Powder measure (thrower): recommendations?

[maxsnafu]

Guys, I'm new to reloading & want to get a powder thrower. I'll be reloading
for pistols and rifles. What is the most accurate and consistant powder thrower I can get (including ALL necessary ancillary parts) for under
$250-$300? Thanks for your help.

 

[zxcvbob]

I don't know about "best", but for less than $100 this one is very good: http://www.ch4d.com/catalog/?p=70 I'm considering adapting the linking on my Hornady LNL-AP press to use my very old CH powder measure instead of Hornady's because the CH is better.

(the prices are screwed up on the web page; don't know what that's about)

 

[karnaaj]

What kind of powder do you think you'll be using? If you are going to do as lot of extruded like Varget get the Lee Perfect. It's only $20-$25 and works well with extrudeds. If you are going with ballpowder any of them will do except the Lee Perfect (it tends to leak). If you really want to spend some money go with a Harrel's.

 

[Walkalong]

The best is Harrells

Redding is very, very good, and a good deal for the money.

I am very familiar with those two products.

I had a Hornady years ago and got rid of it. They are supposed to be much better now. RCBS has always made good products and are worth considering.

I have a Redding BR-30 and I have a Redding 10X and they are very good. The Harrells is just superb if you are willing to spend the money. I have used someone elses and they will spoil you.

 

[jameslovesjammie]

I have the Redding 3BR. I have been EXTREMELY impressed with this measurer. It will not have any variation at all with any ball or flake powder. With stick powder, it can vary by .1 grain. I still consider this to be extremely accurate.

Here are the benefits of this measurer:

1. This measurer comes with a baffle, which is a must for any accurate measurer. The purpose of the baffle is to settle the powder near the hopper consistantly, no matter how much powder is in the tube.

2. It comes with a universal micrometer. I have used it to throw charges from 4 to 68 grains with next to no variations, except with stick powders as noted above.

3. There is a set screw on the side of the measurer. After you set your micrometer, you tighten the lock. It locks in the micrometer and doesn't let it move. This guarantees you that you will have the most consistant, repeatable throws of any measurer out there.

The measurer doesn't really need any accessories, but Redding does have some available for it. If you are going to load alot of low weight handgun charges, you can get their handgun metering chamber. It will allow greater detail if using 0-10 grains of powder, but I have used mine with the universal chamber down to 4 grains and still remained consistant.

I am extremely happy with this measurer. If I had to do it all over again, I don't think I would go with a more expensive measurer. This one does it all, and I couldn't ask for more.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=759813&t=11082005

 

[Ol` Joe]

http://www.quick-measure.com/
I`ve one of these and they are great. The measure doesn`t cut or crush any type of powders, stick included, and is fast to use. They are very consistant in their charge, much better in MO then my old Lyman 55.

 

[Walkalong]

I have always found that quick-measure to be very interesting. I would love to see one in person and try it out. Maybe someday I will.

 

[Idano]

My powder measure of choice is the RCBS Uniflow; I have two of them plus a Hornady. I check my dispenses every 25th for ball or flake powders and never see more then a +/- 0.1 gr on ball and +/- 0.3 for flake, Extruded is another story +/- 0.4 so I set it low and weigh each dispense then trickle to target. When I am loading on the progressive I never use extruded powders only ball or flake because I want repeatability.

 

[Walkalong]

I would croak if I was getting .3 difference. My Redding 10X, with ball powder, will barely get to + or - .05 difference and most flake powders do at least + or - .1

American Select and 700X annoy me as they will vary that .1

I loaded some .38's the other day with American Select to try it out, but I was getting 4.3 to 4.5 grs ( + or - .1 from 4.4)

Although they shot well, the ES & SD could have been better, but what do you expect though with that big a varience in a small charge. Bottom line was they shot real well. I suspect it would show at long distance.

Bullseye is a small flake powder for a reason. Meters great.

I won't weigh every charge so trickling is out as well. If I can't get it good enough straight from the measure I use something else. Lazy maybe.

 

[CZ57]

I'll bet $70 on Idano! RCBS Uniflow! Mine's as accurate today as when I bought it 20 years ago. I wouldn't have any problem with the Lyman 55 or the Hornady either. Just don't compromise with LEE! They Leak, They ALL leak! But, if you are going to get into Benchrest, REDDING, CH and several other premium powder measures are worth considering. For general reloading? Uniflow!

 

[Idano]

CZ what I am I getting bet on

Walkalong 0.3 is the extreme and that's with Unique and usually right after a refill it may occasionally throw one that far off. On 2200 I have never seen it move off of target even after a refill, but I know it has to.

 

[jenrob]

Walkalong 0.3 is the extreme and that's with Unique and usually right after a refill it may occasionally throw one that far off. On 2200 I have never seen it move off of target even after a refill, but I know it has to.

Idano that's not far to tell the man you get that kinda variance on the first one or two throws. Man when I first read that I was thinking the same thing. I would have thrown it out the window.

Just incase maxsnafu doesn't know. You should always cycle you dispenser several times myself I use an even 10 to get the powder to settle in the dispenser. then make your adjustments.

I use a Hornady LNL and rarley get +or- .1 But I have also put a baffle (something it should come with HORNADY) in it and use a pistol rotor with micrometer.

 

[pinkymingeo]

With my Hornady measure, I only fill a couple of inches above the cone, and don't get noticeable weight-induced variations. I just pour a little more powder in every couple of hundred rounds. Never felt the need for a pound of powder in the hopper.

 

[Walkalong]

with Unique and usually right after a refill it may occasionally throw one that far off.

Gotcha.

I can get the same with 700X if I don't settle it first. I always run 7 or 8 cases through the Projector my 10X is on to settle things down. If folks would measure the first 15 throws, they might be suprised. (shocked even) I did not include those first few which I don't use. I'm with you now.

I just pour a little more powder in every couple of hundred rounds. Never felt the need for a pound of powder in the hopper.

I suggest you try a baffle high up in the hopper, and keep the powder "topped off" above it as you load.

 

[hawkeye1]

I like the RCBS Uniflow for flake and ball powders, like for pistols. For big rifle powders I have the Pact electronic dispenser and scale. It is totally automatic and works fantastic. I love it. Under $300 and worth every penny. I would not do with out both to be honest with you. I use them both extensively.'

good shooting

 

[moxie]

Get the RCBS Uniflow with the micrometer adjustment screw. Perfect.

 

[cracked butt]

Harrels or Redding Benchrest. If you want to spend less, none will do any better than a Lee Perfect Measure and they only cost about $25.

 

[paperpuncher49]

I agree with Walkalong and Cracked Butt. Harrel's #1 if you want to spring for it, Redding #2.