Dillon SDB and Universal Clays

I have never use Universal Clays but I do use Clays. It is a very fine powder/low volumn powder and the load I use for 9mm is under 3.4gr. I went to an x-small powder bar and that seems to work better for me.

One tip, when you adjust the powder measure make sure the handle is down and the powder bar is out towards the left of the machine. Throw three or four charges then start checking. My SDBs are generally +/- 0.1 grain.

Do you have a friend that reloads? If yes, maybe you can borrow their scale and check your scale. Alternativly, get a set of check weights for your scale (which I think is a good idea anyway) and use them to see what's happening. I think Lee makes fine equipment but I'm not sure what you have is a 'high end' scale. Might be a good excuse to upgrade. I like beam scales. Look at the Dillon or the top two scales in the RCBS line. (I really like to have the top of the line RCBS - I think it's the 1010.)

Good luck!

My old SDB loads 9x19 with Universal just fine, so if everything is setup properly it will work. Use a powder measure that is *not* at the limit of adjustment for the amount of powder you want to use.

Borrowing a scale for a test is a great idea. My Dillon powder system is very repeatable whenever I have checked it carefully. To get a good measurement of the average powder charge you are throwing, you can throw 10 and measure that. It will eliminate the +- 0.1 gr uncertainty in scale readings.
I have an RCBS balance scale that is older than lots of folk on this forum and a recent RCBS electronic scale and they always agree when I make careful measurements.

If you are concerned that your SDB might be out of adjustment, go through the instructions carefully... and then you can always contact Dillon for help.
Dillion has WONDERFUL customer service.

Be safe andhave fun !
-steve

Universal meters as good as any powder. Get an inexpensive digital "carat scale" on ebay made for jewelers. They work great.

That cheap Lee scale is a pain in the &*$ to use.