Best Powder Measure

[Thrash1982]

I'm looking to buy a powdermeasure (Lee perfect powder measure or similiar). What, in your opinion, is the best one on the market?

 

[martin]

Harrells are excellent and pricey. So are the Reddings. Those are the conventional ones. There are others out there if you want to pay over $1000.

 

[cdbeaver]

I currently have on hand both a Lee and an RCBS and they are both adequate for all but the finest measurements.

The Lee, dissed by some reloaders because it has plastic parts, actually is the more accurate measure of the two on my bench. It doesn't hang up on long-grain powders while the RCBS can become erratic in accuracy when it snags on cutting them and interrupts a smooth throwing swing.

Either product will do suitable work for the most part.

 

[Swamp Yankee]

The best, or most consistant powder measure I've used is my old Ohaus. Though no longer made and somewhat of a pain to set up at times it throws an extremely consistant charge, with just about any type of powder. You'll have to hit the gun shows to find one.
As for current manufactured units I have experience with both the Lyman 55 and the RCBS uniflow. I have no problem recommending either.
Take care

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Watch the auctions and gun shows for the most accurate lifetime quality cast iron and stainless steel powder measure ever made. The California Saeco measure. It has a crinkle black finish and set your E-Bay favorites search option for Saeco Powder measure. It was made from the late 1940's up until the late 70s and won't wear out. Their owners are passing away and their oldies but goodies are appearing as I have seen them. If you obtain one I have the printed instructions.

John Paul
Retired Saeco Distributor

 

[Ala Dan]

Another really good powder measure, if you can
still find one is the "Pacific DeLuxe". Mine always
threw perfect charges; without a hitch! Some
people say the Hornady measure is the same
thing; but I don't know for sure?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[WalkerTexasRanger]

Best measure = Prometheus, but be prepared as it will set you back about $1500...

The Harrells over at Sinclair are what I see most B/R shooters using, highly respected.

I use a Hornady case activated measure with a micrometer adjuster and it works very well..

 

[JackM]

As Swamp Yankee said about the Ohaus Du-o-Measure. The little Lyman 55 is handier, and just as accurate for ball and large charges of stick powder, but the old Ohaus is much more consistent for small charges of flake powder.

Bye
Jack

 

[oldfart]

If you already have a Lee Perfect Powder Measure-- stick with it! Once it is properly broken in it will throw loads as accurate as any others.

I have two, one for handgun loads and the other for rifle loads. They've been on my bench for a long time and have thrown many pounds of powder. They now repeat_loads within 1/10 grain all day long. As with all other aspects of reloading, consistency is the holy grail. When I tilt the tube down to fill from the hopper, I pat the back of the measure three times and when I tilt it back up_to drop the powder into the case, I pat it three times again. I've experimented with patting it two or four times and the amounts thrown vary when I do.

Consistency.

I've had this discussion with lots of reloaders who swear by their Lyman or RCBS or Harrell's or Prometheus. But CONSISTENTLY throwing loads within 1/10 grain has to be the final measure of quality, not price, not exterior finish, not stainless steel parts.

 

[bogie]

I own a tricked out RCBS Uniflow, a Harrell, and a Lee.

Most of the time I use the Harrell, but for long stick stuff, nothing beats the Lee.