Powder measure-dip cups or powder measure-how accurate? load to load?

[kawzak]

I realize that there are extruded, ball, and granulated powders. Would using the dip cups be as accurate with any of these-VS-a powder dispenser for each individual case loaded? I suppose I could do a test and weigh several loads to verify-but I suppose some of you have already done that. I am not interested in speed of reloading-I am interested in accuracy of the loads I will be making. Should each and every powder load/charge be weighted because of powder shape or any other inconsistencies?

 

[fguffey]

I suppose I could do a test and weigh several loads to verify-but I suppose some of you have already done that

There are a few that own R. Lee's book on modern reloading. How many read the book? I do not know but in R. Lee's book he writes about using powder dippers, he talks about using a business card to level the powder dipper to a degree that exceeds methods used today.

In the old days his dippers came in red, yellow and black. A reloader can use a dipper and then trickle powder to finish.

F. Guffey

 

[CJ6]

I suppose I could do a test and weigh several loads to verify-but I suppose some of you have already done that

A reloader can use a dipper and then trickle powder to finish.

F. Guffey

For the coarse grained powders 4064/4320/4350/4831/7828/N-165/5010 etc. it's the method I use. It works quite well and is "almost" as fast as the power dispencers and just as ACCURATE weight wise (using the same scale). You'll have no more "crunched" kernels. Like $20 for the set of Lees dippers with the calculator.

 

[kawzak]

Thanks, I already have the dippers. Just wondering which was was better now-a-days. They are 30 yrs old, from back when I reloaded for my Match revolver. Reciently I have bought (2) more presses and some other items I did not have -trick case trimmer, powder measure scale, brass weight scale, case prep station, tumbler, etc. I also have various Micrometers and a Mitoyo digital micrometer I was awarded that goes into .0000" (4) digits. It will be handy to measure O.D. of cases at/by the base, so I can tell how much expansion-if I get close to max loads. Looking forward to reloading for my .308.

 

[bigedp51]

I use nothing but my RCBS Charge Master now for pistol and rifle ammo and I would rather step on a banana, slip and break my neck than go pack to using powder scoops.

I bought the scoops above when I got my first Lee loader and didn't have a scale. When I bought my first scale I used the scoops to dump powder into the pan and finish up with my tickler. If the world comes to an end and your living in a cave the scoops would go nicely with a nut cracker tool.

I have the RCBS Uniflow and Little Dandy powder measures and was never satisfied with larger grain powders and accuracy. I used the Little Dandy a good deal with ball powders and hand gun ammo where it wasn't as critical.

Bottom line nothing beats your scale for accuracy and nothing beats the Charge master for speed and accuracy.

 

[zipollini]

Powder dippers ? You are kidding right ?

This is what I use (scale and trickler). Loaded 50 rounds of 6XC last night using H4350. Shot them today with an SD = 2 and an ES = 5.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr1Wso6P9ZI

 

[chkunz]

There was a lot written in the "olden days" about the accuracy of the dippers vs powder measures and the dippers were shown with data to be about as good as the measures. It was reported that a consistent technique was important but that is also true with using a measure. If you throw the charge light and then trickle it up to the desired weight it is just as good except maybe a little slower.

 

[kawzak]

Thanks for all the info. I guess it's obvious I have been away from reloading for a while. Just like most things-with time- technology makes most things better, faster, more accurate, last longer, etc. I have a Lee powder scale and a Lee powder measure. The dippers I had from a long time ago.

 

[CJ6]

Bottom line nothing beats your scale for accuracy and nothing beats the Charge master for speed and accuracy.

No argument on that at all. The dippers though are are viable alternative WITH a good scale, just trickle up. I'd never trust to directly "dip" to case. Not trying to covert anyone to anything But if you have'em may as well use'm

 

[Toolbreaker]

Using the Lee dippers, then trickling up on the scale is exactly what I do. May not be one of the fastest plans, but it's easy-peasy. Works for me.

