Lee Dippers

[gimposaurus]

How many grains of ADI AR2206H (The same as IMR4895, Hodgson H4895) are there in one 1.6CC lee powder 'dipper' ??

 

[drice]

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/DIPPERS.pdf

According to Lee it is 22 grains.

 

[gimposaurus]

Thanks

 

[jacobhh]

I'll let you do the math. Lee's reload manual claims that
31.7gr. of IMR4895 IS EQUIVALENT TO 2.31cc's. He also
claims that grains are a volume measurement which means
you can't translate these numbers to other items. RCBS,
HOWEVER, CLAIMS that there are 437.5 grains to an ounce
weight always. I think they're both somewhat right AND
wrong. The conversions mix weight and mass which is very
tricky. By definition 1 cc of H2O = 1 gram at 25 degrees C
at sea level. I'm sure weather induced barometric pressure
and humidity etc. even effect that definition.
You can go from there. It can only get worse.

In any case I hope you're not trying to convert cartridge
loads using math. The numbers in those tables have been
developed experimentally and are only of use as they are
specifically listed, and even then are subject to infinite
complexities.

 

[gimposaurus]

Nope, I'm trying to reload some .223 ammo for shooting tomorrow, and my scales haven't arrived yet.

22 grains of 2206H should be a very soft but safe load with a 55 grain SP

 

[tkendrick]

I use Lee dippers a lot, there can be a 2 to 3 grain difference between what the chart says and what they actually throw when you weigh them.

I've also had up to half grain variations for the same powder with different lots.

Just something to keep in mind.

 

[snuffy]

Wait a day.

One of the cardinal rules of handloading is; don't be in a hurry! In other words, wait until your scale arrives. The lee dippers are fine IF you have a scale to check them with.

 

[davinci]

I find the lee data to be accurate every time I use it.
But still, probably couldn't hurt to wait for a scale if you're going to get one anyhow.

 

[strat81]

ADI AR2206H (The same as IMR4895, Hodgson H4895)

IMR4895 is not the same as H4895. Check the load data, and be careful.

 

[RustyFN]

Nope, I'm trying to reload some .223 ammo for shooting tomorrow, and my scales haven't arrived yet.

I was happy to see you have a scale on the way, I hate to see anybody hurt themself.
Rusty

 

[baz]

I find the lee data to be accurate every time I use it.

I've been using the .5cc dipper with AA#2. It is off by 1 grain, which is a pretty significant error when the load range is 5-5.5 grains. I use the dippers regularly, but I always, I repeat, always, go by what I read on my own scales, not what the Lee chart says.

 

[Eagle103]

From what I've seen the Lee charts are next to worthless. I wouldn't do any reloading without a scale to see what's really going on.

 

[LotI]

From what I've seen the Lee charts are next to worthless. I wouldn't do any reloading without a scale to see what's really going on.

From my experience, they have been on the more useful side of the spectrum. It's a starting point. I use the Pro disk measurer and some powders are way off (Power Pistol), some close(2400) and some are right on(Bullseye). The dippers are a good way to introduce inaccuracy since you don't know where you're starting from(now) and you have to be very consistent in their use. Once you verify the charges on a scale, then you can use the dippers for that powder.

 

[scrat]

RCBS,
HOWEVER, CLAIMS that there are 437.5 grains to an ounce
weight always. I think they're both somewhat right AND
wrong. The conversions mix weight and mass which is very
tricky. By definition 1 cc of H2O = 1 gram at 25 degrees C
at sea level. I'm sure weather induced barometric pressure
and humidity etc. even effect that definition.
You can go from there. It can only get worse

Yep just checked it. Here is an awesome link i always use.

http://www.easysurf.cc/cnver8.htm#gtop2
http://www.easysurf.cc/cnver8.htm#gtop2

 

[superhornet]

Now I am sure that many of you have more experience in the reloading field than I do. I did not start reloading until September 18, 1949 at 1300 hours central standard time.
I have loaded not just thousands, but hundreds of thousands of rounds using nothing but DIPPERS. I make my own out of different cases and solder handles to them.
I do use some LEE Dippers and found them to be adequate for what they were designed for..Won a G17 at a GSSF meet loading for 9mm using Lee Dippers.....My loads have taken whitetail, elk, bou, buff and hog using nothing but dippers. Of course for max loads, use a scale...but there are many intermediate loads not requiring weighing each charge that are accurate and good game loads...

 

[Master Blaster]

Get a scale, a trip to the emergency room costs at least 5x as much as a decent 3 poise balancem, not to mention the loss of a gun fingers eyes etc.
Its worth $60 for a decent scale.

 

[jhansman]

I use Lee dippers a lot, there can be a 2 to 3 grain difference between what the chart says and what they actually throw when you weigh them.

This has been my experience as well. I love the Lee dippers, but I always weigh their volume before using them, just to check. Your dipping technique can vary the actual weight you get.

EDIT: Should have read that quote a bit more closely. I experience a .2 to .3 gr variance at times, but no more than that. The only powder I use where that variance would be a concern is W296, and there is no dipper for the 20 gr. of it I use in my .357 mag loads.

 

[don]

When used according to directions, Lee dippers are very safe. Consistency is the key . Fill the dipper the same way each time and you should get plus or minus .2 to .3 grains precision. Incidentally, The dipper method held the Guinness record for the world's smallest group for seven years. Still a scale is good for calibration or if you are loading hot loads. Go by Lee's book and you will be safe.

 

[scrat]

using lee dippers or home made dippers correctly will not send you to an emergency room. Improper use will only send you to the emergencey room. This can happen by using a digitl scale a balance scale or any other type of scale.

saying so is called ignorance


Read the directions use according to directions. When uncertain check the dippers with a small portable digitial scale. no need for anything else. millions and millions of rounds have been safely loaded with dippers. you dont hear on channel 5 news every night about someone who went to the hospital because of a lee or any other type of dipper.

If you dont have the facts dont speculate.

 

[Master Blaster]

This same topic comes up at least two times a month. The person asks what weight a certain dipper is for a certain powder. Someone else mentions how he's using the Lee dippers and the weight he gets doesn't match whats in the book. Then there is a discussion of which powder weighs how much with each dipper and folks disagree.

I use Lee dippers a lot, there can be a 2 to 3 grain difference between what the chart says and what they actually throw when you weigh them.

I've also had up to half grain variations for the same powder with different lots.

Just something to keep in mind.

A 2 or three grain difference to the over side on a max load in .223 certainly could send you to the hospital. Please use a scale and at least two sources for your data. Asking someone on the internet isnt a source.

 

[gimposaurus]

I used a mates scales to weigh some loads from the dipper, slightly over 22 grains average.

This is 3 grains below the starting load of 25, I (very nervously) shot some of them the other day and there were no signs of anything adverse.

Accuracy was good. I didn't chrony them but at 300 yards the POI was well below the factory stuff I had been using.

Hopefully I get these damn scales soon.

I wouldn't go over max loads, except very cautiously, working up in half grain increments and watching for pressure signs.

 

[gimposaurus]

Tested the loads for accuracy today

Out of my ruger ultralight:



11mm at 100 metres

The ruger has had the trigger worked, and I floated the barrel.

 

[fireflyfather]

I've been using the dippers for a couple days now, and am weighing each charge. I'm not impressed with the dippers for consistency with small loads (3-15 grains of red dot), but I find them useful for approximating what I dump into the scale pan, and then add a few granules at a time to get a good load. I'm getting to where I can eyeball it pretty well how much I need to add, but I am not comfortable using the dippers without a scale, even for a known powder.

(granted, I've only loaded 40 rounds so far).