Question about Lee Perfect Powder Measure

[kb4ns]

Hi all. I am very new to reloading. I bought the Lee 50th anniv kit which came with a "Perfect Powder Measure". I've set it up according to the directions and have measured several charges out of the powder measure and I am getting accuracy of +/- .3 grains. Since I'm reloading for 9mm right now, there's only .2 grains difference between "starting load" and "max load" on most loads. Am I doing something wrong, or should I "tweak" each load of powder before I put it in the brass or what?

[Hotshot]

I get .1 or better from mine measured with a digital scale. I ran some graphite through mine to lube and de-static. I'd try throwing until it improves.

Ball powder?

[gregintenn]

should I "tweak" each load of powder before I put it in the brass or what?

Probably. Mine does pretty good with stick powder, very good with ball powder, and fair with flake powder. It's way closer then .3 grains, however. Did you run several charges through it to get rid of static electricity? You also need to bump it against the top and bottom of the stroke with the same amount of force every time. Not sure I've had one out more than .1.

[kb4ns]

Appreciate the tips. The only powder I've run through it thusfar is Unique. I've heard that statis can be a issue.

[Westwindmike]

Wipe it out with a used dryer sheet if static is a problem. I had the same wide variance in powder throws with that measure. I bought an RCBS(all metal) and it is very consistent.

[gregintenn]

Unique is one of the least consistant powders I've tried.

[kb4ns]

I also have some Universal Clays and some 800X. Should I stick the Unique back in the closet and use one of the others until I get some experience behind me?

And thanks for the tip, Westwindmike!

[gregintenn]

I like unique, and use it a lot. When loading for something where I need a very accurate powder charge, I throw each charge slightly light, and use a powder trickler to complete the charge to the desired weight. It takes a bit more time, but not as much as you think. I use this method for all my rifle rounds, as I like them as consistent as possible. Honestly, I'm not a good enough shot with a handgun to notice the difference.

[kb4ns]

Honestly, I'm not a good enough shot with a handgun to notice the difference.

Same here. Safety is my main concern. If I understand correctly, you have to really overcharge (like accidentally double charging) a case before you have to worry about dangerous pressures, but I'm not into pressing my luck at all.

[gregintenn]

You are exactly right. DO NOT ever exceed the maximum load. If you need more, buy a bigger freaking gun!

[kb4ns]

I bought an RCBS(all metal) and it is very consistent.

Is this the one you were referring to?

RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure with Standard Cylinder - MidwayUSA

I have the feeling that if I spend any more money on reloading gear right now, I may find myself the victim of domestic violence...

[gregintenn]

Is this the one you were referring to?

RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure with Standard Cylinder - MidwayUSA

I have the feeling that if I spend any more money on reloading gear right now, I may find myself the victim of domestic violence...

It don't get any better.

[kb4ns]

It doesn't get any better than the RCBS measure? Or it doesn't get any better than domestic violence???

Haha

[Westwindmike]

Is this the one you were referring to?

RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure with Standard Cylinder - MidwayUSA

I have the feeling that if I spend any more money on reloading gear right now, I may find myself the victim of domestic violence...

That's it. Great measure. Will last you forever(almost).

[gregintenn]

Your wife won't get any happier about you dragging gun related paraphernalia in the house.

[I_Like_Pie]

The lee one can work just as good as any. Fill the thing to the brim and run two full loads of powder though it. The graphite from the powder will lube the dropper and smooth things out.

That measure is also very sensitive with respect to that pivot screw. Tension is important. Don't want it too tight.

Some powders measure better than others also. I have had no problems with unique. Set it a little low so even the upper curve is below max and see how they shoot. If good then you are all set.

[Guest canebreaker]

When using unique, I thump the side of the measurer 3 times, on each case. Seems this get the right charge. With bullseye, accurate#2, and hp-38 I don't have this problem. 38 spl and 357s.

[kb4ns]

I ran about 2 hoppers' worth through it and now it's throwing +/- .1 grain. I guess I can live with that. We'll see. I'm loading 125gr LRN cartridges. I loaded 25 with 5.3 gr of unique and another 25 with 5.4 gr. I'll take them next time I hit the range and see how they do. Thanks for the tips guys!

[gregintenn]

That's about all you are going to get. If you want more accuracy than that, measure every load with a balance beam scale. You won;t likely notice the difference +-.1 will give under normal shooting conditions. If you are in benchrest competition, however, it would be a different story.

[kb4ns]

If you are in benchrest competition, however, it would be a different story.

Nope. Just puttin' holes in paper. I think I'll be fine. Thanks again everyone!