Lee powder dippers for backup

R

Roland Thunder

New member
I have a Dillon 550b press and I load mostly 45acp and occasionally 9mm. I am thinking about getting some Lee powder dippers so that when I get close to the end of the powder in the Dillon 550b, I can just dump out into a cup or something, what's left in the Dillon powder dispenser and use the Lee dippers to load what little is left of the powder. This way, I don't have to keep checking each round in the Dillon to see if I've run out of powder.

Any thoughts on this or have a better idea?
 
Those scoops are calibrated in CC's. A metric unit of liquid volume. They also vary the powder charge +/- a full grain. Don't waste your money.
"...checking each round in the Dillon to see..." Seems to me Dillon sells a tool/warning device for that.
 
I use them to load my 45-70's and always use one that comes out low. I then use a trickle charger to bring them up to the correct weight. They vary a LOT, even more than +/- 1.0g. Sometimes two or three depending on the powder and your technique. I wouldn't do it if I were you. Up to you though.
 
With good technique, the scoops can hold a couple tenths of a grain, but it takes practice and requires enough powder to be able to submerge the scoop in it. If you have small quantities of powder to measure, use a scale and weigh it.

CC means cubic centimeter, the volume of a cube that is 1 cm on each side (hence the name). Centimeters are a linear measure, not a liquid measure. Yes, many liquids are measured in CC's. Liquids are also commonly measured in cups based on the volume of 8 ounces of water heated to just before it boils (aka fluid ounces). But that doesn't mean it is inappropriate to measure sugar or flour in them. People do it all the time.
 
With my 650 I just keep the powder full until I run out of other components like primers, then I dump the powder back in the jug and move on.
 
I have used Lee dippers effectively for decades...

Heck...I still occasionally use an adjustable 'dram' scoop from before the turn of the last century...
 
Roland Thunder wrote:
Any thoughts on this or have a better idea?
Click to expand...

I've used the Lee dippers for certain applications and they can be very effectively used especially for small batches, but in this case, I think Unclenick has the best suggestion.
 
The RCBS trickler is very nice and solid.

And I've made a set of my own dippers with kraft paper, epoxy and wooden skewers. Cheap and easy to make. Made for approximate throws and trickling up.
 
Any thoughts on this or have a better idea?
Click to expand...

Any thoughts? Read through this thread, there are no thoughts. Better ideals? You could purchases R. Lee's book on modern reloading, many reloaders claim they purchased the book; problem, when they get a chance to show off I see no evidence they have ever read the book.

Reloaders have trouble with the cone, R. Lee discussed the cone in his book meaning when using his dippers a reloader could use the dipper for starting loads and maximum loads, reloaders have described the dipper as a dipper.

And then (there has to be a 'and then) there is the open top, R. Lee and friend used a business card/straight edge to rake off the top to level. I have three sets of Lee dippers, red, yellow and black. I have adjustable dippers that are marked off for powder and lead shot; with scales I make no effort to read the markings, I have old timer made dippers.

Back to the cone, I am the only reloader that has mentioned the cone as it applies to reloading, the terms confused, I know it is not good to confuse reloaders.

R. Lee describes his dippers as scientific meaning the cone of powder above the dipper will not support enough powder to dip an over max change. All of this was in his plan when he designed his dippers, he claimed he worked out the diameter and then developed the cone above the dipper. I also have dippers with detents that are designed for black powder.

F. Guffey
 
There is no reason to run a powder measure -- low on powder / let alone out of powder. In fact, I would recommend the powder measure be at least 25% full all the time its in operation.

I know some experts recommend that you fill the powder measure when it drops below half full...

I have a low powder sensor on my powder measure - but I rarely let it get that low before adding powder. ( dump remaining powder back into the OEM powder cannister, as you change calibers, etc...)...

Depending on the powder you are using, the dippers are not accurate enough ...to my liking.
 
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