Powder measure to compliment Lee hand loader

[jkmo]

I have been hand loading 243 with the Lee hand loader for the last year or so with good results. It's fun and the volume I shoot makes it very practical. It feels old school (like me Probably in the 400 cartridge range. Got it down to a science.

That said you are at the mercy of the Lee powder scoops for the powder you use. I like 4064 for the 58 and 105 gr loads. They are ok but a few hundred feet per sec slower than factory, especially with the few 30-06 I load.

Long story short, what would be a good, inexpensive powder measure to up my charges a bit and not break the bank?

Thanks

 

[gregintenn]

Lee Perfect Powder Measure
Why the Lee Perfect Powder Measure, of course.
Lee Improved Powder Measure Kit
You could also use the Lee Dipper Set.

 

[OKFC05]

When you start getting up toward maximum, you need to use a scale to calibrate any custom scoops or volume powder measure you may use. I make scoops out of cartridge cases with a solder-attached wire handle, but I calibrate and check them with a scale--and I don't throw max charges with them.

So you really need a measure and a scale to safely go to heavier loads.

 

[gregintenn]

Yeah....I wouldn't load anything without verifying it via a known accurate scale.

Lee makes an inexpensive and accurate scale too.

 

[Mike in Reedley]

RCBS, Redding, or just about any of them. You'll need a power scale as well. For rifle cartridges, I set the powder measure a little light and trickle a few kernels of powder at a time into the scale until I have the exact weight. There are arguments that hand weighing each powder charge is unnecessary, it makes me feel better.

 

[jkmo]

Thanks all. I have a Lee beam scale. I checked the dippers and they are very close. The Lee dippers just aren't close with 4064. I do want to stay below max for sure.

Thank you

 

[Mike in Reedley]

Course kernel powders like 4064 are tough with powder measures too. Finer powders like Varget, H 335, H 380 or even H4831SC are your friends.

 

[rwsmith]

I did the same as you for years....

Thanks all. I have a Lee beam scale. I checked the dippers and they are very close. The Lee dippers just aren't close with 4064. I do want to stay below max for sure.

Thank you

I had hand loaders, dippers and a Lee beam scale for years. I still used the dippers IF they match the load I want. I have a Redding trickler that is fantastic and dribbled powder right onto my scale.

I have a Lee Perfect Powder measure that may be ok for .243, but it doesn't quit have the capacity for my 30-06. Great for pistols though. Infinitely variable.

Even though my set up has gotten more sophisticated, economy is still one of my main concerns and without buying a lot of fancy gadgets it keeps the cost down.

I think the secret to the Lee Hand tools is having everything arranged on the table in front of you and that way you can turn out rounds pretty quickly.