Anyone use the Lee Auto-Disk Powder Measure?

7-30, I use one, but almost exclusively for .38spl and .357mag. loads even though I have the rifle charging die. It's quite accurate with flake powders, e.g., B'eye, Clays, G. Dot, but doesn't funnel the entire charge of WC 820 (~AA #9) into the rifle case. Moreover, you mustn't assume the printed charge wt./cc data supplied with the unit is correct. Instead you have to go through the routine of installing the rotor/charge wt. you think you want, weigh ~30-40 charges and then determine whether the result is what you want. If not, you have to empty, disassemble, ad infinitum. Btw, what was your question? ...Maven

Paul:

Was looking for an overall approval or disapproval of the measure. How does it throw with ball or extruded powders? I see they have a double disk for charging cartridges upto the 308 Win size cases.

I've used it quite a bit, but then again, with the flake type of powder. Using those type of powders, I usually get less than .1 grain variation... it's just dead accurate. I was thinking I had read at one time that Lee doesn't recommend using it with the ball type of powder, but my memory is pretty fuzzy, and I may be dreaming that up....something about the grains getting in the moving parts and locking it up? .... or something like that.... I've never tried it with extruded powders... but I bet it would probably work ok with SMALL extruded grains

7-30, I think it will work with the shorter grained extruded powders such as IMR 4227 or AA XMP 5744, although I've never tried it. Now that you've reminded me, I'll have to try it with 4198 and double disks. However, I too get .1gr. accuracy with flake powders. All in all, it's not a bad system for the money. ...Maven

Appreciate the replys. I will try flake powders first. I will contact LEE about ball powders and see if there are any issues.

Thanks again

7-30 Waters

I also forgot to mention I just purchased a Taurus Tracker in 45 ACP and a T/C Contender pistol barrel in 357 Maximum. I think the double disk will come in handy for the 357 Max. Have one on order ask I write this message. Can't waite to try it out.

7-30 Waters

I have used the lee auto disk.


First, there are two models.
The cheaper version has an aluminum (I think) base with the disk slideing between the aluminum base and the aluminum hopper base.
The more expensive version (ie. pro model) has an elastomer wiper on the bottom of the hopper base. This is like mec has went to on their shotgun reloaders. It was intended to reduce the leakage of ball powders that existed in the first models.


The first one I had was the old style which I updated to the new style for no particular reason.


But where are you going to use this measure?


It seems to me it is designed to use on the pro1000 or the loadmaster progressive reloaders. Useing it on the turret press just isn't as nice. And on a single stage doesn't offer much. Or are you thinking of the bench mounted version.


As I use it, it MUST be used with lee pistol dies (or at least the expander die) or with the universal (rifle) drop die.


It is typical lee in that it does some things excellent, but has a good set of warts to entertain you along the way.


Warts:
-1) Lid falls off when I turn it upside down to change the disk. I loop 2 rubber bands around the hopper with a third (between the first two bands) over the lid.
-2) The disk size is hid under the hopper base. I added paper labels on the front of the hole to identify the hole even when in place.
-3) Hopper mount is very flimsy, I added a small screw and lost the on off function.
-4) The double stacked disks are wigglely, but that may be OK.
-5) It could use a baffle.
-6) Lee progressives now use a pullback chain to reset the measure. I used a chain connector to make the turret with measure very easy to remove and tip upside down to change the disk.
-7) I tried to reshape the hopper exit to reduce powder bridgeing.


Lee warns that charges of less than 4.0cc of flake powder may be light. I found that charges of less than 4.0 grains were eratic with bullseye and 700x. I did find that I could use bullseye down to 3.0cc if I tapped the hopper base three times with a small screwdriver handle. Tapping the base was OK and not very disruptive to the reloading process.


I ALWAYS look at the powder charge as I place the bullet on the case mouth to insure that powder dropped.


ww231 charges worked at the minimum charge weights (ie .30 cc).


JerryO

7-30, I used a Lee auto-disk measure for years. It worked great with flake powder, but made a huge mess with ball powder. Was very accurate and consistent. A great buy for the money.

Good luck and good shooting,
Eterry