Powder Measure Accuracy

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  • Randy Divine

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Sep 14, 2009
    84
    8
    So. IN
    I've been reloading S&W .32 for some time for my S&W lemon squeezers. I load a mild round using 1.2 gr of W231. My problem is that I don't have a measure that will throw that small amount with any accuracy at all. The Lee manual (and others) place the max load at 1.4 gr so I want to be careful and not mess up these old pistols.

    What measure would you buy/use for this?

    My load data

    RP Brass
    Fed Small Pistol Primer
    W-231 1.2 grains
    93 grain Lee Cast Bullet sized to .311
    Liquid Alox Lube
    Moderately heavy roll crimp
     

    Clay Pigeon

    Shooter
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    6   0   0
    Aug 3, 2016
    2,740
    12
    Summitville
    I would shift over to using Unique or Bullseye instead of 231. That will put you over the 2.0 grains per round and make it easier and cheaper to get a powder measure.
    Most measures out there will do the 2.0 - 2.5 using bullseye on the lower end and Unique up to the 2.5 grains.

    Look at small measures that have different drums or inserts that you change to get what volume/weight you need. Look at the RCBS LIL Dandy or a old Pacific Pistol Measure.
     

    NKBJ

    at the ark
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    4   0   0
    Apr 21, 2010
    6,240
    149
    Homemade scoops made to your chosen charge are the way to go.
    Scoop the same every time a your consistency can be great.

     

    Randy Divine

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Sep 14, 2009
    84
    8
    So. IN
    NKBJ, Yep, using a homemade dipper now. Just hoping I could find something a little more automated. Here's a pic of my current 550b setup for 32 S&W.

    Lee powder-thru die for powder drop and neck expansion.

    IMG_0676.jpg
     
    Last edited:

    noylj

    Marksman
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    May 8, 2011
    284
    18
    Lee Pro Auto-Disk and Micro Charge disks. Someone has begun making them again.
    Powder trickler.
    RCBS ChargeMaster
    Lee PPM
    Make your own dipper from a .25 Auto or .22 LR case
     

    Clay Pigeon

    Shooter
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    6   0   0
    Aug 3, 2016
    2,740
    12
    Summitville
    As suggested before, change powders so you can use a 2+ gr charge and get a Harrell Pistol powder measure...if you REALLY want to throw small accurate charges.:)

    I own two Harrell Bros measures, the pistol you mentioned and the large Culver measure and two measure stands, dont post what they cost.
    But they are money well spent, I didn't suggest one for what needs he has.
    I use the pistol measure for the little rifle cases we shoot.
     

    Randy Divine

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    Sep 14, 2009
    84
    8
    So. IN
    Range Report.

    Lee auto disk with micro disk insert mounted on the Dillon 550.
    I weighed about 15 throws and they were all within .1 grain so the powder measure is accurate enough and throws a small enough charge.

    Load #1 With 1.2 grains of W231 Average velocity was 504 FPS with a spread of 36 FPS
    Load #2 with 1.1 grains of Bullseye Average velocity was 500 FPS with a spread of 28 FPS - More accurate as you can see in the picture

    Thanks to all.

    32SW.jpg
     
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