RCBS "Little Dandy Pistol Powder Measure"

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ontgunner

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Anyone familiar with this unit? Comments?
Just getting into reloading, and yes, I'm going cheap! :redface:
I will only be doing pistol/revolver loads for now, and relatively low volume.
This will be for just plain ol' range blasting.
Do I need a thrower or a scale at this point... I know I will likely add a 5-0-5 or some such scale to my bench down the road?
Or will my set of Lee "scoops" be okay to just get the hang of it?
And while I've got your attention... which powder should I start with?
Again, relatively light loads will be my starting points.
I will be starting out in .38 special, but will quickly (hopefully) be adding .357, .44 spl/mag, 9mm, .45 long colt and .44-40.
Is there a decent all around powder?
Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
I reserve the right to do whatever I feel, and will not hold anyone accountable for my decision(s). ;)
 
Ive never used that powder measure, but you still need a scale to setup the dispenser.

dispense, weight, adjust, repeat as necessary until you have about 5 consecutive loads that are acceptable. Then weight every tenth load to confirm its still adjusted right.
 
When I did single stage 40s&w all my powder was thrown with the Baer powder measure (same as little dandy). It kicked 5.8 of unique out till the cows come home. Yes, you need to measure every once in a bit. Way better then anything, except the RCBS 1500 Combo.
 
If I remember correctly, the RCBS Little Dandy relies on fixed size rotors that dispense a certain volume ( not weight ) of powder. Again, if it is the one then changing loads means a new rotor . These rotors get expensive.

Lee spoons are a good way to start & you get one with each Lee die set or you can buy a set. However to buy a full set gets a little costly & you might want to instead go ahead & get a good powder thrower. Using spoons get boring very quickly.

You need a good scale absolutely & a good reloading manual & read the manual.

There are some powders such as 231, Unique etc that can do the above calibers but realize that there are trade offs by using only one powder.

With reloading, read the manual, then read it again.
Follow the manual & the recommended loads. Experimenting or guessing can create hand grenades out of your reloads.
Take your time & don't get distracted when reloading.

Sorry if this sounded like a lecture but I have seen a few accidents in my time from careless reloads.

Enjoy & have fun. It is extremely satisfying to shoot a good group with something you put together yourself.
 
colinjw said:
If I remember correctly, the RCBS Little Dandy relies on fixed size rotors that dispense a certain volume ( not weight ) of powder. Again, if it is the one then changing loads means a new rotor . These rotors get expensive.

Lee spoons are a good way to start & you get one with each Lee die set or you can buy a set. However to buy a full set gets a little costly & you might want to instead go ahead & get a good powder thrower. Using spoons get boring very quickly.

You need a good scale absolutely & a good reloading manual & read the manual.

There are some powders such as 231, Unique etc that can do the above calibers but realize that there are trade offs by using only one powder.

With reloading, read the manual, then read it again.
Follow the manual & the recommended loads. Experimenting or guessing can create hand grenades out of your reloads.
Take your time & don't get distracted when reloading.

Sorry if this sounded like a lecture but I have seen a few accidents in my time from careless reloads.

Enjoy & have fun. It is extremely satisfying to shoot a good group with something you put together yourself.
Click to expand...
I have the full set of Lee powder scoops... got them last year at what I thought was a good price.
Got the latest Lyman manual... already reading it! ;)
Don't worry about a "lecture". I realize your just trying to emphasize how dangerous this hobby can be.
Are the scoops suitable (using the included slide scale) until I decide to get a scale?
I'm afraid of spending a lot of cash up front, as I do get bored easily. That said, I don't mind adding or upgrading down the road if I decide to stick with it.
Thanks again for the input!
 
If you have a full set of spoons and check the amount of the charge on a scale then go for it. Use the same amount of pressure when you scoop up the powder & you will become very consistent.

That's how I started out & it is a good way to learn. I even made some spoons from old cartridge cases ( 32's etc ) to make a spoon that Lee did not.
Not buying too much equipment until you are sure of what you want & need makes a lot of sense. I bought a lot of gadgets that I quickly stopped using because something " better " came along.
 
colinjw said:
If you have a full set of spoons and check the amount of the charge on a scale then go for it. Use the same amount of pressure when you scoop up the powder & you will become very consistent.

That's how I started out & it is a good way to learn. I even made some spoons from old cartridge cases ( 32's etc ) to make a spoon that Lee did not.
Not buying too much equipment until you are sure of what you want & need makes a lot of sense. I bought a lot of gadgets that I quickly stopped using because something " better " came along.
Click to expand...

So I guess I'll need a scale. :rolleyes:
At the moment, my "cheapie" shopping list looks like this:
1 - Lee Challenger kit - Cabela's - $34.99
2 - Lee Carbide 4-pistol die sets - Cabela's - $30.99 (as required)
This was going to be it... 'till now. I guess to my list I'll be adding either:
- RCBS 5-0-5 scale - Cabela's - $69.99
OR
- Dillon Eliminator scale - Cabela's - $49.99
I'm leaning towards the Dillon scale :D
 
Rotors

colinjw said:
If I remember correctly, the RCBS Little Dandy relies on fixed size rotors that dispense a certain volume ( not weight ) of powder. Again, if it is the one then changing loads means a new rotor . These rotors get expensive.

The rotors are quite simple, they are easy to make out of brass.
Click to expand...
 
I forgot the Lee Autoprime II - is this a recommended addition?
I noted on an American site that Lee recommends only CCI or Winchester primers.
Thoughts? Comments?
And thanks to all for the input... it really is appreciated! :D
 
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The press you buy should come with a primer seating tool. Try that for a while.
I was looking for the price on a Lee scale but could not find it . However if it is less than the others, then go for that one. They are a balance beam system & it is pretty difficult not to make a good one.

As far as primers, I assume that Lee is making sure they stay away from Federal primers. Federals are softer than the others which is fine if you have a light hammer on your gun but makes them a little more prone to mishaps when seating them. I mainly use Winchester now as they make one primer that does both regular & magnum loads. One less thing to worry about.

As far as the Dandy , if you can make the rotors yourself as previously suggested, that would be a good way to go. Or use the Lee spoons.
 
RCBS little danday is one hell of a good investment. had a 9mm para load made up that varied only 10 fps + - on a ten shot string. The rotors are fixed, but you won't really acumulate that many. AS for scales RCBS 10-10 suites all my needs just fine.
 
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