Opinions Needed/Powder Measure

[Circuit Rider]

My Lyman DPS1200 is about 8 years old and isn't holding calibration. Soon as it's warmed up, I go through the normal procedure to calibrate and it starts to vary immediately. Going to call Lyman to get an estimate for reconditioning. Depending on the cost, I'm thinking of a Hornady # 50068 . But there were some not so favorable reviews and also a few good ones. Also thinking about a manual powder dispenser in case, or when this economy goes belly up and have to do without electrical power. Have a Lee beam scale to use for now , but really want a more accurate and quicker unit. As far as money I would like to keep it under $200.00 for an electronic or manual measure. Any and all opinions appreciated. CR

[Kevin Rohrer]

Everyone, including me will recommend what they own. I have the relatively inexpensive RCBS unit, and it works well for me. I believe I paid about $125 for it.

[olaf455]

"Have a Lee beam scale to use for now , but really want a more accurate and quicker unit"

pretty much everything is faster, but there is nothing more accurate

[ROGER4314]

Did you mean powder measure or powder scale?

Measure.....I have Dillon, Lyman and RCBS. The Lyman 55 is the best.

Scale........I use a Cabelas version of an RCBS digital scale. I turn off the A/C, ceiling fan and let it warm up. It works great. I've had RCBS (Ohaus) 10-10 , 5-10 and 505 beam scales. The one I have left is the 505. My old eyes simply won't deal with it. I CAN use the 505 if I set the desired charge weight on the scale then use it only for a Plus....OK....Minus reference. My hands are just too big to make tiny adjustments on the beam scale.

I had holy Ned with my scale one night and found that my desk light shining on it was fouling it up. The light was fluorescent so it wasn't very hot. It still trashed the scale reading.

I tried several low price scales but wasn't satisfied with their consistency. I use them to weigh bullets or components only.

Flash

[wv109323]

The PACT unit might be an option. They made the original RCBS Powdermaster. IIRC the price for digital scale and powder dispenser is $189.00. They now provide the service for the RCBS units of yesteryear and of course they service what they sell. My Powdermaster went south and PACT actually replaced it with a new unit for $75.00. The 75.00 was suppose to be the price for repair and an update (faster speed) on the RCBS unit. Repairs alone was $35.00

[Dan Cash]

Myweigh. Best there is for the money. they have retired my beam scales though I keep a set of Redding scales on the shelf. Lyman 55 for a measure.

['74 sharps]

I have an RCBS dispenser set to throw a few tenths below what drop I want, then use a Redding trickler (the heaviest unit I found), and with about 2-3 twists on the trickler, I'm spot on. Actually goes very quickly. For non target loads, I'm sure any brand name would work well without using a scale.

[dromia]

I can whole heartedly recommend this electronic powder trickler, The Target Master. It is designed to do just what you've asked about.

Runs at about 15-20 seconds/load depending on the trickle rate you set.

Allan Edwards developed this tool in the 1980s and it has been on the market and updated since then.

http://www.targetmasteruk.com/index.htm



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/adamsutherland/Target%20Master/IMG_2420A.jpg



I've done a brief review here: (http://www.targetmasteruk.com/index.htm)http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=4125


With a powder dispenser set to drop near charge weight its faster and more accurate than any electronic powder dispenser, PACT, RCBS, Hornady etc., on the market, even although it wasn't designed as such. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/adamsutherland/Smilies%20FB/icon_thumbup.gif

I believe that a US company called Omega is now using Allans technology to produce it own version of the Target master for $170 US see here: http://shop.omegapowdertrickler.com/NEW-Omega-Auto-Trickler-OMG2040.htm
(http://www.targetmasteruk.com/index.htm)

[Jeff82]

I use a reading powder measure with good results. It consistently throws within +/- 0.1 grains. It's a bit pricey by good. For a scale I use a Hornady digital scale. It's nothing special, but I like it.

[1bluehorse]

Dromia, I've not seen that item before. What a really cool setup. If I hadn't bought the RCBS unit a few years ago I'd certainly try one of these. In fact WHEN the Chargemaster dies, the Power trickler would be first in line to take it's place I believe..I like it..

[o6Patient]

I prefer manual scale..maybe it isn't as fast but any one that balances out will be fine.
Most powder dumps are about the same, in principal anyway, don't have one but
I understand redding is pretty well built these days.

[Larry D Barr]

I keep it simple. RCBS 5-0-5 scale and the RCBS Uniflow powder measure. The Uniflow is real good at holding the setting, but I weigh every tenth charge just to keep things honest. Works fine with no electricity too.

[WyrTwister]

My Lyman DPS1200 is about 8 years old and isn't holding calibration. Soon as it's warmed up, I go through the normal procedure to calibrate and it starts to vary immediately. Going to call Lyman to get an estimate for reconditioning. Depending on the cost, I'm thinking of a Hornady # 50068 . But there were some not so favorable reviews and also a few good ones. Also thinking about a manual powder dispenser in case, or when this economy goes belly up and have to do without electrical power. Have a Lee beam scale to use for now , but really want a more accurate and quicker unit. As far as money I would like to keep it under $200.00 for an electronic or manual measure. Any and all opinions appreciated. CR

Consider the Lee disk powder measure . I have one for years . With a little cleaning & preventive maintenance ( one a year or two ) , it has consistently done + - .1 of a grain . Combined with the powder drop die , it makes a good system .

God bless
wyr