Different powder for use with PPM

[TeamPrecisionIT]

I have been using Unique for my handgun loads for a little while and am getting tired of the leakage that occurs when I use the PPM. Obviously, I should get another powder measure when I use this powder, but instead I want to experiment with another powder just to spice things up I guess - not for more velocity just to change things up. I have had good results using R15 for my rifle loads out of the PPM with no leakage and very uniform charges.

I want to be sure before I buy but are the Vihta Vuori 330/340 tubular like R15? Since I've had no leakage issues with R15, is it safe to say that I won't with 330/340?

In the charts I have seen VV330 is close in burn rate to Unique but the loads I have seen call for VV340 instead. Why doesn't that make sense to me?

Damian

 

[jerkface11]

Unique isn't exactly a fine grained powder if it leaks pretty much everything else will too. If you decide to get a different measure go for a uniflow or a copy of one.

 

[Hondo 60]

OK - I give. What's PPM?

I was having leakage problems with a Lee Perfect Powder Measure (is that PPM ?)

The solution was an RCBS Uniflow powder measure or the Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure.

I have one of each & no problems with leakage.

 

[TeamPrecisionIT]

Yes, PPM = Perfect Powder Measure

 

[noylj]

have you read the instructions?
Note the following:
Rotor Tension Adjustment
When the measure leaves the factory the adjusting screw is set so 16 oz. of pressure is required to operate the lever. This setting is optimum for most powders. Extremely fine powders may leak very slightly at this setting. This causes no harm.
Should you find it objectionable you may tighten the adjusting screw slightly. The rotor should never be so tight that more than four pounds are required to rotate the lever.

I disassembled my measure and smoothed a couple of areas of molding flash. Don't think it helped, but I felt better. I also took the nylon parts and used Frankford Arsenal's Bullet Mold Graphite spray lube to coat the plastic parts lightly. Re-assembled, adjusted tension, and all is well. As time passes, the measure should be disassembled, cleaned, and re-assembled and tension readjusted.
Excellent measure if you read and follow all of Lee's instructions.

You can also, as Lee says, ignore the powder leakage (as long as the charge weight you are getting is proper) and place a piece of paper or foil under it to collect the powder. However, I find that simply adjusting the tension, after cleaning out the measure, will solve the problem. Don't adjust the tension while it is full of leaking powder.

 

[twofifty]

noylj nailed it.

I first ran a bunch of graphite powder through my new PPM, then cycled a half-pound of powder.

The PPM runs very well for me, giving consistent results (i.e. the dispensed weight stays within 0.1gr or less) with H380, RL-15, Varget and 700-X. For my purposes and my loads, 0.1 gr makes no discernable change to the outcome.

 

[dwhite]

Hodgdon Universal

Universal has been the ticket in mine. It's similar to Unique in application. Mine drops Universal +/- 0.1 grain all day long. Only thing mine has really leaked was AA#7.

If yours is leaking Unique you probably have the rotor way loose. Tighten it up and see if that help.

I've been very happy with my PPM for almost two years now.

All the Best,
D. White

 

[TeamPrecisionIT]

I don't want to change from the Perfect Powder Measure, I like it due to, as other have said already, its accuracy is great. I am just wondering about the VV powders mainly and using them with it.

But to address the other raised questions: Yes, I did read the instructions and I did adjust it, but I still end up with some slight leakage, <1 grain of powder per 2-300 loads. But then the arm is really tight. It doesn't really bother me, but since I use R15 and I do not get any leakage at all with still accuracy in the charges. So I was looking towards a stick powder to may be solve my mild problem.

Damian