I need help getting more consistent powder drops.

[CK_32]

Don't mean to horn in on a post aimed at the OP, but I've had issues with static from time to time. I've cleaned the internals, but what do you use to de-static your jar? Fabric softener sheet? Hasn't been a big issue for me, usually only noticeable for the first 30 or so drops after which, it seems to fade.

Yea get a fabric sheet and rub it on there for a little.


What I did is I put my powder of choice and ran about 3 full hoppers through the thrower to get a nice dust coat on the plastic. I don't have a static issue being I live a mile from the beach, but I know it helps a lot of guys who do. Rust is my problem haha

But try the sheet some leave it in there while stored. Just running powder through the thrower a few times and coating he plastic helped my powder flow from the jar better.

[Low Light]

They Make Better Dies

Guess I shouldn't complain that mine is sometimes off by +/- 2/10. I use a sheet of fabric softener on the inside before every use and make sure it's cleaned out from the last usage. Mine tends to work a bit better with flake powder versus extruded, so type of powder may have an effect. I also noticed there's a fine line between tightening the phillips-head screw on the side to where you can charge it versus actually having powder leak out.

The scale in the Lee kit is woefully inadequate, the powder drop a little less so. Both are enough to get you started, but eventually need replacing, methinks.

[bruceflinch]

I like mine, but rarely use it for pistol rounds. To electronically drop 4-5 grains vs using the powder drop, I use the drop. Generally use Chargemaster for all rifle.

I just use the Chargemaster for rifle.
I load all my handgun rounds on a Dillon 650.

[6mmintl]

Get some anti-static dryer pads and wipe down inside and outside of powder measure, flip charging handle SLOWLY and when you feel granules starting to crunch (get caught between barrel and drum) go slowly thru the rest of the cycle. After awhile you will get into a rhythm of slow rotation, charges should become more consistent.

[jaymz]

Wipe the tube with a dryer sheet and try adding some finely powdered graphite to your powder.

[orangeusa]

If I may - I had bad luck with that Lee "ImPerfect Powder Measure". I couldn't get it to be consistant and it SEEMED to be dependant on how fast/slow you raise and lower the handle... Tapping or not tapping.. weird.

Anyways, I went to this setup (from a suggestion from a local CGSSA reloader) - Lee Auto Disk Powder measure. BTW - life is too short to use those single/double disks - get the Adjustable Charging bar. Get the riser if using this in a Turret. I can get sub 0.1 gn accuracy on most of the throws. ( I measure each casing, tare, powder drop, measure...)

Note - the Adjustable Charging bar maxes out - so for rifle (which I don't load at this point), you'll need another setup.

The spring on the Lee Auto Disk Powder measure hangs up underneath, so sometimes I'll be off by 0.1gn... usually high. I'm working on filing the bottom of the Auto Disk Powder measure by filing the small area above the spring, so it doesn't hang.

Pretty slick for a $45 package.. And by scale - I'm using the 0.001gram Amazon special for under $25 (battery powered, so EMI interference is not a problem). Just my 2 cents...



QUESTION:
I've not used this one - the Lee Pro - any input from folks who have used it?


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[Germz]

Right now they are +- 2 grains.
Yes. Plus or minus TWO grains...What's the best, next, least expensive thing I can do to make this process useful?

Add some fiber like metamucil to your powder to get more consistent drops

[Excaliburr]

Listen to those here who say that Lee powder dropper sux. It does and don't waste much more time on it. Throw your loads short and use a trickler. That is what I do with my RCBS uniflow. I also use a Hornady digital scale which was like $30 and my balance scale just to periodically double check loads. Chargemaster would be nice, but they are expensive. Remember a lot of us re-load to save money...LOL...

[sksman777]

It's not the powder drop. It's the powder!! 800X does not meter well in any thing. Best option is change your powder.

[MKT]

The old way was using a trickler with a balance beam. Throw the charge short, weight the charge while adding powder from the trickler, if you wanted a very accurate charge. Lots 'o fun wasn't it?

I still load all my rifle ammo this way. so what if it is slow, you aren't loading 1,000 rounds a whack. All my bolt gun ammo is built on my Rockchucker, one round at a time.

Now for an auto-loader such as an AR where you burn through ammo a little faster I'd load those on the Dillon.

[Epaphroditus]

Sounds stupid but it works for me ... instead of tapping I duct taped a vibrator to the damned thing. I also added a longer extension (OAL is ~8") to the drop handle to smooth out the motion.

Even then for precision loading I still under charge and use the tickler, er trickler.

You will want to wire up a wall wart for the vibrator ... batteries just don't last.

[orangeusa]

Sounds stupid but it works for me ... instead of tapping I duct taped a vibrator to the damned thing. I also added a longer extension (OAL is ~8") to the drop handle to smooth out the motion.

Even then for precision loading I still under charge and use the tickler, er trickler.

You will want to wire up a wall wart for the vibrator ... batteries just don't last.

Please do NOT post pictures. I have the funniest pic in my mind of this setup. (Free country do as you wish, but man you got me laughing).

.

[Enfield47]

Reminds me of Stilly's "frisky finger" vibrator hook up on his powder dispenser. LOL

[jaymz]

The vibrator's OAL is 8"?

[socom2shooter]

I thought i had problems with .2 inconsistentcy.