LiveLife
Member
I wasn't affected when Lee Precision discontinued the Micro Auto Disk as most of my W231/HP-38 charges used were higher than 3.5 gr which I used for 147 gr 9mm loads.
Since I got a 380 pistol, now I need to consistently meter 2.5 - 3.0 gr range of W231/HP-38. I initially used Lee Perfect Powder Measure to conduct my load development (which dropped consistent powder charges in that range) but now I need to increase the production rate using the Pro 1000.
I heard of reloaders drilling the side of Auto Disk and tapping a screw to make an adjustable DIY Micro Auto Disk but never seen one illustrated so I decided to make one.
I went to the local Home Depot and bought a package of #10-32 x 1/2" brass machine screws with size of head that was smaller than the thickness of the Auto Disk. I used a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw and drilled about the center of the disk hole. After I screwed the brass machine screw in and out, the hole was nicely tapped with threads for "micro" adjustment. After cleaning up the hole burrs, I was ready for powder drop measurements.
- Initial powder drop test was done at 3.0 gr of W231/HP-38 with the machine screw thread just sticking out the hole. 10 drops were spot on the Ohaus 10-10.
- 1/2 clockwise turn of the machine screw dropped the powder charge to 2.7 gr. All 10 drops measured right at 2.7 gr.
- Another 1/2 clockwise turn of the machine screw dropped the powder charge to 2.5 gr. All 10 drops measured right at 2.5 gr.
I hope this helps other reloaders who needs to meter W231/HP-38 below 3.0 gr for smaller caliber reloading.
Brass machine screws (make sure the head is smaller than the thickness of the disk)
.30 disk hole drilled and tapped with brass machine screw
Shown at 3.0 gr W231/HP-38 setting
Smaller head than the thickness of the disk allows for clearance during cycling
Since I got a 380 pistol, now I need to consistently meter 2.5 - 3.0 gr range of W231/HP-38. I initially used Lee Perfect Powder Measure to conduct my load development (which dropped consistent powder charges in that range) but now I need to increase the production rate using the Pro 1000.
I heard of reloaders drilling the side of Auto Disk and tapping a screw to make an adjustable DIY Micro Auto Disk but never seen one illustrated so I decided to make one.
I went to the local Home Depot and bought a package of #10-32 x 1/2" brass machine screws with size of head that was smaller than the thickness of the Auto Disk. I used a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw and drilled about the center of the disk hole. After I screwed the brass machine screw in and out, the hole was nicely tapped with threads for "micro" adjustment. After cleaning up the hole burrs, I was ready for powder drop measurements.
- Initial powder drop test was done at 3.0 gr of W231/HP-38 with the machine screw thread just sticking out the hole. 10 drops were spot on the Ohaus 10-10.
- 1/2 clockwise turn of the machine screw dropped the powder charge to 2.7 gr. All 10 drops measured right at 2.7 gr.
- Another 1/2 clockwise turn of the machine screw dropped the powder charge to 2.5 gr. All 10 drops measured right at 2.5 gr.
I hope this helps other reloaders who needs to meter W231/HP-38 below 3.0 gr for smaller caliber reloading.
Brass machine screws (make sure the head is smaller than the thickness of the disk)
.30 disk hole drilled and tapped with brass machine screw
Shown at 3.0 gr W231/HP-38 setting
Smaller head than the thickness of the disk allows for clearance during cycling
Attachments
Last edited: