which powder thrower

[hunter243sgk]

I am looking for a good thrower as I am loading in bulk now(for a ar). And cant remember which one I had years ago. I have heard for the money the lee perfect powder measure is very good. I have looked at it and rcbbs and reeding and am not sure which route to go. Would like to hear what you all think is the best buy. Thanks

 

[Mulligan]

Not sure what distance you are shooting, I believe it makes a difference.
When my son was shooting service rifle, all the <300 yard was loaded on a Dillion press and powder thrower. Every now and again he would load single stage for the shorter distances and use the RCBS powder thrower. Never seen a difference on paper after extensive testing with those two throwers, <300 yards.
At the 600 yard line, every powder charge was put on the scale.......it made a difference.
CW

 

[hunter243sgk]

This will be just for plinking and short to mid-range hunting.

 

[Mulligan]

Make sure the RCBS has a baffle in it.....the new ones all do. The baffle made a significant difference in our set up, as did a consistent "method".

To tell you the truth, I loaded a bunch of fireform loads for my 6Dasher with the RCBS powder thrower and went to the range with two friends I shoot f-class with. Those two intertained themselves for 30 minutes shouting chips of Clay targets set up on the 600 yard line with those fireform loads.
CW

 

[hunter243sgk]

Make sure the RCBS has a baffle in it.....the new ones all do. The baffle made a significant difference in our set up, as did a consistent "method".

To tell you the truth, I loaded a bunch of fireform loads for my 6Dasher with the RCBS powder thrower and went to the range with two friends I shoot f-class with. Those two intertained themselves for 30 minutes shouting chips of Clay targets set up on the 600 yard line with those fireform loads.
CW

Which rcbs is it?

 

[Mulligan]

I use the uniflow powder measure.......do they make more then one?
CW

 

[hunter243sgk]

I think. I know Lee and Redding has a few models. Awhile back there was a thread about how good the lee was but I cant find it. I think it was the perfect powder measure.

 

[Mulligan]

OK, I looked at the RCBS website. Looks like they have three very similar powder measures.
What I have is a uniflow powder measure I bought in '80 or '81 and later installed the micrometer adjustment thingy.
CW

 

[Mulligan]

I have seen comparisons of all of them on this forum, If memory serves me, the Harrell's and the Redding BR model came out on top.....I'm sure the folks that use these daily will chime in with the details soon.
CW

 

[JRS]

Harrell's, Jones, RFD or Bruno (if you can find either of the latter two) are very well made and reliable.

 

[Shrek]

The Lee Perfect measure works very good. I bought the new Lee Classic Cast measure and not happy with it. The Lee Perfect works better than most with big stick powders if you shoot slow burners. Consistent technique is the key with all of them.
I can't speak for the others as I haven't used them. For the price paid the Lee Perfect Powder measure is a world beater.

 

[hunter243sgk]

The Lee Perfect measure works very good. I bought the new Lee Classic Cast measure and not happy with it. The Lee Perfect works better than most with big stick powders if you shoot slow burners. Consistent technique is the key with all of them.
I can't speak for the others as I haven't used them. For the price paid the Lee Perfect Powder measure is a world beater.

I have heard that but was a little afraid to try it as it is so cheap in price.

 

[Shrek]

It feels flimsy but works well. It throws small ball power very well. I was skeptical but I checked it against my Scott Parker tuned M5 and it was within a tenth when 3/4 to 1/4 full. More full it would throw slightly light and lower than a 1/4 it was all over. I watch the powder level and keep it between that amount in the hopper.

 

[Mulligan]

It feels flimsy but works well. It throws small ball power very well. I was skeptical but I checked it against my Scott Parker tuned M5 and it was within a tenth when 3/4 to 1/4 full. More full it would throw slightly light and lower than a 1/4 it was all over. I watch the powder level and keep it between that amount in the hopper.

That's why I said the baffle was important on the RCBS......an improvement they made years ago.

 

[hunter243sgk]

That's why I said the baffle was important on the RCBS......an improvement they made years ago.

With the price being so cheap I think I will try it. I can always up grade if it don't do well for me.

 

[Sheldon N]

For loading AR rifle rounds in bulk, the best powder thrower is the one attached to your Dillon progressive press.

 

[rmr]

if you are leaning in the direction of a premium measure, I'm a huge fan of Harrell's. just go all the way to the roller bearing culver measure. (the green one)

 

[hunter243sgk]

For loading AR rifle rounds in bulk, the best powder thrower is the one attached to your Dillon progressive press.

Yes I agree but I am to poor for that set up!!

 

[SheepDog]

Both the Lyman and RCBS powder measures are good tools with the proper technique. If you get one without a baffle it is easy to make a baffle to use. I have two RCBS and an older Lyman #55 powder measure for use with cylindrical powders. I mostly use double base powders now but still use the Lyman for Varget and H4895. Your consistency will depend on getting a rhythm that works for you.
I was given a Lee Perfect measure but the rubber wiper and construction didn't work for me. It was so bad that I tossed it in the garbage so no one else would try to use it.
It is your money and your loads so get the best you can afford that will work for you.

 

[Gabe22BR]

I have a Redding BR30, use it for 221-45/70 cartridges. It's well over 20yrs old and served me well.