Lee perfect powder measure

[ldlfh7]

I have been using the Lee perfect powder measure recently but have noticed not every charge is exactly the same. They are close but vary about 1 grain +/- when I weigh the charges. Has anyone ever had this problem with this tool?

 

[GT1]

1.0 grain?

Something is definitely wrong somewhere.

 

[ldlfh7]

Thats what I thought. I guess I should send back to Lee.

 

[dbb1776]

Do you have a set of check weights? I'd verify scale first. Is it digital or beam type? If its beam type it can be thrown off by a draft from a door opening.

 

[Xfire68]

More info needed. What powder are you weighing? As stated above what scale are you using?

 

[rfwobbly]

Plastic powder measures have 2 issues IMHO....

• Static charges keeping the powder from dropping freely. This is especially true in winter when static issues are on the rise. Try wiping down the whole measure, inside and out, with anti-static wipes.

• Inability to transmit vibrations that would other wise shake the powder to a consistent density. Volumetric measures can't dump consistent weights without highly consistent density.

 

[germ]

Did the OP mean to say .1 grain (1/10) and not 1.0 grain? A lot of people make that error. If so, don't sweat the .1 +/- as it's relatively meaningless unless you're right up against the max.

 

[jack44]

You have to tightening the ring on the rod then my charges stay the same wt. and you have to bring up the lever SLOW because that could change the wt. also.

 

[ldlfh7]

I am weighing IMR 4895 using a digital scale. The scale is true. I have verified it with check weights. Lee stated you need to run an entire hopper of powder through before using and I did but still getting anywhere from .2 to 1 grain differences in weights. The 1 grain is not as common but made me stop using it.

 

[A-FIXER]

The best way is the beam scale I don't trust electronic under 125.00 and wash your powder assy 3 times to ensure is clean with no catch points.

 

[XD 45acp]

NO 2 charges will be the same out of the Lee measure, or any volume measure anyway. They will be darn close though. This is due to no 2 pieces of powder are the same, they will occupy a different amount of space. The Lee measures by volume, not weight. Don't get the 2 confused. If you want every one perfectly the same, you will need to weigh each one.

 

[RandyP]

Before I started using the on-press Pro dispenser I used the Lee Perfect. Ended up giving to my brother as a spare for his rifle reloading.

It was ALWAYS very consistent and while a small fraction of a grain difference might happen it would never be a whole grain. That is a mighty massive amount.

I only reload with ball powders which are known for great consistency through powder dispensers. Not familiar with the one you are using, is it an extruded type? If it is, the stick powders are known to sometimes cause consistent dispensing issues, regardless of brand of dispenser.

 

[germ]

Have you tried using this guys method? Skip to about 3:10. Maybe that will help for more consistency?

 

[Xfire68]

I use graphite powder to prep the Lee PPM.

 

[chris in va]

You need to tap the measure with something just before dropping powder. Don't tap as it's filling the cylinder. I usually get about .1gr variance with 4895 when reloading for my Garand, verified by a beam scale.

 

[splattergun]

Did you run a full container of powder through the PPM, as instructions say, before using it to measure charges? THis is necessary to put graphite on all the internal sliding parts and ensures more accurate results.

When I fill my measure, I tap the container 10 times, every time, for consistent density, thus consistent results.

Do you use a consistent smoooth stroke to dispense the powder? Always use a full stroke up to fill the measures volume chamber, a momentary pause, then a full stroke down, including a momentary pause at the bottom, to dispense the powder. Don't rush up or down.

I find that is the most accurate way for me. Usually less than .1 grain off. I count my variables in granules of powder.

 

[twofifty]

Once the powder column in the PPM gets down to about 1/4 full the dispensed charge shows more variability. Some people use a powder baffle which is supposed to help maintain an even column weight over the PPM's lower orifice.

 

[ldlfh7]

splattergun -

I did run a full container through the PPM as I stated above.

 

[docsleepy]

Make sure you use same force and speed on all motions from throw to throw. Bench rest competitors do fine with volumetric systems like lee. I use graphite to wipe everywhere to relieve static.