RCBS Little Dandy info needed...

[msp2640]

Gents - I have one of these due in with several rotors, never used one before. I've used my tried and true Uniflow for years, but thought this maybe a good grab for the 41/44/45 revolver rounds, which I never load larger quantites of. I thought this maybe useful, when only making a box or 2, of a certian caliber/ bullet type - rather than resetting the Uniflow for every change. I'd appreciate any thoughts/ insights/ reccomendations on the measure. I already downloaded the rotor chart from RCBS. I know I have to pick up a couple of rotors for it, for loads I already use and will probably buy those new. I may look around for 2nd hand ones to fill in gaps with the ones I have already, for potential future use. Thanks for any help, Bill in MA

[Outpost75]

I use the Little Dandy alot. You might find this table handy:

RCBS Little Dandy Measure

The RCBS Little Dandy measure uses interchangeable, drums or rotors to throw a fixed powder charge.

The proper drum is selected in accordance with a table, which lists the nominal charge weight thrown by each numbered rotor, using various powders. Selection of the proper drum or rotor should always be done by consulting current published sources of load data. You should then check the charge weight of YOUR drum against a reliable powder scale. I drop TEN charges onto the scale pan and mentally move the decimal. The drums are usually spot-on to the stated charge weight, or not more than 0.1 grain under, but I have never found one which threw more than its stated charge weight.

Once the charge weight thrown by your particular measure has been verified, many users leave the measures set up, or package the specific drum in the die box of the caliber in which it is suited. I tend to use the same drums in multiple applications.
Therefore, I post a charge table in my loading area, which I share below so that others don't have to "Reinvent the Wheel." The majority of my recreational and practice loads use either Bullseye or #2400 with cast bullets in pistols, revolvers, lever and bolt rifles. These are the powder drums or rotors and loads they throw with Bullseye and #2400 in the RCBS Little Dandy powder measure:

#00 = 1.7 Bullseye .32 ACP start loads with either 31-081H, 31-084H, 31-087B or 31-087T bullets. Safe in Keltecs and Tomcats
#0 = 2.1 Bullseye .38 S&W with 36-193D bullet or NOE .380-200 Mk1 bullets
#1 = 2.5 Bullseye, standard load for .32 S&W Long with 98-gr. SWC, .32 ACP with 71-gr. FMJ and .38 S&W with 36-155D
#3 = 3.0 Bullseye, standard load for .32 H&R Mag, .32-20 with #3118 115 LFN, and .38 Spl. 148 HBWC flush seated.
#5 = 3.5 Bullseye full charge standard pressure 38 Special cast 146 DEWC, 158 SWC or Cowboy 160LFN
#7 = 4.0 Bullseye +P for .38 Spl. 158 Lead, and as 146 DEWC “full charge wadcutter” in .38 brass for .357 guns.
#8 = 4.5 Bullseye for. 45 ACP H&G68 wadcutter, approximates .38 +P in .357 Mag. brass with 158 lead SWC
#9 = 5.0 Bullseye .45 ACP hardball, full charge wadcutter in .357, “cat sneeze” in any .30 cal. rifle, standard load in .44 Spl.
#12 = 6.5 Bullseye standard load for. 45 Colt 250-255 lead, 200-gr. .44-40, .44 Mag 240 SWC Lead “medium” velocity.
#13 = 7.2 Bullseye, full-charge .45 Colt 230-gr., 10 grs.#2400 for .38 Spl +P 158-gr., and 31-155D Gallery Load in .30-’06.
#15 = 8.4 Bullseye, 1100 fps with 240 JHP in. 44 Mag, .30-'06 100-yard target for plainbased 150 to 205 grains.
Also throws 12 grs. #2400, for plainbased bullets 150 to 205 grains in any. 30 cal case from. 30-30 to .30-'06, and as "medium velocity" load in .357 Magnum with 160-180 grain lead.
#18 = 14.5 #2400, standard load for .357 magnum 158 to 160 grain lead SWC or FN,
#19 = 15.4 #2400, full charge .357 Mag. 158 jacketed, 200-yard target gascheck load in any. 30 cal. from 7.62x39 to. 30-'06 Using bullets from 150 to 205 grains. Also very good in. 30-30 and. 32-40!
#22 = 12.7 of Bullseye! Small game and gallery load for belted cases of .300 H&H and larger only! Approximates .38-55 Winchester in .375 H&H with #375449, also throws 17.9 #2400, good load in .303 Brit., Krag, .308 Win with 150-200gr GC.
#25 = 20.8 #2400, Standard charge 44 Mag. for 240-270-grain LFN and . 30-30 with 170-LFN. Also good in. 30-'06, with either GC cast or jacketed bullets weighing from 150 to 200 grains.

