Powder Measure for Pistol Reloading Question

[walker2713]

I’m mostly a bench rest rifle shooter and reloader for 300 and 600 yards matches. For my 6BR and 6 Dasher loads I use an FX120i with the Autotricker and am very satisfied with the results. I’d really prefer not to disturb that set-up for the very low powder charges appropriate for 9mm pistol loads.

When loading some relatively low quantity 9mm ammo for my pistol practice I’ve been using a RCBS Chargemaster Lite. It gives good results but is very s-l-o-w.

Thinking about buying a powder measure for throwing loads, but am concerned about accuracy…..currently I’m using 6.4 grains of HS-6 for Berry 124 gr plated bullets.

If I were to buy one, do you have an opinion of which one: Harrells, RCBS, Redding etc. would be best?

Thank you,

George

[Jim Watson]

Loading single stage, an RCBS with the SMALL DRUM is fine for me. I think a Redding 10X would be good.
I have the slant cylinder Bonanza but seldom use it because it is tedious to adjust although precise once I get it on.

Don't get all worked up over exact weight pistol powder, it isn't necessary. Adjust the measure and take whatever it gives you plus and minus. HS6 meters pretty closely, though.

[1911Nut]

For your described use, a Redding 10X would be hard to beat, as mentioned in the previous post by JW.

[RevolverRob]

I've been using a Lyman Brass Smith. Which for 85 bucks seems hard to beat: https://ultimatereloader.com/2019/03/10/new-lyman-brass-smith-powder-measure-and-stand/

For a while I measured every throw and found once you got consistent with your lever movement it was accurate to +\- 0.1 grain with VV N330 and 0.05 grain with round grain powders.

At +/- 0.1 grain with the low charges in pistols, you won't see a ton of velocity variation overall. The difference in .38spl of 3.4 vs 3.5g or N330 is about 15fps. Or basically less than the standard deviation of a box of factory ammo.

[LittleLebowski]

Honestly, you need to take a step back and rethink this. A Lee Turret kit (https://www.brownells.com/reloading/reloading-kits/value-4-hole-turret-press-kit-prod56288.aspx) will speed you up and give you time back to do other things, shoot, or reload more.

[45dotACP]

Honestly, you need to take a step back and rethink this. A Lee Turret kit (https://www.brownells.com/reloading/reloading-kits/value-4-hole-turret-press-kit-prod56288.aspx) will speed you up and give you time back to do other things, shoot, or reload more.This man speaks the truth.

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[Hambo]

Honestly, you need to take a step back and rethink this. A Dillon will speed you up and give you time back to do other things, shoot, or reload more.

You were almost there.

[Oldherkpilot]

The CH 444-X Pistol Champ press is another option between single stage and Dillon speed. I like mine.
http://www.ch4d.com/products/equipment/presses/444-X

[mmc45414]

IMO what powder is probably a bigger decision than what measure for dropping charges for pistols.

I use Longshot for 147gn 9mm, and just bought back into Titegroup for other stuff, because they both flow like sand. Am not familiar with HS-6, it might be another good one?

And like others have suggested, if you are just starting out loading for pistol, it probably won't be long before you want something progressive, perhaps buy something that would be forward compatible with a progressive press. You can use a Lee Autodrum in a single stage press.

Or maybe just take the plunge to the press! Lee is an option, but if you think you might ever end up with the Dillon 550, they come with the measure and everything you need except the dies you already have.

But coming to loading practice pistol ammo from the perspective of a bench rest shooter might be a difficult mind shift!! Hahah




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[walker2713]

Thanks for all the thoughtful suggestions in response to my question…..

I’ve learned over the years that I do not do well with complex operations….sort of a hand/eye/brain kind of mindset I suppose.

As a matter of fact, I’ve owned a couple of “progressive” presses in the past…..don’t ask about the time I blew up a Glock 21 at Thunder Ranch in the late ‘90’s. :rolleyes: It was at night and quite spectacular…..

I’ve looked at Midway, Grafs, Brownells and Brunos and the Redding 10X are not currently available.

After reading a large number of rating reviews by purchasers, and the responses here, I decided to go with the Lyman unit ($60 at Grafs).

BTW, HS6 is a “fine spherical” powder that meters very well….I will check the other powders suggested. I’ve used W-231 extensively in the past but haven’t been able to find it around here lately.

I appreciate your feedback….

George

[BobM]

The CH 444-X Pistol Champ press is another option between single stage and Dillon speed. I like mine.
http://www.ch4d.com/products/equipment/presses/444-X

I have my grandpa’s Pistol Champ on my bench. I remember him showing it off to me when he bought it. Grandma gave it to me after he passed. I have it set up for revolver loading.

[BobM]

I e thought about getting an RCBS Little Dandy measure for some of my handgun loading. I like the idea of the fixed size bushings not going out of adjustment

[JAD]

Good call on the Lyman, and you’re running a good load; i like hs6 very much for 9. You have some headroom, might want to mess around a little.

[Outpost75]

I e thought about getting an RCBS Little Dandy measure for some of my handgun loading. I like the idea of the fixed size bushings not going out of adjustment

I have used the RCBS Little Dandy measure for 25 years. Anything not loaded on the Dillon or Star machines gets charged a 50-round loading black at a time with the Little Dandy, 100% visually inspected with pen lite before seating bullet and separately crimping in Redding Profile Crimp die. Especially suited for small charges in the .32 ACP, .380 ACP and .32 S&W Long.

