Powder Measure For A Beginner?

[Montelores]

Hi, all -

I'm considering taking up reloading (after all the urging from folks on this forum), and I have a question.

I was given a RCBS Partner Press Starter Kit (Press and scale and a couple of other items : http://www.midwayusa.com/product/140616/rcbs-partner-single-stage-press-kit), and I believe that I'll need a powder measure.

There are 2 available from Midway: the Lee costs about $20.00 (on sale), while the RCBS is $85.00 (and a stand is required - $25.00 additional, although i would probably purchase both RCBS pieces from my LGS, because they are in stock and I like the store).


( Here are the 2 Midway listings:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/540522/lee-perfect-powder-measure

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/752260/rcbs-uniflow-powder-measure-with-standard-cylinder)



Is the RCBS Powder measure worth the extra price? I am less than a beginner, since I have not yet even begun to re-load, so any advice would be appreciated.

I'm planning on beginning with .38 Spl., then adding calibers, if it seems worthwhile.

Thanks to all -

Monty

 

[powder smoke]

I use an RCBS Uniflow it's over 30yo. Can not go wrong with these.

Lotta guys use lee equipment I've got a few molds that all. Almost all of my stuff is RCBS I know nothing about the Lee powder measures.

If you would like to get into a RCBS for less money check ebay. I wouldn't worry about used unless there is rust you really can not wear them out. ps

 

[Tellico]

I use my RCBS ( I like it) with the flat mount it comes with on the edge of the bench. This may or may not work for you. I have never felt the need for the stand. I also have a Lee and it is ok. I use it clamped to the RCBS flat mount with a "C" clamp. My fav though is my Little Dandy RCBS. I put it in the flat mount to fill it then unscrew it and go to town filling cases.

 

[Three50seven]

I have the Lee, and have no complaints. I load .38 and 9mm in fairly small batches (50-100) and the Lee measure works just fine for me. If you were wanting to load super precise benchrest rifle loads, then I would spend the money on the RCBS or something similar.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I have the Lee 'not so perfect' powder measure and I am looking to get an RCBS with the small cylinder. The Lee measure does alright with flake powder like Universal but it spills finer powder like H-110 or HP-38 all over the place. If there is a piece of paper underneath the clean-up isn't too bad. I still do a lot of weighing when using my Lee powder measure. I figure you get what you pay for. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[Donaldjr1969]

The Lyman 55 powder measure is also a good unit. I really like the flip knocker on it as well.

 

[wizofwas]

I use an old Lyman 55 powder measure also. No problems with it so far.

 

[hornady]

For many years I used the Lyman 55 very good powder dump. My Hornady LNL came with the powder dump, I added the small drum and pistol metering insert. It drops very accurate loads. I bought another Hornady and have it set up with the rifle-metering insert. I sold the Lyman 55. So I would recommend the Hornady. But you say you are starting up so save your money for components for now. I can not believe I am recommending it, but for a very cheaply made dump that leaks powder all over the place, they are very accurate for the money. Get the Lee for now, it’s only $20.00. You can up grade once you are up and running.

 

[Montelores]

Thanks for all the replies.

It appears that the Lyman and the RCBS (with the stands, also) run about the same price.

I would prefer to just buy the better measure the first time, and I suppose that the more I load, the more I'll save.

I'll do some math for my start-up costs and go from there.

I'm sure I'll be back to ask for more advice -

Thanks again -

Monty

 

[44shootist]

Buy a good one if your spending the money so you only have to buy it once, Lee is ok but not good so you get to replace it now and then, I have the Lyman 55 and stand, I would recommend it over any of them, RCBS would be my second chose, you can mount the measure on your press or buy a stand.
Oh the Lyman 55 does have a built in clamp also on the back side that will clamp to about a 3/4" shelf, but I like it best on the stand.

 

[RICHGCOOP]

I have bin using my Lyman 55 for over 50 years.
I even used it for black powder at matches at the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association.

RICHGCOOP

 

[Montelores]

Thanks again for sharing your experiences.

It does make more sense to buy the correct one the first time.

I'll look into the Lyman, also, because of the recommendations.

Best to all -

Monty

 

[contender]

You are headed in the right direction by getting quality equipment to begin with. RCBS also offers a micrometer type of adjustment addition that can be nice. Not a necessary thing, but available if you wish for one.
If you want to save a little $$ I think I have a spare Uniflow in my tradable box. If I recall correctly, it's missing the large drum. (Mostly used for rifle calibers and larger volume powder drops. PM me if interested.)

 

[Montelores]

contender -

A nice offer -

PM sent.

Thank you!

Monty

 

[mikld]

Any of the major manufacturer's powder measures will work for you including the Lee. But, different powders, with different sizes and shapes will measure differently in all measures. My Lee will hold less than 1/10th grain with W231 powder (spherical), but varies about a full grain with Unique (flake). The same with my Hornady Pistol Powder Measure. If you were going with "super accurate" loads, you'll prolly weigh every load anyway, so any decient measure will be OK. I now have a Lee, did have a Redding, have used dippers and Hornady Pistol Measure, and all have worked well with some powders, so-so- with others, and badly with still others. So, I'd say go for a mid-priced adjustable powder measure made by a major manufacturer and you'll prolly never have to replace it...

