Unique powder VS the Lee Perfect Powder Measure

[Rule3]

With the recent thread on 38 spl and Unique and the problems some have with Unique metering correctly I did a little test.

Just a FYI, not a comparision to other makes and models which no doubt are heavier duty,cost more, probably better and of course a nicer color.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reload...-unique-whats-real-maximum-standard-load.html

I didn't need to as I used the Lee PP measure for a long time before switching over to the disc system. I even bought an extra PP measure to keep them set for specific weights.

Many folks have stated that the Lee is junk because it's not expensive. The Midway reviews indicate a lot of folks buy them and seem to think they are OK.
Lee Perfect Powder Measure - MidwayUSA

I have run many different powders through it and never had a problem or leak and it is pretty darn accurate for what it is.

I just dropped 10 test loads with it set at 5.0 grs as confirmed by a Dillion (Ohaus) beam balance.

All where 5.0 grs except for 2 that where 5.1 and one that was 5.2.

Total 50.4/10= 5.04grs

So for a powder that has pretty large particle size and is difficult to meter I think the Lee did a OK job.

Some may not be able to tolerate a .2 variance in 10 loads. For reference that's about 20 individual flakes of powder.

With finer powders it is spot on from my previous use of it.

 

[gregintenn]

Mine works great with any powder I've put in it.

 

[Jellybean]

Many folks have stated that the Lee is junk because it's not expensive.

I read that same statement on another forum yesterday, along with "other brands are more expensive because of the name stamped on them".

Lees' stuff isn't junk because of their price, their price is a result of their quality.

Now back to your post. Every volumetric powder meter works off the same principal regardless of what it is made of or how much quality control is used. Accuracy depends on repeatability. If you use the same technique constantly throughout the entire process you should get consistent results wether you are using a plastic spoon or a top of the line meter.

 

[Rule3]

Price does not always equate to quality either good or bad.

But again, this is not about something being better or worse than any other, only that this particular measure works well enough with Unique for most handgun loads.

 

[aquagear]

Unique has always been a tough powder to meter because of the large flake size. I have been using lee equipment for years, never been disappointed, while it is not as pretty or fancy as some of the heavy cast iron stuff it has served me well. With coarse powders like Unique it helps to keep the hopper level consistent,
I always through several test charges to settle things in, if you through the handle the same way every time you can get consistent results.

 

[Sully]

Some may not be able to tolerate a .2 variance in 10 loads. For reference that's about 20 individual flakes of powder.

With finer powders it is spot on from my previous use of it.

If someone is loading and cant handle a .2 variance then they need to be dropping LESS that the load requires...and then trickling just enough to bring the load right up on the mark.

Thats what I feel is needed to be done when Im loading a "max" charge. That way I cant go over any amount

 

[GyMac]

I've been more than satisfied with the Lee Pro Auto Disk. I've been using one since the '80's and never have had a problem. I currently own three. I use it mainly for HP-38/Win 231 and Unique.

Chris

 

[GypsmJim]

I have been using lee equipment for years, never been disappointed, while it is not as pretty or fancy as some of the heavy cast iron stuff it has served me well.

My equipment consists of Lee, Hornady, Herters, RCBS and CH. If I have a problem with any equipment I buy (whether it be loading equipment, auto parts, guns, refrigerators or TVs) if I have trouble getting it fixed or it breaks the second time, I don't go back for the third time.

I started in this hobby with a $9.99 Lee Loader and had a problem with it. Lee replaced it free of charge. That was 40 years ago and haven't had a problem since then. They have never let me down.

I'll debate the comment about "pretty". Last year I redid my loading bench and upgraded my mancave. I repainted all my ugly green RCBS stuff and everything else to color match the pretty Lee red.