IMR 4895 and the Lee Auto Drum or Auto Disk?

[RandyP]

Hopefully easy question. I'm going to be reloading 30-06 for my Garand - I have the Lee Auto Pro Disk and the Auto Drum powder measures. Target powder charge of IMR4895 is 47-48 grains for my 147 gr bullets. I typically only reload with ball powders that meter very well. First experience with 'stick'.

Anyone use either of these measures with this powder? Pros/Cons?

Thanks for any guidance.

 

[GooseGestapo]

NO! Don’t

IMR4895 is a long “stick” powder.
It won’t work well in the plastic powder measures.
It will bunch up and clog in the funnel area, and bind on the sliding disc measure.

Metal measures work good because they shear the granules and funnel areas are larger.
I’ve used H4895 in a Lee, but prefer to use “dipper” type measures.
H4895 is closer to a “short cut” stick powder.
I’ve loaded 1,000’s of .223’s on a Lee press with Lee Pro measure with BLC2 and H335.
But I dip and weigh the H4895 for my Match 80gr loads...

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I run stick powders in my Lyman brass smith and 55.

 

[sparkyv]

I drop a slightly low volumetric charge and then trickle up to target weight for all my stick powders.

 

[rdnktrkr]

I tried using the double disc kit from Lee and never got the accuracy I like with it compared to just using a single disc. I feel you will be better dipping and trickling up than the using the Lee Auto Disc

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

I ran I4895 through an old Lee Perfect Powder Measure. It was surprisingly accurate.

I intended to drop and trickle (why does that sound so obscene?), but found it accurate enough that I just went to dropping the charge.

I was loading 223 range ammo, at 24.5gr (I think), and it was almost always within .1, and always within .2 grains. Accurate enough for range ammo, and probably more accurate than commercial ammo.

I wouldn't have a problem using a Lee Auto Drum.

 

[1KPerDay]

I haven’t been able to get 4895 to measure consistently enough for me for .308 or .30-06 (and I’m not a benchrest shooter) using the auto disc double stacking the discs. I throw charges separately using a Redding powder measure and then put the charged case back in the press to seat. YMMV

 

[sparkyv]

I can use my LPPM for stick powders on the turret press with an adapter, but usually don't.

I ran I4895 through an old Lee Perfect Powder Measure. It was surprisingly accurate

 

[RandyP]

Update to this conversation - Turns out that the double-disk using the largest holes, if the Lee VMD calculation is correct, will not throw the charge I want. I'm going to try the Auto-Drum and see how it goes. All else fails I'll just hand weigh and hand load the charges.

 

[bfalcon00]

Yeah I finally got sick of messing around with IMR 4895 in my Dillon and Lee powder measures. Broke down and bought one of these. Works great for IMR 4895 and nice for load development too.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...j_IEegQIJhAR&usg=AOvVaw0Dfz2ZyPx6ahMcLKNtLXuw

 

[1KPerDay]

Update to this conversation - Turns out that the double-disk using the largest holes, if the Lee VMD calculation is correct, will not throw the charge I want.

It usually isn't, and you should always confirm/weigh your charges of course. I keep a master list of the Lee auto disk chart with all my weighed/confirmed charges and corrections written on it. Some powders line up pretty well with the claimed weights per orifice, but some are WAY off. Your plan to hand weigh and hand charge is probably the best way to go if you want accurate, consistent ammo. If you're blasting into the side of a hill, the double-disc setup might be good enough.

 

[RandyP]

It usually isn't, and you should always confirm/weigh your charges of course. I keep a master list of the Lee auto disk chart with all my weighed/confirmed charges and corrections written on it. Some powders line up pretty well with the claimed weights per orifice, but some are WAY off. Your plan to hand weigh and hand charge is probably the best way to go if you want accurate, consistent ammo. If you're blasting into the side of a hill, the double-disc setup might be good enough.

I do not disagree. I have both powder dispensers. The drum is much easier to change out so I'll try that one first. I just picked up the new Lee Six Pack progressive and will be loading my 9mm and 45ACP on that. Leaving my Classic turret for .223, 30-06 and my other handgun calibers.... at least for now.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The Pro Auto-Disk is not the one to use with powders like that but the Auto-Drum should handle extruded powders just fine. It is supposed to work well with those powders, can't hurt to give it a try before buying anything else.

I use a Lyman #55 but that's because I have one. (excellent dispenser BTW)