Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure

[ACC]

I inherited a Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure. Anyone know where I can get an up to date list of powders and what this thing throws?

ACC

[onelight]

You might call Lee they might send you one .
Or if someone does not chime in with a link to one send me a PM , and I will try to make pdf of mine and send it to you.

[NyFirefighter357]

IDK about up to date but here's the .pdf http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIREARMS/lee_autodisk.pdf

[Kenstone]

All charts related to the Lee Disk Powder Measures are posted here at Lee:
https://leeprecision.com/instructions.html
All are .pdf files that can be downloaded/printed.
https://leeprecision.com/files/instruct/PAD_AD_Chart.pdf
https://leeprecision.com/files/instruct/AD3398.pdf
https://leeprecision.com/files/instruct/VMD.pdf

There's a link to the Lee site at the top of every page of this forum.
:mrgreen:

[onelight]

IDK about up to date but here's a the .pdf http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIREARMS/lee_autodisk.pdf
Way to go.
If your chosen powder is not on the chart drop a few charges and you should find a powder that has a similar volume per grain to use as a reference to get close enough to simplify adjusting up or down .

[poppy42]

ACC it’s a great measure. I use it for my pistol rounds and I’ve even used it on 5.56 with a double disk kit and a riser. Heck I wouldn’t mind a second! Anyway You can everything you need off the LEE precision website! It’s all downloadable. Heck they would probably send you a hard copy if you called him up and told him you bought one and it wasn’t in the package . Feel free to PM me if you have any questions

I made this my post Before I checked out link That nyfirefighter357 posted it’s what ya are looking for. There is another single disk chart that’s available from Lee

[kmw1954]

I have 3 of these measures and can say with complete honesty that the data sheets do not match the actual weights dropped. Best thing to do is to set it up with the powder you want to use and just start dropping charges. I recorded more than 50 drops with each cavity that I thought I would use, which was 2 of the smallest disks.

[tunnug]

Or you can order the Lee Auto-Disc Adjustable powder drop, I've replaced the discs on my two Lees, makes measuring the proper amount so much easier.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012823739?pid=150005

[tazman]

I have 3 of these measures and can say with complete honesty that the data sheets do not match the actual weights dropped. Best thing to do is to set it up with the powder you want to use and just start dropping charges. I recorded more than 50 drops with each cavity that I thought I would use, which was 2 of the smallest disks.

There must be some lot to lot variance causing your issue. I have six of them permanently mounted on turrets that I use for loading 38 special, 357 mag, 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP, and 223 rifle with a variety of powders. All of mine drop either right on or within a tenth of a grain of the charts.
That said, I use granular powders rather than flake to insure more consistent powder drops.
I test the charge weights every time I change to a new bottle of powder and every tenth load that gets dropped for the rifle and every 25th load for the handguns.
The Adjustable auto-disc insert works a tunnug says.

[poppy42]

I have 3 of these measures and can say with complete honesty that the data sheets do not match the actual weights dropped. Best thing to do is to set it up with the powder you want to use and just start dropping charges. I recorded more than 50 drops with each cavity that I thought I would use, which was 2 of the smallest disks.

I pretty much agree I just use the data sheets as a guide I’ve never actually been able to get the right drop using just the data sheets . I’ve never had one drop over what it supposed to but they generally drop less so I found I usually have to go up at least one this whole size to get the correct measure . But using data sheets at least It gives me a place to start

[onelight]

I have 4 of them my favorite measure for many of the cartridges I load. Keep a log of the disk powder and charge and they are really quick to setup

[kmw1954]

tazman after checking my log I have 3 powders that I have run thru the Disk; AA#5, Silhouette and HP-38. The only one that was right on was the Silhouette in the #.34 cavity The worst was the AA#5 in the #.34 which was off by .4gr., light..

With the 3 powders listed above plus AA#2 I have been able to find a mid range load for the 115gr, 124gr, 9mm and the 185gr and 200gr 45acp.. For the 380 I was able to find one light load and one heavy load using Silhouette and AA#2 and the one load that measured for the 380 with the HP-38 didn't shoot worth a dang using a 100gr bullet. Though that powder did much better with a cast lead bullet.

The Micro Adjustable disk works fine as long as you are not trying to drop the smallest of charges. I cannot get it to drop anywhere near consistent with HP-38 when closed all the way down to it's smallest adjustment.

After using these measures and disks with all 4 of these powders when I make a label for a box of loads I will list the bullet weight and manufacture, Primer and powder. If I use the Auto Disk to measure the powder I just list the cavity used, such as AA#2. #.34 or HP-38 #.40 so when I use that up I know what I need to load again.

[ACC]

OK, is there a hack for this measure where you can use it by hand, with out using a press?

