Alternative powder to unique for 9mm (lee auto disk problem)

MiltonBradly

MiltonBradly

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Hey all,

Well after having ~5 light loads at the range out of a test batch of ammo I find out that Unique doesn't meter so well with my new-to-me Auto disk powder measure for my also new-to-me Pro 1000.

I have been using unique for 9mm, .357 and .45 since I started reloading a little while back and liked it for it's flexibility (I use it in cast lead rifle loads as well) and bulk while I was learning to reload .45's. It has worked perfectly in an RCBS little dandy measure while I have been loading off of single stage presses...

I guess I'll have to switch to a ball or tube type powder to get reliable charges from my auto disk... Would anyone recommend a particular powder to try that has better metering features and still might be flexible for multiple calibers? Is there a different powder feed that could be used with my Pro 1000 that would meter Unique more reliably?

Thanks
MB
 
Hmmm. I've had very good results metering Unique in Lee auto-disk powder measure for both 9mm and .455 loads.

Try this: Wash all the components including disks and hopper in soapy water, rinse and dry well before using. Keep the hopper over half full. Keep all components dry.

The powder flows better if everything is squeaky clean and the hopper is over half full. If there is any moisture or grime build-up, it will impede powder flow and cause light loads.
 
jethunter said:
Hmmm. I've had very good results metering Unique in Lee auto-disk powder measure for both 9mm and .455 loads.

Try this: Wash all the components including disks and hopper in soapy water, rinse and dry well before using. Keep the hopper over half full. Keep all components dry.

The powder flows better if everything is squeaky clean and the hopper is over half full. If there is any moisture or grime build-up, it will impede powder flow and cause light loads.
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I thought I had everything reasonably clean, but I will try another cleaning and run another batch. I did have about 1/3 full hopper (I figured no point filling it if I'm only doing ~100) Perhaps there is hope for me yet... I've read about cleaning/rubbing down the powder measure with a used dryer sheet to eliminate any static charge, I'll give that a go as well.

Ball powders like W231 or HP-38 will measure the best.
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I'm seeing 231 all over my Lyman manual for the calibers I want to work with... that might be plan B if cleaning doesn't help with my powder measure.

Thanks
MB
 
I use tite group with lee auto disc and have over 2k rounds no problem
I think it's 4.8gr or 4.7gr "check your books"
I use the same mesure for the .45auto also. basically I never touch the powder mesure
quatity will vary from +.1 to -.1 gr from time to time but most of the time really accurate
 
MiltonBradly said:
... I've read about cleaning/rubbing down the powder measure with a used dryer sheet to eliminate any static charge, I'll give that a go as well...
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Try just washing it with soapy water first, that should neutralize the static charge if there is one. I've tried the dryer sheet trick in a different powder measure and the residue it left actually made more problems because powder residue stuck to it. If you do use a dryer sheet, wipe the hopper down well afterwards.
 
A powder similar in speed and application (medium power loads) to Unique is IMR SR7625. It meters very well and gives good accuracy in 9mm, 38, 40 S&W and 45ACP. I also use if for medium power in 44 Mag (6.5 g) and 45 Colt (8 gr).
 
I have had the same issue with unique and autodisks, titegroup meters really well and is a great 9mm powder
 
I've weighted loads coming through the Auto-Disc and they were within a tenth right to the last two loads - really amazing - it did not matter how much powder was in the hopper. All the mentioned powders are fine - but my favourite is H Clays - most consistent over the chrony.
 
Are you using the Auto disk with the original spring return, or the modification with the chain to have a positive return on the measure. I replaced my springs with the positive return and had no further problems with short measures of powder.
 
al-sway said:
are you using the auto disk with the original spring return, or the modification with the chain to have a positive return on the measure. I replaced my springs with the positive return and had no further problems with short measures of powder.
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x-2
 
Al-Sway said:
Are you using the Auto disk with the original spring return, or the modification with the chain to have a positive return on the measure. I replaced my springs with the positive return and had no further problems with short measures of powder.
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I have the chain return model which I have modified over to a rod for longer service life/minimal wear.

I pulled it apart last night and cleaned all the bits well with soap/water. Sure enough when I lifted the top off the unit and peeked up into the dispenser the rubber gasket/bushing was all gunged up with powder and powder dust... I thought I had wiped it all down and had it "clean enough" when I first set it up but it would seem otherwise. I haven't had a chance to test it out today but will give it a good shakedown run before I try and load any more rounds with it to see if it has improved.

I'm a little surprised at the use of such a large soft rubber component in a powder measure. I would think it would be a magnet for grime and a potential source of inconsistency but I doubt it would have been engineered that way unless it was up to the task... Still, I wonder if a well fitted Teflon or Delrin bushing might be an alternative to try... I have made Delrin metering bushings for my little dandy measure that work adequately with Unique and have provided accurate charges for thousands of reloads so far.

Thanks for all the replies. If I cant get sort out accurate metering with Unique, I now have somewhere to start for new powder choices.

MB
 
IMR SR4756 works well for 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 ACP

HI there..

I just wanted to chime in and add my experience here.. I have been using IMR SR4756 powder for all my pistol loads from 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 ACP. It meters well in my Dillon and the nice thing about it is that there is never a chance of a double charge. Very accurate and not that dirty when compared to other powders...

Just my 2 cents.

RDG
 
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