Author Topic: Lee Powder Measure (Read 665 times)

Ed Hill · « **on:** March 20, 2004, 07:06:18 AM »

I'm having trouble getting my Lee "perfect" powder measure to drop a consistent load of xmp5744, an extruded powder. It drops + or - 4 tenths on a regular basis. The measure is bolted down, I'm using a consistent pull on the handle, and the measure has had two pounds of powder through it for the break in period. Any suggestions? ( Other than run out and buy an RCBS/Lyman)
E.D.

Jerry Lester · « **Reply #1 on:** March 20, 2004, 07:21:52 AM »

No measure will throw heavy extruded powders very accurately. The LEE "perfect" measure is the worst I've seen for this.

I'm afraid that if you're wanting to drop half way accurate charges straight from a measure, you really will have to get a better made measure.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #2 on:** March 20, 2004, 08:34:26 AM »

As Jerry said, it's just the nature of the extruded powder. Try setting it on the light side and trickle it up to charge on your scale pan. That's what I do with extruded powder loads on my RCBS Uniflows.

Ed Hill · « **Reply #3 on:** March 20, 2004, 09:54:40 AM »

Thanks, all. I did set it light and "trickle up", and I do measure all the charges, it just slows the process considerably. I'll start watching EBAY for a Lyman measure.
E.D.

HappyHunter · « **Reply #4 on:** March 20, 2004, 04:45:47 PM »

I also set lite and trickle up.

But I have found no better measure for extruded powder that the Lee!

I use RCBS, Hornady, and Dillon and they do not perform as well as the Lee for me with IMR 4350.

That said I still trickle up to the total charge.

Fred

Ed Hill · « **Reply #5 on:** March 20, 2004, 07:35:27 PM »

Oddly enough, I found that by raising the handle after throwing the charge, so on the next cycle I drop the handle and then raise again, I'm getting better accuracy. I loaded 60 45-70's this afternoon, and got to where the charge would be right on or a tenth under.
E.D.

cdbeaver · « **Reply #6 on:** March 21, 2004, 11:13:02 AM »

HappyHunter: Your experience with the Lee measure is the same as mine. It looks like a refugee from a Tupperware party, but it is the most accurate of three measures I have, including an RCBS Uniflow and a Hornady that I really haven't had an opportunity to thoroughly test yet.

My experience has been that it pays to develop a consistent rhythm in throwing charges. Long, extruded powders are the toughest, but my Lee "Perfect" powder measure does the best job on them.

newfalguy101 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 21, 2004, 12:07:38 PM »

Ok if you dont want to run out a buy a RCBS or Lyman

How about buying a Hornady measure!!!!!!

In my opinion the "Perfect :roll: :roll: " is a total abomination and a very poor buying decision FOR ME.

I cant get it to throw accurate loads no matter what I try, and I use more WW ball powders than anything else!!

the best measure I currently have is an older small pistol measure of an unknown manufacturer ( I bought it used ) and it will throw powder so accurately I am often tempted to simply forgo weighing the charges after I get it set, I am tempted, bUT, I Always weigh at least every 3rd charge!!

I recently got an used Hornady measure and the first time I used it I wasnt impressed, till I took into consideration I was using unique powder( which I have trouble getting to measure accurately with small charges)
After using it with some ball powder I am very happy and it is decidedly more accurate than the "Perfect :roll: :roll: "

Robert · « **Reply #8 on:** March 21, 2004, 12:37:57 PM »

My first measure was the Lee. You get what you pay for. I still use it for some powders, but it will jamb up with light fluffy powders like Red Dot, or fine bal powder like 2230. I have never had a problem with 5744. I have gotten into the habit of tapping it once when I measure and tapping it one more time when I throw the charge. I have since gotten an old style Redding measure, and I love it.

New Hampshire · « **Reply #9 on:** March 21, 2004, 12:58:23 PM »

Complete hand trickling is actually probably the best thing, no matter how slow. Most powder measures can easily cut these types of powders which in turn alters its burn properties. Sure it might be completely unnoticeable by most people but it can have an effect. Frankford Arsenal sells a battery operated power trickler. Might look at that if you want to speed up the trickling process.
Brian M.

Ed Hill · « **Reply #10 on:** March 21, 2004, 03:53:58 PM »

I got rid of all my loading gear ( mostly shotshell) over 20 years ago, and picked up a Lee Kit just to see If I'd still like it. I will be picking up individual items to fit my needs, and selling the Lee stuff. (I will get one of their iron presses, however).
I have noticed that Lee items regularly sell on EBAY for more than their new price in the Midway catalog, so I may actually turn a profit on the deal!

E.D.

Tom W. · « **Reply #11 on:** March 28, 2004, 10:16:39 AM »

I have two of them, altho one os missing it's cover. Any offers? :roll: