltages or even air currents. The Lee scale, when used properly is as accurate and consistent as any other balance scale. If you can't read it properly or keep bumping the 1 gram window (there is a little lock tab that you should use to keep it in place), then try another scale. It won't be any more sensitive, but it may be easier for some to use.

Congratulations on your first reloads and stay safe.