Lee Auto Disk?

[Muddy Creek Sam]

Howdy all,

New to Smokless reloading, How do I calculate the size disk to use for 3.5 Grains of Clays, VMD is .1462. Not sure from the instructions.

Thanks,

Sam

[Moonie]

3.5 x .1462 = 0.5117. Keep in mind this is an average that takes into account lot to lot variance and makes sure this will be under that.

Normally I'll calibrate my powder lot by measuring the weight of 20-30 thrown charges and divide this weight by the number of charges and the size of the cavity. This will give you the VMD of your lot of powder, if you wish to get that accurate with it.

Just keep in mind that because Lee doesn't want you to blow yourself up their VMD is usually a little small so a cavity of 0.5117 will usually throw a little less than 3.5gr of Clays regardless of lot.

Clear as mud?

[Maven]

Sam, Is your measure the one with a series of fixed cavity (marked in cc's) disks? If it is, there may be a better, but less convenient way of loading 3.5gr. Clays. What I've always done first is to look at the data sheet that's enclosed with the measure & disks. Select a cavity that will [in theory] drop the charge of powder that you want. Install the disk and drop 10 charges into a scale pan to settle the measure. Then, using a steady rhythm, throw 10 charges into the scale pan and measure it. Repeat it several more times just to be certain. I'm guessing you'll be ~1/2gr. under what you're seeking. If so, empty the measure, go to the next larger cavity and repeat the process. While it is a PITA, it works and is repeatable, which is why I use it for all pistol powders. Btw, a cavity that's too large can be made smaller by installing a bit of paper (as from a paper punch for 3-ring binders) or cardboard. I.e., they can be modified so as to throw a given charge of a given powder and will do so until the "filler" is removed. Btw, record the cavity dimension, both with and without modification, and the charge it throws for future reference. Hope this helps!

[Muddy Creek Sam]

Thanks,

Would hate to blow out my 1911.

Sam

[noylj]

0.53cc.
You need to put in different disks, determine what weight they throw, and calculate the average VMD.

[buck1]

I often have to go 1 size bigger than lee says to get the charge. of cource the scale is boss....Buck

[Cowboy T]

Same here; I usually have to go at least one size bigger, occasionally two. Lee's chart is a little conservative, probably for safety reasons.

However, once you have it set, it's very, very consistent with its powder drops.

[Russ in WY]

You shouldn't have to MT the powder out , just rotate the red plastic resivior & clear the bottom portion & then U will be good to go to change the disk to another position , then rotate open & go .. Russ.