[toallmy]

The little dandy is a wonderful tool for batch loading after you work out what rotors to use . I used one quite a bit over a loading block .

[trooperdan]

I have the original Little Dandy, by Bonanza. I think RCBS bought the rights and made the same size rotors for a while but later ones are a different size. I made a post in the Trader a few days ago, offering to trade rotors for ones I didn't have and a poster listed the later RCBS ones as a different size. Be interesting to know what size your rotors are when you get them in.

[RustyReel]

I use the Little Dandy a lot as well. I found the chart is really only a guide and you have to check the individual rotors you have with the powder you want to use. Maybe it is the humidity down here or low altitude but I have never found one that actually threw what the chart said.

[Sam Casey]

Great little powder dispenser. Be sure to check all powder drops on good scale before simply assuming any chart correctly represents charge that measure will drop. Load the Dandy, drop 2-3 practice drops to scale before actually loading ammo.

[AlHunt]

I've had one for a very long time. I have all but 3 or 4 of the rotors. You've had good advice above, the rotors won't throw the exact weight the charts show. There's a Volume Density Chart here: https://leeprecision.com/files/instruct/VMD.pdf that's sometimes useful if you want to use a powder that's not listed in the rotor chart.

My preferred method is 50 or 100 rounds in the loading block and just hold the Little Dandy freehand, charging cases. Keeping it above 50% full and using a consistent rhythm, I get almost zero variance with the AA series of powders. In fact, if I throw 10 charges the total variance is maybe a half grain. So if I'm throwing a 4.0 grain charge, 10 of them will weigh in between 39.5 and 40.5.

Somebody, somewhere makes an adjustable rotor. I think he's on here somewhere.

I have a spare and a few rotors I'm currently trying to trade away.

[Minerat]

You should look at the adjustable rotor that Bailey Boats sells. He is a member here you can PM him for information. I have one and never use the original rotors.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/member.php?10425-Bailey-Boat

[Three44s]

I own a Lil Dandy but have not put it to work. I have two or three rotors for it but none fit my main loading regimes.

My daily driver is a Uniflow, have two, one with small and the other with the large powder chambers.

I think Bailey Boats adjustable rotor is a fine addition to our craft but isn’t the Uniflow easier to adjust?

To own most if not all the rotors for the Dandy is very costly ........

It seems that one would be wise to be very precise and order rotors that are just related to charges that one uses a lot. The adjustable rotor puts the Dandy on a plane with the Uniflow measure with the latter being easier to adjust IMO. Buying many fixed rotors runs the cost through the roof.

My .02 worth

Three44s

[pworley1]

I have several and use them for all my loading that fall within their capacity limits. If you buy any used rotors check them to make sure that they have not been altered from their original charge. I think you will be happy whit the Little Dandy.

[rugerman1]

Dean Grennell Got me started on the idea of using the Lil Dandy measure for the simple fact that it can’t go out of adjustment. Each time I made an mail-order ,I’d add a couple rotors.
When I needed a load,I’d take a rotor, dump 10, average them,check for repeatability and log the results on a 3x5 index card. Powder name listed at top,and each rotor charge written out. I store the cards in a file card box,sorta like this
278077
I store the rotors in a MTM ammo box like this,with little vci cardboard squares randomly inserted to prevent rust
278078

[Pressman]

I had not givin it a thought till Outpost75 posted his chart. This might be the near perfect powder measure for loading cast boolit loads in a couple of 30 caliber rifles. No more fiddling with adjusting the powder measure, one rotor does it all.

[onelight]

I agree with pressman , I see the Lee pro auto disc measure as an economical version of the little dandy instant adjustment that won't change you just need to keep notes .
I have always wanted a little dandy , but was to cheap :) to buy one and all the rotors I would need.

