bwickens
Member
Everybody has favorite loads for this and that but what is your favorite powder measure? I've an RCBS Uniflow and would like something that works better with flake powders.
Powder measure recommendations
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Chubbs103
US Veteran
Have you considered buying or making a baffle first?
If this is for pistol loads, are you using the large or small drum?
Chubbs
If this is for pistol loads, are you using the large or small drum?
Chubbs
Small drum and a ^ shaped stiff index card paper baffle at the bottom of the powder tube works magic for accurate dispensing.
jepp2
Member
I had terrible experience with a Lyman 55. But this was partially how I was adjusting it.
I sold it and got a Redding 3BR with both micrometers (standard and pistol) and couldn't be happier. It does shear some with long grain stick powders, but that is expected.
I have had really good luck with my Dillon powder measures. Even with Unique. But I run mine differently. I don't use the fail safe rods, I still use springs (run reduced spring rate springs). I also polish the inside of the cones and keep the powder level fairly consistent.
I sold it and got a Redding 3BR with both micrometers (standard and pistol) and couldn't be happier. It does shear some with long grain stick powders, but that is expected.
I have had really good luck with my Dillon powder measures. Even with Unique. But I run mine differently. I don't use the fail safe rods, I still use springs (run reduced spring rate springs). I also polish the inside of the cones and keep the powder level fairly consistent.
jepp2
Member
If you are planning to add a baffle, this information may be useful to you. Provided by Unclenick on other forums.
I was using a Lee perfect powder measure but had problems
with it and Unique, so I got a Redding 3BR with the pistol
micrometer. and have the same problems with Unique
other wise the lee worked just as good as the Redding
with other powders at less then 1/4 the price.
with it and Unique, so I got a Redding 3BR with the pistol
micrometer. and have the same problems with Unique
other wise the lee worked just as good as the Redding
with other powders at less then 1/4 the price.
David LaPell
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I had a RCBS Uniflow and I didn't like it, none of the measures from what I hear measure well with Unique. I did end up buying the Lee, and I have to say for the money it measures well with 2400 and Win 231 my two most used powders. I will have to just do it the slow way with Unique.
My old Pacific powder measure works great with Unique and any other powder I have run through it. Small or large charges, doesn't matter. It's dead accurate.
Obviously it won't dump long stick powders like 4350 exact, but it gets them so close (usually within a grain each throw) that a small dribble gets it done quick. I use my large drum even for charges as small as 2.7 grains of 231 with never a hiccup.
Too bad you can't still buy this exact one brand new.
I've been using it for 30 years now, and have loaded hundreds of thousands of rounds using it. I couldn't be happier with one, and if you ever get the chance to buy a used one, jump on it!
Obviously it won't dump long stick powders like 4350 exact, but it gets them so close (usually within a grain each throw) that a small dribble gets it done quick. I use my large drum even for charges as small as 2.7 grains of 231 with never a hiccup.
Too bad you can't still buy this exact one brand new.
I've been using it for 30 years now, and have loaded hundreds of thousands of rounds using it. I couldn't be happier with one, and if you ever get the chance to buy a used one, jump on it!
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I'm cheap so I use a Lee Perfect Powder Measure for rifle rounds and a Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure on my turret press.
The Perfect Powder Measure looks and feels like apiece of junk but it's right on the money every time when I drop powder.
The Perfect Powder Measure looks and feels like apiece of junk but it's right on the money every time when I drop powder.
Armed012002
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I like Hornady 
440turner
Member
acl864
Member
I find that consistency is the key when using a RCBS Uniflow with large flake powders. I move the handle sharply in both directions. I also give the handle two sharp raps with the tip of my index finger at the top of the stroke to help settle the powder and at the bottom to insure that it all comes out. I've used this technique with my Uniflow for so long it's second nature. I can throw Unique charges at +/- .1 grains and that's fine for my needs. This is an old Uniflow. I bought it used in 1981 so maybe the new ones are different.
Roadranger
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I use the Lee Pro Auto Disc on several of my Dillion pistol caliber tool heads. I haven't used Unique lately, but they throw TiteGroup, BlueDot, and even TrailBoss very well. I use my 10 year old RCBS measure for all of my rifle loads, unless I'm loading 308 or 223 on the Dillion with the Dillon measure. I'm sure the afore mentioned Redding match grade measures would give a lifetime of great service. Been reloading since 1967, started with stuff from Herter's. I have a #55 and a Lee measure, but both get very little use. Bob!
TSQUARED
Member
Before purchasing my Dillon 550 I used an old RCBS A-2 press and either the Lyman 55 or Hollywood powder measures.
I, too, use an old Pacific measure. By far most accurate measure I've ever own. I also have Lyman #55 knocker it won't do extruded powder worth of nothing. Works great with ball and flake though. Lee perfect measure…you'd be surprised how accurate that thing is!
