lee auto disk powder measure inconsistent - Page 2

HAMMERHEAD · 05-20-2011, 15:37

Hodgdon Universal is similar to Unique except that it meters much better. Universal is a very versatile powder.

ColoCG · 05-20-2011, 15:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAMMERHEAD

Hodgdon Universal is similar to Unique except that it meters much better. Universal is a very versatile powder.

I never cared for Universal, just didn't get the accuracy that I did with Unique or WSF. I will admit I only tried Universal in .40 s&w. If I was looking for an alternative to Unique in .45 I would prefer WSF or WST for target loads.

Wash-ar15 · 05-20-2011, 17:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColoCG

I never cared for Universal, just didn't get the accuracy that I did with Unique or WSF. I will admit I only tried Universal in .40 s&w. If I was looking for an alternative to Unique in .45 I would prefer WSF or WST for target loads.

my experience with universal and the disk is that is throws light. WSf and WSt throws as listed.

RRTX11 · 05-20-2011, 20:26

it is the equipment, not the powder. Unique is a great powder.

Fwdftw · 05-20-2011, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregKJR

it is the equipment, not the powder. Unique is a great powder.

elaborate?

Colorado4Wheel · 05-20-2011, 20:42

He doesn't like Lee is my guess.

Having loaded with Unique on my 550 I can tell you that .1gr (.05gr actually) is excellent for Unique. If you operate the LCT the same all the time it will throw a better powder to with even better accuracy.

1glockfan23 · 05-20-2011, 22:40

I just got done loading some 9mm rounds in my Lee Pro. Usually I use Win 231 and have very consistent loads. This time the only powder I had on hand was Unique. Not only did I not get near the amount of powder the chart shows, but it made a big mess. Think I will get some more 231 or Power Pistol tomorrow and try again.

cowboy1964 · 05-20-2011, 23:00

I've discovered those Lee charts aren't even close, at least with Unique powder. That's why you have a scale!

I've used both the auto disk and the adjustable charge bar and I see variations of .2-.3 grains when I randomly check. Oh well, I can't tell a difference when I'm shooting them.

Colorado4Wheel · 05-21-2011, 06:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1glockfan23

I just got done loading some 9mm rounds in my Lee Pro. Usually I use Win 231 and have very consistent loads. This time the only powder I had on hand was Unique. Not only did I not get near the amount of powder the chart shows, but it made a big mess. Think I will get some more 231 or Power Pistol tomorrow and try again.

Those charts were made years ago. They are just a reference. Ignore them, trust your scale. Unique was "reformulated" just a couple years back.

Why was it "messy"

Colorado4Wheel · 05-21-2011, 07:24

I haven't used it a lot with this little mod but it seems to work great. Still consistent. Some adjustability. That .71cc cavity can be adjusted all the way down to the 66cc cavity and still be consistent. The plastic taps and threads really easily. You do need some teflon tap to keep the nut in the thing snugly. I did fill the tip of the set screw in with JB Weld. Yes, that is a little compulsive but I did it anyway.

PsychoKnight · 05-21-2011, 07:39

I got around the uniquely Unique powder problem by using a powder baffle in Lee measures. Some have a itty bitty bridge baffle over the drop hole, but its too small to be effective. I've purchased RCBS powder baffles (just a bent sheet metal piece really), squeezed it to be skinnier, then for the rectangular Lee measures I cut off some of the material with shears to square it a little. For the round Lee measures I just squeeze it to fit. I've made my own from a cut up soda can as well, and it works fine also, but the RCBS looks better and is less work than soda can scrap. This baffle should work in all powder measures regardless of brand or shape.7$

PsychoKnight · 05-21-2011, 07:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado4Wheel

I haven't used it a lot with this little mod but it seems to work great. Still consistent. Some adjustability. That .71cc cavity can be adjusted all the way down to the 66cc cavity and still be consistent. The plastic taps and threads really easily. You do need some teflon tap to keep the nut in the thing snugly. I did fill the tip of the set screw in with JB Weld. Yes, that is a little compulsive but I did it anyway.

That's real cute.
But then, wouldn't the adjustable bar cavity provide the same function?

SFCSMITH(RET) · 05-21-2011, 08:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsychoKnight

That's real cute.
But then, wouldn't the adjustable bar cavity provide the same function?

I have 5 lee powder dispensers, and use this in all of them, since back when I only had one, every time I changed powders and cavities it took a couple tries to hit what I wanted after starting with the chart, I just switched to these, dial them in without having to dissemble anything.

PsychoKnight · 05-21-2011, 11:36

Same here, but I only had three measures. I used these in conjunction w/ a double disk kit for 44 and 357, and in non-mags I had a dedicated, preset charge bar for each bullet wt and caliber combo I used. I think I had about 6 of these things. They're so cheap and easy to swap in and out.

unclebob · 05-21-2011, 12:53

I like Steve’s idea, cheap and there is no way that it can change like the adjustable one. Two set screws are about .68 cents for two. Compared to the 10.00 adjustable one.

Colorado4Wheel · 05-21-2011, 14:52

I had horrible squib issues with the adjustable bar. Others have as well with light charges.

Wash-ar15 · 05-21-2011, 16:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado4Wheel

I had horrible squib issues with the adjustable bar. Others have as well with light charges.

Yes +1. Mine been sitting in the box for years

PsychoKnight · 05-22-2011, 01:27

Very true, I've heard that too. I never shot at the lower end so it was never an issue for me.

Uncle Don · 05-22-2011, 02:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado4Wheel

I had horrible squib issues with the adjustable bar. Others have as well with light charges.

I have one too but not for anything light. Actually, I use it for small rifle loads by setting it at half the charge, then activating it twice. For anything that must be very accurate, I just use a dipper and weigh.

My preference is the disc because they can't change - once I have a verified load, no more checking is necessary.

PsychoKnight · 05-22-2011, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Don

I have one too but not for anything light. Actually, I use it for small rifle loads by setting it at half the charge, then activating it twice. .

You don't like the double disk kit, or haven't given it a try yet?

Uncle Don · 05-22-2011, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsychoKnight

You don't like the double disk kit, or haven't given it a try yet?

I haven't tried it - probably should but the other method has worked pretty well. Probably wrong, but finding a charge you want with two disc combinations seemed like it would be complex.

Colorado4Wheel · 05-22-2011, 19:26

It works pretty slick actually.

Bultx1215 · 05-22-2011, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Don

I haven't tried it - probably should but the other method has worked pretty well. Probably wrong, but finding a charge you want with two disc combinations seemed like it would be complex.

Lee provides a chart with the disc combination volumes. You just translate it to the volume of powder you want using their charts and it gets close depending on the powder.