Lee Perfect Powder Measure Question

[Loki_762]

I recently received the Lee Anniversary Kit as a birthday present, and today I actually got a chance to put together some ammo for my .223.  I set up my scale, made the calculations to convert the powder measure from grains to CCs, and began putting powder into my scale tray from my measure.  The first load of powder I made ended up light.  So, I dumped it back into the powder bottle, and measured out another one.  Same thing - too light.  I did this about 10 times, and had the same result each time.  So, I checked my math again, and everything was done right.  I checked to make sure the scale was balanced, and it was.  I checked to see if there was an obstruction in the powder tube, and there was nothing.  So, I tried again, and had the same results.  I ended up loading the shells using the powder dipper and scale.  I only loaded 5 shells, so it wasn't a huge deal.  However, when I want to load 50 shells, I will most likely not want to do this again.  Is there some basic rookie mistake I am making here?  Is it likely an error with the measure, or with the scale?  Should I contact Lee?  Any advice on the matter is appreciated.

[Weatherby223]

Hope this helps! Did you fill up the powder container on top of the powder measure to the top and just keep dumping the powder back into the can
? you are meant to do this to lubricate the measure and get it running reliably as it coats the internal parts aswell. I used a whole can to run through before i even started to set the thing up. I then just used the Scale to set the Powder measure up anyway and double checked it with a digital scale (too lazy to work out the formula) you will be surprised just how accurate the Perfect powder measure is, i know i was but out of habbit i still weigh every load anyway..
Happy Hunting...
Mick

[New Hampshire]

Yup, Weatherby223 gives good advice.  As a matter of fact, if I remember correctly, Lee's manual says you should run at least a full hopper of powder through it to coat everything with graphite to help quench any static cling that may still be left from shipping and production.  But to go further, what powder were you using?  Some powders, despite what the numbers say, dont meter too well and will give low charge weights.  Its not a rifle powder, but the "Dot" series of powders are like that.  They are course enough to cause light and sometimes inconsistent metering.
Brian M.

[Tom W.]

I never had any success with the "perfect" powder measure. I somehow acquired two of them, and they are just sitting here, collectins dust.

[rickyp]

I have one and love it (it isn't no RC BS) for the money.

I pay no attention to the marks on the measurer  I always use my scale to set the measurer. then I check it several times before I start reloading then I check it every 20 rounds or so

[charlie45]

ditto! takes some powder run through it before it repeats. works best with finer powders like reloader 7, h380 & h4198. i set mine with scale and just use scale as referance.

good luck
charlie45

[MnMike]

I do use the marks on the measure, but just to get in the ballpark. I use the scale to set the measure. At that point the Lee happily delivers the same load every time.

mike

[Castaway]

Bama Boy, send one to me if they're in our way.  Never used one, but I use my Lyman for more than one caliber and another would allow me to specialize witout resetting each time.

[Tom W.]

Castaway, send me your snail mail in an e-mail aand pay the postage and I'll send you Both of them.