Sold on Lee cheapie thrower

[Tesoro]

I just did a test run with 2 extra plastic throwers I ordered. Half a pound for each powder and some beers for the boredom. With IMR3031 stick I got no more than .1g variance. I would say avg was .005 gr.
And then I did imr 4198 'long grain' and I would say 85% were within max .1gr variance and the other 15% within .2 gr. Towards the end I realized a fast throw was more consistent than a normal throw. The normal speed throw would weigh less than fast.

I converted my pan to a soft plastic cup that some part came in from Wilson. Works much better for no spill on the dump and is faster. I had to add some lead shot to the pan reservoir to re-balance.

Also, I never thought about using the jug intstead of the hopper!

So now I have 3 powders I am using with the Lee, the other being H322, which is spot on. No need for a trickler as I am good to .1 max variance. If there is a throw that is off more than a 10th then can notice it quickly on the M5 beam and dont have to wait for it to settle. It's faster to dump and re-throw than trickle up or subtract.

 

[Ernest T]

I have one, it leaks powder everywhere, but I do have to acknowledge that it is pretty accurate. I tried all the tricks on youtube to no avail, it still leaks. If it weren't for that, I'd have six of them lined up with different loads for different calibers. I bought an RCBS Competition Powder measure and really like it -- accurate and powder tight.

 

[PracticalTactical]

Amazon.com

Buy one of these plus spend all those big bucks you saved from not buying an auto trickler and you can buy a good analytical balance to make the loads really perfect.

 

[Tesoro]

I have one, it leaks powder everywhere, but I do have to acknowledge that it is pretty accurate. I tried all the tricks on youtube to no avail, it still leaks. If it weren't for that, I'd have six of them lined up with different loads for different calibers. I bought an RCBS Competition Powder measure and really like it -- accurate and powder tight.

I now have 3 and none of them leak fine spherical powder. so what powders are you using that make it leak live a sieve? curious

 

[Ernest T]

I now have 3 and none of them leak fine spherical powder. so what powders are you using that make it leak live a sieve? curious

BL-C(2) and CFE Pistol are the two I used before sticking it in a drawer.

This is after just a few throws.

I tried everything I could find on youtube to remedy it.

I sanded the drum.

I squared up this edge.

I bought one of these so I could really tighten up the screw.

It doesn't leak as badly as it did, but it still leaks powder with every throw of the lever. A lot of people complain that it leaks, given that it's been manufactured for so many years, you'd think Lee would have addressed this issue long before now.

 

[Tesoro]

Well I'd say use the lee for extruded powders as it meters the best, and then use the standard kind for fine pistol. Best of both worlds.

 

[Ernest T]

Well I'd say use the lee for extruded powders as it meters the best, and then use the standard kind for fine pistol. Best of both worlds.

That's why its in the drawer and not the trash, I figure one day I'll get around to trying something that'll work in it.

 

[Hohn]

I understand there is a new model that uses a brass drum instead of plastic and retains the "wiper". Anybody compared them to the old model?

I have the plastic auto drum and the metal drum deluxe version. I bought the former because it’s case activated. I bought the latter because it isn’t.

I see no reason to invest in any other measures. I can dump and trickle up as fast as a Chargemaster if I want accuracy, or I can just throw and go and get acceptable results. I’ve used up to RL26 in my metal drum Lee, works ok with an occasional kernel cut. I always trickle up with those. But smaller extruded powders like ar-comp, n135, run well and fine extruded like 8208 runs like ball powder.

The finest powder I have is aa2520 and I noticed no leakage. I’ve also used it with Sport Pistol (small flake) with good results.