Powder Measuring? Scale vs Dispenser

[jwarren116]

I'm just starting my reloading endeavors. So far it's been a little difficult, but I'm working my way through it. I'm having trouble figuring out a set up for measuring powders. I'm using Lee products. The only powder measuring system I have are the dippers that came with the die sets for .223 and 7.62x54r. They seem to me they'd be pretty inaccurate, and you can't really vary from the size of charge the dipper gives you. I'm on a budget, seeing as I just invested in an AR15 kit. I figured I'd be good to go with one of the Lee Perfect Powder Measure, but reading reviews people recomend weighing charges anyway. Should I just go for the Powder Measure, or should I invest in a scale instead? Seems the Lee Perfect Powder Measure would be a lot faster. Any feedback is much appreciated.

[spareparts]

Invest in both.

If you get a dispenser you'll want a scale to verify your charge weights.

When you work up a load you'll want to weigh each charge and work up by 10th's of grains.

For precision shooting you'll want to weigh each individual charge.

For plinking you'll not be so concerned about the exact accuracy of each charge but you'll want to make sure that they are within an acceptable tolerance. I usually weigh every 5th charge to make sure I'm within my acceptable limits. Scales are slow, plinking loads is where a powder dispenser comes in handy.

[swerv512]

having both, i can tell you that i havent used my "perfect" powder measure yet. however it ultimately depends on your goals. if you just want to load as many rounds as fast as possible, you'll have no problems with the powder measure. just remember to weigh every 10th or so charge to verify accuracy. i weight every charge on a scale for uniformity- it takes more time, but the results are more accuate.

[tujungatoes]

Spend some extra money and get both. Also I've never heard anything good about the lee scale, you might want to avoid it. You could probably snag a decent scale and measure used off ebay for $100ish.


-Toes

[30Cal]

I've used the Lee scale. Technically, it performs it's function. I hated it.

I haven't found too many loads that benefitted from weighing individual charges (I avoid fussy loads).

[gunboat]

More ways than one to skin the cat -- I prefer, dip a measured amount to the scale, then a trickler to adjust to desired amount -- I never seem to use the measure any more, not even the belding and mull --- Buuut, I shoot just one at a time ---- my ha-penny

[EastBayRidge]

It depends what you're loading for - I use the perfect powder measure for 45ACP and measure every tenth or twentieth, but throw, trickle and measure each charge for my precision rifles on a scale.

Spend the money and get a good RCBS balance beam scale. I started out with a Lee and it sucks a bag of d*cks. Wilder swings than a see saw with two fat kids on it.

[mvpatriot]

A scale is a must with a powder measure. But once you dial it in, most charges vary very little and you just keep crankin em out.