powder measure

[robbor]

I have the normal rcbs powder measure and i cant say that im happy with it at this point. Reloaded today using RL25 and i kept getting the powder sticking and dropping out or a partial drop. I had to unscrew the bottom reverse funnel on the measurer and there was grains of powder forming a bridge across. WHat do you guys recomend for a replacement that will be much more consistent?

 

[bozo699]

Redding or Lyman

 

[watercam]

I've had great luck with a Redding 3BR

 

[RonAKA]

I'm quite happy with my Lee Perfect Powder Measure. It is generally accurate within 0.1 grains with a fine grain powder like H322, perhaps 0.2 with Varget, and 0.2-0.3 with H4831. Accuracy goes down as grain size increases. I only use it on these powders to charge my powder scale, and don't have to recharge on very many. No issues with bridging or very inaccurate charges.

 

[stgw77]

Harrels powder measure

 

[Martin52]

If you weigh each charge by dumping the powder from the measure onto a set of scales and use a trickler then I'd suggest a cheaper powder measure - not much point paying for the more expensive measures if you weigh each charge and trickle, as many do.

I use a Harrel and it's accurate to within 0.2 gr but I still have trickle to remove the variance and get each charge the same.

I use Varget, it does crunch sometimes when dropping the handle.

Martin

 

[jonbearman]

After you dump the powder(work the arm) are you double working the arm and smack it lightly at the bottom of the stroke? Rcbs tells you to double work the arm only at the bottom of the stroke to make sure there is no bridging of extruded powders. Bring arm down and dump the powder,while still holding the case under the funnel,Lightly tap the arm to make a clinking sound like a little hammer, this will make sure you dont have bridging of powder.Dont restroke the powder measure just back up handle slightly to be able to smack it against the stop.If you dont know what I mean call rcbs.It is simple and it works.

 

[artbosco]

I have the normal RCBS powder measure and I can't say that I'm happy with it at this point. What do you guys recommend for a replacement that will be much more consistent?

I'm extremely happy with my RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Scale and Dispenser Combo. Reloading became fun, instead of a chore, after I purchased it. Watch for sales. I paid well under $300 for mine. It throws charges to .1 of a grain consistently. On the rare occasion when it is over, you simply pour the powder back in the hopper and continue on. It's the best purchase I've ever made.

Here is one for $279.95 At Natchez on Monday, 11-29-'10. That's an outstanding price, plus they're even offering rebates at the same time! The link: http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=rc98923 Buy another RCBS product you need for $20.05 or more and receive a $50 Rebate which in essence drives that $279.95 to $229.95. WOW! I think I just sold myself another one.

Here is another thought. Buy an additional RCBS product you may not even need or want for $20.05, throw it away, and with the $50 rebate, your net cost for the Combo is $250.00 ($279.95 - $29.95).

 

[wallypedal]

I have an old Herter's measure that actually worked pretty good for a long time. It's primary fault was long kernel powder bridging now and then. I took it clear apart and polished up all the surfaces that powder touched on the way through with Flitz. It made a big difference. Then I read somewhere that those anti-static sheets like my wife throws in the clothes dryer help with powder cling. So I swiped one and cut a square of it to put in the hopper. Nothing bridges anymore, and I don't think the powder is chemically affected. I still weigh and trickle, unless it's .223 prairie dog loads that fill the case anyway

 

[boogershooter]

Like Jon I also slightly double tap when I have problems,Try it.

 

[bobcat30]

My lymAN DPS3 doesw really well with all powders.

 

[sniper55]

Have you tried putting a funnel in the measure? It helped mine alot. I always drop mine into scale pan so really didn't matter but I could tell a difference with all powders.

 

[Rust]

Since my purchase of an RCBS Chargemaster I can't see any reason for going back to ANY power measure (of which I have several) since I use stick powders for everything from .223 to .416 Rigby. Set up properly it throws very accurate charges and has reduced the time it takes to load match ammunition considerably. Yeah, I still have the old measures around in case of emergency, but they just gather dust.

 

[FryeGuy]

I used the rcbs powder thrower for years, hey it came with the kit! When I moved recently I sold everything. borrowed a friend's spare rcbs thrower until I could buy one of my own. I ended up buying a used redding 3br off of this site. I love it. I didn't know what I had been missing. I used a Harrel's thrower for a while when I was doing the benchrest thing. It was great quality, and that's what I had planned on buying until the redding came along. I don't regret buying the redding over the harrels one bit.

 

[CanusLatransSnpr]

Like Ron I use a Lee Perferfect Powder Measurer! It throws ball powders well but, extruded powders its a little less accurate. And also like Boogershooter, I have to give it a couple light taps on the side to get the rest of the powder to fall out of the charging tube. I myself am looking to get into a different powder measurer soon. One that throws extruded powders a little better. Keep the comments coming fellas!

Mike

 

[BoydAllen]

Extruded powders are never thrown as consistently as ball. That is the reason for tricklers. With the smaller extruded powders, practice with the measure, trying different techniques, with an accurate electronic scale, can result in acceptable thrown consistency, but even though a technique "works" with a given powder and measure, results will only be as good as the consistency of operation. There are some things that cannot be learned by reading and conversatation. Practice , and then practice some more. You wouldn't expect to learn how to play golf any other way would you. Running a powder measure is a physical skill.