Powder Measure for Pistol Loads

[tcp112275]

Anyone have any suggestions for a powder thrower? I am looking to upgrade my Lee Perfect Powder Measure that came with my kit. I am beginning to load 9mm and looking for a more consistent one. I use a single stage press currently. Thanks in advance!

[painter]

I like my RCBS Uniflow... http://rcbs.com/Products/Powder-Measures-and-Scales/Powder-Measures/Mechanical/Uniflow%E2%84%A2-Powder-Measure.aspx

Get one with the small rotor for pistol. You'll also need a stand.

[IDescribe]

http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Load-Powder-Measure-1-Each/



Same.  Get the small rotor.

[noylj]

More consistent than the PPM? I haven't found one.
Other good measures are the Lee Pro Auto-Disk, but you will have only fixed cavities, the Hornady L-N-L, only one close to being as consistent as my PPM, and the Dillon, which is very good, but not quite as consistent as the others.
First, have you cleaned it properly? Have you cycled a whole hopper of graphitized powder or, even, powdered graphite through it? Have you shaken the hopper lightly to settle the powder when you first start and then thrown at least 10 charges before even beginning to weigh the charges? Do you throw at least 5 charges before weighing after re-setting the metering rod?
These are the same things to be done with all powder measures.

[M1A4ME]

RCBS makes a powder measure just for small powder amounts.

It's called the Little Dandy Pistol Powder Measure.

If you go to the RCBS web site you'll see that the amount of powder "thrown" is controlled by changing rotors.  There's a chart that shows how much powder (in grains) each rotor throws by powder type.

You have to buy different rotors, but you don't have to mess with adjusting the powder measure each time you change powders.  You just remove one rotor and install another one.

I'm about to start using mine.  I've been accumulating rotors when I catch them on sale now for a couple of years.  I used one years ago and it worked pretty well.

[cdhbrad]

I use an RCBS Uniflow with Micrometer adjuster for all my reloading.  Small rotor/small diameter adjuster for pistol calibers and Large Rotor/ large diameter for Rifles.  I have them mounted to case activated linkages for use on a Lee Classic Turret press, one for each caliber.  However, you can use the same setup with a stand.  There are a lot of used Uniflows on ebay......that is where I have bought all of mine and many are offered with both the large and small drums.  Some even come with the micrometer adjuster and, if not, Midway and others have them for less than $50.         

[Wobbly]

These are the same things to be done with all powder measures.

+1. There are certain basic steps that have to be done with any powder measure regardless of style, brand or manufacturer, to get consistent "powder drops". That's the place to start. Those are simply process refinements. Learn and follow those.

In northern environments, or any where winter static electricity levels are higher, plastic powder measures need special care. Owners need to treat the plastic PM with anti-static wipes and washes. Plastic measures are inexpensive and do a good job, but are always going to have far more wear and static issues. So while they are great to get you started with reloading, they may not be able to meet the demands of a serious reloader.

Metal PMs tend not to have as many problems with static. Of the variable cavity type PMs, the smaller the cavity cross-section, then the greater the accuracy is going to be. Years ago the big area of reloading was rifle; that has now all switched to pistol shooting. So while the RCBS UniFlow is a fabulous PM, the smaller bore Redding and Hornady measures are theoretically going to do better with sub-6gr pistol loads. (For Dillon users, they offer a special mini-slide for use with 25 cal and 380Auto loads.)

Finally, there are some powders that simply will not meter well. Be cognizant of that fact. Your ball-type (Accurate No2, No5, etc) and your flattened-ball-type (Win 231 and WSF) are always going to meter better. That's simply a fact of their design. There will always be metering issues with big-flake-type (700X) and big crystal-type (Unique) powders.

 

[tfunge]

 Redding Competition 10X-Pistol and Small Rifle Powder Measure
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/226117/redding-competition-10x-pistol-and-small-rifle-powder-measure

[jrayb95]

+1 on the Redding Competition 10X-Pistol and Small Rifle Powder Measure.

[vwpieces]

You mentioned that you are on a single stage "Currently".
to Future proof a new investment you may want to consider a measure that can be converted for use on a press with case activated adapter. You do not need to use the same brand as your press.

I use a Hornady with case activated and case expansion on a non-Hornady progressive press.

[Wobbly]

VWP... that's a really great idea. A PM that can both be manually operated, or have linkage added to work on a progressive press.

Now the OP would still need to specify the small bore rotor for best results with loading pistols.

[cdhbrad]

RCBS UniFlow fits the bill.