Lee Perfect Powder Measure Test

[steelersfan]

I did a test to see the consistency of the Lee Perfect Powder Measure vs the Lee Dipper Set.  I cycled two hoppers full of powder though the Perfect Powder Measure since it was new to coat the insides.

For the Perfect Powder Measure, here are my values

24.3
24.5
24.2
24.6
24.3

I grabbed a 1.9 cc dipper and carefully scooped out five scoops and weighed each one:

27.8
27.3
27.2
27.7
27.5

I was surprised at how consistent the dipper was.

Two questions from my first test with my Lee equipment.

Question one:  I expected better consistency with the Perfect Measure.  Is this good consistency that I got above?

Question two:  My loading book said that 27 grains of H322 would be 1.96 cc.  I adjusted the Perfect Powder measure for 1.96 ccs (9 turns past 1 and then move to the 6 mark) and I got the 24.3?  What gives?  Is this just a best guess and then you have to adjust the measure up or down?

[Catfish]

Every lot of powder is alittle different, and what you powder dipper says may not be right on. I load on a Dillon and with H-322 or other ball powders I have never weighted a charge that was .1 grn. away from where I set it, even after several 1,000`s of rounds loaded. I`ve loaded since the 1960`s and have owned alot of Lee stuff and every piece of it let me down at one time or another.

[Dand]

I'm impressed with your consistency with both measures.  Consistency is related to technique and powder used.  Its much easier to be consistent with something like H 110 than H 4831.  What ppowder were you using?

On Lee measures: I use the Pro Auto disk.  For moderate pistol loads I am happy with the consistency. But when I weigh a thrown charge, it is almost consistenty much lighter than the supposed throw weights listed in the Lee book / measure instructions.  So I use the Lee book as a starting guide then weigh multiple throws (10+) to verify I'm gettng what I want  before loading a batch of 100 to 300 rounds - and spot check about every 10th to 15 th round.  I can't figure out why my weighing results are so different from Lee's  - possibly humididty differences here in Alaska vs lower 48 - in addition to lot to lot variances.

I used to use Lee dippers for rifle reloading (4831 and 4350 mostly) but checking loads on a scale, I was never sufficiently accurate.  Now days I rarely load more than 40 rounds of  30-06 , 300 Win mag, 348 win at one time and usually use a Lee dipper to dump powder onto a scale - and weigh each charge.

If I'm loading a lot of .223 I go to my RCBS Uniflow.

[Wrong Way]

I have two complete reloading sets in storage. I used them for years until I discovered the Lee Loaders. Now it's all I ever use. I use a scale to weigh my dipper loads as every new batch of powder is not always the same. I only load for the 30-30 and have found this setup works perfect for me. I load a little on the light side and get very good groups. I guess if I was a long range hunter  or avid competition shooter I'd opt for getting all that stuff out and set up again. But as all I hunt is deer at 100 yards or less, and I get all I need from my little Lee Loaders I can't justify it..

[myronman3]

for my pistol calibers, i set up my powder measure, weighing until i get it right.  i throw several charges, weighing each one to verify. once i feel comfortable it is throwing consistant charges, i quit measuring each charge.

with rifle rounds,  i use the powder measure, set it a little less than what i want, then use a powder trickler to get it perfect.  takes a little longer, but no one i shoot with has been able to get the consitant velocities i get. deviation is usually within 5 fps.