Powder Measuring Systems

mnoirot64 · October 6, 2013, 10:07 AM

Good Sunday morning to everyone!

Since I am having a great deal of difficulty using the the Hornady case activated powder drop with IMR 800-X powder, I have decided to buy a powder measuring system to more accurately measure my charges. I am sure some of you have experience with the systems I'm considering: Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Charge and the Lyman GEN 5 or GEN 6 systems. I want to be able to measure loads for .38 special, .357 magnum, .44 magnum, .45 ACP, .270 WIN, .308 and .300 Win Mag. Which system do you recommend and why?

Thank you in advance for your advice!

Michael Noirot
Clarksville, Tennessee

myfriendis410 · October 6, 2013, 10:43 AM

"Measuring" powder for pistol, shotgun and rifle can be done effectively using very different equipment. For the first two that typically use flake or ball powders, a powder measure with a check scale can do a wonderful job quickly. I have two Dillons that generally dispense flake powders to +-.1 grains. Plenty good enough for pistol or shotgun. If you are measuring stick powders you may want to consider using a scale to obtain precise powder charges. There are digital dispensing scales like the Lyman and RCBS that do a good job of this fairly quickly. More expensive competition measures can deliver good results with stick propellents, but the operative word is "expensive".

Pistol and shotgun shells can be constructed very quickly using progressive presses and flake/ball powders but rifle cartridges simply sit in a different category (as a general rule).

steve4102 · October 6, 2013, 11:00 AM

I have the Lyman 1200 and I highly recommend it. That said, I use it for rifle loading not pistol loading. For pistol I always drop the charge.

800-X is well known to meter like Corn Flakes no matter what powder drop used.

Me, If I cannot drop a pistol powder charge with acceptable accuracy, I switch to a different powder. No way I'm going to buy a $250-$300 unit just so I can continue to fight with a powder like 800-X.

Carry On.

mnoirot64 · October 6, 2013, 11:21 AM

Thank you for your input.

Steve: Will a powder measuring system work with 800-X accurately and in loads small enough for pistol cartridges 5 - 10 grains?

**Unclenick** · October 6, 2013, 04:37 PM

Big flakes like 800X and Unique are the most problematic powders to dispense volumetrically. You might consider something less difficult for standard measures, like Hodgdon Universal, which has similar performance but whose much smaller grains meter pretty well in a number of measures. In the meanwhile, if you don't feel you can meter 800X satisfactorily, then just weigh the charges of it until it is gone and you can switch to Universal or some other choice, depending on your application.

mjes92 · October 6, 2013, 07:14 PM

The Hornady Lock-N-Load will require two different cylinders to cover the calibers you want to load. It comes with the larger charge range cylinder designed for rifle cartridges. The smaller cylinder for pistol rounds works much better for low density rounds like .38 spl.

I works very well but plan on purchasing another cylinder.

mnoirot64 · October 8, 2013, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjes92

The Hornady Lock-N-Load will require two different cylinders to cover the calibers you want to load. It comes with the larger charge range cylinder designed for rifle cartridges. The smaller cylinder for pistol rounds works much better for low density rounds like .38 spl.

I works very well but plan on purchasing another cylinder.

I made the purchase yesterday from Midsouth Shooters. Works beautiful with IMR 800-X. While it's going to be slower loading while utilizing the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Charge, it will be worth it to have more accurate, consistent hand loads.

steve4102 · October 8, 2013, 05:13 PM

These powder dispenser are great, but they can be problematic at times. Certain outside forces can cause them to get squirrely (technical term). Loud music, air movement and drafts from open doorways, windows, air conditioners and heat ducts. Some say cell phones and wireless internet can affect them as well, I personally have not had any issues with other electronic devices.

If it starts to act squirrely look around the room for some type of interference before blaming the unit itself.

KeifB · October 8, 2013, 06:57 PM

Sending or receiving a text really trips my Lyman electronic dispenser... For a moment only, but its undeniable.

45long · October 14, 2013, 03:35 AM

When not using a Progressive press. Your all going to laugh , but I use those cheap Lee powder drops..They have a flimsy stand so they vibrate a little each time you cycle them so you don't need a knocker. I have a Lyman (With the little knocker attached)that I never use and a RCBS that I rarely use. I measure all my settings with the back of a vernier caliper and record them so I can dial up the load anytime I want to go back to it. I love these drops ,they're easy to clean when they get gummed up and they're like 15 bucks..Woo Hoo.

For that price you can get several and leave em set for your favorite loads.

I also use the vernier thing on my crimping dies to set and record each different bullet I use..

bt380 · October 15, 2013, 08:18 PM

Whatever powder measure you decide, be sure to get a baffle for it and look into the various methods to eliminate static electricity. Before you buy your measure, email their tech support and ask them how well their measure works w/ "corn flakes."

