The "Lee Perfect Powder Meas. meters too much.

[Ignition Override]

As a brand-new reloader, have read all of the directions three times(+), and only bought this gear for my Lee-Enfields, using shiny Prvi Partizan .303 ammo.
The objective is economical plinking, and months later might try it for my first (Yugo) Mauser, if many cheap 7.92 bullets can be found.

A highly-experienced friend also helped with two or more of the basic reload steps, except that he has a totally different (automated) type of powder measure.
Anyway, back at my place tonight, the Powder Measure is again set for the IMR 4064 powder. As instructed, I let a full hopper of powder slowly go through the P. Measure, to coat the device.

With these old 147 grain bullets, the 39 grains x .0745 (vmd conversion) = 2.83.
The Powder Measure Micrometer is set each time to 2.83, but when the powder slides out into the pan, it weighs so much that the pan on the Lee Safety Powder Scale indicates quite high, past the balance index. The pan drops all the way down.

After carefully taking about 20+ grains out each time, and putting some back, the scale correctly point to, or very close to the index.
The only problem is that it is tedious and more time-consuming, which is ok, since having the lowest cost equipment is the goal.
The bullet seating is easy and the rounds never exceed 3.075, as charted on the Lee diagram.

 

[twofifty]

I don't pay attention to Lee's volumetric tables other than to get their PPM to dispense slightly below (1/10th grain) what I am looking for (for rifles anyhow). If their figure gives you too much, turn the stem down to reduce the chamber's volume. Simple.

Manipulate the PPM's handle exactly the same way each time when you cycle it, let the powder fall into the pan, give the PPM a tap with your finger, then place the pan on the beam scale. Consistent manipulation and keeping the hopper's powder level at least 1/4 full are key to a reliable drops. Trickle in the 10ths or so of a grain that is missing, until the beam levels out. Funnel the powder from the pan into the case. Done.

Once you have the PPM adjusted, and have tested it over 20 cycles, and the dump is fairly consistent, time to turn the stem's lockwasher. Now get to some production.

For pistol, I get the PPM to dump what I want, test for 20 consistent loads, lock the stem, and away I go without scaling each load. I scale every 15th load or so. The small variations +/- don't really matter in pistol, or at close range in rifle, unless you are already loading to max pressures. If so, scale each load.

Since this is a new PPM, suggest you dump a couple three tablespoons of automotive graphite powder into the measure, then cycle that through repeatedly. This will lube the dispenser's wiper. Gunpowder contains graphite, so doing this will speed up the 'curing process' that Lee recommends for their PPM.

edit: quite a few here have said that their Lee PPM performs as well as dispensers costing 2x - 3x as much. I like mine.

 

[kelbro]

My PPM loves 4064 powder.

 

[SSN Vet]

Any time you dispense by volume and then measure mass you are subject to certain variables... regardless of whose equipment you are using.

Density
packing
humididy
temp

just to name a few.

The good news is that you have a scale and are weighing your charges.

The published tables get you in the ball park and then you dial the powder drop in from there.

Your scale is your real reference, and from my experience, the little inexpensive Lee scale is spot on when compared to our $400 lab scale at work... even if it is a little cumbersome to use.

What's most important in a volumetric powder drop is not being able to dial it in from a tabulated value and run with it, but rather, that once you dial it in, it drops consistantly the same (+/- .002 grains or so) over and over again.

You still want to make periodic checks with your scale, the frequency of said checks depending on how close you are to the limits and wheter or not your loading uber precission rounds for bench rest competition or not.

Good luck with your reloading.

Use published materials as your guide and never turn your brain off.

 

[Walkalong]

Throw away the published tables. (Or keep them to get close before checking weights)

Use your scale to set up the charge by weight. Record it for that powder & lot number.

 

[ranger335v]

Roger that> The measure is adjustable - adjust it lighter.

 

[Ignition Override]

Thanks very much.
Am only needing minimum pressure, as "insurgent grapefruits" and bricks are still zapped.
My main interest is also finding out how many times this Prvi brass can be reloaded, using a given brass batch (marked with fingernail polish) in a specific Lee-Enfield #4, or #5.

They all say that only neck-sizing will increase the life, but at some point might need to learn to use the neck trimmer.

 

[deadeyedog270]

I got my Lee equipment last week and was having the same problem with the Lee Perfect Powder Meas. but after I played with it a little I found this out if you leave it in measur possition when you open the top to let the powder go it seems to settle the powder that first time a little more also if you leave it in that possition while useing the bench the viberation will settle it to.

I cured this by leaving the messure in a shell filling possition so no powder gose in the messure tube then open the powder holder after powder stops moving I rotate to handle to messure the powder and back to fill my shell, I leave my messure in open so the powder is not settleing in the messure tube.

This worked for me hope it helps