Lee Perfect Powder Measure...

berger

berger

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I just started playing with my Lee Anniversary kit, getting a feel for the different components, and I was hoping someone could help me with the Powder Measure? My first go around will be 45 ACP. I am using HP-38 powder, which, according to the Lee chart, has a volume of .0926. So, based on the calculations in the instructions, I am multiplying 5.2 grains (start load) x .0926 = .482 (rounded up). How does this compute on the measure? I can figure out a whole number, with the thimble adjuster etc, but I am not sure if I am getting a half measure properly, what with the turns of the thimble etc.

I hope my question makes sense.:confused:...If anyone knows of a good pdf or link, I would be most appreciative....
 
I always adjust mine checking each charge with the scale until its where I want it.
Takes a little while but I think its safer.
 
730win94 said:
I always adjust mine checking each charge with the scale until its where I want it.
Takes a little while but I think its safer.
Click to expand...

x2 I use mine for rifle loading and find it nesscessary to weight the charge to get it set up.once set up it throws with in + -.2 either way.
 
rembolt said:
x2 I use mine for rifle loading and find it nesscessary to weight the charge to get it set up.once set up it throws with in + -.2 either way.
Click to expand...

X4 and used for rifle. I get it set to what i want and then trikle charge the tiny bit more in for a dead on charge.
OP. The charge is never going to be right on so use scale and add or subtract the difference.
 
I have same kit, first used Monday and I agree with 730win94 and others.

patients is a virtue when it comes to the lee powder measure and scale, as others will tell you as they told me, your not going to get perfect measures so start a little lower and trickle up to get to the gr you need.
 
berger said:
I just started playing with my Lee Anniversary kit, getting a feel for the different components, and I was hoping someone could help me with the Powder Measure? My first go around will be 45 ACP. I am using HP-38 powder, which, according to the Lee chart, has a volume of .0926. So, based on the calculations in the instructions, I am multiplying 5.2 grains (start load) x .0926 = .482 (rounded up). How does this compute on the measure? I can figure out a whole number, with the thimble adjuster etc, but I am not sure if I am getting a half measure properly, what with the turns of the thimble etc.
Click to expand...

See the example on the bottom right of page 2 of the Perfect Powder Measure Manual. Start with the Metering Rod at zero and matched up with the zero on the thimble. Your charge is quite small (and you have calculated it correctly). If it was 4.582 then the digit to the left of the decimal is the number (4) you would have to screw the metering rod out to. However in your case it is zero, as the setting is 0.582. From zero you will have to turn the rod out 5 full turns - the digit to the right of the decimal. Then on the rod turn the axial white mark around until it lines up with the 8 - your second digit to the right of the decimal. You can also go 2/10th of the way to the 9 to match your third digit.

This is only an approximation, so you will have to throw a charge, weigh it, and then adjust the rod out for more, and in for less. I aim for a weight 0.2 grains under the final charge and use the trickler to top up the powder scale. If this is a frequently used powder weight then make a note of your final setting for next time.

Hope that helps,
 
I use a Lee powder measure, but only to measure the amount slightly under the load I want. The rest I dribble onto the scale from a trickler.

I would never trust any measure w/o a scale to confirm.

.
 
OK hang on a minute.

I call BS on alot of you guys with the trickler idea!

He is reloading .45 ACP!:eek:

Who trickles for pistol cartridges? Thats just insane! :eek:

OP just use the powder measure to get the powder measure to the right setting and test 5 charges in a row to be sure they are somewhat consistent. Powders like Bullseye, and Power Pistol meter really well and are consistent within +/- 0.2 of a grain which is just fine for bulk pistol reloading. Have no experience with the powder you have but hopefully it is the same. Some people will measure one out of evey 10 or 20 rounds just to be sure you are still consistent.

Have fun!
 
Yep. In a perfect world the "perfect" powder measure would throw the exact weight every time. Unfortunately that isn't the case. I weigh every time. That rascal of a powder measure likes to short change me with some regularity.
 
I dial it in with a scale and then just throw my charge's. I know it wont be over max because I don't load for max anymore.
If I have to use a max charge and get a #### kicking from recoil I just go to a bigger gun. :)
 
I adjust ALL my powder measures with a scale first, and then recheck every once and a while when charging cases.

I found my Lyman and RCBS tricklers (yes with rifle powders) to be the most useless tools I purchased. I find a spoon much quicker to add and remove powder from the scale.
 
I would agree that once you establish that the measure is throwing consistent loads (+/- 0.2 grains), then I would just measure and not weigh. Not good enough for accuracy loads in a bolt rifle, but likely lots good enough for a pistol. If it is fine consistent powder (ball works best) then you are likely going to get +/- 0.1 grains.
 
Holy cow! Busy post!! I cannot get to CGN from work, so I decided to check while having a pint in my local...

Thanks for the responses guys! Just to clarify some of the responses, I am not referring to the scale, but the powder thrower. I am actually quite proficient with the scale. I agree the best bet is to get a close measure, about .5 on the adjustment and weigh your way to the proper weight. I found a video on YouTube that does the same.

Does anyone weigh there primer, brass and charge just to compare overall weight, or are the variances in each item to great? Before I get yelled at...:)... I don't plan on doing this.
 
berger said:
Holy cow! Busy post!! I cannot get to CGN from work, so I decided to check while having a pint in my local...

Thanks for the responses guys! Just to clarify some of the responses, I am not referring to the scale, but the powder thrower. I am actually quite proficient with the scale. I agree the best bet is to get a close measure, about .5 on the adjustment and weigh your way to the proper weight. I found a video on YouTube that does the same.

Does anyone weigh there primer, brass and charge just to compare overall weight, or are the variances in each item to great? Before I get yelled at...:)... I don't plan on doing this.
Click to expand...

Over all weight will probably differ quite a bit, because your brass, and bullets will not be perfectly matched.

Weigh the components individually and you will see what I mean. Even if you get the powder perfect the brass will have quite a difference, and depending on the quality of the bullets there can be a pretty big difference.
 
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