ACC

[tazman]

There used to be a manual kit for it but I haven't seen one for a long time.
You might be able to rig something up if you take the return spring off.

kmw1954-------we don't really have any powder use in common other than maybe the HP38. I use Bullseye, Titegroup, 231, AA7, CFE Pistol, Longshot, WST, WSH, and 296. I use BLC2 for the 223.

I have one of the microdisk that throw charges smaller than the regular disks. It is useful for light loads with Titegroup.

[hpdrifter]

OK, is there a hack for this measure where you can use it by hand, with out using a press?

ACC

As tazman said, take the spring off and just actuate the lever. You could be creative and fabricate a handle.

All of mine have been converted to "Pro" with the update kit and the lever actually has two holes you could bolt a make shift handle too.

[pastera]

OK, is there a hack for this measure where you can use it by hand, with out using a press?

ACC

if you have access to a 3d printer, I can model up a manual handle pretty easily.

I already have a 3d model for the discontinued microdisk along with models that can be configured for a specific volume throw.

[poppy42]

There used to be a manual kit for it but I haven't seen one for a long time.
You might be able to rig something up if you take the return spring off.

kmw1954-------we don't really have any powder use in common other than maybe the HP38. I use Bullseye, Titegroup, 231, AA7, CFE Pistol, Longshot, WST, WSH, and 296. I use BLC2 for the 223.

I have one of the microdisk that throw charges smaller than the regular disks. It is useful for light loads with Titegroup.

Tazman,
I don’t know if ya know it but HP38 and win231 are the exact same powder! This is a quote from Hodgen “ they (the powders) come out of the exact same vat the only difference is the packaging “
Win 231 is the powder I use for my Makarov and 9 mm Luger. When I couldn’t find it locally I did some checking. There was plenty of HP 38. That’s when I called Hodgdon. Funny part is when win231 is available, HP38 is cheeper! The auto disk is one of my favorite measures! I had some inconsistencies when I first upgraded my measure to the auto disc pro, but I have to run around some powder through it everything seem to level out. I guess it had a break in period. I’m still having problems with the auto disk. My loads range from about 3.5 to 5.1.Depending on the powder I use( I also use unique and titegroup.

[kmw1954]

OK, is there a hack for this measure where you can use it by hand, with out using a press?

ACC

Instead of using the Auto Disk measure maybe you should look for a Lee Perfect Powder Measure. It is a drum type measure and is hand operated. They can be bought new at Titan Reloading, https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-precision-reloading-equipment/lee-powder-handling/lee-perfect-powder-measure and at this price you can't even hardly find them used on ebay.

https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-precision-reloading-equipment/lee-powder-handling/lee-deluxe-perfect-powder-measure another example.

[onelight]

For me the pro auto disk was a big improvement over the standard and I did the upgrade kit on my standard soon after I got my first pro.
My standard came with the Lee 1000 I bought when the 1000 first came out it has been used a lot.
I have the adjustable charge bar but don't use it preferring the fixed cavities that are quick to set up and can't change adjustment for the loads these measures are used on .
I would not want this to be my only measure but it is my favorite measure for most of what I load these days.

[Moleman-]

I have 3 of these measures and can say with complete honesty that the data sheets do not match the actual weights dropped. Best thing to do is to set it up with the powder you want to use and just start dropping charges. I recorded more than 50 drops with each cavity that I thought I would use, which was 2 of the smallest disks.

I won't use mine with the smallest cavity disc (3-4.3) with flake type powders (unique, the dots, W231 ect) because of powder bridging which results in inaccurate powder drops. Works just fine with the next disc up (4.6-6.6) and the the larger ones. For lighter load I'll use a ball or granular type powder like tazman suggested. It's my favorite powder measure for most pistol cartridges. If yours has the pullchain linkage, get the case activated spring linkage and chuck the pullchain linkage in the garbage. If you reload a lot you'll snap the return spring every 80K-100k rounds about the same time that the nut washer ears wear through the nut sleeve if you don't have a replacement for both sitting within view of the measure. If you do, then they never seem to break. Every ten thousand rounds check the powder hopper rubber seal if yours has it for a burr. I've had that cause powder bridging also, but it likely took 100k to be an issue. Removed the burr with a utility knife and continued to use it for several years. Eventually replacing the seal when ordering parts to convert my buddies measure from the pullchain version over to case activated/spring return.

[Kenstone]

OK, is there a hack for this measure where you can use it by hand, with out using a press?

ACC

Why yes there is, for me anyways.
I use the lever arm meant for the chain, and a extension spring hooked on the adjoining die on my progressives.
I hate the stock/wrap around spring or chain return, this spring is easily unhooked to push the lever up/down to charge manually.
It's practical to use this way on a turret too, as it hooks to the adjoining die NOT the press :drinks:
Of course you'll need to follow the expander up/down with the case when throwing a charge by hand.
Pics:
252424
The risers are to clear the index linkage.
I actually throw 10 charges to average/verify the charge weight and have hacked some long cases to fit in the press opening and hold 10 throws.
9mm front, 45ACP inside tape
252425

:mrgreen:
Edit: just re-read your question, wanting to use this measure off the press :-?...
I think you could use a press as a measure stand and hand cycle the (chain) lever as described above.