 

[chkunz]

Thanks for all the info. I guess it's obvious I have been away from reloading for a while. Just like most things-with time- technology makes most things better, faster, more accurate, last longer, etc. I have a Lee powder scale and a Lee powder measure. The dippers I had from a long time ago.

By the way, I have read a lot of positive comments about the Lee powder measure that you are using and they are priced so I had to just try one to see and I was amazed at how well it works for the price plus several nice features. Made cheep, yes, but works very well. I have the one I bought set up for my pet load that I load the most and I never change the adjustment, just leave it for that one load. At the price I could have two or three more set up for my other loads that I mostly use.

 

[jimcasey01]

I used the dippers waaaayy back, when beam scales were considered hi-tech (read in expensive). I had mediocre results, but I suspect that was from a lack of technique on my part. If you think about it, they should be as accurate as any powder measure. You are filling a volume. Technique comes into play even with modern powder measures. I have used more than my share of various mid-range scales with a wide spectrum of repeatable results, again I believe technique is the variable. I now use Lyman 55 scales, 2 sets (for 2 powders) as they are a pain in the arse to adjust, but are extremely consistent in the weight they throw after getting adjusted. I do have to keep up my consistency on the knocker. I guess that is why they put it there, ya think? I still use scales for a final check and adjustment. T-Rex how many of the forum members do you think have used powder measures with a knocker?

 

[M99]

I realize that there are extruded, ball, and granulated powders. Would using the dip cups be as accurate with any of these-VS-a powder dispenser for each individual case loaded? I suppose I could do a test and weigh several loads to verify-but I suppose some of you have already done that. I am not interested in speed of reloading-I am interested in accuracy of the loads I will be making. Should each and every powder load/charge be weighted because of powder shape or any other inconsistencies?

Dippers were fine when we were loading Black Powder by volumn, but we've come a long way with loading modern smokeless ammo since then.

 

[chkunz]

I used the dippers waaaayy back, when beam scales were considered hi-tech (read in expensive). I had mediocre results, but I suspect that was from a lack of technique on my part. If you think about it, they should be as accurate as any powder measure. You are filling a volume. Technique comes into play even with modern powder measures. I have used more than my share of various mid-range scales with a wide spectrum of repeatable results, again I believe technique is the variable. I now use Lyman 55 scales, 2 sets (for 2 powders) as they are a pain in the arse to adjust, but are extremely consistent in the weight they throw after getting adjusted. I do have to keep up my consistency on the knocker. I guess that is why they put it there, ya think? I still use scales for a final check and adjustment. T-Rex how many of the forum members do you think have used powder measures with a knocker?

Probably not many, I still have my old Lyman 55 with the knocker. I have five powder measures and probably the Lyman is still the best, including the Harrell's.

 

[Brians356]

Using the Lee dippers, then trickling up on the scale is exactly what I do. May not be one of the fastest plans, but it's easy-peasy. Works for me.

That's what I do, but I use the dipper itself as the trickler. I choose the dipper that, when full, holds slightly more than I need, so I am trickling from a near-empty dipper. I dump 2/3 to 3/4 of the load into the pan quickly, so the momentum breaks any "stiction" and gets the scale to levitate off the stop, then continue pouring/trickling with the same dipper to bring the scale up to the mark from below, a kernel or two at a time at the very end. I prefer this to monkeying with a stationary trickler.

A dipper, used consistently, might be as good or better than a powder thrower - I haven't had much luck with a thrower for any better than 1/2-grain repeatability. So I weigh everything - I only trust my balance beam, period.

 

[Toolbreaker]

A dipper, used consistently, might be as good or better than a powder thrower - I haven't had much luck with a thrower for any better than 1/2-grain repeatability. So I weigh everything - I only trust my balance beam, period.

I agree 100%. I have a couple of powder measures, but never got a warm, fuzzy feeling about throwing a charge straight to the number. I'd much rather confirm each charge with my 10-10, so the dippers & trickler work well for me. Although I can't argue some peoples technique and consistency with a measure, seeing a repeatable "0" on my scale puts my mind to rest.