Powder measure recommendations

[bwickens]

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.

 

[Chubbs103]

Have you considered buying or making a baffle first?

If this is for pistol loads, are you using the large or small drum?

Chubbs

 

[Engineer1911]

Small drum and a ^ shaped stiff index card paper baffle at the bottom of the powder tube works magic for accurate dispensing.

 

[jepp2]

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.

 

[jepp2]

If you are planning to add a baffle, this information may be useful to you. Provided by Unclenick on other forums.

 

[luv2shoot]

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.

 

[David LaPell]

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.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

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!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

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.

 

[Armed012002]

I like Hornady

 

[440turner]

I had terrible experience with a Lyman 55. But this was partially how I was adjusting it.

I have a no55 and have fairly good luck with it, i am wondering what way were you adjusting it that was wrong, maybe im doing the same thing and dont know it!

 

[acl864]

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]

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]

Before purchasing my Dillon 550 I used an old RCBS A-2 press and either the Lyman 55 or Hollywood powder measures.

 

[kingranch]

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]

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

 

[dwhite53]

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

 

[Sully]

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.

Ive always used Uniflow's with a baffle and never had any problems metering Bullseye; Unique or WW231. Will be trying some 2400 soon...??

 

[Old 44 Guy]

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]

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.