powder throwers

NHSHOOTER · March 19, 2023, 06:14 AM

In your opinion what is the most reliable and accurate powder thrower for stick and ball powders?

mehavey · March 19, 2023, 08:18 AM

Harrells' when price is no object (I have two/used constantly)
Add to that positive/easily-repeatable micrometer settings for different powers/loads

post: I also have a 50-year old Redding... in the closet

.

**44 AMP** · March 19, 2023, 02:34 PM

I've been using the RCBS Uniflow for the past 50 years or so. Works fine for me.

Accuracy depends on the uniformity of user, understanding the right way to operate it, and that the markings are just general, not exactly what the measure throws with every different powder possible.

If I need charge weight accuracy down to a tenth of a grain, I'm weighing each charge anyway.

Marco Califo · March 19, 2023, 03:09 PM

I like my RCBS Chargemaster Combo. It weighs each charge, and tells me if it goes over. Charge the case and it auto repeats. I like the Lyman 55 and use the Lee PPM and use them sometimes, but they do not incorporate weighing each charge in front of me.

stagpanther · March 19, 2023, 04:05 PM

Since I started loading 22lr I needed a precision scale with .01 grain accuracy. Because I'm a bit of an OCD type, I use it for all my charge loading now--for bigger cartridges I'll start with a conventional RCBS chargemaster powder dispenser to within a half grain and finish the load on the scale with hand-trickling. Probably a waste of time; simply makes me feel better.

mehavey · March 19, 2023, 05:46 PM

If we're talking any means to get powder "thrown", then the Chargemaster as discussed above.

**Unclenick** · March 19, 2023, 06:44 PM

NHSHOOTER,

For stick powders, hands down, my choice is the JDS Quick Measure. It is a bit odd to adjust and takes getting get used to, but they guarantee stick powder charges within 0.2 grains, and I've never seen mine go outside that limit, and it usually stays within 0.1 grains as long as it is firmly mounted. The only thing that will throw weight more precisely is an electronic dispensing unit, but anytime I've found a good load, it has proven insensitive to a couple of tenths of a grain of variation. I only weigh during load development.

Nick_C_S · March 19, 2023, 07:04 PM

Quote:

I've been using the RCBS Uniflow for the past 50 years or so. Works fine for me.

Only 39 years here.

Nathan · March 19, 2023, 09:42 PM

It’s real simple. Powder dispensers are the only way to “throw” stick powders. I’m no expert, but I would guess factory ammo is all dispensed over a scale, when using stick powders.

GeauxTide · March 19, 2023, 09:49 PM

I used a Uniflow for 40 years. Upgraded to an RCBS ChargeMaster a couple of years ago and sorry I didn't do it sooner. Fabulous piece of gear.

**44 AMP** · March 20, 2023, 01:14 AM

Being a dinosaur (or at least an Ice Age mammal) all my reloading gear is capable of being fully functional without electricity.

I'm "green" that way...

stagpanther · March 20, 2023, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Being a dinosaur (or at least an Ice Age mammal) all my reloading gear is capable of being fully functional without electricity.

Oh yeah?

I mine sulfer, charcoal and salt peter.

in the snow.
In the dark.
barefoot.

then measure them out and grind them down with mammoth bones.

beat that!

jetinteriorguy · March 20, 2023, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stagpanther

Oh yeah?

I mine sulfer, charcoal and salt peter.

in the snow.
In the dark.
barefoot.

then measure them out and grind them down with mammoth bones.

beat that!

Don’t forget walking uphill in the snow both ways.

stagpanther · March 20, 2023, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Don’t forget walking uphill in the snow both ways.

Walk? I keep it authentic and crawl on all 4's. People are lazy these days.

jaguarxk120 · March 20, 2023, 07:49 AM

Look at the many reloading forums, then pick the thrower/measure that no one
has problems with.

One of the measure's that people do not ask about is Lyman 55. they just work!

old roper · March 20, 2023, 08:35 AM

I have one. When I was shooting BR we loaded at the match and when I quit shooting BR I use it for my varmint rifles. It's over 40yrs old. My RCBS is over 50yrs old. I have adapter for RCBS and I use same drop tubes in both.

stagpanther · March 20, 2023, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Lyman 55

Uhhh...I have one; mine kinda sorta worked well as long as you are scrupulous about cleaning them well, I found that residue tended to get into the measuring system (sometimes acted as a grinder as you turn the crank) stem and knock it out of whack. Too much friggin with the riggin for my tastes.

RoyceP · March 20, 2023, 05:35 PM

I have a Lyman 55 and find it to be accurate.

