Does such a thing exist? (Powder Measure)

[Stinger]

I am looking for a powder measure that will throw consistent charges. This will be used mostly for rifle, but also for working up handgun loads before they go into mass production on a progressive machine.

I don't mind throwing a charge and then trickling the rest in, because I will weigh all of these charges. I'm just mainly looking for something that can handle a wide variety of powder types and sizes.

I use mostly IMR 4895 and 4064 (which many people have trouble with in powder measures). I use a fairly limited array of handgun powders as well (2400, AA#5, Win231).

Thanks,

Stinger

 

[Oldnamvet]

Hmmm. If you want to go really cheap, you could get a set of Lee dippers. They would get you close enough to trickle the rest in and you would never have to empty it out to change powder.

 

[Canuck-IL]

The Hornady L'n'L I use is very consistent and they further offer a "bench-rest" model ... a micrometer calibrated insert for small pistol loads is also available. Check them out at this link but buy at MidwayUSA.ocom for better prices.
https://www.hornady.com/shop/?page=shop/browse&category_id=c7696626bd5170f65caf49494cabb0a7

/B

 

[Ol` Joe]

They`re a little pricey but they perform exactly as advertised.

http://www.quick-measure.com/

 

[oldfart]

I have one of those much-maligned Lee Perfect Powder Measures that everybody loves to hate. This past week I loaded 320 rounds of .308 for an upcoming match. After I got the thing set, it turned out load after load after load within 0.1 grain--- except for those that were perfect.
When I first got the thing I'd throw a load and check it, usually finding it to be off as much as half a grain. As I used it more it got better and I just checked one in five loads. Once in awhile I'd find a bad one and have to check two or three of the previous loads before I could go on. After I'd put twenty or thirty pounds of powder through it I only checked one in ten loads and rarely had to back up. Now I still check one in ten and of the 320 loads I just finished, I didn't have to back up at all.
Frankly, I think most powder meadures will do about as well if the person running it will establish a set routine and never vary it. I turn the handle up and tap the measure three times before turning it down to empty it when I tap it again. I never change my routine and it seems to have paid off.

 

[Chawbaccer]

I get good results with the same powders in a RCBS Uniflo, I just make sure that I have a consistant operating method and don't wimp out when I bring the handle up. Lots of guys like the old Belding and Mull, I guess it has a method of removing the powder charge from the powder column when measuring.

 

[HSMITH]

Get a Redding if you want a quality measure without spending a ton of money. There really isn't any comparison to the lower priced measures, you really do get what you pay for. If you want the top of the line you can get a Harrel.

 

[LAH]

For the two IMR powders you list, plus 4350, I use a very old Lyman 55 and have no complaints. They can be a problem for some to adjust but I've used this one so long it's second nature.

 

[rick_reno]

I've had a lot of trouble getting consistent throws out of a RCBS measure. If you want a good one, Redding makes a match grade measure that works well.
I really like RCBS equipment, but that powder measure they make is a piece of junk.

 

[bogie]

For the long stick powders, pretty much no measure will beat the Lee Perfect. What matters here is consistency of operation. FWIW, I own a Uniflow, a Harrell, and a Lee...

 

[brickeyee]

Use a baffle plate to take the powder column weight off the measuring chamber and most of the measures throw very consistent loads.

 

[308win]

RCBS Uniflo used with a baffle will get you very consistent charges regardless of powder type. Long stick powder will cut (to be expected) and occasionally some flake types will work in between the frame and the rotating charge bar (or maybe it is called a thingy).

 

[Dave P]

" I am looking for a powder measure that will throw consistent charges"

Two things that nobody mentioned:

1) many loads/rifles/shooters will not show any difference on the target if the powder is +/- .3 grains or so. Depends on many factors.

2) If you can afford it, many swear by the new electronic measures that throw and weigh each charge. Lyman 1200 maybe?

 

[Stinger]

Thanks for your replies. I have been looking at many lately, and have taken a closer look at the ones mentioned here.

Again, my main concern is a measure that will throw consistently. I don't mind trickling the last amount, I would just like something faster than using a dipper.

I would consider using the measure exclusively, but most of my loading using this measure would be rifle (which I don't load much of at a time), and experimenting with handgun loads (which doesn't leave much margin for error at the top). For these reasons, I like to use in conjuction with a scale and measure everytime. I wish I could afford an electric dispenser combo.

I load in the garage and it is super hot in the summer, and pretty uncomfortable in the winter. So I am looking to speed up the operation.

Thanks,

Stinger

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I have good luck with my uniflow, a baffle and the micrometer screws. For rifle I run all of my loads through a powder dispenser (the old slow RCBS one). It gives me +/- .1 grn and usually is right on the button. Great if you can tolerate the wait.

 

[milanuk]

Here ya go... just get one of these and be done with it

http://www.6mmbr.com/prometheus.html

(the Prometheus website is down, but there is a phone number if you are really interested... they are *very* spendy, though... $1100-1200 for the base model)

 

[Master Blaster]

Redding 4BR its an excellent measure and you can get it at Natchez or midway for aroung $120, it has micrometer adjustment.

It will do exactly as you ask , and throws stick powder with no problem.

 

[Shaun]

You can get thew lyman 1200 from Grafs -- I picked one up last year and its digital and very consistant

 

[RobW]

The Quick-measure is $150.00 + the stand $40.00 + shipping $20.00 = $210.00.

You can get the Lyman 1200 electronic system for $225.00 including shipping from MidwayUSA.

 

[brickeyee]

The benchresters are still pretty much using volumetric measures. Think they might have concluded you do not need to weigh every charge?

 

[Ol` Joe]

RobW
Never said it was cheap. It does throw within 0.10gr after you get a consistant motion going and never cuts a grain of powder. Any type of powder! Ball, or stick! At least this has been my experiance so far with it useing Power Pistol, VV320 and Varget. I`ve run R19, R22, H4831, and H4350 out of it to see how it meters them but haven`t loaded enough rounds with these to swear it throws them with the same accuracy but I can say it doesn`t cut them.
The stand is opional, I don`t have nor use one, a furniture screw with a nut screwed in a shelf above the bench works in it`s place. $.50 @ the neighborhood hardware.
You do need a scale to set it for your charge although I can toss half dozen charges in the time the Lyman throws two once it`s set. (depending on the size of the charge, it takes a second or two for the powder to drop) Remember it`s a "Quick Charge"
I`m not reccomending it for everyone but, IMO it does do what the poster asked.