What kind of powder thrower should I get?

[ny32182]

I would like to get one that can do the following:

-Sit on its own mount off-press, on my "auxillary bench" next to my trimmer (Black and Decker Workmate)
-Can throw accurately from about 3gr to 50gr or so.
-Works well with all kinds of powders (stick, ball, flake) since I use all three.

I don't really know anything about these; what are the candidates and why is one better than another? Thanks,

 

[esheato]

Electronic or manual? What purpose? A measure typically used for benchrest is very different from a normal measure.

 

[Eagle103]

I like my RCBS Uniflow.

 

[ny32182]

I had something in mind shaped like that RCBS Uniflow, on a stand. That one looks manually operated; are there electronic versions of those as well?

When I think electronic I think of something like the Chargemaster.

Obviously I have no experience with any of these. That RCBS looks like the kind of thing I had in mind though.

 

[esheato]

You're looking for a manual thrower....Redding has good reviews, I have a RCBS and a Harrells. Different measures for different purposes. Most companies that make powder measures make a stand for it.

For regular rifle loading, any measure will work as long as it's consistent...and make sure you use a powder baffle.

 

[loadedround]

My recommendation would be for an RCBS Uniflow measure also. The Redding measures are great and extremly accurate but very expensive compared to the RCBS Uniflow measure.

 

[Walkalong]

Harrells, Redding, RCBS........

 

[soloban]

I use a Lee Perfect Powder measure. I've got my screwed to a piece of scrap 2x4. When its time to charge cases I use a quick clamp to hold it to the bench. Powder seems to meter just fine and I've got no complaints thus far. Just wipe out the hopper with a dryer sheet first.

 

[jcwit]

Another vote for the Lee Powder measure. I've used most all of them and the Lee does the best job and most accurate for me with the powders I use..

Only trouble is I can't bragg about how much it cost.

 

[ranger335v]

They all work. All have been on the market a long time, they wouldn't have survived if they didn't perform pretty much the same. User technique is more important than the brand anyway. Pick a color you like and get it, learn to use it.

 

[cfullgraf]

As ranger335v said, technique has lots to do with how precise a measure throws.

I have and RCBS Uniflow, Redding 10-X, Hornady L-N-L, and a Midway Indispensable (discontinued). Each set up for different ranges of powders. All work as advertised and about the same. I like them all.

The Hornady and the RCBS have two different size cavity drums available for small and large charges. Some folks have good luck with small charges from the large drums. The Hornady has quick change adjusters that can be preset for different cartridges/powder charges.

I like the micrometer adjuster. They make setting and adjusting easier but many don't like spending the extra bucks for adjuster.

I had a Lee Perfect measure that i could never get to work accurately.

The Harrells are excellent with a price tag to go with it. I will probably own one someday when my ship comes in.

 

[Reloader_Kev]

I don't know what you're wanting to spend but I use the electronic RCBS Chargemaster combo which has done an excellent job for me with flake and ball powders. It dispenses the amount you have entered into the touch pad and the electronic scale verifies the weight right in front of your eyes. Some complain that it's a little slow on large charges but I'm usually taking my time anyway when reloading so I don't mind. Shop around for the price as they vary. I think RCBS still has a $50 rebate going on but I can't remember the dollar amount you have to spend to get it. Check RCBS.com I believe. You can see it on my loading bench in the thread wanting people to post pictures of their benches.

kj

 

[Hondo 60]

Never used a Chargemaster or that type.
But I have a Uniflow that works great.
I also like my Lee Pro Auto Disc Powder measure.

I'm not into all the terminology for powders,
but I've used Titegroup, Universal, AA5, Lil Gun, RL-15 & Varget.

If your lookin' for a manual powder measure to "mount off-press, on my "auxillary bench""
then the Uniflow sounds like the one for you.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

Get a Belding and Mull on Ebay or a clone.

 

[cfullgraf]

The electronic combo units made by RCBS, Lyman, Pact, and maybe some others are great tools. I have one in my reloading room. But, they are slow. I use mine for working up loads as they are great for throwing small numbers of different charge weights.

The manual powder measures such as the Reddings or the RCBS Uniflows will charge many more cases per unit time than the electronic units.

