Powder measure

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fleabaggins

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I have a question regarding my Lee reloading setup.

15 years ago, I purchased a complete Lee Progressive Reloader Turret Press. This included the Auto Disk Powder Measure.

I have not used it for the last 15 years, but recently started reloading again. I have purchased new powder.

I am loading Unique powder, using the .66 opening in the auto disk. On your chart (included with the auto disk kit), it shows that the .66 opening should produce 6.0 grains of the Unique powder.

I purchased a RCBS Rangemaster 750 electronic scale. I weighed out the powder I had deposited in my casings, and it consistently weighed out at 5.4 grains.

I checked the Auto Measure table that is currently on your website, and it shows the same statistics - .66 opening should be 6.0 grains of Unique powder.

Is there anyway you can explain this? My concern is that with the bullet in question (230gr .45cal Speer GDHP), 5.4 grains of Unique is the minimum load, and 6.0 grains is the maximum load, so I have a safety concern.

I look forward to hearing any thoughts on this matter.
 
Your scale is most probably right. The table is almost certainly wrong.

The Lee table is notorious for overstating how much powder you will get from each opening. I think they take the worst case scenario of a dense lot, a vibrating bench that packs powder tight and a high-end of tolerance hole, then add a generous safety factor and round up the decimal.
 
This was taken from the Lee website....

Auto Disk consistency

Make sure that when measuring charges thrown by the Auto Disk measure, that it is done out of the normal loading sequence. It is important that the measure work consistently in the amount of force used to move the disk to the drop hole and return. This is accomplished through consistent press lever operation every time.

It is very also very important to ensure that the Auto Disk measure is seated securely into the Powder Through Expanding Die which must also be properly adjusted. This information can be found on this FAQ under "Dies and Die Questions" and then "Powder Through Expander Adjustment". If you are using a chain return system, it must be adjusted properly. This ensures that the disk moves the same amount each and every time the lever is operated. Proper adjustment of the bead chain can be found on this FAQ under "Powder Handling" and "Auto Disk Chain Attachment".

You may want to "condition" the measure by either using powdered graphite on the disks or running the equivalent of a pound of powder through the measure. If you find that inconsistencies still exist, you may want to wash the disks in warm soapy water, rinse and let air dry. This should help eliminate any static that may have been present.

Lastly some powders do not meter well, Unique powder is one example that meters with "casual uniformity". You may find the same symptom with small flake powder in small quantities.

My experience is exactly the same, but many years ago changed from unique to Hodgdon UNIVERSAL clays powder because it is very much like unique ballisticly, meters fantastic through the auto-disk powder measure & is a cleaner burning powder.
I use the Lee auto disk powder measure for all of my reloading needs, & it has worked great for me for many years.....
 
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