[Quoheleth]

A few days I posted about using my Lee dippers to load .38, .38+p, and .357 loads for my Ruger GP100 6". Elsewhere I've seen posts where people have asked about using the dippers and - like me - they have been encouraged to consider a different method of powder handling.

So...I'm doing some window shopping. As I've said, my budget it tight (why I tried to go with dippers...just $6 or so), so I'm not able to do some of the cool set-ups y'all have. I'm looking for an economical way of doing this that is more accurate than dippers, but since I'm planning right now to just load plinking stuff, I'm not looking for super-precise stuff.

Here's my question. Reviews of the Lee Perfect Powder measure seem to be fairly favorable, and for under $20, I think I can swing that. Can I trust this to be reasonably reliable alone, or do I need to look at a scale of some sort in conjunction with the LPP? Cabelas has the Lee Safety Scale also under $20. I'm cheap, but I also want to be safe. If it means I have to wait another month or two to get both a LPP and a scale (the old "trust but verify" idea), I'll do that.

(On another note, where can I find information about what the various powders should be used for? For example, on a previous post, I asked about Blue Dot in HBLWCs and was told not to use it - too hot. I didn't see that anywhere on their website. How's a fellow supposed to know?)

Thanks, in advance...
Q

[cdrt]

You definitely should get some kind of scale to double check whatever powder thrower you buy. Everyone has their favorite but for what you're doing the Lee should do nicely and they make an inexpensive, but reliable scale as well.
For powder reccomendations, get a good manual; Lyman, etc. that gives recommended powders and charges. If you're looking at specific bullet/powder combination, check the mfg website. They usually post load info for each bullet or get their manual, e.g. if you're loading Hornady HBWCs, get the Hornady manual.

[Art Eatman]

IMO, a scale is one of the most important tools you can have for reloading.

I've never had any problem with a used scale that I picked up at a gunshow, as far as trying to save money.

Art

[CMcDermott]

The scale is the important thing, and you can use your current dippers with a scale to make sure that every cartridge is loaded with the same amount of powder. Whether you use a dipper or a powder measure, you need to weigh the resulting amount of powder to insure that each cartridge gets the same amount. If you can operate your dipper or measure very consistently, then each powder charge will weigh the same and you don't need to trickle in or take out that little bit of powder to make them all the same.

[GRIZ22]

I'd buy the scale first and then the powder measure. You would need the scale to check the charge the measure is throwing.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

A few days I posted about using my Lee dippers to load .38, .38+p, and .357 loads for my Ruger GP100 6". Elsewhere I've seen posts where people have asked about using the dippers and - like me - they have been encouraged to consider a different method of powder handling.

Nothing at all wrong with dippers, as long as you use them correctly and use a powder scale to check the weight you're dropping in. Here's how:

1. Get a Lee powder scale.
2. Scoop a scoop with your dipper and level it off gently with a business card.
3. Weigh the scooped powder using your Lee scale to find out it's weight with the powder you're using.
4. Record this weight.
5. Use the dipper (or combination of dippers) and the powder you've measured out of it knowing how much powder it weighed using the technique I've described.

This is as inexpensive and effective way of measuring powder as any other technique. Many extremely skilled reloaders have used this very technique when reloading at the range. The important thing is levelling off the powder scooped carefully and keeping good records.

So...I'm doing some window shopping. As I've said, my budget it tight (why I tried to go with dippers...just $6 or so), so I'm not able to do some of the cool set-ups y'all have. I'm looking for an economical way of doing this that is more accurate than dippers, but since I'm planning right now to just load plinking stuff, I'm not looking for super-precise stuff.

Here's an idea:

1. Buy yourself the least expensive powder trickler you can find.
2. After using the technique I mentioned above, use the powder trickler and a powder scale to "top off" the load you want.

So you dump the scoop into the pan, then trickle in enough extra powder to get to the load you want, then dump that in your case.

