Lee Auto Drum

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Jeff H

Jeff H

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So in reading the review thread on this and other forums, it seems like there were some conflicting opinions when this powder measure first came out last year. Now that some of you have a few months with them; what is the consensus on using it for Rifle charges?

Thinking about picking up a few and having a dedicated measurer on each rifle turret. 223, 308, 30-06, maybe 7.62x54R

Since I already have Auto Disk loads dialed in for all of the handgun rounds, I doubt will be using anything but the Auto Disk for them.
 
I really like mine and have already purchased 1 more. I intend to buy one for all of my tool heads eventually.
Click to expand...

I'm almost there! I have one on the way and my .380 die set. I'm using one Auto Disc with my 9mm turret and the rest are LAD's. I use a tried and true 9mm load but everything else I'm still working with.

IMG_20160309_201045265.jpg
 
I have used the Auto-Drum with CFE 223, H335, and IMR-4198. In 223 and 8x57. It has proven itself to me. Consistency!! :)
 
I've been using the Auto Drum on 40 S&W, 221 Fireball, 223 Remington, 25-06, 7mm RM and 45-70. I didn't go all out like SARuger and buy one for each cartridge but I do have one for the small drum and one for the large drum. They are super easy to adjust.

I bought the two piece kit for long and short rifle cartridges and also couple it to the Lee Powder Through Expander Die. I had to make a spacer/bushing for 45-70 to get the drum to rotate far enough to drop the charge but it works great.

I rinsed mine thoroughly in hot tap water to remove the residual machine oils and put a bit of powdered graphite on the polymer wiper. No problems whatsoever with ball or stick powders.
 
I've gotten one within the last month and used it for .38 super. I find it to be very consistent. I also removed the hand lever after the first batch of reloads. I am also using a Lee Classic Turret press and Lee dies, if that makes a difference...
The extra drums are cheap and save having to adjust for every load.
 
Well I have one on order from Midway. Should be here Wednesday but I won't get a chance to play with it for a few.
 
I have only used it for pistol, but found it quite consistent with W231 and Unique. I presume it would be just as consistent with rifle powders.
 
I have been using one for a few months now, and am happy with it mounted
on my LEE Turret loading 40 s&w, I did disable the the reset lock on it so I do
no need to reset it each throw.
 
I've been using the Auto Drum for a few months for 9mm, 38 spl, 45 acp and 223. The only problem I've had is with 223. The edges of the case mouth get crushed inward due to the heavy spring used in the body of the measure. The same rifle charging die works fine with the Pro Auto Disk, so I've just been using it for 223.
 
Last edited:
SARuger said:
I'm almost there! I have one on the way and my .380 die set. I'm using one Auto Disc with my 9mm turret and the rest are LAD's. I use a tried and true 9mm load but everything else I'm still working with.

IMG_20160309_201045265.jpg
Click to expand...
Very nice set up!
 
Thanks Manny! I'm proud of it!

My Fiance' was the inspiration to get into hand loading. We are both avid shooters and her dad was a re-loader as well so she understands the reasons why we "roll our own" :D
 
FWIW - I also have a Lee Classic Powder Measure. The brass drum with the micrometer is interchangeable and works with the Auto Drum. I see FS Reloading has listed the brass drum assembly for $45. I may pick up an extra brass drum to use with larger rifle charges.
 
I don't really see the need for several copies of the same measure. It only takes a couple of minutes to change the charge for different powders and rates of flow. Seems like a waste of money to me. But, to each their own! FYI, I do own one, and I like it so much better than the old Lee powder measure. I have packed the old one away, never to be used again!
 
Its all about "time" pws63.

My time is valuable to me, I can't get it back no matter how hard I try.
 
I seem to be in the minority. Bought one when they first came out an it leaks like a sieve w/ ball powders. It leaks really bad w/ H110 and locks up quite often. I bought a second one to try out hoping it works better but I haven't had a chance to use it. Hopefully the first was just a lemon but there have been ones that don't work properly. I have a lot of Lee products so I'm not a basher of the brand.
 
Clean it and inspect the interface between the drum and the housing to make sure there isn't any powder caught between the surfaces.
 
The only powder I have leak any at all was Unique, I tightened the nut a little and all was well. Maybe try a new drum in there. The drums are plastic and they may not all be a perfect fit.

I just did a set of ladder loads for .243 win using IMR4064 and it did great with the stick powder. I think it got hung up twice but if you hang on to the powder measure while ramming the case it will shear the stick.of powder holding it
 
I'm also not a fan of buying a powder measure for every tool head. The auto-drums claim to claim is the interchangeable adjuster that can be set for each powder and charge weight and swapped out easily and quickly. It comes with 2 to start you out. @~$40 each I can afford the 30 seconds of my time to swap out the charge cover instead of paying $40 each..

I hate,to have to say this but it seems necessary theses days, this is aimed at no one so don't get your panties in a wad and start crying.
 
I get what your saying. But just today, in an hour, I was able to load 45 rounds total of three different calibers/powders. .223/.243/30-30. And off to the range I went. I like the quickness of changeover and the convenience.

Its a matter of personal choice. I don't have any panties to wad and nothing much really offends me except if you talk about my momma ;)
 
SARuger, nice setup. If you have loads dialed in I see nothing wrong with multiple powder measures.
 
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