Once I have developed a load on my electronic combo unit, I move it to the appropriate manual measure for larger scale production.

But, if you want to weigh every charge, the electronic combo units cannot be beat.

 

[rfwobbly]

I would highly advise an all-metallic measure. Plastic measures, although competitive price-wise, are subject to static electricity and may not transmit enough vibration to drop consistent weights.

Good metallic powder measures which are are made by RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, CH, and Redding. Most are threaded 7/8-14 on the end and fit into stands made by RCBS and Lyman. Redding fits its own stand.

To my knowledge only the Lyman #55 can accurately dispense powder for small pistol up to large rifle without additional accessories. Most of the others require a second rotor with a different bore diameter to cover the full load range. All of those mentioned are infinitely variable across their range.

 

[A and O]

cfullgraf,

The electronic powder dispensers used to be slow. My Lyman 1200 DPS 3 is plenty quick and throws perfect 70-80% of the time. The couple times out of ten that are not perfect are only off by 1/10 a grain. Of course for larger caliber throw it does take somewhat longer, but the accuracy makes up any difference in my opinion. I also use a RCBS Uniflow and RCBS Little Dandy for plinking HG loads.

 

[ny32182]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I think I will give the Uniflow a try.

Believe it or not I hand trickle each charge right now, even for "high volume" pistol, and this is getting tedious, and the measure here should help increase my throughput substantially since charging is the most time consuming step for me. I guess I should get a progressive one of these days.

A couple more questions are don't seem to be evident from the product descriptions. I believe the unit I need is this one, since I will want the ability to throw sub 5gr charges:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=295370

My biggest caliber is .308, and my charges for it are all in the 40's right now, so the 50gr max should be fine for me as well.

-Is there any additional measurement screw I will NEED? I can't really tell based on these two quotes from the product description that seem to contradict each other:

Found in the main description; may imply that this is included:

Numbered measuring screw is used for reference to find a given charge at a later date.

Further down; seems to imply that this is required and must be ordered separately:

Special Note:

•There are two Micrometer Adjustment Screws available for the RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure which are NOT included. The Micrometer Adjustment Screw that you need will depend on the size of the cylinder in the powder measure. This powder measure has the small 1/2" cylinder and uses item# 322221.

For reference:

•Large Micrometer Adjustment Screw (Item# 654-966) fits RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure with a measuring cylinder with a 11/16" diameter metering chamber. This is the Uniflow Powder Measure where the Metering screw is removed from the cylinder, up through the powder hopper.

•Small Micrometer Adjustment Screw (Item# 322-221) fits RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure with a measuring cylinder with a 1/2" diameter metering chamber. This is the Uniflow Powder Measure where the Metering screw is removed out through the threaded area of the cylinder.

And I think my last question... I see there is a baffle that can go in the hopper that is supposed to increase consistency; is this a worthy accessory?

 

[cfullgraf]

There are two different size cavities available for the Uniflow. The Uniflow used to come with both but i think the measures are only sold with one or the other now.

For 308 Win you want the large cavity drum. Some folks have good success using the large drum for small charges as well.

The micrometer adjusters are matched to the cavity size. So, there are two available for the Uniflow, one for the large cavity, one for the small. For the Uniflow, the micrometer adjusters are separately purchased options.

The numbered adjusting screws that come standard with the Uniflow are functional. Once set, the measure won't throw any more accurately with either adjuster. I find the micrometer adjuster easier to reset the measure to a different powder charge. But, if money is an issue, the standard adjuster would be a good place to economize. The micrometer adjuster can always be added later.

Remember, technique is important to getting consistent charges from the measure. Throw the charges the same way every throw.

The baffle is a GOOD accessory. Put the openings in the baffle at 90 degrees to the motion of the cavity. I have four different drum style measures and a Pact electronic. All have baffles. I won't reload without them.

I have loaded 30-06 with my Uniflow but now use it mostly for 223 Remington size cases. I have a measure with a larger hopper for 30-06 now but the Uniflow worked just fine.

 

[ny32182]

Thanks... 9mm is by far my most commonly loaded caliber, followed by .223... so I think the small is the one I want; if it won't work for .308 (low production volume for me) I will look at getting the "large cylinder" later. I think I'm good to go.