Powder measure for Lee turret press, other than Lee product?

[noway]

I don't have $$ right now to go progressive (and don't reload that much). My Lee autodrum powder measure is on the fritz, and I would like to switch to another brand, if there is anything compatible with the Lee system.

Anyone have suggestions? I already use a number of RCBS dies, so that would be my first go-to, but all their powder measures seem huge.

I think the autodrum can be repaired, but it has always leaked and the accuracy is not great.

[tdogg]

The problem lies in the spacing around the small turret to fit other brand case activated powder drops.  Lee sells a riser setup but I don't recall if that will work with other brand powder drops. Another consideration is the weight of the powder drop, Lee's powder drop is mostly plastic and super light weight so it doesn't impact the rotation of the turret head.

The Dillon might work if you can fit it on the turret?  It has an offset hopper to move the bulk of it out of the way and it is aluminum so the weight isn't as much of a concern.

I've been super impressed with the Dillon hopper.  I designed and 3D printed a custom baffle and it throws Sport Pistol very consistently, even more so than my Hornady drop with the similar custom baffle.

Cheers,
Toby

[Duke Nukem]

I have the same powder measure on my Lee turret press and I can understand wanting to upgrade the dispenser, mine was leaking, too.  Yours may be broken now, you don't say what happened, but I took the time to troubleshoot mine and googled the problem, reread directions, etc. and was able to finesse mine back to a good working condition.  It was mostly a matter of disassembling, cleaning, applying graphite and getting things to the proper state of tightness.  I didn't get it on my first try, but I did eventually get it right and it's been fine for a couple years now.

[Ron IL]

I have been using the Lee double disk measure on my Lee Classic Turret press for many years.  I have one set up on each of my turrets.  Once in awhile some powders make it hang up and have to take it apart and clean it.  But otherwise they have run good.  Depending on the powder after loading a couple hundred I will have a few pieces of powder on my bench from leaking, but not much.

[noway]

Customer service is kind of waffling on this. I suspect the 'fix' they proposed will break the main body of the measure.

Also have an issue with a universal decapping die, but that's another story. Over time I am shifting to RCBS which seems better quality all things considered....

[Duke Nukem]

Yes, Lee products can't be beat for value, they offer decent quality at a low price and that's a big reason why so many people start out with Lee presses and dies.  And the other side of the coin- that's why so many experienced ammo loaders use different brands, once they know what they want the justification for spending more is clear.  I hate to say it, but you may want to consider selling your Lee turret press and moving to a press that is compatible with the dies and powder measures you prefer, rather than trying to adapt something.

For me and the amount of shooting and loading I do, it's not yet time to give up my Lee equipment, they really do make a decent product at an amazing price point.  For you, ?

[mrcabinet]

I've been using the Lee autodrum for about four years now and, for the money, it's worked as advertised. The lower pot metal section, where the thumb wheel is, did break once. Lee replaced it promptly at no charge. I found that 600 grit sandpaper, a generous application of graphite, and learning to tighten it "just right" were the keys to success.

[noway]

Per their suggestion I used a vise to push the 'wings' of the lower end back together. Over time (this measure is probably 10 years old) the pot metal spreads. Fortunately it didn't break when I had it in the vise, which is unusual for me.   

We'll see if it works.

[bubbas4570]

I use the LEE auto drum powder measurer on a Hornady LnL press.  I sold my Hornady powder measurer, right after I got it in the package, used it (almost exactly like the RCBS measurer), and went "back" to my auto drum.  Had one, sold it with a RCBS turret press that I was using it on, and then purchased another to use on the LnL.

I know I have powder on my shellplate when loading, for me that is just a cost of "doing business" as I always have one or another case shake just a bit of powder out of itself due to the motion of the shellplate.  .....or possibly the auto drum "is" leaking, I don't know.  My LnL is used primarily for pistol loading, and I haven't had any problems due to powder charge yet.  The loads are always within spec when I check them; maximum .2 grains of a charge specified for the case....usually they are 0-0.1 grains and leaning closer to 0.


For whoever cares, all 3 of the brands (RCBS, Hornady, LEE) of powder measures that I have used in a "progressive" situation have had leaks from the case of one sort or another while charging on either the turret setup or 5 station progressive.  All were used with their respective automatic case charging system, and all had powder come from between the case mouth and their drop /measure activation system.  It is normally only a very few grains of powder, and that is after hundreds of cases.  A bit of pressurized air, or a small painting brush, and I am ready to go again.

[Wobbly]

I don't have $$ right now to go progressive (and don't reload that much). My Lee autodrum powder measure is on the fritz, and I would like to switch to another brand, if there is anything compatible with the Lee system.

Anyone have suggestions? I already use a number of RCBS dies, so that would be my first go-to, but all their powder measures seem huge.

• First you need to tell us what calibers you are reloading.

• Secondly, with the scarcity of primers, a lot of people have given up on reloading. Which makes this an excellent time to "move up". I'm with Mr Nukem, Lee is great starter equipment for the novice. But their dependency on plastic to keep the price low also means that longevity is not one of Lee's strong suites. RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, Dillon, and others don't have that problem. You can buy a 10 year old system from one of those makers that's just now getting "broken in".

The thing about the Lee is that if you wait too long to make the move, then you won't have anything worth selling. It would be comparable to having a 25yo car with 400,000 miles. It's only use is as donation material.