Powder throwers measure by volume. Dippers measure by volume. They're pretty much equal, when done right.
If you want to increase the precision of your dipper, then use a taller, thinner dipper. The meniscus will be smaller and more consistent. The final precision depends on the shape of your dipper, your consistency, and the type of powder.
For larger (by volume) pistol charges, I use cut down .380 cases. For smaller charges, I use 1/4" brass tubing. I find a dipper works faster than a powder thrower for a single stage press, because I can put it right were I need it and I don't have to bolt anything to the bench. And there's no chance for any powder to get stuck in the drop tube to get carried over to the next round.
Re: dagger dog
Once I've calibrated my scoops for each powder, I label them and I'm done with the scale. At least until my current lot of powder runs out.
I prefer custom scoops, because the Lee scoops are rarely the right size, and the handles are too short.
If you want to increase the precision of your dipper, then use a taller, thinner dipper. The meniscus will be smaller and more consistent. The final precision depends on the shape of your dipper, your consistency, and the type of powder.
For larger (by volume) pistol charges, I use cut down .380 cases. For smaller charges, I use 1/4" brass tubing. I find a dipper works faster than a powder thrower for a single stage press, because I can put it right were I need it and I don't have to bolt anything to the bench. And there's no chance for any powder to get stuck in the drop tube to get carried over to the next round.
Re: dagger dog
If you believe humidity significantly affects charge weight, then in my opinion you have it backwards. If you start getting changes in weight due to humidity, you should stick with the charge as measured by volume and ignore the scale. The idea is to get the same amount of powder. Any adjustment of volume to get the exact same weight will just make things worse. You'd be making smaller than normal charges when humid, and bigger than normal when dry.Humidity plays a big part in getting the correct weight with dippers, higher moisture in the air can cause heavier weights thrown from the same dipper with the same powder, and the reverse of lower weights when the humidity is lower.
Having a scale to keep check on dipper thrown powder charges is the only safe way to use dippers.
Once I've calibrated my scoops for each powder, I label them and I'm done with the scale. At least until my current lot of powder runs out.
I prefer custom scoops, because the Lee scoops are rarely the right size, and the handles are too short.
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