This is very effective and doesn't cost much. Just a trickler and a Lee powder measure above what you have now. BTW, you should always have a powder measure.

Here's my question. Reviews of the Lee Perfect Powder measure seem to be fairly favorable, and for under $20, I think I can swing that. Can I trust this to be reasonably reliable alone, or do I need to look at a scale of some sort in conjunction with the LPP?

You should look at buying the scale first, as it can tell you where you are at. I forgot to mention you should also buy a scale calibration kit, so you can have faith in your scale's measurements. These are not horribly expensive.

Cabelas has the Lee Safety Scale also under $20. I'm cheap, but I also want to be safe. If it means I have to wait another month or two to get both a LPP and a scale (the old "trust but verify" idea), I'll do that.

Get the powder scale first and try out the methods I've described above. You may find you're about where you want to be with the dippers.

(On another note, where can I find information about what the various powders should be used for? For example, on a previous post, I asked about Blue Dot in HBLWCs and was told not to use it - too hot. I didn't see that anywhere on their website. How's a fellow supposed to know?)

You need to buy a reloader book such as a Speer or Richard Lee's Reloading manual. If you cannot afford them, try to check one out from the local library and photocopy the parts relating to calibers you wish to load. Also, the various powder company websites list load information that's very up to date for free.

For a specific caliber, post a question on the board and get suggestions, then go to that manufacturer's website and look at load data.


I hope this helps,

Dave

[strat81]

Always use a scale. Scales are cheaper than medical bills or busted firearms.

[Matt Dillon]

I have heard mixed reviews regarding the Lee scale. My personal preference is the Ohaus/RCBS 1010 scale. You can pick them up used on eBay and gun shows for not a whole lot more than you will purchase the Lee.
This is one scale that you can use for the rest of your reloading days. Very accurate, consistent, and rugged.
When you purchase a scale, make sure that you also spend a few more dollars and purchase a set of check weights to use to calibrate your scale.

[tasco 74]

i'm like you and on a very tight budget.. i got my lee perfect powder measure and lee scale at the same time..... i like em both....... the lee powder measure is good enough to make accurate .38 spl and .357 mag loads that are half the s.d. of federal factory loads when shot over a chonograph..... they also are just as accurate on the target or better than factory...... so yes get the lee stuff and be happy!!

[~z]

"(On another note, where can I find information about what the various powders should be used for? For example, on a previous post, I asked about Blue Dot in HBLWCs and was told not to use it - too hot. I didn't see that anywhere on their website. How's a fellow supposed to know?)"

Buy a few books before you buy a scale...ABCs of Reloading, and a reloading manual would be a good start.
~z

[Quoheleth]

Thanks for the comments. I have Lee's MODERN RELOADING and have read it - I'm not just flying by the seat of my pants, here. When I was asking about powders, I was wondering how I can best determine what will fit my needs without buying a half-dozen to try. Be fun...but off the $$$ radar scope right now.

I had checked Complete Reloading Guide by John E. Traister & Robert J. Traister. out of the library a few weeks ago. Was not impressed with their "How to" stuff, but they did have a nice section that talked about various powders and applications. That's the kind of thing I was looking for...may have to go re-check it and make some additional notes.

So...scale first...additional measure or trickler later. I very much appreciate the advice.

Lee lists loads for all three (.38, .38+p, .357) with Accurate #5, and best of all, all three loads can be measured with my dippers. Anyone have experience wit Accurate #5? Decent stuff? Price is good...loads aren't too large, so a pound should last me for quite a while.

Thanks again,
Q

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

For a specific caliber, post a question on the board and get suggestions, then go to that manufacturer's website and look at load data. That's the way to pick a powder. Go for the one about 90 percent of the folks use as the "old standard."

For instance: W231 is a pretty darn safe powder to buy for .45ACP, as is Bullseye.

Regards,

Dave

[scrat]

totally agree with Dave