The smallest size 00 rotor meters 1.7 grains of Bullseye or 2 grains of TiteGroup. Largest rotor No. 26 meters 21.8 grains of #2400.

[Jim Watson]

There has been at least one adjustable Little Dandy rotor and several DIY modifications.
Which seems to defeat the purpose of a fixed charge that you don't have to fiddle with or keep checking.

When I was loading on a CH Autochamp, I had a friend with a lathe make me some extra powder bushings for loads not on the chart.
Start loading, a couple of weight checks to be sure I had the one in place that I thought I did, and then boogie, nothing to adjust.

[Outpost75]

The RCBS Little Dandy measure uses interchangeable, drums or rotors to throw a fixed powder charge. The proper drum is selected in accordance with a table, which lists the nominal charge weight thrown by each numbered rotor, using various powders. Selection of the proper drum or rotor should always be done by consulting current published sources of load data. You should then check the charge weight of YOUR drum against a reliable powder scale.

I drop TEN charges onto the scale pan and then mentally move the decimal. The drums are usually spot-on to the stated charge weight, or not more than 0.1 grain under. I have never found one which threw more than its stated charge weight.

Once the charge weight thrown by your particular measure has been verified, many users leave the measure set up with a Post-It Note on the powder reservoir to identify what powder charge is current set. I often package a specific drum in the die box of the caliber in which it is suited. I tend to use some drums in multiple applications. Therefore, I post a "cheat sheet" in my loading area, which I share below so that others don't have to "Reinvent the Wheel." The majority of my recreational and practice loads use either Bullseye or #2400 with cast bullets in pistols, revolvers, lever and bolt rifles. These are the powder drums or rotors and loads they throw with Bullseye and #2400 in the RCBS Little Dandy powder measure:

#00 = 1.7 Bullseye standard load for .32 S&W and start load for .32 ACP with Accurate 31-087B or 31-087T bullets

#0 = 2.1 Bullseye standard load for .380-200 British (.38 S&W) with #358430 or NOE clone of British Mk1 service bullet

#1 = 2.5 Bullseye, standard load for .32 S&W Long with 98-gr. SWC, .32 ACP with 71-gr. FMJ and .38 S&W with 36-145D

#3 = 3.0 Bullseye, standard load for .32 H&R Mag, .32-20 115 LFN, and .38 Spl. with 146 DEWC.

#5 = 3.5 Bullseye full charge wadcutter at standard pressure for 38 Special cast 146 DEWC or approximate old school 158 LRN with #358311 or Saeco #358

#7 = 4.0 Bullseye +P for .38 Spl. with 158 Lead, and in .357 brass as 146 DEWC “full charge wadcutter”

#8 = 4.5 Bullseye standard charge for.45 ACP H&G68 wadcutter, also approximates .38 +P in .357 Mag. brass with 158 lead

#9 = 5.0 Bullseye approximates .45 ACP hardball, full charge in .40 S&W with 180 LRN, 158 Semi-wadcutter .357, “cat sneeze” in any .30 cal. rifle

#12 = 6.5 Bullseye standard load for. 45 Colt 250 lead, 200-gr. .44-40, .44 Mag 240. Lead “medium” velocity.

#13 = 7.2 Bullseye, full charge load .45 Colt 250-gr., also 10 grs.#2400 in .38 Spl for +P 158-gr., subsonic gallery plainbase Accurate 31-155D in .30-’06.

#15 = 8.4 Bullseye, medium velocity 1100 fps with 240 JHP in. 44 Mag, 1250 fps 200-yard target for .30-'06 plainbased 150 to 205 grains.
Also throws 12 grs. #2400, for plainbased bullets 150 to 205 grains in any. 30 cal case from. 30-30 to .30-'06, and as "medium velocity" load in .357 Magnum with 160-180 grain lead.

#18 = 14.5 #2400, standard load for .357 magnum 158 to 160 grain lead SWC or FN,

#19 = 15.4 #2400, full charge .357 Mag. 158 jacketed, 200-yard target gascheck load in any. 30 cal. from 7.62x39 to. 30-'06 Using bullets from 150 to 205 grains. Also very good in. 30-30 and. 32-40!

#22 = 12.7 of Bullseye! Small game and gallery load for belted MAGNUM cases of .300 H&H and larger only! Approximates .38-55 Winchester in .375 H&H with #375449, also throws 17.9 #2400, good load in .303 Brit., Krag, .308 Win with 150-200gr GC.

#25 = 20.8 #2400, Standard charge in 44 Mag. for 240-260-grain LFN and in . 30-30 with GC 170-LFN. Good in. 30-'06, with either GC cast or jacketed bullets weighing from 150 to 200 grains.

[walker2713]

Thanks for all the feedback to my question. I received the Lyman measure and have been very happy with it. It’s very consistent and easy to use….set it up on a Lee stand I’d previously bought. Since getting it I’ve loaded about 200 rounds of 9mm with it.

77645

However, I also began looking into a progressive setup….DP RL550C and Hornady AP press, and decided to go with the Hornady. The DPs are back ordered……and I found a Hornady for $530 at Midsouth Shooters.

Thanks again for the help!!

George