Gentlemen:
I need a new powder measure.

I like the RCBS inflow but add to it the micrometer adjustment to save time in getting an accurate charge.

However, I would also like to use my new measure for black powder as well as smokeless.

I'm looking at the Lyman 55 black powder measure. It can work with both black and smokeless and has a large aluminum reservoir.

Questions:
1. how easy it to quick change from one charge to another?
2. can a micrometer ajustment be added?

The smallest charge I use is 9 grains of Unique for a .45 Colt up to 440 grains for my 4-bore double rifle.

Anything you can tell me about the measure would be appreicated as well as other suggestions. I know I can't use the RCBS with black powder.
Cheers and thank you.
Cal

Cal, I see your question, but having just recently getting my Ideal Lyman 55, I have no experience yet with it. I'll be watching this thread for answers/info myself.

Same here. Your questions aren't being ignored. I just don't have the answers but am interested so will monitor the posting for someone that is informed.

Been using a Lyman 55 since '68. Then they all had plastic hoppers and had the black powder charge weights in the instructions.
No issues; they came out with the aluminum hopper for the lawyers, not because plastic won't work.
I also have a new BP one; rarely use it; I like to see the powder level.
A Lyman will work for you for your 45 loads too.

Cal,
I use a Dandy . It is quick, and great to use. Once you get it set, it provides very consistent charges. I just use Lyman dippers to get the charge close. Press the start button and away it goes. I like the one I have.

used many different powder measures in my 61years of reloading. For the last 15 years or so I've used the little Lee dispenser. It works so well that a while back I bought 2 more for $16.00 each Thinking I might live that long.
They'll probably still be in the boxes at my estate sale. roger

I have been using a Lyman 55 for over 20 Years and it is the measure that I recommend to people just learning to reload.

Changing powder usually takes me a couple of minutes to dial it in. Not any longer than the Redding Powder Measure that someone gave to me a few years ago.

I have found that it throws consistent charges and I like to knocker it seems to really help with the larger extruded powders.

Lyman 55 - what the others said. I don't think you can ever wear one out.

I have an old Lymand 55 and a newer RCBS, Ive used the enough to know them well, and that is difference in powder measure, is the user..The all have a mind of their own, and the secret to using them accuratel is repetition of movement on the reloaders part, use the same movement with each toss, and in time you won't even need a scale except to set your load.

The best all rounders are the RCBS and Lyman powder measures. They will last you a lifetime. The top of the range is Harrel which runs on roller bearings and has an excellent click measuring mechanism.

HMMMMM I should put my 2 Lyman #55's up for sale as I'm not using them!

Hip

I have 2 RCBS powder measures and the Little Dandy.

The 1st measure I got in 1971 has an aluminum cylinder.. the 2nd one I inherited from a friend around 1985 has a plastic cylinder.
I use them for rifle only.

For pistol, I use the Little Dandy.. it will really increase your production if you only have a single stage press.. You can charge up a block of 50 in about 2 minutes.

I am trying the RCBS CHARGEMASTER 1500.

It works great, but, I can weigh charges at least twice as fast as it does by hand on a digital scale.

The Belding&Mull will throw any powder I've tried. Slower than most measures--but accurate and consistent.

I have two Lyman 55 from the late 50's with a couple extra brass rotors I made for specific pistol loads which work like the little Dandy...a Little Dandy with all the rotors plus a half dozen or so blank rotors I reworked for specific loads also...and an RCBS with both rotors. I sue these for volume case reloading, pistol and rifle.

BUT as Bartsche indicated, I have 3 sets of Lee, two of the old variety and one of the new CC version plus a big handful of extra dippers from die sets and shot shows...AND quite a few home made from shell cases and wire/wood handles.

I use the Lee dippers for 80% of my reloading and to setup the rotor style measures, again for volume loading.

You DO have to develop a rhythm with ALL the various styles except for the electronic variety maybe.

I start with the EMPTY rotor chamber facing down, WHANG the handle down twice mildly to be sure the chamber IS empty, rotate the handle up and pop the handle against the stop twice again, gently, then rotate down to empty the chamber into the case...and repeat. I do a row of ten then weight check the last one. If that one is good then I stuff the bullet in and finish those ten.

