Hornady's new Bench Rest Grade LnL powder measure, opinions please.

[ARTJR338WM]

I am finally getting back into reloading for my handguns and I find myself in need of a powder measure capable of the speed and volume required to reload a 100 or so handgun rounds per session. I am looking for a powder measure that is quick as it is simple to set up, and calibrate as well as recalibrate while using.

I looked at powder measures from RCBS, Lyman, Redding, and Hornady and liked the Hornady's design best and I feel it is the best buy for the $$$. I have also read more than one side by side review of powder measures that said they all compare quite equally.

So I would greatly appreciate and find it equally help full if anyone who owns and uses a Hornady BR Grade LnL powder measure would give me their opinion of it would you recommend I buy it. Please keep in mind I will only be using this powder measure for use with handgun powders only, never with rifle powder. I also am quite aware of the fact that the Hornady is not a true "Bench Rest Grade" powder measure. To reach that level of accuracy I will have to spend at least 2x more than for the Hornady or any other P/M in its class.

Anyone who feels that a different P/M in the same price range is clearly a better choice, please feel free to suggest it and include why you think so.

Thanks for the help.
Arthur.

 

[jerrysharrett]

If you are loading for large pistol cases like 44 mag, etc something like the RCBS Uniflow with the Small drum would work well.

For small cases like the 40SW 45 ACP etc, something like an RCBS Lil dandy would be faster. For example if you are dropping 3 grains Bullseye go with the Lil Dandy. This measure has fixed rotors and you have to buy a different rotor for each loading.

As to accuracy, any of the volumetric measures, Hornady, Redding, RCBS, Harrell, etc., will all have about the same accuracy of repeatability. It is up to you to practice your technique to have good repeatability.

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

Go on ebay or gunbroker and fine the lowest priced one of the four you mentioned. As long as it is in decent shape it will work fine. These things are real metal and will last a life time or two. Once set, they should hold their setting. I have one for every different powder loading I use where trowing powder charge is appropriate. Only check thrown charge when starting a new batch or opening a new 8 pounder of powder.

Frank

 

[DiRTY DOG]

I disagree, the different brands are not "equal". My regular Hornady powder measure is way more accurate than my RCBS measure. There's no comparison. Maybe the RCBS is just SUPER sensative to the slightest operational inconsistency, but I can't get it to be accurate enough for my tastes. And Dillon doesn't get glowing reviews either, it's just ok.

I'm impressed with the Hornady. The benchrest version appears to be the same as standard but adds chrome plating and a micrometer adjustment. The chrome plating likely aids in smoother operation and perhaps slightly tighter tolerances? The micrometer is not very important unless you're adjusting loads a lot. Worth the upgrade from my standard Hornady? Probably not for bulk reloads. But If I was starting from scratch I'd pay a little extra for it.

 

[nettle]

For me the most important reloading tools are my powder measure's and beam scale. I'll pony up the money for those two items.

I have tried:

Lyman 55
Redding BR-30
Harrell's

The Lyman was the worst, Redding BR-30 is much better, and the Harrell's best of all.

Hornady makes really good stuff but I have no experience with anything Hornady makes.

 

[Beiruty]

Powder drops do not like large kernel powders.
Small ball powder meters like water in such mechanical dispensers.

 

[Beiruty]

Here is my test for Hornady L&L with micrometer insert and PTX expander

 

[divingin]

For pistol, I was loading 452AA for a really long time, til I ran out. Moved to Titegroup, then to WST when the pandemic made everything unobtainable. Measures used were the standard Hornady LNL with pistol rotor and the standard and micrometer plugs, a Lee Classic, and recently an RCBS Uniflow (I think.)

The Hornady measure worked very well for 452AA (ball powder, that's expected.) It also worked adequately for Titegroup (though I can't recall ever verifying individual charges, as I never had problems while shooting.) Changing to WST, both the Hornady and the Lee had trouble throwing consistent 4 gn charges for 45. They both work fine for 1.8 gn (32SWL) and 3 gn (38Spl), but for some reason neither liked throwing 4 gn charges. The RCBS is marginally better, but not by much. Going to transition back to Titegroup when I run my supply of WST out.

As an aside, for rifle, I found the the 50ish dollar Lee Classic measure to every bit as accurate and consistent as the $250 Harrell I have, loading IMR4064, Varget, and N140 (the Hornady measure is dedicated to the progressive press, so didn't get used for rifle.) I was, however throwing charges, putting them on a lab scale and adjusting, so accuracy out of the measure wasn't all that critical.

 

[3Ackleys]

Go on ebay or gunbroker and fine the lowest priced one of the four you mentioned. As long as it is in decent shape it will work fine. These things are real metal and will last a life time or two. Once set, they should hold their setting. I have one for every different powder loading I use where trowing powder charge is appropriate. Only check thrown charge when starting a new batch or opening a new 8 pounder of powder.

Frank

Zombie thread alert.
The OP ARTJR338WM joined on Jan 29, 2008, made 2 posts that day, has not been heard from since lol