Best low priced powder measures

[PacNorWest01]

Hi Folks.
I am sure this has been asked before but search didn't show anything so I'll ask.
Any comments on non electronic powder measure that will help me decide which to buy. RCBS and other have so many different models. I am using single stage press so I think I want a stand alone. I have looked at a few used ones on ebay but the prices are almost equal to new. The few pawn shops in the area sell reload equipment as fast as it comes in, so no luck there.

So any thoughts on quality, budget priced (around $100) would be great

Thanks

 

[Rick Courtright]

So any thoughts on quality, budget priced (around $100) would be great

Hi,

As w/ so many things involved in reloading, "best" can be pretty subjective! At $100, I don't think you'll go wrong w/ the RCBS Uniflow. That's one of two measures I have, the other being the much less expensive Lee "Perfect" measure.

Both have pluses, both have minuses. While the Lee is far easier to set and reset to the same charge w/o having to spend lots more money on a micrometer adjuster, it's also pretty light duty and doesn't have the more rock solid feel of the Uniflow. I don't know how long it might last, but do know my Uniflow's somewhere over 30 yrs old, perhaps closer to 40 (got it used long ago), and, like me, isn't nearly as pretty as it was fresh out of the box. Unlike me, it still works like new!

Each of those measures can be mounted directly to your bench or a moveable base w/ what comes in the box. The RCBS is threaded 7/8" x 14, so it can also be mounted on a spare single stage press, or its own optional stand. I believe that's also true of the others in your $100 target range. The Lee doesn't offer that option but does have its own stand included.

Rick C

 

[Lost Sheep]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for asking our advice.

For batch loading I don't bother with a powder measure at all. I use a dipper and a funnel backed up by a scale.

Lee's powder dippers are $15-$20 for a full set. As accurate as any powder measure (except that the accuracy depends VERY MUCH on your dipping technique being consistent).

Some will scoff, but that just shows prejudice. Some prejudices are legitimate if they have been tested and proved, but your experience may vary if you give it a try.

You can even make your own with a piece of wire or a stiff zip-tie and an old cartridge case cut down (or filled in) to deliver the desired charge weight.

Lost Sheep

 

[couleeflyfisher]

Check eBay for an RCBS Uniflow w/ small pistol drum if using for hand guns. Will consistently throw within 1/10 gr. accuracy, also RCBS Little Dandy can't be beat, however the price of rotors have gone up a lot in the last few years. If you check regularly you should be able to snag either of these for less than 1/2 reg. retail.

 

[PacNorWest01]

I currently use dippers & trickler. Just wanted to speed things up a bit. I have been watching ebay for RCBS, which I think would be my first chose, but have yet to find anything descent at reasonable price.
I want to reload for handguns as well as rifle. The RCBS quick change looked good, seems to be to new for much in the way of reviews, also appears to be made in china. Would like to buy American if I can, even if I pay little more.
Thanks for input so far

 

[Old Judge Creek]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for asking our advice.

For batch loading I don't bother with a powder measure at all. I use a dipper and a funnel backed up by a scale.

Lee's powder dippers are $15-$20 for a full set. As accurate as any powder measure (except that the accuracy depends VERY MUCH on your dipping technique being consistent).

Some will scoff, but that just shows prejudice. Some prejudices are legitimate if they have been tested and proved, but your experience may vary if you give it a try.

You can even make your own with a piece of wire or a stiff zip-tie and an old cartridge case cut down (or filled in) to deliver the desired charge weight.

Lost Sheep

I've been reloading since the mid-1950s and I agree with you 100% as for the utility of the Lee Powder dippers. The trick IMO is to choose a mid-level loading recipe because that gives you a margin of error on both the high and low sides.

Then again, as you point out, it's all in how consistent you are with your dipping regimen. I loaded many a 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 30-30, and 45-70 cartridge with that technique.