NOTHING can set me off quicker than tripping/dropping/banging/mucking up a full rack of powder primed cases when going from powder charging to bullet seating...messing up 1-10 is bad enough...and the more you handle things the more apt you are to get/go crazy.

For log style powders such as 4831 or flack powders I whack the handle a little harder, for ball only one pop.

For LEE dippers I dump the powder into a soft plastic 2 pint container, run run the dipper twice through the bulk powder and shake sideways twice to level then weigh...again you just have to work out your own method.

I like balance beam powder scales and mechanical powder measures...they are simple, relatively accurate and precise...AND REPEATABLE...AND I can still work when the power is off.

Good Hunting

Well, I have to modify what I posted above.

The RCBS does work great, and has not dropped more than 0.1 of a grain over the desired charge.

But, I can charge several rounds for each one it does.

Where it comes in handy is you can charge and seat the bullets at about the same time.

quote:

The Belding&Mull will throw any powder I've tried. Slower than most measures--but accurate and consistent

I never could get on with mine as it used to "torque" when I was using it and no matter how tightly I clamped it'd still twist, turn, "torque" in that mount.

I've owned and used CH 502 measures, the CH "Push Button", the Duo-Measure, the RCBS Uniflow and the Lyman 55. Of them I found that the best overall was the Lyman 55.

All the others although accurate were not as easy when all factors were taken together as was, overall, the Lyman 55.

What I'd like to try would be a free mounted Dillon Powder measure used as a stand alone powder dispenser. Like the old CH "Push Button" but bigger.

enfieldspares, you are spot on that the Belding & Mull torques as it is a slide handle vs a pull down handle. Simple solution is mount a strip of metal next to it to prevent twisting.

I've not seen anyone mention Redding powder measures. I have a 3BR that has been really accurate and performs as well or better than my RCBS and Lee Classic, especially with ball and shorter extruded powders. While the Redding was not designed for black powder, there is a company that sells an after-market hopper made of Pyrex type glass for Redding powder measurers that might work (never tried it) with black powder. Personally, I would probably never use a modern powder measure for black powder. I have a set of Lee dippers and digital scale for that task.

Black powder? Hell you can use a spoon or a coffee cup for that matter..I drill out deer horn and use them as dippers..make a lip on them..

I seldom if ever weigh a charge unless Im working up a load, I use powder that meters well and Ive checked my weighing hundreds of times and it always spot on..I have used the same old powder measures for maybe 50 years, and if one makes it a point to make the same movement every time on each case the powder measure will repeat itself within a tenth at the most..check the rounds under a light and put a bullet in the case...It works if you go to the trouble to learn the process, Accuracy with the powder measure is the user, not the design or make..I do have an old RCBS scale and I use it from time to time when working up loads or with a specific powder that's course and doesn't meter well, like 4831 but even it is within a couple of tenths, usually fills a case with powder that can't be over loaded in some, rather most cases as it usually gets more velocity with much less pressure than any powder I know of.

Regular RCBS measure with micrometer works well for me. I use the original plastic hopper. A caution: I don't need to, nor do I, load when static electricity is present. Not sure about your situation up there in AK. I've heard of folks who ground the measure so static is not an issue, and have also read several articles that indicate static can't set off black powder, but can't vouch for either.

With any measure, the accuracy of the powder throw is very dependent on extreme consistency in operating the measure. It' easy to introduce 1 grain or more variation just by banging the stop when you fill the measuring chamber on one throw, then slowly easing the handle up until it barely touches the stop on the next one. I also use a baffle at the base of the reservoir, then fill the reservoir, and never throw more then 15-20 loads before refilling the reservoir.

If you use any measure with steel and plastic, it is your own personal responsibility, not one that anyone else can make for you.

ClaMar

quote:

Originally posted by Biggs300:
I've not seen anyone mention Redding powder measures. I have a 3BR that has been really accurate and performs as well or better than my RCBS and Lee Classic, especially with ball and shorter extruded powders. While the Redding was not designed for black powder, there is a company that sells an after-market hopper made of Pyrex type glass for Redding powder measurers that might work (never tried it) with black powder. Personally, I would probably never use a modern powder measure for black powder. I have a set of Lee dippers and digital scale for that task.

I have an RCBS and a Redding and much prefer the Redding...throws spherical powders almost always DNO. I typically throw stick powders but finish on an electronic scale.