CRNA
Well-Known Member
Hey guys. Going to start loading for my new AR. I have a set of Lee dies that has the powder dipper. I have never used this before. You guys have any thoughts? Do you just use a level dipper per case?
Anybody use the powder dipper with Lee dies?
- Thread starter CRNA
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g0rd0
Well-Known Member
Short answer NO!
If you are going to reload then get a scale and powder throw. Without the proper equipment you will be not able to accurately control your charge. If you are not controlling your charge than you cannot control your preasure, velosity, acurracy, cost and SAFTY.
Enough said
If you are going to reload then get a scale and powder throw. Without the proper equipment you will be not able to accurately control your charge. If you are not controlling your charge than you cannot control your preasure, velosity, acurracy, cost and SAFTY.
Enough said
CRNA
Well-Known Member
Got a scale and powder thrower. Not looking for tack-driving accuracy. Just thought it may speed up things.
Clint Idaho
Well-Known Member
Depends a lot on the cut of the powder. While the dippers are fairly consistant with the finer cuts. They can vary a tad with the long extruded. Since I load mostly for accuracy, I just use the dippers when working up loads. Load the dipper, weigh the charge, load the case. Usually only load up 5 at a time working up loads. So I don't throw with the powder measure. My dippers are usually with in about 2 tenths of a grain with any powder if I fill them up and scrape off the excess. 2 tenths may not seem like much, but it do make a difference if your setting at the top end of pressure and also spreads the group with most of my rifles. So I weigh every thing with the rifles, throw with the powder measure for pistol calibers where close is good enough.
HARPERC
Well-Known Member
I haven't used one forever, but it's close enough for bulk ammo. Stay back from maximum loads, use finer powders, and keep your expectations in perspective.
My electronic scale/dispenser is a bit slow, I like the idea of dipping and trickling I'll have to try that one.
My electronic scale/dispenser is a bit slow, I like the idea of dipping and trickling I'll have to try that one.
When I was a kid 45 years ago I purchased a Lee Loader in 30-06 for 5.95. It came with a powder measure calibrated for IMR4064. Using 165gr Speer Spitzers I loaded for about 3 years with this kit. I produced consistent 1" groups in my Winchester Model 70 which was considered great back then, and better than the +2" groups I was getting from any factory ammo I tried. I then spent about $150 for scales, press, dyes, tumblers,etc,etc,etc. After all that, I still got 1" groups. The key to getting consistent charges with the dipper is consistency of technique, and what would today be referee to as being in the "sweet spot" of the ladder so the variations in charge weight didn't give major changes in POI. Of course I didn't know that back then. I also didnt shoot past 200 yards.
SidecarFlip
Well-Known Member
...........Now I know what that little yeller thing is for.
rscott5028
Well-Known Member
I have not confirmed this myself, so please follow proper/safe load workup procedures and published data.
But, I've been told that you cannot over fill a 223 Rem case with Varget when topping it off compressed using a 50 gr projectile.
A lot of high power shooters including David Tubbs dump powder by volume for bulk loading with progressive presses.
So, yes. You can use the dipper.
Lee usually includes load data in grains as well as CC's with the CC capacity marked on the dipper. Follow the instructions and you should be fine.
-- richard
But, I've been told that you cannot over fill a 223 Rem case with Varget when topping it off compressed using a 50 gr projectile.
A lot of high power shooters including David Tubbs dump powder by volume for bulk loading with progressive presses.
So, yes. You can use the dipper.
Lee usually includes load data in grains as well as CC's with the CC capacity marked on the dipper. Follow the instructions and you should be fine.
-- richard
SidecarFlip
Well-Known Member
HUH??
I load many, many 223 cases and I never use Varget, always H322 or H335 and the sweet spot (for me at least) is 22.5 grains and that's less than 1/2 a case full. With a 50 grain Hornady FMJBT. I buy 'em 3000 at a crack...
rscott5028
Well-Known Member
I'm not advocating Varget as an optimal load for cost or precision.
But, the OP wasn't asking about pet loads.
Some folks seemed to imply that it's dangerous to measure powder with the dipper that was provided by the die manufacturer.
My point was/is that it could be dangerous if utilized incorrectly. But, it's not inherently unsafe.
-- richard
SidecarFlip
Well-Known Member
My point was..... filling a 223 case FULL of any powder in the recommended range of powders is inviting disaster..... and personal injury.
barnesuser28
Well-Known Member
i am using 28.0 grains of varget with a 40 grain nosler ballistic tip in my 223 rem and it is a safe, compressed, max book load.
