What's a good pistol powder measure?

[meanmotorscooter]

What's a good powder measure strictly for loading light pistol charges that I can find for under $100 ? Thanks!

 

[jcwit]

I use the Lee Pro Auto Disk with good results.

 

[Walkalong]

I was going to say Redding 10X, but then I checked the price. Wow, I paid a lot less, but I guess it was some time ago now. Still, a great measure if you can spring for it, but heck, for a bit more, you can get the best, a Harrells.

Under a $100, gee, I guess I don't know.

 

[Dark Skies]

I've used the same Lee pro that came with my Lee Challenger kit - bought back in 1991 and hasn't missed a beat. The whole kit cost a mere £36 - about $50 USD at the time. I guess things are a lot more expensive now though. A set of dies for my .223 cost that on its own. But I swear by Lee's stuff - you won't regret it.

 

[rfwobbly]

The RCBS "Uniflow" has been made for several decades now and is easy to find used. There is a large and small cylinder available for them, just make sure you get the small one for pistol work.

I picked up one on Ebay with both cylinders and a stand for $60 about 18 months ago. It was made about 1978 and is as accurate as the day it was made. Makes a great free-standing powder dispenser, or screw it into your multi-station press.

CLICK HERE to see one. These are pretty much the standard of the industry.


Another good one that is very easy to find is the Lyman #55. Through the use of some fancy mechanical design, it is able to accurately dispense pistol and rifle loads from the same dispenser without swapping out parts.

Hope this helps!

 

[1SOW]

I'm new at reloading so what do I know?
Oh, I do know the LEE Auto-disk system is relatively cheap and virtually foolproof and consistant with ball and small powders like Win 231, Bullseye & VV.

The drawback is being confined to the charge each hole gives you; but in these powders it gives you good choices.

 

[meanmotorscooter]

Do you guys use the micrometer adjustable charge bar with the lee pro auto disk?

 

[jcwit]

Spend the little extra for the Pro model. No screws to strip out, and a shut off so you can empty the hopper without taking the whole mechinism off the die.

If you have the std. model you can upgrade to the Pro.

 

[Archie]

I just looked at the Midway web site. They used to sell a 'Frankfort Arsenal' powder measure that worked well for either pistol or rifle and was fairly reliable and not so expensive. I couldn't find it listed.

However, RCBS has several listed for under $100 and RCBS is very reputable in terms of quality and longevity.

I like most Lee products, but the powder measures 'leak' too much for my preference.

 

[remingtondude58]

I use the LEE perfect powder measure, not the most consistent but I don't think it is to far off.

 

[broham]

My Lee pro auto works great on the turret. I also use a uniflow for rifle and sometimes pistol too. The metering valve is the standard one. The smallest charge I have used was 14.5 for my 357. I don't know if it will go too much lower than that.

 

[lgbloader]

I have a few RCBS Uniflow's and they have always done me right.

LGB

 

[41 Mag]

What's a good powder measure strictly for loading light pistol charges that I can find for under $100 ? Thanks!

Depending on what you loading for, or how many your loading for, you might look at the RCBS Lil'Dandy measures. If you only loading for one or two calibers, and are for the most part set on a specific range of load these are wonderful little measures. From time to time you can get an assortment of the rotors here and there on the auction sites for not too much. And depending on how many you actually need they aren't too awefull purchased full price.

I have a few RCBS Uniflow's and they have always done me right.

This is another viable option. I have three at the house and another one up in the country. One is dedicated to the small rotor, and the others have the large rotors. For larger handgun loads I have used the large rotor from time to time, and they all throw very closely with all of the powders I use, except some of the flake stuff. For those few loads I generally use the Lee dippers, and weigh it for consistancy.

 

[dwhite]

I've got the Lee Perfect Powder Measure. It works well for me. It takes some breaking in. It also gets better the more you use it.

The only downside to it is small charges. It isn't real consistent dropping less than 4 grains of most anything I've tried.

For inexpensive and reliable you can't beat it.


All the Best,
D. White