[msp2640]

Gents - Thanks for all of the info and advice! Outpost thanks for that informative chart - coincidentally, I do use alot of both Bullseye and 2400 and several of your quoted loads I have used. Rugerman - I apprecite the storage tip - I actually have that exact MTM box. Pressman - I think you're right on the 30 cal cast. I shoot alot of 06 with cast 311290s with 2400 - this could be ideal for it. Actually I think my Uniflow is set for the 06 charge of 2400 that I use currently! Greatly appreciate the help - Bill in MA

[Czech_too]

I use the chart that RCBS supplies as a guide, but do check each rotor as to what it actually throws. There may be a variation of a tenth of a grain or more, CYA.
Something else that I've done is taken a wad of the appropriate diameter, punched out from say a business card, and put it into the cavity of the rotor to sort of give me some more 'flexibility' with the charge thrown. Sometimes you just want to find that in between spot from one rotor to another.

[Walks]

I have the RCBS chart printed out and hanging next to my reloading bench. Had Office Depot enlarge it and print on heavy stock.
Also reduced some copies and taped inside the covers of reloading manuals.

[David2011]

My first powder measure was a Little Dandy and I still have it. It’s simple and consistent. I have many more measures now but none are any more consistent than the Little Dandy.

[Three44s]

The first rotor I want to acquire that I am lacking is the #14. It is listed at 12.0 gr. of HS6 and that is my drop dead favorite charge/powder in a .44 Mag case with the RCBS 250 K.

I doubt I would ever be able to spring for a full set of rotors however.

Three44s

[35isit]

I've had one for several years. I use it to load .38 special .357 magnum .44 magnum and 25-20. I have several rotors, no where near all of them. But when I want to try a new powder or load that requires a rotor I don't have. I buy 2 or 3 near the load I expect to work. If it doesn't unfortunately I have to buy more rotors. I probably will have every rotor from 1 to 20 before long as I keep having to change powders because of the current times.

I like the idea of storing them in a shotgun shell box. I have one here somewhere.

[AlHunt]

I think Bailey Boats adjustable rotor is a fine addition to our craft but isn’t the Uniflow easier to adjust?

Possibly, but the *Uniflow can be handheld. Probably 90 seconds or 2 minutes to charge 50 rounds in a loading block.

EDIT: *Typo ... The Little Dandy can be freehanded

[Three44s]

Possibly, but the Uniflow can be handheld. Probably 90 seconds or 2 minutes to charge 50 rounds in a loading block.

I am guessing you meant, “can the Uniflow be hand held?”

I bring my load block to the Uniflow as I mount it in a position that facilitates it’s use there.

So could a Uniflow be hand held. I do not know but the traditional handle would be a detriment. Perhaps one could fashion a knob to actuate the drum to throw charges? The small drum would offer less resistance.

Three44s

[fatnhappy]

I use mine all the time for CB rifle rounds and handgun loads. It’s a robust tool I wouldn’t want to be without. I had it out earlier today for loading charges of red dot in the 7.62 x 39.

As others have stated the rotors charts are an accurate approximation but should be confirmed by scale.

[AlHunt]

I am guessing you meant, “can the Uniflow be hand held?”

I bring my load block to the Uniflow as I mount it in a position that facilitates it’s use there.

So could a Uniflow be hand held. I do not know but the traditional handle would be a detriment. Perhaps one could fashion a knob to actuate the drum to throw charges? The small drum would offer less resistance.

Three44s

Well, I meant "The Little Dandy can he handheld". Same thing, just a typo.

[AZ Pete]

Don't overlook getting the Bailey Boat adjustable rotor. It comes in handy when you don't have the right rotor.

[Green Frog]

I’m so OCD that I had to buy all 28 rotors (#00-26) and right now I store them in a nice wooden cigar box. I’d like to use a plastic MTM type case like I used to, but the boxes only hold 25, and what would I do with the other 3? I have the same problem with the 15 rotors for the Lyman Accumeasure since the factory box only holds 12 of them. That’s what happens when they try to use existing boxes for a new app! :-?

Don’t get me started on the Pacific rotors... I still haven’t even figured out how many of them were available... each list I find is different. I’ve got them standing on end in a 50 round plastic tray for 20 ga shot shells until that collection settles down. Rotors are nice since they each throw the same charge over and over, but then I go crazy and have to have so many of them! :shock:

Froggie

[32Cal]

The rotors are expensive but I got mine years ago278407

[Greg S]

Get a baffle for the measure and throw a couple of loads to settle the powder colum before your start filling cases. It'll give more consistant charges and work the top half of the powder hopper.

Don't overlook using it for 22
3 and 22 Hornet. Handy tool.