What is a good powder measure for handguns

[david bachelder]

I've owned and used the RCBS Uniflow, the Hornady LNL Case activated measure and the RCBS CHargeMaster. I also have a RCBS Beam scale I use from time to time (505?).

They are all excellent pieces of equipment.

 

[webrx]

Thanks RealGun.

d

 

[Arkansas Paul]

So the RCBS uniflow drops a consistent charge?

Oh yeah.

I loaded 200 rounds of 9mm yesterday (not a large amount I know) and once I set it at 4.0 grains of HP-38, I checked every 10th round and never had to touch it once. Now HP-38/W231 is a nice metering powder so that helps. But my Uniflow is pretty consistent with any of them, unless you start trying to throw 700X or something like that.

 

[RealGun]

unless you start trying to throw 700X or something like that.

I think 800-x is more the corn flakes powder. My 700-x runs okay in my Lee case-activated measure for 44-40. I have not caught any real variation or had a measure bind up with it.

 

[luis7]

I have two measure models, ohaus 7200 and it brother rcbs uniflow duo measure, they are the best for all purpose.

 

[mstreddy]

I'm a big fan of the LNL and the Uniflow -- they are the same design. Actually own 3 LNLs and one Uniflow.

One thing to note is that the LNL measure is only sold with the rifle rotor installed. You will need the pistol rotor to get small charges to drop consistently.

 

[RealGun]

BGD (OP) - Today I was wanting 4.8 grains of bullseye and due to the rain my electronic scale was wandering and I had to quit loading.

mstreddy - I'm a big fan of the LNL and the Uniflow -- they are the same design. Actually own 3 LNLs and one Uniflow.

One thing to note is that the LNL measure is only sold with the rifle rotor installed. You will need the pistol rotor to get small charges to drop consistently.

For under 5 grains, one should have both the pistol rotor and a pistol metering insert.

 

[rogn]

Ill second the "Ll Dandy." Its limits alot of loads, but when you establish one you just put in that rotor and go. Its quicker than a tax and spend politician. ablock of 50 pistol cases should only take bout 120 seconds. Put the same rotor back another day and you have the same charge. Rotors however are the real drawback. I bought mine when rotors were only about 6$. I have about 8 rotors and load from 9mm thru 45 Colt+++ to the 223.
Keeping a log of rotor v powder makes life easier.

 

[Drop45]

I also use and like the Redding 10X when reloading revolver rounds, with various powders.

 

[wbstx11]

I like the electronic

I have a real trust problem with all the powder measurers I have tried with the light pistol loads, MOST of the time they are OK. I bought a Lyman Gen 6 for doing the pistol loads, 500 to 1000 rounds at a time. Push one button and it repeats very accurately. Downside is loading and emptying - clean up. So I scoop in and trickle up for rifle loads. Very pleased with the electronic auto measure.

 

[G11354]

My Hornady LNL powder measure works well with everything I put through it. Used powders including IMR3031, H110, H322 and Benchmark. Though it does need a "pistol" specific rotor to be consistent with the smaller powder charges typically seen in handguns.