[kmw1954]

I won't use mine with the smallest cavity disc (3-4.3) with flake type powders (unique, the dots, W231 ect) because of powder bridging which results in inaccurate powder drops.

If yours has the pullchain linkage, get the case activated spring linkage and chuck the pullchain linkage in the garbage. .

Measure works fabulously with the powders I listed in my post even down to the smallest .30 cavity to fill small light charges of AA#2 in the 380. As for the chain pull it just does not work with a rotating turret.

[Alferd Packer]

tazman after checking my log I have 3 powders that I have run thru the Disk; AA#5, Silhouette and HP-38. The only one that was right on was the Silhouette in the #.34 cavity The worst was the AA#5 in the #.34 which was off by .4gr., light..

With the 3 powders listed above plus AA#2 I have been able to find a mid range load for the 115gr, 124gr, 9mm and the 185gr and 200gr 45acp.. For the 380 I was able to find one light load and one heavy load using Silhouette and AA#2 and the one load that measured for the 380 with the HP-38 didn't shoot worth a dang using a 100gr bullet. Though that powder did much better with a cast lead bullet.

The Micro Adjustable disk works fine as long as you are not trying to drop the smallest of charges. I cannot get it to drop anywhere near consistent with HP-38 when closed all the way down to it's smallest adjustment.

After using these measures and disks with all 4 of these powders when I make a label for a box of loads I will list the bullet weight and manufacture, Primer and powder. If I use the Auto Disk to measure the powder I just list the cavity used, such as AA#2. #.34 or HP-38 #.40 so when I use that up I know what I need to load again.

Excellent ideas.
Record data
and using cc. Info on auto disk hole along with powder.

[Alferd Packer]

I have 3 of these measures and can say with complete honesty that the data sheets do not match the actual weights dropped. Best thing to do is to set it up with the powder you want to use and just start dropping charges. I recorded more than 50 drops with each cavity that I thought I would use, which was 2 of the smallest disks.

So many times
I have found the lesser amount
the disk actually throws to be the most accurate as well as the best for that bullet and powder match.

[Alferd Packer]

For me the pro auto disk was a big improvement over the standard and I did the upgrade kit on my standard soon after I got my first pro.
My standard came with the Lee 1000 I bought when the 1000 first came out it has been used a lot.
I have the adjustable charge bar but don't use it preferring the fixed cavities that are quick to set up and can't change adjustment for the loads these measures are used on .
I would not want this to be my only measure but it is my favorite measure for most of what I load these days.

I love your thinking and I wholeheartedly Agree!

[kavemankel]

I have 2 of them. They work ok. All data online for download.
Only gripe I have is the screws for the powder hopper tend to strip out since they don't have metal inserts and just
go into the plastic.

[poppy42]

I have 2 of them. They work ok. All data online for download.
Only gripe I have is the screws for the powder hopper tend to strip out since they don't have metal inserts and just
go into the plastic.

Ya need to upgrade the standard version to the autodisk pro version. The sheet metal screws that hold the hopper on in the standard version or replaced by machine screws and nuts . With the pro version you can also turn the hopper off making it a heck of a lot easier to change the disk size

[onelight]

I have 2 of them. They work ok. All data online for download.
Only gripe I have is the screws for the powder hopper tend to strip out since they don't have metal inserts and just
go into the plastic.
The up grade kit changes the screws to brass finger nuts on brass studs , and gives you the ability to turn the hopper off , it also adds a replaceable silicone wiper which greatly reduces leakage with fine powders.
All nice improvements .

[kmw1954]

The upgrade kit also comes with a swivel nut which makes removing the base much easier and also comes with the adjustable charge bar disk. Well worth the money.

[baragasam]

Only way to ensure accuracy and consistency is through a scale. I went from the disk to the drum, 0 complaints so far running 1 type of pistol powder. Only complain I have is with fine ball powder which is the only type of rifle powder I use. Sometimes it can leak depending how how tight the drum is tightened. Also have some deviation between charges (approx 0.1 grain). I turn the actual drum as far clockwise as I can with the screw on the back loose before I tighten it, seems to fix the issues.

[Loiterer]

If you have a copy of Lee Second Edition it has all the information in the back as well as along side powder charge.

Good book to have around.

[44magLeo]

The Lee book also has a chart of the powders listed with a number. You multiply this number by the grs of powder you want to use, this gives you the cc's. Once you know the cc's you pick the bushing to match.
Leo