These days I use more sophisticated (and expensive) means to roll my own, but along the way and over the years I've accumulated a second set of Lee dippers in my reloading cabinet... ya never know when they'll come in handy. :D

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I recently purchased an RCBS Uniflow (small cylinder) Powder Measure
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/295370/rcbs-uniflow-powder-measure-with-small-cylinder
to go with my Lee dippers and Lee 'Not-So-Perfect Powder Measure, powder trickler and scales. I am a small volume single-stage reloader. I weigh almost every charge. I load several handgun cartridges and a couple of rifle cartridges. I use about 10 different powders. As noted before the Lee measure is ok for flake and stick powders but not so good with fine ball powders. For the ball powders the RCBS throws extremely accurate charges but won't hardly work at all with cylindrical or stick powders because of jamming.

RCBS has a $10 rebate on a $50 min. purchase at Midway and probably other stores.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

Several mentions have been made of the Lee dippers.

My personal opinion is everybody should have a set of them! They can be used for working up a load quicker than anything else I've used--I even learned to "trickle" powder w/ them, not a "real" trickler!

And, as mentioned, if you find a load that works well w/ a single dipper, you can use them quite easily. Some loads require a combo of dippers to get 'em "just right" and that may or may not be a satisfactory idea... a few guys "shim 'em up" w/ card inserts, too. Just be careful your insert stays in if you choose that route.

Plus, they're cheap, never wear out or go out of adjustment, and don't eat much, so they can sit in the drawer for months or even years between uses and it's no big deal! Not like looking at a more 'spensive measure and thinking, "I really need to get my money's worth out of that one."

Rick C

 

[WESHOOT2]

Buy a $25 LEE Reloader press; mount it 7--8" to the left of your main press.
Buy a Lyman flare/powder-drop die and mount that on the LEE.
Buy a Hornady (or RCBS) powder measure and mount that on the Lyman die.

Beginning to make sense....?

 

[Cheesewhiz]

The Hornady drop is a good one.

 

[Clovishound]

I am new to reloading. I recently purchased a Lee Perfect Powder Measure. A couple of observations.

It is very inexpensive. I have seen them online for around $20. I could replace it several times over for the cost of some of the other models.

It is not terribly robust. Most parts are plastic. Having said that, my buddy has one that he has had and used for many years. It is still going strong. Securely mounted to either your bench, or a nice heavy piece of wood and this measure is steady enough for what it is designed for.

It leaks a little with some powders. The powder I use (Titegroup) is one of those. I slightly tightened the screw on the throw handle, per instructions, and the leakage is minimal now. It does appear to diminish with use.

It is accurate. Mine has been very accurate. Reports I see online from other users confirm this as well.

It is very easy to adjust amount thrown. A quick calculation (explained in the manual) will give you a setting that is close to target. Minor adjustment of the micrometer adjuster will get you on the money for your loads.

If you want to throw a powder load during the flaring process, this is the wrong measure. It is stand alone. I like throwing powder for 50 rounds. I line them up in my reloading block, and visually check for consistent loads. IE double throws, no powder, obviously heavy/light loads. Note, I have never seen an obvious heavy/light load so far, except once when I discovered I hadn't rotated the hopper to on, and the powder started running dry in the mechanism. Operator error, and I dumped all thrown loads and started over.

If you must have the best, this is the wrong measure for you.

If you want something that works, and don't want to drop a bunch of money on it, this might be the machine for you.

 

[contender]

If you are looking at a powder measure to outlast you,, then go with the RCBS Uniflo. Your budget was around $100. You can get a new one for that or less. I sold a used one for $55-$60 a while back. Yes,, used commands good prices due to the quality. I currently have 2 Uniflos and keep the different sized barrels in each one. They are stand alone,, and one of mine I bought used in 1979. Quality lasts.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Rick, please don't mind that I am piling onto your post.

Hi,

Several mentions have been made of the Lee dippers.

My personal opinion is everybody should have a set of them! They can be used for working up a load quicker than anything else I've used--I even learned to "trickle" powder w/ them, not a "real" trickler!

Pick up a used rifle cartridge (larger is better because you don't have to refill it so often and bottlenecked allows you to regulate the trickle better). Clean out the inside. It makes a dandy hand-held trickler.