What is interesting to me is that my Lee disc powder measures are equally as accurate. I used to measure the weight of every 5th charge to see how it was doing. It was very monotonous. I have been using the Lee powder measures for maybe 40 years.

jaguarxk120 · March 20, 2023, 05:48 PM

If it is too much to set up a Lyman measure, there are
sets of scoops made that you can use.

rclark · March 20, 2023, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Being a dinosaur (or at least an Ice Age mammal) all my reloading gear is capable of being fully functional without electricity.

I'll join you around the camp fire

. No electrical gear here either for reloading... Though I do somethings think of 'static' electricity

at times.

I have a Hornady powder measure that seems to work great. Been in use since around 1981-82. Never found a reason to 'change'. Not much help as this is all I have

.

markr6754 · March 20, 2023, 06:35 PM

Very cost effective and highly repeatable results from my Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper. I can't say it's the most accurate dispenser. I don't have any scientific scales to compare it to, but it easily records to <0.1gr...according to my Bald Eagle scale.
My Hornady powder dropper is nearly as accurate with ball powders. It chokes a bit on stick and flattened ball...such as Universal...which is the primary reason I bought the Intellidropper.

**44 AMP** · March 20, 2023, 07:15 PM

There are a couple points that are usually overlooked in this kind of discussion. The first being that volumetric powder measures don't operate on weight, and the second is that for most reloading, precision down to +/- 0.1gr isn't significant.

And when it is, that's what SCALES are for...

7.62 man · March 21, 2023, 12:02 AM

If you are wanting a accurate way to measure out a certain amount of powder the Chargemaster is the best & fastest way. If you are wanting a powder drop to handle all powders go with the Lee Perfect Powder measure. It's cheep looking but it will measure stick & rod powders better than any other powder drop because it has soft lips that doesn't need to break the rods or sticks, so it's a smooth throw of powder.
You powder drop will throw a more accurate if you leave the charge handle in the dump position until you need another charge. Keeping the handle measure position will let the powder to settle from vibrations of your loading table & will lead to erratic powder measurements.

zeke · March 21, 2023, 07:58 AM

A uniflow for ball powders, small stick powders (and unique) without weighing every charge. When using stick powders for precision rifles, am weighing each charge. For very small powder charges, break out a Redding BR (32 and 380 acp).

Uniflow is a great powder measure, but stick powders and very small charges are not it's forte.

And like some others, prefer not to rely on electrical.

Nathan · March 21, 2023, 08:14 AM

My Hornady is not accurate enough for me with large stick, but works well. It throws most smaller stick powders to +/- 0.2gr. It throws ball powder to around +/- 0.05gr.

It’s main failing is it leaks Enforcer! I called and they basically told me it was my fault or it could be wore out…also on me.I honestly think it is lack of fit in their design. Probably due to not being able to set tight enough machining tolerances.

It is about 20 yrs old. I wonder if they make them better now??

March 19, 2023, 06:14 AM	#1
NHSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2012 Location: Concord NH Posts: 1,002	powder throwers In your opinion what is the most reliable and accurate powder thrower for stick and ball powders?

March 19, 2023, 08:18 AM	#2
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,903	Harrells' when price is no object (I have two/used constantly) Add to that positive/easily-repeatable micrometer settings for different powers/loads post: I also have a 50-year old Redding... in the closet . Last edited by mehavey; March 19, 2023 at 08:37 AM.

March 19, 2023, 02:34 PM	#3
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,870	I've been using the RCBS Uniflow for the past 50 years or so. Works fine for me. Accuracy depends on the uniformity of user, understanding the right way to operate it, and that the markings are just general, not exactly what the measure throws with every different powder possible. If I need charge weight accuracy down to a tenth of a grain, I'm weighing each charge anyway. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

March 19, 2023, 03:09 PM	#4
Marco Califo Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2011 Location: LA (Greater Los Angeles Area) Posts: 2,602	I like my RCBS Chargemaster Combo. It weighs each charge, and tells me if it goes over. Charge the case and it auto repeats. I like the Lyman 55 and use the Lee PPM and use them sometimes, but they do not incorporate weighing each charge in front of me. __________________ ............ Last edited by Marco Califo; March 19, 2023 at 11:33 PM. Reason: Fix

March 19, 2023, 04:05 PM	#5
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,806	Since I started loading 22lr I needed a precision scale with .01 grain accuracy. Because I'm a bit of an OCD type, I use it for all my charge loading now--for bigger cartridges I'll start with a conventional RCBS chargemaster powder dispenser to within a half grain and finish the load on the scale with hand-trickling. Probably a waste of time; simply makes me feel better. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!* Last edited by stagpanther; March 20, 2023 at 09:14 AM.

March 19, 2023, 05:46 PM	#6
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,903	If we're talking any means to get powder "thrown", then the Chargemaster as discussed above.

