Powder dispenser

[wiiawiwb]

I started reloading on my CoAx last September. Since then, I've reload about 3,500 rounds for handguns only. I've been hand measuring every round using a GemPro250 and scoop. It has worked well for me and has helped to get consistent charges.

I'm considering getting a mechanical thrower to speed up the powder dispensing phase. I'm not interested in a digital system, such as the RCBS Chargemaster. For powder, I've been using HS-6 and 700-X, mostly, with an occasional Unique. HS-6 should be a breeze for any dispenser to measure throw accurately and consistently. 700-X is a flake powder and won't lend itself to such accuracy or consistency.

What mechanical powder dispensers do you recommend in my case?

BTW, I reload for 9mm, 10mm, and 45 Colt. I use 700-X only for 10mm and 45 Colt.

 

[Reloadron]

Any number of powder throwers out there from an inexpensive Lee to a I can't believe it cost that much Harrells. Really depends on what you want to pay. A good powder measure offers repeatability especially with stick powders as they cut the sticks on a throw, that crunchy sound.

I have several but a good combination is my old RCBS Uniflow and a nice feature is the large and small drum. The small drum allows better for the light handgun throws while the larger drum works well for rifle.

So what I recommend depends on what you want to spend and the quality you want, again the word is repeatability.

Ron

 

[cfullgraf]

Reloadron hit the basic information well.

Personally, I like and use a Redding 10-X for handgun cartridges. It is designed for handgun and works well with 700-X and Unique.

But the Uniflow and Hornady L-N-L work well as well but make sure you have the small cavity drum for handgun size charges. I have these as well but currently do not use them for handgun.

The Uniflow and L-N-L are priced more attractively for those on a budget than the Redding.

I prefer to have a baffle in my powder measures and it is important to operate them the same way every time to get consistent throws.

 

[daboone]

I get very consistent results from both my Lyman 55 and the new Lee Classic PM with ball and flake powders.

 

[Reeferman]

Hornady LNL and RCBS Uniflow works for me.

 

[J2FLAN]

The RCBS Uniflow and It throws consistent charges with HS-6. Like others have said, with the small drum it will do a better job for the calibers you are loading. Many years ago, I used the LEE and remembered, it worked quite well.

 

[wturner14]

I've used a Lee powder measure for 6 years and it throws consistent charges with most pistol powders. Rifle powders are a little trickier. But I usually weigh each charge anyway. For 20$ you can't beat it.

 

[judgedelta]

I have just gotten the Lee Auto-drum and like it very well. I use it on a turret press, but don't see why it wouldn't work on a single stage. It is as accurate as my RCBS uniflow. If you use it with a Lee powder thru expander die, it cuts out a step in the process.

 

[Schwing]

I have just gotten the Lee Auto-drum and like it very well. I use it on a turret press, but don't see why it wouldn't work on a single stage. It is as accurate as my RCBS uniflow. If you use it with a Lee powder thru expander die, it cuts out a step in the process.

+1 for the Lee auto drum. I have owned a lot of powder measures and it is my go to these days.

I found it hard to believe that, at $35, it could be all that. I bought one and spent a few weeks measuring every charge it threw. My results were fantastic. The closest thing to 700x I use is unique. With Unique, it very consistently threw +-.1 with charges as low as 2.5 grains. On a VERY rare occasion, I would see +-.2.

For smaller flake powders or ball powders. It is the most accurate measure I have used. This last week I ran a bunch of 300mp and HP38 through it. After my first 10 or so throws, both powders were exact on every throw. On the 300mp I was using 17 grains and on the HP38 I was using 2.4.

I now own 4 of them.

 

[splattergun]

I'll pile on for the Lee auto-drum. Just received my second one the other day, and I'll be ordering my 3rd next payday. I've been getting +-.1 grain throws very consistently, with 80% or more throws right at the target weight, throwing Unique, BE-86 and W231.

I have to buy a rifle powder-through die before I try it with my rifle powders on the single stage, which will also be on my next order.
I used the Lee PPM since I began reloading over 3 years ago. It throws well enough for pistol plinking fodder, but for rifle, I throw just short then trickle to target weigh. We'll see if the auto drum throws stick powder well enough to stop trickling.

 

[gwpercle]

Old school Lyman 55. With it's triple adjustment slides can handle just about any powder.
Properly adjusted , you want a deep narrow cavity, not a wide shallow one , and consistent operation is a winner !

Gary

 

[Average Joe]

I have several, but I use the RCBS Uniflow the most.

 

[Hondo 60]

700-X is a flake powder and won't lend itself to such accuracy or consistency.

You got that RIGHT!
I have 3 PMs. A Lee Pro Auto Disk, a Dillon, & a Uniflow.
700-X doesn't work in any of them. It's drops are wildly inconsistent.

With HS-6 you could probably use any PM. I've found it to drop very well.

Unique doesn't measure well for me.
I bought a pound several years ago, still have well over 1/2.