And, as mentioned, if you find a load that works well w/ a single dipper, you can use them quite easily. Some loads require a combo of dippers to get 'em "just right" and that may or may not be a satisfactory idea... a few guys "shim 'em up" w/ card inserts, too. Just be careful your insert stays in if you choose that route.

If you dribble a little wood glue into the bottom of the dipper, you don't have to worry about the shims shifting. You can adjust the measure easily enough by "chucking" a drill bit in your fingers and shaving the wood glue out a little at a time.

If you find a machine screw or bolt (the kind with a flat front) that matches the inside diameter of any particular dipper, you can make a hole in the bottom of the dipper, screw the bolt in the hole from the bottom of the dipper and now you have an adjustable dipper. Or, if you find one with a head the diameter of the dipper's cavity, screw it in from the top.

Plus, they're cheap, never wear out or go out of adjustment, and don't eat much, so they can sit in the drawer for months or even years between uses and it's no big deal! Not like looking at a more 'spensive measure and thinking, "I really need to get my money's worth out of that one."

Rick C

Amen to that.

Lost Sheep

 

[mattsbox99]

Locally the Hornady measure is around $65 and the Uniflow is around $75. Either one would be great. The Hornady is definitely made in the USA. RCBS is a little more coy about what exactly is made in the US and what isn't.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Rick, please don't mind that I am piling onto your post.

Hi,

No worries! I've told people for years I learn something new every time I sit down at the bench. Sometimes I don't make it that far, only to the computer screen, like today. You had some great tips there and I DID learn at least one new trick for today!

Thanks!

Rick C

 

[Lee Martin]

It isn't low cost, but I highly recommend the Redding Model 3. Runs around $125 and is very precise.

 

[Rodfac]

I've got an RCBS Uniflow with both rifle and pistol metering cylinders...works well with ball or stick...not so well with the flakes...i.e. Unique. I also load most all of my handguns on two Dillon 550B's with their proprietary powder measure...they work the same as the Uniflow, with the same limitations. I've had a disk operated Lee that leaked powder all over the bench each time I used it...wouldn't go there again. Flake powder is so variable in in its measuring characteristics that I avoid using it now...Winchester 231 does all that Unique did over the years with a cleaner burn and precise loads.

The top of the line in powder measures are the Harrell's. They're used by the competition bench rest crowd as well as many over the course, Nat'l Match Service Rifle guys. Go to their site and check them out...wish I'd have bought one 25 years ago. I do have one of their turret presses...beautiful and a true joy to use...very accurate (rifle bullet runout is less than 0.003").

I wouldn't save money on your measure. Better to scrimp on a press than the powder dispensing equipment. Too, buy a good scale..beam or electronic, they're equally accurate for what we do...you don't need electronic, I loaded tens of thousands of round over the past 50+ years with a beam balance made by Redding. I still use it to cross check my electronic Frankford Arsenal unit.

Best Regards, Rodfac

 

[Donaldjr1969]

I have a Lyman 55 and I love it. It does take a little bit of time to dial in an exact charge weight, but it can throw very light charges of powder for 38spl target loads up to 200g for the largest rifle cases. It uses 3 sliders to accomplish that. It also has the knocker attached to it. By flipping the knocker a couple times, charges are more consistent. Also, after the charge is dropped, the knocker can free those few stragglers that may remain in the drop tube.

The Lyman does not come with a stand but it does come with a 7/8" adapter for mounting in a press. It also has a screw clamp attached to the back. That is nice if one has a sturdy shelf in which to clamp the measure.

If there is one thing that the Lyman does slightly falter at is metering coarse flake powders such as American Select, Red Dot, or Clays. I've seen charge variances of +/- .2g with those powders, even after multiple knocks with the knocker. So for me, I have actually had more consistency with my Lee Autodisk when using American Select. But to be fair, I've never used more than 8.8g American Select. Maybe it would meter better with 18g sharges like what is used in shotshells. But all in all, it is a great measure.

While I do not have the boxed set of Lee dippers, I have the ones that come with my Lee dies. I use them for making small batches of rounds such as 12 rounds or less. After all, by the time I set up my powder measure and dial in the charge weight I desire, I could have a couple rounds loaded with my dippers, trickler, and scale.