Is there a bench powder measure that will repeatedly throw accurate charges of stick powder? Especially smaller charges. How about electronic?
Thinking of finally replacing my old orange "antique” Lyman 55.
Is there a bench powder measure that will repeatedly throw accurate charges of stick powder? Especially smaller charges. How about electronic?
Thinking of finally replacing my old orange "antique” Lyman 55.
Attached Files
The advantages of both the LeeClassic and now the new Lee Deluxe model are first, the CC calibrated micrometer and second the brass drum. While the old PPM's CC calibrated micrometer is good the newer micrometer is simple a huge improvement. It is much easier to read and "click" set and then repeat that setting exactly. The brass drum in both of these newer offspring models don't require any leementing to handle fine ball powders without leaks. The Classic replacement, the Deluxe PPM allow the use of the quick change drums if desired. Personally I don't think it is a improvement simply because of the improved micrometer it comes with is so easy and simple to use. The new deluxe model is made of cast zinc instead of cast iron like the now discontinued Classic PM. That change decreased the cost to a more competitive advantage.
The only PM I have that consistently meters with accuracy long stick/extruded powders like IMR 4350 is the JDS Quick Measure. But as mentioned the PPM line of measures do an excellent job with powders like IMR or H4895
Attached Files
I'm still using my George Leonard Herter Model 40 measure. I can't remember when I got it, but it's the first powder measure I ever had. I started handloading somewhere before 1969. I don't think the Herter measure is anything special, but it will pretty well delivers powders like Varget, 4895, 2400, 4350, 4064 etc. to plus or minus one grain. But I'm pretty sure that's because the measure has, over the years, TAUGHT ME how to use it. I think if you use most any (mechanical) measure long enough, you'll learn how to use it and eventually start getting some pretty darn accurate results. I've been using this one for around 50 years.
Wes
Attached Files
Best I have used for stick powders is a Belding And Mull visible. Not as easy to use as a Redding which I use for most of my powder charging.
Attached Files
"Best I have used for stick powders is a Belding And Mull visible. Not as easy to use as a Redding which I use for most of my powder charging."
I have to, totally agree with this. B&M's are time consuming but, are the only ones that I know of, that will deliver +/- .1 accuracy with stick powders, including 4759.
You do have to spend a little time learning them though.
Frank
Attached Files
ditto on the ByM visible measure .... if interested i think i have an extra garage sale one in my stash ... haven't worn out my original from 1955 ... a little slow but has never gave me an empty case yet ... heh ...
ken
Attached Files
I also have a B&M for sale complete with instruction book. I believe somebody is again manufacturing them.
I have found the Lee “Perfect Powder Measure", with the flexible wiper, better than the competition (not including the B&M) for measuring stick powders as well as just as good (by actual testing) for most other powders excluding the very fine ball powders.
Lee now has a version with a metal body and rotor drum which although twice the price of the original plastic version is still half the price of the competition.
John
Attached Files
The Belding And Mull visible is one of the best out there. The above folks say the same. Get one!
Attached Files
RD, Don't worry about the measure part. I make mine out of drill rod on the lathe when I have a load, i.e. 45 grains of surplus 4831 for the .275 Rigby.
Attached Files
Owning the RCBS Electronic Charge Master, it is slow. I have seen the Lyman and the Hornady used, they are faster to use.
Given the above conditions, I use the RCBS for bulky stick powders such as SR 4759. If it is ball powder or a small tubular powder that repeats well, I use my Redding in the interest of speed. The Redding tube is baffled and a funnel to keep a constant head pressure.
Farm boy from Illinois, living in the magical Pacific Northwest
Attached Files
I bought one of the original LYMAN Po
Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.
Attached Files
Damn tablet.
I bought one of the first LYMAN Electronic powder measure/scales. It was slow. Then I got the upgrade. Much faster. By the time you dump the first charge into the case & seat the bullet, the next charge is thrown/weighed & waiting in the scale pan.
I check accuracy every time I use it. I have used various combinations of OHAUS 10/10 SCALE, RCBS 505, REDDING #1 & RCBS Electronic scale. And a scale weight check set. The LYMAN WORKS WELL.
Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.
Attached Files
Thanks for the replies.
My old Lyman #55 has been a good and faithful servant since the sixties when it was included in my first reloading set up that I bought to feed my passion back then. C&H press, Ohaus powder beam scale, and a few extras for $62.00. It is getting tired like the owner and is the last thing to replace.
Thanks BigMan54 for the info regarding the Lyman electronic. An electronic is being considered but from what I have found so far, while convenient the reliability and speed can be iffy. At this stage of the race, I don't relish waiting for many things anymore.
Attached Files
RCBS has a new electronic powder measurer called the Charge Master Lite. See reviews on youtube.
Attached Files
Another B&M owner user.
I had issues with 4759,4198,H1000 and 4350. Not a problem anymore.
A friend of mine is a gadget nut. I think he has tried about every electronic measure out there. None of them stayed consistent for more than a year or so of constant use.
FYI he uses a B&M now.
Good-Fast-Cheap. Pick two.
Jeff
Attached Files
I have the Redding BR-30, a black powder Lyman 55 and an older B&M. The Redding gets used for everything except BP. The B&M is missing a small piece of glass that I need to replace but I've never used it....yet. But based on the comments here I need to find a replacement piece of glass somewhere.
For a scale I used to have only the RCBS 10-10 unit. But....(over 10-tears ago?) I got a Dillon electronic I'm on my third Dillon now. The first two needed to be repaired, etc. When I sent them back to Dillon, they sent me one of their newest models, no charge. This one, a D-terminator, is about 4-years old and has worked flawlessly. I did discover that turning it on a few hours before you plan to use it, will reduce the number of times you need to tare it during a loading session. It works great for weighing cast bullets (if you are into that). I can't imagine doing that with a beam and balance unit.
Tom
Attached Files
after 30 years my b&m glass cracked ... i replaced it with ? 0.060 ? lexan ... a slight static cling ... but no real problem . the lexan won't crack . square of clear water bottle might work . ? pete ? material .
the trick with the b&m is to just .... with a gentle touch ...let that plus or minus one kernel of 4831 just rattle into the tube ...doesn't weigh much .
ken
Attached Files
I found that cutting the return spring strength helps greatly with operation. Lots less jarring and shifting of the base made it much more user friendly. Plus I am only using it for 4831, 3031 and old style 4198 these days.
Attached Files
I have several Culver conversions of Lyman 55s.
But most used is RCBS Little Dandy, which Ric made for me a custom brass rotor and lengthened drop tube to throw and settle 40 grs. of 3Fg Goex, which compresses well in .45 Colt, or .44-40 which also works well with RL7 or IMR4198 in the .44-40 Marlin Rossi as well as for .303 Brit., or .30-'06 for “heavy” cast loads in the 2000 fps range with #314299 with those powders.
73 de KE4SKY In Home Mix We Trust From the Home of Ed's Red in "Almost Heaven" West Virginia
Attached Files