New Reloader - Questions

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"....the powder measures by volume instead of weight? Also that it's relatively inconsistent?" ​

Which measure? Using what for the cavity?

Most volumetric measures I have used are not inconsistent, if one follows good set-up procedures. Personally, I use the Lee Autodisk measures, and with an adjustable charge bar. With the powders I use--typically ball for pistol powders, the typical variation is plus-or-minus one-tenth grain.

RustyFN or others are better qualified to comment on the rifle powders and their measuring techniques. For the limited .223 reloading I've done to date, I use an older aftermarket ACB that works fine with .223--e.g., it produces loads with little or no variation. Since I am just learning the rudiments of rifle reloading workflows and working at the lower end of the recipe, IMO that's fine.

Jim H.
 
Sorry to sound stupid but what does ACB stand for?

And not really sure what you're referring to when you say "which measure? Using what for the cavity?" Some people just wrote that it wasn't consistant because on different days powders take up different volumes (differences in humidity, temperature, etc.) which sounded logical to me so that some days your loads would be hotter than others. I really hope that answers your question, I honestly just don't know enough to really understand and adequately respond to your question.
 
Here ya go its called the "Lee PRO autodisk powder measure" http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=348753 My point is 1 grain of one powder will be different coming out of a powder measure than 1 grain of another powder. The reality is they all use volume it's just Lee is more up front about it. Unless your powder dispenser is actually a scale and actually weighs each charge.
 
Thanks for the link! After reading the description it looks like that comes with the Lee kit I found on Cabelas.

And I take it since they all measure by volume that it's nothing to worry about since the difference I'm sure is negligible, correct?
 
Not exactly the same one the one you order by itself comes with a charge bar and a pull chain actuator as well. I agree no one dispenser is better than the other its that most measures use grains instead of CC as a visual indicator but the measure is really using CC.
 
re the round hopper: That's the Lee "Pro" version. I find both types can work fine, but I have generally upgraded my Lee measures to that kind of setup.

A good place to buy the Lee packages is Kempf's. Here is a link to their "classic cast" page.

Other good suppliers about--Graf's, Widener's, Midway--but discussions here have tended to show a high rate of satisfaction with Kempf's.

And here is a link that should help you develop your own order list.

Any other questions, feel free to ask--

Added on edit: "ACB" stands for an Adjustable Charge Bar. I don't care to use the Lee cavity routine, but a lot of people are satisfied with it. Lee's procedure will give you safe loads, once you get the actual weights sorted out that a given cavity throws with a certain powder. Since I did / do a fair amount of load development, I prefer infinite adjustment (i.e., what an ACB will do).

FWIW, I think you might be starting to get bogged down with some minutiae--try studying that list in the link I posted; it will probably help focus those questions....

Jim H.
 
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Yes the round hopper is better I had the square hopper and it stunk. It leaked and it did not have a baffle.
 
EDIT: The package on Kempf's looks like the way to go. It even includes the dies that I was going to have to pay separately for. Thanks for the link and suggestion jfh
 
Again, look at the list I posted in that link for a comprehensive list, and come back here with a posting of your final list, and we can critique and help you adjust it as needed.

And, see the "added on edit" comments--

Jim H.
 
Alright I'll take a look at the list and I read the added on comments. Thanks everyone for the help, you guys have been an amazing resource. I'll figure out my final list and I'll get back for the final critique.

Thanks again
 
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