Lee auto disk

[09cs]

I loaded up about 100 9mm using 4.5 grains unique, and used the disk that would throw 4.5 grains of unique according to Lee, well it was no where near 4.5, and had to hand trickle up each charge!
I would say each charge was more like 4 grains (don't know exactly, have a beam scale, so that's just a guess).
At least I know the charges are right though I guess.

Does anyone have any tips to get more accurate throws from it? Besides a progressive press lol

I'm guessing part of the problem is the flakey powder of unique?

[buffybuster]

Unique doesn't meter. You'll probably have to live with a 0.1-0.2gr of variance.

You're going to have to try different disks to get the charge volume that throws within the range. An adjustable charge bar can help with consistency.

[noplay6978]

+1 for buffyb
Lee autodisk likes compact powder (Winchester, VV, alliant). Step up one disk measure and see how your Unique weighs out. It will probably be lighter than the load stated in the lee reloading manual, but heavier than your 4.5. You'll have some load varience with IMR powders too. Some guys have drilled out their auto disks to get the weight of their desired powder.

[09cs]

Ah ok thanks guys

[someoneeasy]

I use unique, through my auto disc and usually have to go up to the next larger size.

I recently purchased the micro adjustable bar, but haven't used it yet. 10 bucks

[09cs]

I use unique, through my auto disc and usually have to go up to the next larger size.

I recently purchased the micro adjustable bar, but haven't used it yet. 10 bucks

Does that attach to the auto disk?

EDIT: Just did a google search, looks like I'll either pick that up or the perfect powder measure or something similar

[DougJ]

I've loaded thousands of rounds using the auto disk system and I don't even look at the Lee charts, I stopped referring to them a long time ago. They are only a start point, so pick a disk size and throw a few to see what you get and adjust from there. You can normally get what you need, but the double disk, adjustable change bar and micro disk all have a place.

[bandook]

Lee auto disk is notorious for under-throw. I think I had to step up 2 holes on Unique. But, the throw is fairly consistent so once you have the numbers set, it is very repeatable.

[wilit]

I got an Auto Disk with my turret press and used it to load 9mm. I used Winchester 231 and it pretty much sucked. So I bought an Auto Disk Pro and the micro adjustable bar. That sucked just as much as the regular Auto Disk. I've been told the micro bar just doesn't throw sub 6 grain loads very well, regardless of the powder.

I figured I'd keep it around for when I load rifle rounds. I replaced it with a Hornady powder measure and case activated drop linkage. No issues with messes and inconsistent throws.

[sghart]

The first thing I did when I got my Pro Auto Disk is to chart all of the values per powder.

I picked a day when the wife was out shopping and I had the place to myself. I got out all of the powders that I use and set up my powder dispenser. I then systematically threw 20 charges of each powder with each cavity. I recorded the values and the averages. This allowed me to verify the value of each hole and also to calculate the volumetric density of each lot of powder.

Each time I open a new pound of powder I re-check the VD of THAT PARTICULAR BOTTLE and mark the bottle for future reference.

It is very true that sometimes the holes in the disks fall somewhere in between where you want to be. I ordered a spare set of disks and then I patiently honed out the cavities that I wanted to use. For example, the .71 cavity I had used to throw a load of A #7 that was .5 gr short of what I wanted. The resized hole now drops the exact charge of powder that I want in my 357 loads. I marked the hole accordingly.

You can achieve the same thing with the double disk kit, I have one and it works great. The adjustable charge bar looks like it would work but I have not tried it personally.

The chart provided with the measure is indeed just a starting point. It can't be accurate given manufacturing tolerances, changes in powder volumetric density, variances in weighing methods, etc.

[vega]

If you're going via Lee adjustable charge bar here's a quick and easy fix for loads smaller than 5 gn.

http://forums.1911forum.com/showpost.php?p=2425916&postcount=12

[vega]

If you want to mAke a baffle.

http://www.shootersforum.com/attachments/handloading-equipment/10528d1320785845-powder-measures-powder_baffle_instructions_and_templates.pdf

[Pablo5959]

That micro adjust bar and me not paying close attention was the cause of my only squib.
Use with caution with small charges.

Pablo

[at_liberty]

Lee auto disk is notorious for under-throw. I think I had to step up 2 holes on Unique. But, the throw is fairly consistent so once you have the numbers set, it is very repeatable.

Not what I would call "under throw" in my experience but simply understating what aperture number (in cc) is needed to yield a given powder and weight. That is just a charting thing, but the actual powder throws are accurate and consistent, while there may be exceptions for certain powders.

[at_liberty]

I got an Auto Disk with my turret press and used it to load 9mm. I used Winchester 231 and it pretty much sucked. So I bought an Auto Disk Pro and the micro adjustable bar. That sucked just as much as the regular Auto Disk. I've been told the micro bar just doesn't throw sub 6 grain loads very well, regardless of the powder.

I figured I'd keep it around for when I load rifle rounds. I replaced it with a Hornady powder measure and case activated drop linkage. No issues with messes and inconsistent throws.

I found that I had to watch for and address any plastic mold flash on the hopper surface that mates with the disk or adjustable charge bar. I like the older style rectangular hopper, which I use on the turret.