Lee Spoon Chart and Lee Die Leaflet in Conflict! Help!

Drachenblut

Drachenblut

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Hello,

I am loading for 6.5X50SR Japanese Arisaka. My Lee Dipper Spoon set states that with the 2.2 Spoon, the charge is 34.1 Grains of H335 powder. Max/Mins are 33-35 grains.

HOWEVER. The little chart that has loads that came with my die set said the minimum is 33 and max is 35. However, it says to use a 1.9 spoon for the H335... which places the grainage at 29.5... that is almost 3 under minimum! I am not sure to use the 2.2 or 1.9 spoon! Help please!

Thanks,
Drachenblut
 
I have 4 Lee classic loaders of different calibers. In all cases, the little chart that comes with the set is different from what the Lee Loading book gives. To be on the safe side, I always use the lower of the loads. At least it's safe and you can always increase the loads later if you wish, but not over the recommended maximum.
I also look at other publications, such as Hodgdons to see what loads they recommend and again use the lowest. If I can't use a dipper, I use my weigh scale:p
 
There are some applications where the Lee dippers may be usable without a scale, but, I'd recommend buying a scale to check the charge weights with.
I would actually rather use the dippers than a trickler, but, I use them with a scale.
 
Nevermind conflicts between the chart and the calculator, I've found the same scoop sizes showing as throwing different charges of the same powder on the same chart! Those scoops may be accurate, but the tables provided with the dies sure are not.
 
I like the Lee Dippers, but found with the Lee Loaders I own that they didnt send the best choice of dipper for the commonly used powders.

Get a set of dippers and go by the chart that comes with them.

Use a manual to get an idea of what charge is acceptable.

I think in your case non of the dippers throw powder in that range, so Lee recommends the next smaller dipper.

Example only:
If for instance you can use 30-34gr of IMR ### and the 2.0cc dipper throws 31gr of it, that would be my new choice for that Lee Loader set which probably shipped with a poor choice of dipper in the first place.

Some powder types just won't throw a charge that falls into what you need for that calibre with the Lee Dipper sizes available. A scale fixes this, or modifying a large dipper to take less powder, then confirming with a scale. Changing powders that fit into the range your dippers throw also works.
 
If there's confusion or conflict, always go by weight and always using data from a reputable reloading manual, preferably the maker of your bullet. I've used Lee Loaders and strongly recommend them to low-budget new-to-reloading types, but my loyalty to my eyes and hands is higher. I use dippers, but always check them on a scale and always err on the side of safety.

What bullet are you using?
 
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I started with three calibers in Lee Loaders, and got a great deal on a scale in the EE. I tested my dipping abilities by dipping some IMR 4064 onto my scale many times, and rarely could I get consistent dips.
 
I can't even imagine reloading CF with smokeless powders and not having/using a scale...sorry my friend you've failed, back to Reloading 101!! For your own safety!!
 
I ran into this years ago. Powder density, for the same powder, seems to vary. Measuring volumetrically has its limits. Please - someone - put this poor student out of his kraft dinner eating misery, and offer him up a Lee scale for cheaps...
 
I happened to use the 2.2 Spoon to load up 50 rounds. I measured them out on a friend's scale and the charge came out as 34.5, pretty consistently which is .5 grains under maximum. The Arisaka action can take a hard beating so I am not too too worried about the minor variance.
 
Make you own out of a couple .22 shells.

Some soft solder, a bit of copper wire, a file, and you're in the game.

Check the weights with a scale, as you file the case down to the size you need.

Check the volume with a syringe. You can buy them at any drug store. For that size, a .5cc insulin syringe would be about right.

Cheers
Trev
 
You can make your own by trimming shells as mentoioned or cut the Lee shorter or fill the bottom with putty etc
 
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