[elkhuntingfool]

Anyone out here have experience using this? I think the product looks great but just hoping to get some opinions. I use the Uniflow and it works just fine, but wondering about this product.

Thanks!!!

[MMCSRET]

I have used a long discontinued predecessor of the Lil Dandy made by the Bonanza Co. now owned by Forster. I think the concept is a winner in ever way but initial cost. The body of the Dandy is ok, but IMO the rotors are over priced by half at least. Mine is named the "Bonanza Bullseye Pistol Powder Measure" and is a pleasure to use. The only thing that keeps me from the RCBS unit is cost of rotors. Lyman also had a unit similar to this. Good products all, and very handy for handgun rounds. I have been using mine since 1978.

[sharps59]

have 2 of them use one for powder one for filler. as long as you do not use a lot of diffrent loads they are great . if you do use a lot of diffrent loads then the rotors get expensive there are close to 30 diffrent rotors. when I bought a few of them 2 yrs ago they were 7$ ea.
the shop had gaven up selling guns and reloading stuff only sells archerty stuff now w/an indoor arch. range. they still have some reloading stuff in a corner on a shelf all covered w/ dust. no one there can help you. you have to point to what you want or they are lost.

[lee n. field]

Works fine, and very handy, if the rotor cavity throws a charge you want.

[Bush Pilot]

I use one all the time, there isn't a way to powder a loading block full of brass any quicker/accurately IMO.

[ADKWOODSMAN]

The Lil Dandy is my major case charger. I used the uniflow, and still do for larger rifle cartridges.

Rotors are a little expensive but I've built up my assortment slowly.

Drop in the rotor and the same load--every time. Adjustment time 0!

[moooose102]

well, i just bought one, so i can not comment yet on how it works, but, it makes perfect sense that if you can not change anything, without changing the rotor, you would almost HAVE to get the same amount of powder EVERY time. you do have to settle for a load that is not the maximum sometimes though. not a problem for me, but some people cant live without that extra grain or two.

[ranger335v]

Well, the main reason there are so many products doing virtually the same thing is due to personal preferences. No one item is "best", it depends on what each of us like best. I have the Lyman version, nearly the same as the Dandy, and a full set of rotors. I bought it because Lyman offered a fairly inexpensive set of rotors and RCBS did not.

That type measure is, of course, only intended for handguns so the lack of being unable to change charges in .1 gr increments means little or nothing. I like my version well enough but would not buy it or anything like it again.

It seems that a conventional measure with an optional adjustable pistol chamber/rotor, such as the Redding and Hornady measures have, is a better choice. It would be at least as good and less expensive in the long run since most of us need a larger measure anyway.

I suspect that duplication of tools is why those excellant but dedicated little pistol measures have never captured a larger segment of the market. That low sales volume is why the individual rotors cost so much. Makers can charge less for things they can machine in large volumes!

It does appear that RCBS charges much more than is justified for those simple little rotors. I also think they would do better by their customers if they did like Lyman and offer a set of the dozen or so most used rotors for less money.

[moooose102]

well, i just loaded 100 45acps. this thing rocks! way better than my other powder measure. way faster! no measuring, and, no leaks!

[Walkalong]

I used a Hornady pistol measure for years. I rigged it to work automatically on my Projector press. It uses bushings too. As posters have said, the only down side is buying bushings. I made a few "custom" bushings from 1/2" brass bar stock. I would also take a bushing and ream it to a "custom" size (and mark it accordingly) to get a powder weight the standard bushing sizes would not give me.

If I modified a #14 bushing I would put a - M (dash M) after the 14 so I would know what it was. I would log what bushing I used in my log book.

[Okiecruffler]

I actually have 2 of them with all the rotors, between the 2 of them using different rotors there aren't many weights I can't throw. Still I end up just using my Lyman 55 for just about everything. Only real problem I have with the lildandy is that the rotors tend to be off. My 8 throws a heavier charge than my 9, my 16 throws a heavier charge than my 17, and my 0 and 1 throw identical charges.

[44and45]

Thumbs up on the Bonanza Bullseye powder measure and its rotors.

Terrific powder loader, and accurate...it also handles some brands of powder that are not Bullseye, I keep a note book on the rotor's and the amount of powder drops from them when using other brands of powder.

Jim


Note: The bottom of the lid is also a primer tray.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e321/44and45/P4050030PMshowsprimerfliptraylidcro.jpg

[Murphster]

I've used one for many years. I use it for all pistol calibers and also for 45-70. As others have indicated, the charge weights given in the instructions are a guide. You have to throw some charges and weigh them to see what yours will do. Tapping the throw knob before throwing the powder can tweak the weight slightly upwards. You can also drill out a rotor to make the powder cavity larger. You can also (sometimes) use a small rotor and dump the powder twice per case to give you the exact powder weight you want. Point is: it's fast, and once you get the hang of it, very consistent. I wouldn't be without one.

[MMCSRET]

Bonanza also offered rotor blanks that you could drill to whatever size you wanted. I bought a 3' piece of 3/4 brass stock and had a machinist friend true it and knurl several blanks for me. I'll drill them to fit some of the new powders as I develop loads.

[moooose102]

[QUOTE][Only real problem I have with the lildandy is that the rotors tend to be off. My 8 throws a heavier charge than my 9, my 16 throws a heavier charge than my 17, and my 0 and 1 throw identical charges.
/QUOTE]
i had a similar problem last night. i switched from a #2, to a #3, and it threw a lighter charge. upon inspecting, i found moisture or oil had caused a clump in the bottom of the hole in the charge bar. i cleaned it out with a couple of q-tips, and i was back in business. from now on, i am going to clean the holes prior to using it.

[Okiecruffler]

They also tend to have a bit of a static problem, in my house anyway. A dryer sheet takes care of that, but it can be annoying.