How Accurate is your Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure Pro w/ Adjustable Charge Bar

[Crawlin]

Edit:
I just edited the title. I had the term wrong. I am using the auto disk pro with the adjustable charge bar mounted on the turret press.


This is the second one I have owned. The last one I sold many years ago and I can't remember if it had this same problem or not. I don't think it did but hard to say.

I have been getting some variations in the power it puts out lately. It has happened since day one. (about 6 months now) Loading rifle with a target of 24.9gn of H335 I get anywhere from 24.5 to 25.2 on average. Not really more than that. It's just for plinking and I haven't really cared to work up a crazy accurate load, however I am going to start loading for pistol again. A swing of .7gn is a big difference. I've noticed that I have the same swing no matter the powder I am using (231 for 45acp).

So, before I call Lee and start asking questions, is there something I should check or is this a problem with the Lee powder measures?

Also, I am using the lee micro charge bar with the powder pro setup on top of a 4 hole classic turret press.

 

[RandyP]

I use their adjustable charge bar and find it gives very good results and consistency with Win 231/HP-38.

I have not loaded any charges as large as you are using. I have read that tapping the dispenser can improve things when you are using stacked disks? I also know that there is a recommended stacking order large hole disk above or below small hole, but cant recall which is which at this point.

 

[Crawlin]

I'm using the adjustable charge bar too. No stacking here. Guess I just need to give them a call.

 

[chhodge69]

Not sure from your post but which measure are you using?

I have noticed variations of up to +/- 0.3g using the Pro Autodisk measure with the adjustable charge bar.

I get +/- 0.1g using the Pro Autodisk with the disks.

I get +/-0.0g with an occasional (1 in 10 maybe?) +/- 0.1g using the Perfect Powder measure and a consistent technique (3xtap, dump, 3xtap, raise).

 

[RustyFN]

I have been using the perfect powder measure for 223 with H-335 and it has been very consistent. I am throwing 4.8 grains and every time I double check a charge it is within .1 grain. You have to be very consistent in the operation to get consistent throws. Also I am using mine on a Lee classic turret so the vibration of the turret turning is probably helping the powder settle and helping with consistency. Is yours mounted on a press or a bench stand?

 

[ranger335v]

The Lee Perfect is a drum measure, there's no 'charge bar' to it. Operated correctly and consistanly it typically does a very good job but a LOT of people don't operate it consistantly.

If the drum is binding at all you need to take it apart, carefully clean the mating surfaces and reassemble it so the drum has just a tad of resistance to turning. Then 'lubracate' the drum with a little - not a lot - of powdered graphite dropped from the top of the hopper.

 

[Crawlin]

I just edited the title. I had the term wrong.

I am using the auto disk pro with the adjustable charge bar mounted on the turret press.

 

[squarles67]

I've found mine to be fairly accurate until the charge get real small

 

[AlliedArmory]

4.3gr of W231 metered well (+/-.1gr). That's all I use in it, so can't comment on other powders.

4.3gr didn't require the charge bar though. I only used the disc.

 

[kingmt]

I have been using the perfect powder measure for 223 with H-335 and it has been very consistent. I am throwing 4.8 grains and every time I double check a charge it is within .1 grain.

You are using 4.8gr of H335 in a .223Rem? I've not tried it but I think that is a typo.

 

[J_McLeod]

I've gotten +/- .1 gr using above 4.7 gr of HP-38 on my turret. With the disk I've gotten the same results with 4.3 of HS-6.

 

[chhodge69]

The auto-disk is touchy with some powders, especially with the adjustable charge bar. Works great with some powders (W231) and not so great with others (Unique).
here are a couple previous discussions:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=612245&highlight=auto+disk+powder+measure
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=612023&highlight=auto+disk+powder+measure
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=601504&highlight=auto+disk+powder+measure

 

[dickttx]

I have found that the flare/powder die needs to be adjusted in or out to line up the hole in the ACB or disk, with the hole in the base of the measure when it is in the dump position. If it is not directly over it there is a ledge that can hold powder, then release it on a subsequent throw.
The photo on the left shows the bar at its fartherest point forward (handle all the way down), which should leave the hole in the bar directly over the hole in the second photo.

 

[rick300]

I've had one problem with my auto disk pro. My last loading session so this is still fresh in my mind. Although I don't use the adjustable charge bar I started getting light loads. I stopped, pulled the indexting rod and worked the ram to watch the hopper work. After a few strokes I realized the hole in the disk wasn't going all the way back under the hopper.
I called Lee and John (technician) told me to, (forgive my lack of terminology) look on the spring side, under the spring there is a screw, that screw holds a part the looks like an upside down F. Watch where it rides on the parts that move everything, disassemble, pollish the contact points and add a tiny bit of lube,then reassemble. I used some 320 or so..Smooth as silk after that.
This may or may not be your problem, but someting to look at. Rick