AveragEd
Member
The poster above who mentioned how he operates the dispenser has the right idea. The trick to consistent powder charges is consistent powder measure operation - do it the exact same way every time and almost all of them will drop consistent charges.
I load a lot of trap loads with a MEC 9000E but when I bought an Automate, an electric operator, for it, my powder charges became almost boringly consistent because the Automate cycles the loader in exactly the same way every time.
I use a Redding for handgun but for rifle, I use an RCBS ChargeMaster scale and dispenser combo. I tried a Lyman DPS II but found it slow and inaccurate. I also wasn't crazy about the 30-minute warm-up period.
Ed
I load a lot of trap loads with a MEC 9000E but when I bought an Automate, an electric operator, for it, my powder charges became almost boringly consistent because the Automate cycles the loader in exactly the same way every time.
I use a Redding for handgun but for rifle, I use an RCBS ChargeMaster scale and dispenser combo. I tried a Lyman DPS II but found it slow and inaccurate. I also wasn't crazy about the 30-minute warm-up period.
Ed
dwhite53
Member
I'll second the Lee Perfect Powder Measure. Mine has worked well for three years. It still improves, getting smoother to turn, the more I use it.
They're $20. It's worth a try.
All the Best,
D. White
They're $20. It's worth a try.
All the Best,
D. White
Ive always used Uniflow's with a baffle and never had any problems metering Bullseye; Unique or WW231. Will be trying some 2400 soon...??
Years ago ['50's] us broke guys bought Herters reloading equipment. I had a Herters powder measure for a long time but it finally galled & I couldn't free the drum. Got a Lyman 55 then, never did get the thing to work right. Traded it for an old Belding & Mull cast iron measure. That was built like a tank, still have it. But now I have a RCBS measure & like it fine.
valkyriekl
Member
I use an RCBS Uniflow with the small cylinder and micrometer screw. Runs fine with every pistol powder I've put in it, including Unique.
I also have an RCBS Little Dandy with a couple rotors, and a Lyman No. 55, but I use the Uniflow for 99.99% of all of my reloading, the Little Dandy for 0.01%, and the No. 55 not at all.
I also have an RCBS Little Dandy with a couple rotors, and a Lyman No. 55, but I use the Uniflow for 99.99% of all of my reloading, the Little Dandy for 0.01%, and the No. 55 not at all.
Thank you, one and all, for your input. The times I've tried Unique in the Uniflow, the charge weights were off by .5 to .7 grains, though I admit my technique could have been more consistent. I don't plan on ridding myself of the RCBS, it works great with H-110, HS-6 and 2400, but it would be nice to have a second measure.
Harrell Precision makes the most accurate measure I have ever used a bit more expensive but you will have it for a lifetime.
Harrell's Precision Online Store
Harrell's Precision Online Store
I used a RCBS measure years back when I was using a single stage press. The measure on my Dillon 550 is dead nuts on every time I check it and seems to function perfectly with any powder I use. I haven't run Unique through it in a few years, since I have discovered Universal. I now substitute it for Unique with minor variation in charge weight. Still have a bit of Unique that I'll find a use for someday.
The measure on my 550B throws Unique with no trouble as it has for the last 23 years. It's about the only powder that has ever been in it, since I bought it expressly for my .45 auto's. I can check it at any time and it'll be right on regardless of how many loads have been done, or where I'm at in the process.
Everything else gets loaded using my Pacific.
Everything else gets loaded using my Pacific.
+1
I also use the Lee Perfect Powder Measure. Its very affordable and drops accurate charges. I use it for both handgun and rifle rounds.
firearmsunlimited
Member
You may want to consider a RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Scale and Dispenser Combo. It is electronic and operates like a powder tickler only on high speed. It solves all of the powder shearing issues and will accurately dispense all flake, ball and long grain powders. It isn't cheap but runs about the same price as a Harrels pistol + the additional stand. As good as a Harrells is it even does not like Unique.
Chubbs103
US Veteran
My LGS threw in a baffle for free when I asked if they had any (they had made a mistake on my previous purchase). Before the baffle I would get variations of about +/- .2 grains with Unique. I could "feel" when one was a little off though. With the baffle, my largest variation is +/- .1 grain.
I only own the large drum, but I have heard good things about the small one.
+1 on consistency in technique when working the handle.
Chubbs
trulyapostolic
Member
I totally agree with the above. Can't afford one so I use a Redding 3BR Match Grade measure. Very accurate up to using bigger extruded powders.
Nemo288
Member
I have the older Redding Model 3 with both micrometers
and it meters Unique just fine thru the pistol measure.
I just loaded 50 .44 target loads the other day with it.
The accuracy is roughly .2g which is about as much as my
electronic scale drifts. I do use a metal baffle and carefully
empty the measure every time I am done with loading.
and it meters Unique just fine thru the pistol measure.
I just loaded 50 .44 target loads the other day with it.
The accuracy is roughly .2g which is about as much as my
electronic scale drifts. I do use a metal baffle and carefully
empty the measure every time I am done with loading.
