Powder Measure / Thrower. CH4D vs Redding

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supermo26

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I'd like some input on a PM. Is one more accurate then the other? From what I have read both are good. No one really list how accurate their PM is.

Does one pull better?
Is it a better investment to piece together a reloading station with quality stuff or just settle with the stuff that comes in a kit?
 
The quality of the Redding is superior. If you can get the one with the benchrest adjustment it is better for the reason that you can record setting and repeat them later. Regarding consistency - all powder measures benefit from even up and down strokes. If not they are not consistent.
 
I have both and I find them to be of equal quality of construction. However, in my case, the CH4D is more consistent in terms of repeatability of throws. I have not used them for many types of powder though. It might be different for you depending on what powder you are using...
 
Can't comment on the CH4D, but my Redding 10X is very consistent with pistol powders and the micrometer head is a huge time saver.
 
the accuracy of either throw is dependent on the type of powder you are using with it. The finer the powder the more consistent the throws will be. Ball and small flake really meter well, large flake and stick not so well because of the bulk density of each. Bothe the Redding and the CH$ have great reputations and will throw the fine stuff accurately

If I were you I would just pick the one that has the best features for repeating
a settings and has a fit, finish and price that is attractive

I am a big fan of the Harrels in that regard but be forewarned they are twice the price too
 
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"...is dependent on the type of powder..." And how you use it. There is, however, no 'best' anything.
"...the stuff that comes in a kit..." Works just fine.
 
I would second that. Almost every modern powder throw operates the same way. Only exception I can think of is the Johnson Quick Measure
 
When it comes to throwing powder charges with a powder measure there is a bit of a learning curve. You will have to develop a technique that allows you to operate the measure consistently . Any variation in technique will result in a variation in the charge.
I have seen so many who don't operate the measure with any consistency and then gripe about the measure being inaccurate. Operator error is in most cases the problem.
Redding , CH4D and Lyman 55 are all reliable but you will have to learn a technique and learn how to repeatedly use that same technique every time a charge is thrown.
Ball type powders and Accurate Arms powders are easier for the beginners.
I had a Lyman 55 , Bullseye and Unique to work with ...but I practiced and developed a technique that allowed consistent weights to be thrown.
Gary
 
"When it comes to throwing powder charges with a powder measure there is a bit of a learning curve. You will have to develop a technique that allows you to operate the measure consistently . Any variation in technique will result in a variation in the charge".

That deserves emphasis. Consistency is what makes for uniform powder throws.

Ron
 
Harrel's excellent quality, pricey but worth it in my opinion. I own both the Shuetzen and the premium powder measure. I'm a tool junkie and I like/love nice tools.
 
I have the B&M that was called the 'Visible', it came with parts and pieces. I have the Hollywood Gun Shop with the micro adjust, I have the Ohaus that was also sold in a green version by RCBS. I have the Little Dandy with most of the rotors. And I have Uniflows that came with the RCBS Piggy Back 1&2s And I have the Uniflow that came with the Pro 2000.

And I also have all three sets of dippers sold by R. Lee. I liked the ideal that it was impossible to overthrow/dip:) too much powder with the lee dippers. I was impressed with his scientific approach to dippers.

And I have Herter dippers, cam type, dial o matic? etc.

Micro adjust: All of my stem adjusted powder measures are micro adjust, the stem adjusters that come standard can be adjusted by the reloaders that can use a dial caliper for measuring depth.; or length or protrusion in thousandths.

I have C&H equipment, some of it goes back to the beginning of the standard shell holder. The instructions for the dies was on the bottom of a fiber counter display box. Printed on the bottom of the box it is printed "Use these dies with a shell holder that has a depth of .125", The dies were made in El Monte, California.

And I have the Lyman in black and in orange.

I do not have the C&H powder measure, I did do a search and it would appear reloaders do not do research on new equipment; it appears they wait until someone motivates them with a question.

F. Guffey
 
I don't think the poor OP is ever going to get a straight up answer lol. But my opinion on the second part is just get the kit stuff to start. If you get addicted then prepare to start throwing all your spare cash into a bottomless pit.

However as long as the train has derailed might as well continue the trend.

I used a Horandy without the micro adjust stem for a few months and would use the depth function of my reloading calipers to get me in the ballpark for repeating a charge weight.

Since I am a rifle shooter primarily I love the Johnson Quick Measure for stick. For ease of throwing stick it absolutely cannot be beat. A warning though, it's adjustments are quirky at best. But once set Locktight the adjustment screw and never touch it again. The charge tubes are cheap, so just buy one for every weight you normally use, set it and lock it, label it and when you want to load 24 gns of Varget just install that tube in seconds and you are loading
 
hounddawg said:
supermo26 said:
Powder Measure / Thrower. CH4D vs Redding

I'd like some input on a PM ... No one really list how accurate their PM is.
Click to expand...
I don't think the poor OP is ever going to get a straight up answer
Click to expand...
Here are powder charge weight ranges from 10 drops with C-H 502 Micrometer powder measure (link shows actual weights of each of 10 drops) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/c-h-502-micrometer-powder-measure-10-drops.834894/


Alliant Unique (Micrometer setting at 4.535): Powder charge range - .24 gr

Alliant Red Dot (Micrometer setting at 4.535): Powder charge range - .22 gr

IMR Target (Micrometer setting at 4.535): Powder charge range - .22 gr

Alliant BE-86 (Micrometer setting at 4.535): Powder charge range - .14 gr

Alliant Promo (Micrometer setting at 4.535): Powder charge range - .12 gr

Winchester W231/Hodgdon HP-38 (Micrometer setting at 4.535): Powder charge range - .12 gr

Nobel Sport Vectan Ba 9.5 (Micrometer setting at 4.535): Powder charge range - .12 gr

Lovex D032-03/Shooters World Clean Shot (Micrometer setting at 4.535): Powder charge range - .10 gr

Alliant Bullseye (Micrometer setting at 4.535): Powder charge range - .08 gr

Alliant Sport Pistol (Micrometer setting at 4.535): Powder charge range - .08 gr
 
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So, all except the first 3 on the list are less than +/-0.1 gr, which is pretty much the standard for cylinder type powder measures. I have 3 different brands of that type of PM, including a CH4D, and all do less than +/-0.1 gr of W231.
 
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