[Vikingdad]

I find the Dillon powder measure on the 550 (powder bar) is not ideal for stick powders and will wear out in time (Dillon will send you a replacement at no charge). I use the RCBS powder measure on the Dillon 550 with an adapter. The RCBS and others like it will cut the extruded powder giving a more consistent charge IMO. The only way to get more accurate is a trickler.

[lbwar15]

Good lord stick,ball, flake powders. Boy I've got a lot to learn. It seams I will probably do better springing the extra cash for the rcbs.

[Vikingdad]

Originally Posted by lbwar15

Good lord stick,ball, flake powders. Boy I've got a lot to learn. It seams I will probably do better springing the extra cash for the rcbs.

Its all explained in the ABC's of Reloading!!! LOL.

RCBS is a great way to get started. IMO the Dillon is where many of us end up. You can have both in the same room and nothing dangerous will happen.

[lbwar15]

Yea I'm sure I will upgrade lol.

[locutus]

Originally Posted by Vikingdad

I find the Dillon powder measure on the 550 (powder bar) is not ideal for stick powders and will wear out in time (Dillon will send you a replacement at no charge). I use the RCBS powder measure on the Dillon 550 with an adapter. The RCBS and others like it will cut the extruded powder giving a more consistent charge IMO. The only way to get more accurate is a trickler.

Vike, most BR shooters consider VOLUMETRIC consistence moire important than weight consistency. ( weight per unit of volume changes as solvents in the powder evaporate.)

I agree with you that the RCBS is better for extruded powders, But I load straight from the measure, and I've had better accuracy then in the old days when I weighed every charge.

And consider this If you are satisfied with a weight variation of .1 grain in a 5 grain charge, then why not .5 grains on a 50 grain charge? Same percentage of error,

[fmj]

Originally Posted by lbwar15

Good lord stick,ball, flake powders. Boy I've got a lot to learn. It seams I will probably do better springing the extra cash for the rcbs.

If you think you have questions now...wait until you start cranking out the rounds!

The critters and collective knowledge around here have been priceless to my ignorant ass...i am forever asking stupid questions that i am sure make most teeter between reactions of rolling their eyes and sighing to saying "ohhh yeah, been there, done that."

Buy what you can afford and get reloading. You will find what works best for you and upgrade as you go along.

I like Lee because a buddy found the Lee turret press in the closet of a mobile home they were breaking down for scrap. He asked me if i was interested, i said yeah. He said whats it worth? I said $20...cant beat THAT deal with a stick, press and carbide .357 dies for $20...been slowly adding stuff as i went.

Again, get what you can to get started, I have found its a lifes long journey and NOT a destination.

[fmj]

Originally Posted by locutus

Vike, most BR shooters consider VOLUMETRIC consistence moire important than weight consistency. ( weight per unit of volume changes as solvents in the powder evaporate.)

Not a BR shooter...but...This is something i must chew on....when using BP everything is "weighed" in volume. Why wouldnt the same hold true for smokeless.

I agree with you that the RCBS is better for extruded powders, But I load straight from the measure, and I've had better accuracy then in the old days when I weighed every charge.

This is something i have to chew on as well...

My thoughts run like this...if i am throwing from the same lot (jug) of powder, and my powder throws are running +- .3 or more...i need to be weighing every charge. especially when discussing Unique and .45 acp loads.

[lbwar15]

Originally Posted by fmj

If you think you have questions now...wait until you start cranking out the rounds!

The critters and collective knowledge around here have been priceless to my ignorant ass...i am forever asking stupid questions that i am sure make most teeter between reactions of rolling their eyes and sighing to saying "ohhh yeah, been there, done that."

Buy what you can afford and get reloading. You will find what works best for you and upgrade as you go along.

I like Lee because a buddy found the Lee turret press in the closet of a mobile home they were breaking down for scrap. He asked me if i was interested, i said yeah. He said whats it worth? I said $20...cant beat THAT deal with a stick, press and carbide .357 dies for $20...been slowly adding stuff as i went.

Again, get what you can to get started, I have found its a lifes long journey and NOT a destination.

No better way to put it. Should be a fun and interesting journey. I can't wait to start reading the abcs.

It's good to know that if I have a question I can always come here for a knowledgeable answer.
Thanks for that guys.

[locutus]

But beware! Handloading is highly addictive!!

[locutus]

Originally Posted by fmj

This is something i have to chew on as well...

My thoughts run like this...if i am throwing from the same lot (jug) of powder, and my powder throws are running +- .3 or more...i need to be weighing every charge. especially when discussing Unique and .45 acp loads.

IME, iof your pistol powder is off by
+_ .3, your best bet may be to switch to something like 231, or AAC2

For some reason, some measures just don't like unique. Two of my measures throw it nearly perfectly. The third measure doesn't like it at all.

Can't 'splain that one. All three are high dollar, big name powder measures.