Inconsistent Drop of Unique with Lee AutoDisk

[XR400R]

I'm loading .38 spl cases with 4.3 gr of Unique using a Lee Classic Turret Press with a Lee Pro AutoDisk powder loader equipped with the Micro Charge Bar rather than the discs.

I'm finding very inconsistent drops of Unique with this equipment. About 1 in 7-9 drops is either way below 4.3, or slightly above it. I'm being forced to weigh every charge.

For those with this equipment, is this common with light flake powders like Unique & Bullseye on this particular equipment, or is something else likely the problem?

 

[shootinxd]

I find using a ball powder works better with my lee micro charge bar.just my 2 cents.

 

[Bronson7]

Yeah, XR. The charge bar is a problem with small charges, especially with a powder like Unique. The problem is that the charge bar, due to its geometry, does not line up very well with the hopper. Unique, not flowing as well as some powders, compounds the problem. I had the same problem with BullsEye powder. I ended up going back to the disk even though I wasn't getting the exact charge I wanted. As it worked out, It turned in to a pretty good load.
Bronson7

 

[Griz44]

I don't have a charge bar, but get very good results with the disk.

 

[XR400R]

Thanks to all for the input.

Bronson, I was afraid you would say that.

Guess I'll either switch to HP-38/W231, or go back to the disk. I sure hoped to get the spot-on accuracy promised by the charge bar, but perhaps I was overly optimistic.

 

[aerod1]

When I ordered my equipment I was aware of this, so I ordered the charge bar as well as the auto disk kit. So far I have only used the auto disks and have no problem with these. So far my loads have been reasonably close with the auto disks.

 

[Bronson7]

XR, I called Lee about it a while back which who's reply I summarized. It's easy to see what I'm talking about by looking down the empty hopper with the charge bar fully retracted. The guy I spoke to suggested I extend the slot that the bellcrank rides in, which would pull the charge bar a bit further under the hopper. No thanks. Like you, I was overly optimistic, and so the charge sits in my bench's drawer. Using the disk with W231 should yield some pretty consistent throws, although it sux having a problem with a powder as popular as Unique. Hopefully it will meter well for you with the disk.
Bronson7

 

[Walkalong]

American Select, Red Dot, and 700X don't meter nearly as well for me as say Bullseye, AA #2, W231 etc. The bigger flake powders just don't do as well, and the smaller cavities in the disk or rotors are the worst. I use 700X with good results though. I still get plus or minus .05 grs with it. (.1 gr spread)

 

[XR400R]

Bronson - You're right, I see now in looking down the empty hopper.

Well fiddlesticks! Glad I didn't pay much for the charge bar. I've got 8 lbs of Unique to go through. Can't afford not to use it. Besides, I like Unique in .38 spl target loads.

Guess it's back to the disks for me.

Anyone considering purchasing the Lee Pro AutoDisk with a Micro Charge Bar, please note!

 

[nambu1]

I had this problem with flaked powders. I went to Spencers, located in most malls, bought a "personal vibrator" and use rubber bands to fasten it to the side of powder reservoir and turn it on while loading. It will keep a consistant charge.

 

[Bronson7]

Nambu, Ain't gonna touch that with a ten foot pole
Bronson7

 

[benzuncle]

XR400R, I load with a Lee Classic Turret Press and a Pro Disk Powder Measure with the disks and/or charger. My only problem was finding the disk size for the charge I wanted, as it wasn't the same as in Lee's Book. Bottom Line: who cares what size hole you are using as long as you acquire the correct charge? I use HP-38 for my .45's and my .380's with no problems through 2500 rounds of 45ACP and 500 rounds of .380.

 

[RustyFN]

I went to Spencers, located in most malls, bought a "personal vibrator" and use rubber bands to fasten it to the side of powder reservoir and turn it on while loading.

I hope it came in a plain brown wrapper. I don't think it's just the Lee powder measure, I have talked to a lot of people that have trouble with Unique in a lot of different powder measures.
Rusty

 

[Grandpa Shooter]

I have about 12 pounds of Unique I don't use in favor of Accurate and W231. It is just sitting there thumbing its nose at me. Just too much trouble.

 

[nambu1]

I got a funny look from the clerk when I was checking out. I told her that I was going to use this for reloading and she gave me another strange look. I explained how I was I was going to attach it to the powder reservoir. She got this big smile on her face and stated that her husband reloaded and complained about inconsistent loads from his Lee Autodisk. She said that she would tell him about my idea.

 

[snuffy]

Here ya go Dave.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=369867

Freakshow10mm is the expert on who needs the type 06 FFL. Read his post #28 on that thread, on to the end for the info you need and what is needed to sell any components.

 

[Griz44]

If you have a special charge that you use a lot, buy an extra set of disks and use a small hone to open a cavity up and get the charge you want. Several folks here have altered the disks to get charges that match the tables exactly.

 

[Matt Dillon]

Unique also gives me fits. I use it for .380, and after dropping from my Reading powder measure, I always check the level of powder in my .380 cases, and remove and measure individual cases that look as though they might have too little or too much powder.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Unless you're actually shooting bullseye with your pistol, "close enough" as long as you're not into the hot range when it comes to powder metering is good enough. Trust me on this. If you want 4 grains, but are getting 3.7 with the discs, you're in good shape. Try it, you'll see.

Regards,

Dave