 

[Montelores]

Well, it appears that RCBS has 2 models of the Uniflow (but it may only be the cylinder which is different).

The "small" meters 0.5-50 grains, and the "standard" meters 5.0 -110 grains.


1) Are the cylinders interchangeable and available?

2) Is the smaller cylinder more accurate for handgun caliber loads (and more appropriately sized)?

3) It appears that the RCBS Handy-Dandy powder measure requires different inserts to function, versus a "screw-type" adjustment. It seems that an infinitely-adjustable screw-type model would be superior and more versatile - is that correct?



Thanks again, and I'm sure this all makes sense, if one can look at the device for a couple of minutes (but I'm not there yet!).

Best to all -

Monty

 

[44shootist]

Thats why I didn't buy the RCBS having to use different cylinders, and rotors, the Lyman has a slide adjust system with no extra stuff needed, or to buy, works from the smallest pistol round, to the largest rifle.

 

[WESHOOT2]

Mighty I suggest the Hornady/Pacific measure? (Second choice the RCBS unit).
Mounted on a Lyman 'M' flare/powder-drop die?
And THAT die with its mounted measure mounted on a $25 LEE Reloader press mounted 7--8" to the left of your 'main' press?

(See, that can REALLY speed up your process, PLUS offer superb metering AND the best possible case mouth expansion).

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Well, it appears that RCBS has 2 models of the Uniflow (but it may only be the cylinder which is different).

The "small" meters 0.5-50 grains, and the "standard" meters 5.0 -110 grains.


1) Are the cylinders interchangeable and available?

2) Is the smaller cylinder more accurate for handgun caliber loads (and more appropriately sized)?

3) It appears that the RCBS Handy-Dandy powder measure requires different inserts to function, versus a "screw-type" adjustment. It seems that an infinitely-adjustable screw-type model would be superior and more versatile - is that correct?



Thanks again, and I'm sure this all makes sense, if one can look at the device for a couple of minutes (but I'm not there yet!).

Best to all -

Monty

Concerning the RCBS Uniflow powder measure. I don't have one but when I looked into buying one I noticed the two different cylinders. I believe the large one is standard with the powder measure and the small cylinder is an option. Either one is adjustable for any powder drop you want although the small cylinder is better suited to pistol caliber reloading. I believe there is also a calibrated attachment so you can calculate the correct powder drop instead of using trial and error to get your setting. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[Montelores]

Thanks again for all the input. Your experiences can help me make a better decision at the start.

Jimbo - it seems that the Uniflow is available with both sizes (from Midway), if I'm reading the descriptions correctly. Thanks for the info.

The suggestion for a chronograph is probably a good one, CD, but that makes for a whole new experience at the range. I began this quest in order to be able to afford to own a .44 Spl., but I suppose that the record-keeping will make all the difference in the world.

Thanks again -

Monty

 

[mhblaw]

Most of my reloading is for handguns and I use the RCBS Lil Dandy. You will need several rotors for various charges of various powders for various calibers, but it can be hand held over your loading block and is quite handy and convenient.

 

[FergusonTO35]

For selecting a powder measure I think you should consider what kind of powder you'll be using, what charge, and just how precise do you want to be. All of the measures from the major manufacturers will allow you to produce safe, accurate ammunition. I have always used Lee because it works well enough for my needs and I'm a cheapskate.

I have the dipper set, a Perfect measure, and an Auto Disk. The Perfect measure is very accurate, within a tenth of a grain on every powder I've ever used. It is at its best with flake and medium grain powders. The really fine grain powders tend to get caught between the drum and the body and make the measure feel gritty in operation and leak out the side.

The Auto Disk works great with every pistol powder I've used through it. Unless you get the adjustable disk for it you have to choose a fixed cavity from one of the disks. Because it adds the powder when you flare the case neck you can save alot of time.

The dippers are dirt cheap and a great choice for quickly loading practice ammo, once you get your technique down you can consistently get charges of around two tenths of a grain apart. They are also ideal for dispensing charges into the scale, then trickling powder in until you get the perfect weight.

 

[mattsbox99]

I can load everything from 9mm to 375 RUM easily with my Uniflow and the standard measurement micrometer. It doesn't spill or jam and its very precise.

You don't need the stand, as it comes with a flat bar that will easily mount the measure, or you can even stick it in your press.

 

[BearStopper]

Call me crazy but I have two RCBS Uniflows each with both cylinders, a Redding No.3, and a Lee Perfect. I like to have several so I don't have to constantly change settings. I use the Lee with Unique and it works Jim Dandy, as do all the others. I got all of them at various times for next to nothing so why not. RCBS and Redding are equal quality for all practical purposes and the Redding is expensive. Right before the last component and reloading Obama craze, dealers in my area were giving the stuff away!