Best powder dispenser for Unique using a Loadmaster?

[Joe504]

I am about to get a Lee Loadmaster, and want to replace the lee powder dispenser. I have one now on my pro 1000, and its inconsistent. I'm using Unique, and I don't think the flake powder is fitting well with that dispenser.

Any ideas what I should go with?

[Wayne Smith]

I have a total of six powder measures. The only two that I trust Unique in are the B&M and a Pacific Pistol Power Measure, which uses bushings to measure the powder. In every other powder measure Unique has bound up or otherwise blocked the channels through which it moves from the measure to the case, thus giving light and heavy loads.

[prs]

Joe, Unique is pretty fussy about volume measure. It packs down as you cycle the press rather slowly, so charges get lighter and then you bump it and it frees-up and you get a full charge and so on. A baffle in the powder hopper removes much of that variation, the ones that look sort of like a Pringle's potato chip with notches on the edges. That will probably let charges dropped from the Lee Pro Auto Disk be within a couple of tenths of a grain if you are dropping mid to large charges. Small charges, I just don't know; 5.5g is about as small as I have gone. Before I got the baffle, I used to rap the powder hopper with a pencil before each charge. That looked silly, but no one except me was look'n and it was consistent.

prs

[44Vaquero]

Joe,
What size disk cavity will you be using?
How inconsistent are the charge weight?
Is static an issue for you?

I run 4 Lee Safety Disk Measures and most of the time am +/- a tenth
(On a Load Master, Turret Press, Pro 1000 Automator and a Manual Safety Disk)
+1 on what PRS says about powder baffles and powder packing!

[Joe504]

I'm thinking it might be better to switch away from Unique.

I'm using the micrometer, not the discs for my lee powder measure.

[Norbrat]

The Lee Adjustable Charge Bar has known issues if you are trying to use it for small charges. See http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?199662

If the issue is bridging and/or compression of the granules, a baffle may help and some folks have had success by fixing a vibrating device to the hopper; use your imagination where you might be able to source a small battery operated vibrating device

Maybe from a dead cell phone??

[shooter93]

Might want to try a pistol size measure. Unique is hard to meter. I use a Redding pistol measure that wokes as well as anything I've ever tried. I use a lot of Unique and it was just easier to have several measures with a small size just for pistols or smal rifle cases.

[What Cheer]

shooter93,

Which Redding pistol measure do you use?

Thanks, and best regards,

What Cheer

[Randy C]

Thanks for the info guys we can try it on the old press in town.

[shooter93]

I think it's the BR-30 for pistols or small rifles. It made to throw from a couple grains up to 30 grains and then I have a 3BR I use for rifles. You can get it with a pistol chamber but I think the 30 works a bit better. I don't load max loads and with Unique if I was I'd weigh them all I think.

[williamwaco]

I use the Hornady LNL Powder measure with the small drum.

I find it to be very satisfactory with Unique.

see:

http://reloadingtips.com/reviews/hor...er-measure.htm

Note that whatever measure you use you must use the pistol drum
nothing is going to be consistent with a large drum designed to throw rifle charges.

[What Cheer]

shooter93,

Thanks for your reply. I was hoping it might have been the Redding 10X Competition measure. I would like to hear from someone who has used this measure with Unique.

Thanks, and best regards,

What Cheer

[Joe504]

Thanks for all the replys. This is a lot of good information.

[shooter93]

I looked...it is the 10x WC. I don't think any measure is perfect with Unique....not even the Harrell's but the 10x works as good as any. I've seen any number of tests done with lots of measures. Technique and consistency is the most important I think. High to low I stay within 1 or 2 tenths which I think is the best you can expect with Unique.

[What Cheer]

shooter93,

Thanks again. My experience with Unique using several different brands of measures has been +/- .2 grain. Sometimes I can do a little better, but for the most part that's it.

I have never had the opportunity to try the 10X and was curious.

Thanks, and best regards,

What Cheer

[Mike Hughes]

I have 2 Load Masters, on both I use the RCBS uniflow with case activated powder die. The Hornady powder die is about $20 less than the RCBS and works just as good. Also the Hornady has different expander bushings available for pistol cases. These work great with every powder I have used.

Uniflow with Hornady case activated die

with RCBS case activated die

[David2011]

Anything that's flaked and fluffy is tough to measure in small quantities. I had the same problem with several fluffy powders loading light charges. Heavier charges tend to be more consistent because of the increased volume in the rotor cavity. Not disagreeing with Williamwaco by the way. He's right about the pistol rotor being more consistent. I'm talking about 4 or 5 grains being harder to measure consistently than 10-12 grains.

David

[Joe504]

Ok, first, thanks for the info. This has been a major help for me. Second, after an inventory of powder, I need a different measure.

Any body have a case activated powder drop for cheap?

[r1kk1]

I use a Dillon to measure Unique and it works. I believe if the progressive is mounted without flexing, and operated smoothly as possible and consistently, most priming and powder measure woes go to the wayside. I have loaded 38 spl up to 45 colt with Unique with great consistency. The other case mounted measure I have is a JDS QM and it has no problems either.

Personally, I would check to see if your press is mounted well without flexing by pushing it with your hand in forward and back direction. Second I would use another person watch you operate it to see if it operates smoothly without jerking, etc.

Take care

r1kk1

[ironhead7544]

I have heard that Unique wont meter properly. I use the RCBS powder measure and have had no problems in this respect. When I fill the measure I tap the hopper and settle the powder until it stops. Then throw a few charges and set the correct charge. Been using Unique since 1972 and still do.