Xtra powder measure worth it?
Quote from Reloader on March 21, 2014, 2:59 amHey guys,
Have a 2001 550B in .45 ACP (just got under the wire with the new powder rod linkage I believe), and last year got the whole nine yards to load .38/.357. That included the caliber conversion kit, the dies of course, and the quick change setup with extra powder measure.
I'm getting ready to start reloading .40 and 9mm (if by some miracle I can get more powder), and a bit over $200 for each setup is straining my budget. Any important reason I'm missing why I couldn't easily reuse one of the two powder measures I already have? Obviously it would be more convenient to have a measure on each toolhead already installed, but it can't be that much of a pain to quickly switch a measure would it?
I did the math and figure I'd save about $100 not buying the two extra measures and just buying the quick change items separately, i.e., toolhead, toolhead stand, and powder die as I recall.
Just asking as I spent a couple hours reading forum posts here and noticed a couple of guys made a point of having a permanent measure on each toolhead, so wanted to see how the rest of you decided to go when you switch calibers.
Thanks for your thoughts on the subject!
Norm
Hey guys,
Have a 2001 550B in .45 ACP (just got under the wire with the new powder rod linkage I believe), and last year got the whole nine yards to load .38/.357. That included the caliber conversion kit, the dies of course, and the quick change setup with extra powder measure.
I'm getting ready to start reloading .40 and 9mm (if by some miracle I can get more powder), and a bit over $200 for each setup is straining my budget. Any important reason I'm missing why I couldn't easily reuse one of the two powder measures I already have? Obviously it would be more convenient to have a measure on each toolhead already installed, but it can't be that much of a pain to quickly switch a measure would it?
I did the math and figure I'd save about $100 not buying the two extra measures and just buying the quick change items separately, i.e., toolhead, toolhead stand, and powder die as I recall.
Just asking as I spent a couple hours reading forum posts here and noticed a couple of guys made a point of having a permanent measure on each toolhead, so wanted to see how the rest of you decided to go when you switch calibers.
Thanks for your thoughts on the subject!
Norm
Quote from Reloader on March 21, 2014, 4:40 amNorm,
I load 4 calibers at present with my progressive loader (I have the 650), and have a powder measure on each tool head. For me, I'm lazy and its easier and the money for the extra measures wasn't an issue. I enjoy making my own ammo, plus my wife and I go through quite a bit, so reloading is a great hobby. Changing the measure from one to the other shouldn't be much of an issue. You normally need to adjust it whenever you make any changes and to check it when you start. I don't store powder in mine so it takes a while to get it right anyway. All those pistol calibers you want to load can use the small powder bar so you won't need to be changing that out. Sounds reasonable to me, go for it.
Enjoy, jj
Norm,
I load 4 calibers at present with my progressive loader (I have the 650), and have a powder measure on each tool head. For me, I'm lazy and its easier and the money for the extra measures wasn't an issue. I enjoy making my own ammo, plus my wife and I go through quite a bit, so reloading is a great hobby. Changing the measure from one to the other shouldn't be much of an issue. You normally need to adjust it whenever you make any changes and to check it when you start. I don't store powder in mine so it takes a while to get it right anyway. All those pistol calibers you want to load can use the small powder bar so you won't need to be changing that out. Sounds reasonable to me, go for it.
Enjoy, jj
Quote from Reloader on March 21, 2014, 6:48 amI load for 2 rifle cals. Have a measure for each. I load for 7 pistol cals. 9MM-44Mag. Have 2 measures for those. One for small dumps, one for larger dumps. I also invested in graduated marked dials for the adjustment screw. That along with a simple chart, makes adjusting quicker.
I load for 2 rifle cals. Have a measure for each. I load for 7 pistol cals. 9MM-44Mag. Have 2 measures for those. One for small dumps, one for larger dumps. I also invested in graduated marked dials for the adjustment screw. That along with a simple chart, makes adjusting quicker.
Quote from Reloader on March 21, 2014, 8:01 pmThanks very much JJ and Mark!
Mark, "graduated marking dials for the (powder) adjustment screw"? Is that a Dillon option? Didn't know about those, but will do a search here. That sounds like a nice thing to have.
I think I'm OK with two. Didn't know any better and left a half-measure of Unique in my first measure for a few months as I loaded, and slightly discolored the plastic, so now I empty them if it's going to be longer than a week or so between sessions.
I won't be loading the 9 and 40 quite as much, so think I'll just switch measures and readjust each time as needed.
Again, appreciate the helpful responses.
Best,
Norm
Thanks very much JJ and Mark!
Mark, "graduated marking dials for the (powder) adjustment screw"? Is that a Dillon option? Didn't know about those, but will do a search here. That sounds like a nice thing to have.
I think I'm OK with two. Didn't know any better and left a half-measure of Unique in my first measure for a few months as I loaded, and slightly discolored the plastic, so now I empty them if it's going to be longer than a week or so between sessions.
I won't be loading the 9 and 40 quite as much, so think I'll just switch measures and readjust each time as needed.
Again, appreciate the helpful responses.
Best,
Norm
Quote from Reloader on March 24, 2014, 2:35 pmI started out with only one powder measure but since I shoot several different calibers, very quickly decided that having a permanently attached powder measure is really handy.
All I have to do now is verify that the powder measure is throwing the correct charge and then load away. Previously I had to move everything over and adjust - check - adjust - check...
Not a huge deal, but worth the extra money to me since I load 6 different calibers, soon to be 8.
If I was only loading 2 calibers, I would not bother.
-Steve
I started out with only one powder measure but since I shoot several different calibers, very quickly decided that having a permanently attached powder measure is really handy.
All I have to do now is verify that the powder measure is throwing the correct charge and then load away. Previously I had to move everything over and adjust - check - adjust - check...
Not a huge deal, but worth the extra money to me since I load 6 different calibers, soon to be 8.
If I was only loading 2 calibers, I would not bother.
-Steve