October 6, 2013, 10:07 AM	#1
mnoirot64 Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2013 Location: Clarksville, Tennessee Posts: 365	Powder Measuring Systems Good Sunday morning to everyone! Since I am having a great deal of difficulty using the the Hornady case activated powder drop with IMR 800-X powder, I have decided to buy a powder measuring system to more accurately measure my charges. I am sure some of you have experience with the systems I'm considering: Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Charge and the Lyman GEN 5 or GEN 6 systems. I want to be able to measure loads for .38 special, .357 magnum, .44 magnum, .45 ACP, .270 WIN, .308 and .300 Win Mag. Which system do you recommend and why? Thank you in advance for your advice! Michael Noirot Clarksville, Tennessee

October 6, 2013, 04:37 PM	#5
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Big flakes like 800X and Unique are the most problematic powders to dispense volumetrically. You might consider something less difficult for standard measures, like Hodgdon Universal, which has similar performance but whose much smaller grains meter pretty well in a number of measures. In the meanwhile, if you don't feel you can meter 800X satisfactorily, then just weigh the charges of it until it is gone and you can switch to Universal or some other choice, depending on your application. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

October 6, 2013, 07:14 PM	#6
mjes92 Senior Member Join Date: January 28, 2013 Location: Land of 10,000 taxes Posts: 211	The Hornady Lock-N-Load will require two different cylinders to cover the calibers you want to load. It comes with the larger charge range cylinder designed for rifle cartridges. The smaller cylinder for pistol rounds works much better for low density rounds like .38 spl. I works very well but plan on purchasing another cylinder. __________________ Dad !!! "It's only going to be perfect if you do it yourself." - my teenage daughter Dad !!! "I'm not scared" My Cancer fighting daughter." Cancer Sucks NRA - Life Member

October 14, 2013, 03:35 AM	#10
45long Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2011 Location: SW Missouri Posts: 106	My Preference When not using a Progressive press. Your all going to laugh , but I use those cheap Lee powder drops..They have a flimsy stand so they vibrate a little each time you cycle them so you don't need a knocker. I have a Lyman (With the little knocker attached)that I never use and a RCBS that I rarely use. I measure all my settings with the back of a vernier caliper and record them so I can dial up the load anytime I want to go back to it. I love these drops ,they're easy to clean when they get gummed up and they're like 15 bucks..Woo Hoo. For that price you can get several and leave em set for your favorite loads. I also use the vernier thing on my crimping dies to set and record each different bullet I use..

October 6, 2013, 10:43 AM	#2
myfriendis410 Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2011 Location: Lompoc California Posts: 274	"Measuring" powder for pistol, shotgun and rifle can be done effectively using very different equipment. For the first two that typically use flake or ball powders, a powder measure with a check scale can do a wonderful job quickly. I have two Dillons that generally dispense flake powders to +-.1 grains. Plenty good enough for pistol or shotgun. If you are measuring stick powders you may want to consider using a scale to obtain precise powder charges. There are digital dispensing scales like the Lyman and RCBS that do a good job of this fairly quickly. More expensive competition measures can deliver good results with stick propellents, but the operative word is "expensive". Pistol and shotgun shells can be constructed very quickly using progressive presses and flake/ball powders but rifle cartridges simply sit in a different category (as a general rule).

October 6, 2013, 11:00 AM	#3
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,955	I have the Lyman 1200 and I highly recommend it. That said, I use it for rifle loading not pistol loading. For pistol I always drop the charge. 800-X is well known to meter like Corn Flakes no matter what powder drop used. Me, If I cannot drop a pistol powder charge with acceptable accuracy, I switch to a different powder. No way I'm going to buy a $250-$300 unit just so I can continue to fight with a powder like 800-X. Carry On.

October 6, 2013, 11:21 AM	#4
mnoirot64 Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2013 Location: Clarksville, Tennessee Posts: 365	Thank you for your input. Steve: Will a powder measuring system work with 800-X accurately and in loads small enough for pistol cartridges 5 - 10 grains?

October 8, 2013, 05:13 PM	#8
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,955	These powder dispenser are great, but they can be problematic at times. Certain outside forces can cause them to get squirrely (technical term). Loud music, air movement and drafts from open doorways, windows, air conditioners and heat ducts. Some say cell phones and wireless internet can affect them as well, I personally have not had any issues with other electronic devices. If it starts to act squirrely look around the room for some type of interference before blaming the unit itself.

October 8, 2013, 06:57 PM	#9
KeifB Junior Member Join Date: July 20, 2013 Posts: 4	Sending or receiving a text really trips my Lyman electronic dispenser... For a moment only, but its undeniable.

October 15, 2013, 08:18 PM	#11
bt380 Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2012 Posts: 331	Whatever powder measure you decide, be sure to get a baffle for it and look into the various methods to eliminate static electricity. Before you buy your measure, email their tech support and ask them how well their measure works w/ "corn flakes."