i'm looking to upgrade my current powder measure and was looking at this one from Hornady http://www.midwayusa.com/product/290524/hornady-lock-n-load-powder-measure. my primary use for this will be for handgun rounds (9mm, .40, .38/.357, and .44mag). From what i have been reading, this measure will ship with the standard metering insert and rotor, and that this may not be ideal for my needs? from what i can tell, i need to get some extra parts to get this measure to be consistent with relativly small charges. what i cant quite put my finger on is do i need to get the complete handgun rotor and metering assembly (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/16...-rotor-and-metering-assembly?cm_vc=S015290524) or could i just get the handgun metering assembly (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/63...re-handgun-metering-assembly?cm_vc=S015164839) and use that with the included rotor?
lock and load powder measure question
- Thread starter JEB
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You will need the handgun drum. The standard drum is more suitable for rifle and it is difficult to throw consistent small charges with the large cavity.
Since you will be changing the load frequently, the micrometer adjuster will make that easier. Record the setting for each charge and it will be quick to get back to that level for final check weighing. But, you can use the measure just fine if you do not want to buy the micrometer adjuster.
I am a fan of the powder baffle. Make sure the peak of the baffle is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drum, Others have different experiences with the baffle.
The L-N-L works fine. i have one on my progressive press.
Since you will be changing the load frequently, the micrometer adjuster will make that easier. Record the setting for each charge and it will be quick to get back to that level for final check weighing. But, you can use the measure just fine if you do not want to buy the micrometer adjuster.
I am a fan of the powder baffle. Make sure the peak of the baffle is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drum, Others have different experiences with the baffle.
The L-N-L works fine. i have one on my progressive press.
dbarnhart
Member
In addition to the handgun drum (official name is 'Pistol Rotor', I think) you will need the Pistol Metering Insert (That's what cfullgraf refers to as the adjuster)
Pistol Metering Inserts are about $11 each so whether you buy one for each caliber or buy a single Micrometer Insert for about $35 is a matter of personal choice.
Pistol Metering Inserts are about $11 each so whether you buy one for each caliber or buy a single Micrometer Insert for about $35 is a matter of personal choice.
Pistol rotor and pistol metering insert as mentioned above is what you will need. I prefer the standard metering insert as it only cost about $10 and I get one for each caliber. Once adjusted, you just pull one out and insert another when changing calibers.
JEB, the first item you list is complete and is all you will need, however the second listing is a finer meter for a more accurate dialing. That is the only difference but as it was said in the other post to get other pistons , I have done this but instead of having multiple metering pistons for different weighted bullet you maybe shooting, I find its just not cost effective for me and only take a few seconds to ajust for a different weight bullet your shooting in the same cal.
Master Blaster
Member
What press are you using and what powders do you load for handgun? My experience with the LNL measure was not good as I like Unique, 231, trailboss, and bullseye, and load target loads with small powder charges. I found the pistol rotor suffered from bridging with flake powders. The rifle rotor was better but still not as consistant as I liked and my LNL on a LNL AP press threw squibs way too often. I replaced it with a Dillon measure which throws very consistant charges with the listed powders and NO squibs.
this will not be press mounted as i load on a single stage press. the powders i use are, AA#7, unique, and 2400. will also see some rifle powders in the near future along with several other handgun powders.
i am tempted to just order the measure as is without the extra pistol rotor, but i am worried that i am not going to be getting consistent charges with the larger rotor and metering insert.
Master Blaster
Member
If you are loading on a single stage press then I would recommend the Redding with the appropriate rotor over the Hornady its about the same price + - $20 and its a way better powder measure. I have one and I use it for .308 rifle (44 grains of Varget), and .32 acp (2.8 grain charge of titegroup) and its always spot on.
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=RB03000&src=exrbSrch
$103
Best of all it wont rust like the Hornady with its unplated parts.
The micrometer makes it is possible to record your favorite settings and return to the same place weeks later when you wish to create the same load. Precision machined cast iron frame to give you years and years of service.
All Redding Powder Measures feature hand honed frames and hard chromium drums for long life. An extremely sharp cutting surface easily cuts and meters even the most difficult powders
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=RB03000&src=exrbSrch
$103
Best of all it wont rust like the Hornady with its unplated parts.
The micrometer makes it is possible to record your favorite settings and return to the same place weeks later when you wish to create the same load. Precision machined cast iron frame to give you years and years of service.
All Redding Powder Measures feature hand honed frames and hard chromium drums for long life. An extremely sharp cutting surface easily cuts and meters even the most difficult powders
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