Powder measure help

[Ishooter]

I've just been thinking about getting the RCBS Uniflow and I found this, so I'm right on the subject. lol. I'm using the Lee Perfect Powder and it's not consistent to dispense 700X small flakes. I've been interested in this RCBS, but since you mentioned it has issues with small flakes, I think I'll back out unless there's a way to make it better.

Is there any good powder measure for small flakes that is under $100?

[brettkeating]

what's the error range? I remember I was getting .1 grain difference when I used Green Dot, Unique and Herco. HP38, W231 or other flattened ball powders work just fine. 4 grains of flake powder with a large/rifle drum can be a problem.

A few things to consider:

1. Absolutely no lube on any part of the powder measure. In fact, degrease the drum, cylinder and piston. I cleaned up the burry edges with steel wool.
2. vibration can cause variations. mount the powder measure separately.
3. use a baffle and tap the powder hopper to settle the powder before running it.
4. I tap the handle twice on top and twice on bottom for each charge with consistant force.
5. I reduce rifle charge to half so I'd throw twice for each charge.
6. Use a pistol drum for pistol charges.

Thank you this is great. I already have do/have done 1,2,4. I will consider getting the baffle. I don't know how I never knew there was a separate pistol drum available for this powder measure. I ordered the pistol drum, and if I still feel as though it's not doing what I want, I'll get the baffle too.

The error I was getting was not really measurable, it was so bad. I was using 700-X, which meters like corn flakes. Sometimes the entire charge would just be stuck up in there, and on the next try through two charges would come pouring out. Sometimes I'd throw the handle 3 times or more before anything came out.

[huckberry668]

I used rifle drum for years before I bought the pistol drum. If the charges are not too small, rifle drum still would work just fine. You don't have to buy the baffle. Form the shape with construction paper and cut up an aluminum can to form one.

[stilly]

I've just been thinking about getting the RCBS Uniflow and I found this, so I'm right on the subject. lol. I'm using the Lee Perfect Powder and it's not consistent to dispense 700X small flakes. I've been interested in this RCBS, but since you mentioned it has issues with small flakes, I think I'll back out unless there's a way to make it better.

Is there any good powder measure for small flakes that is under $100?

I would go with either a reding or an rcbs quick change ($87 I think) or the Hornady Lock N Load ($65).

The lock n load is actually really cool. It can also do pistol drops with its large rifle rotor, but just remember that if you barely adjust it, it will cut or add a LOT more than you might want, so take it easy on adjustments.

The lock n load powder dropper also comes with a baffle cause Hornady is cool like that...

[brettkeating]

I've just been thinking about getting the RCBS Uniflow and I found this, so I'm right on the subject. lol. I'm using the Lee Perfect Powder and it's not consistent to dispense 700X small flakes. I've been interested in this RCBS, but since you mentioned it has issues with small flakes, I think I'll back out unless there's a way to make it better.

Is there any good powder measure for small flakes that is under $100?

I have the pistol assembly for the Uniflow on order, and I'll update this thread and let you know how well it does with 700X. It is my powder of choice for 38 special, and I also use it for Nambu 8mm loads. Because I have issues with the dispenser using this powder, I've been using a 0.5cc dipper for 38 special with good success. I don't have a dipper combination that gives what I need for Nambu, so I'm hoping this pistol assembly helps. It should be here early next week.

Honestly, the Uniflow is fantastic for larger loads and easy-to-meter powders, at least with the rifle assembly that came with it. I was within 0.1 grains on my last load of .357 magnum with H110 (around 17.0 grains), and also within 0.1 grains on 50.5 grain throws for AA 2700 (my favorite so far for Arisaka rifle loads).

[Witch Hunter]

Use a baffle, use the pistol drum, Unique or any flake powder is hard to meter consistently. Wipe it out with dryer sheets, don't try to leave them in there while it has powder in it. The dryer sheets will just eliminate any static. Don't give up, you'll get it.

[brettkeating]

By the way, when wiping with dryer sheets... Maybe it's my sheets, but they left a sticky residue on the walls of the hopper. I wiped it away, but I'm thinking that when I clean it like that, I'm also removing the beneficial graphite. Perhaps it's better to just lightly pass the sheet over the parts very gently.

[peacedivision]

Its wax or something in the sheets, better to wipe down with a used sheet from the dryer

[filthy phil]

Rig up some type of vibration like it did with this $10 aquarium pump.

I was having exreme variances with unique
Now flow perfection

[Ishooter]

Rig up some type of vibration like it did with this $10 aquarium pump.

I was having exreme variances with unique
Now flow perfection

Good job! Coincidentally, I had an exact same idea to rig up an aquarium pump like that to my Lee powder, so it can shake it constantly and dispense consistently every time. I've been thinking about going to Walmart to get that pump, but never did.