Question about lee powder measure

[m2oore]

First time loader here. I recently bought a Lee LoadMaster Kit in 9mm. I just got in a supply of Hodgdon Universal Clays powder that I plan on using.

According to the Hodgdon load data website it is calling for a 3.8 min and 4.3 max load. I want to start at minimums and work my way up.

The problem I am facing is that the LoadMaster comes with a Lee Auto Measure disk system. When I look at the chart it shows I can use .43 disk size for 3.9 gr or .40 disk size for 3.6 gr.

I setup a test run using the .43 disk for 3.9gr and ran a few cycles through and measuring. I am finding that I am getting weights of between 3.8 and 4.0 gr of powder but most of it measuring right on 3.9.

I guess my question to you knowledgeable folks is I should be using the .43 disk size and keeping it in the 3.8 - 4.0 range or go down lower to the .40 disk size?

I am still a bit under max and from what I am reading in the manuals I got that going below min is not a good idea.

Suggestions?

Thanks!!!

 

[jstein650]

I don't doubt a lot of folks will disagree, but I'd stick with the .43 size. Not too many set-ups will guarantee charges to the 1/10th of a grain every time. Granted 1/10th represents a larger percentage with such a small charge, but I doubt you will get into any kind of trouble with .1 over "max". Different loading manuals often vary by a lot more than that. P.S. those bushing/disk measures always drove me nuts. You might consider a decent (metal) adjustable powder measure. You'll still get variances, but it's a little less frustrating.

 

[twice barrel]

The auto-disc "measures" by volume whereas your scale by weight. A volume based measurement is very consistent and don't forget your scale has a tolerance as well. I know my auto-disc will seem to vary like yours when I first get going but after a while if I stop to weigh charges they're usually the same.

If it were me I wouldn't change a thing.

TB

 

[GLOOB]

Drop 20 charges and dump them back into the hopper, just to coat everything in graphite. Then start loading.

 

[12Bravo20]

What weight/type bullets are you using? By the charges you state, I assume that you are loading 125Gr lead bullets. I would stick with the .43 for that load.

I reload 9mm with Universal and 115Gr Berry's plated bullets. I am running my Lee Autodisk with the .46 for a 4.2Gr charge. I find that the Lee Autodisk usually throws 0.1Gr less than is stated using Hodgdon Universal.

Example:
9mm: 4.2 but get 4.1 (.46 opening)
40S&W 5.2 but get 5.1 (.57 opening)

As gloob said, cycle the press a few times. I have also found that my Lee Autodisk feeds best if I don't let the hopper get below half full.

 

[m2oore]

I am using a 125Gr Lead Cone Nose bullet.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll make sure to cycle the press as mentioned. And thanks for the tip on keeping the hopper over half. My testing was using less a little under half powder in the hopper. I will fill it up more and re-run my testing.

I really wanted to make sure as long as I am not getting near the max of 4.3 and staying around the 3.8 to 4.0 range I should be ok.

 

[joecil]

With Lee's disks 3.9 gr will drop at .43 hole size. Now odds are that will be below your 3.8 level so once you know what it is dropping consistently simply move the disk to the next size up and weigh that load. With out a powder trickler it is all a compromise and never dead on.