March 19, 2023, 06:44 PM	#7
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	NHSHOOTER, For stick powders, hands down, my choice is the JDS Quick Measure. It is a bit odd to adjust and takes getting get used to, but they guarantee stick powder charges within 0.2 grains, and I've never seen mine go outside that limit, and it usually stays within 0.1 grains as long as it is firmly mounted. The only thing that will throw weight more precisely is an electronic dispensing unit, but anytime I've found a good load, it has proven insensitive to a couple of tenths of a grain of variation. I only weigh during load development. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

March 19, 2023, 09:42 PM	#9
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,334	It’s real simple. Powder dispensers are the only way to “throw” stick powders. I’m no expert, but I would guess factory ammo is all dispensed over a scale, when using stick powders.

March 19, 2023, 09:49 PM	#10
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,426	I used a Uniflow for 40 years. Upgraded to an RCBS ChargeMaster a couple of years ago and sorry I didn't do it sooner. Fabulous piece of gear. __________________ Reloading For: 223R, 243W, 6.5 GR, 6.5 CM, 260R, 6.5-06, 280R, 7mmRM, 300HAM'R, 308W, 30-06, 338-06, 9mm, 357M, 41M, 44SPL, 44M, 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 450BM.

March 20, 2023, 01:14 AM	#11
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,870	Being a dinosaur (or at least an Ice Age mammal) all my reloading gear is capable of being fully functional without electricity. I'm "green" that way... __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

March 20, 2023, 07:49 AM	#15
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	Look at the many reloading forums, then pick the thrower/measure that no one has problems with. One of the measure's that people do not ask about is Lyman 55. they just work!

March 20, 2023, 08:35 AM	#16
old roper Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2007 Posts: 2,155	I have one. When I was shooting BR we loaded at the match and when I quit shooting BR I use it for my varmint rifles. It's over 40yrs old. My RCBS is over 50yrs old. I have adapter for RCBS and I use same drop tubes in both. __________________ Semper Fi Vietnam 1965 VFW Life member NRA Life Member

March 20, 2023, 05:35 PM	#18
RoyceP Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2020 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 234	I have a Lyman 55 and find it to be accurate. What is interesting to me is that my Lee disc powder measures are equally as accurate. I used to measure the weight of every 5th charge to see how it was doing. It was very monotonous. I have been using the Lee powder measures for maybe 40 years.

March 20, 2023, 05:48 PM	#19
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	If it is too much to set up a Lyman measure, there are sets of scoops made that you can use.

March 20, 2023, 06:35 PM	#21
markr6754 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2018 Location: Centerville, OH Posts: 347	Very cost effective and highly repeatable results from my Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper. I can't say it's the most accurate dispenser. I don't have any scientific scales to compare it to, but it easily records to <0.1gr...according to my Bald Eagle scale. My Hornady powder dropper is nearly as accurate with ball powders. It chokes a bit on stick and flattened ball...such as Universal...which is the primary reason I bought the Intellidropper. __________________ “Draw me not without reason, sheath me not without honor.”

March 20, 2023, 07:15 PM	#22
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,870	There are a couple points that are usually overlooked in this kind of discussion. The first being that volumetric powder measures don't operate on weight, and the second is that for most reloading, precision down to +/- 0.1gr isn't significant. And when it is, that's what SCALES are for... __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

March 21, 2023, 12:02 AM	#23
7.62 man Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2009 Location: Cyber-world USA Posts: 258	If you are wanting a accurate way to measure out a certain amount of powder the Chargemaster is the best & fastest way. If you are wanting a powder drop to handle all powders go with the Lee Perfect Powder measure. It's cheep looking but it will measure stick & rod powders better than any other powder drop because it has soft lips that doesn't need to break the rods or sticks, so it's a smooth throw of powder. You powder drop will throw a more accurate if you leave the charge handle in the dump position until you need another charge. Keeping the handle measure position will let the powder to settle from vibrations of your loading table & will lead to erratic powder measurements.

March 21, 2023, 07:58 AM	#24
zeke Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 1999 Location: NW Wi Posts: 1,671	A uniflow for ball powders, small stick powders (and unique) without weighing every charge. When using stick powders for precision rifles, am weighing each charge. For very small powder charges, break out a Redding BR (32 and 380 acp). Uniflow is a great powder measure, but stick powders and very small charges are not it's forte. And like some others, prefer not to rely on electrical.

March 21, 2023, 08:14 AM	#25
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,334	My Hornady is not accurate enough for me with large stick, but works well. It throws most smaller stick powders to +/- 0.2gr. It throws ball powder to around +/- 0.05gr. It’s main failing is it leaks Enforcer! I called and they basically told me it was my fault or it could be wore out…also on me.I honestly think it is lack of fit in their design. Probably due to not being able to set tight enough machining tolerances. It is about 20 yrs old. I wonder if they make them better now??