J_McLeod
Member
Saw a good deal on one and thinking about getting. The pics and instructions for it picture a turret or progressive. Will it work on a single stage?
Lee Auto Disk
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ArchAngelCD
Member.
I don't see why it wouldn't work on a single stage press but mostly for pistol ammo, not rifle ammo.
J_McLeod
Member
That's what I'll mostly be using it for. I shoot rifles, but not as much and haven't started reloading them yet.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I use one on my Turret press but I see no reason you can't use one on a single stage press with the same powder through pistol dies. Just one thing, give the side of the hopper a tap between throws because you won't be turning the turret to aid in settling the powder in for the next throw.
Lost Sheep
Member
Definitely, yes. It does work on single stage
Definitely, yes. It does work on single stage, indeed, any press except the Forster Co-Ax, which has structure that would be in the way.
The Lee Auto-Disk works two ways.
1 usually used on a Progressive or Single Stage press, the measure is actuated by movement of an internal part of the Lee Case-Mouth Belling die and returned to the starting position by a pull on a chain with its lower end attached to (on progressives, the shell plate carrier and on single stages to something attached to the ram) and the upper end attached to a part named ' PULL BACK LEVER "T" because it is shaped vaguely like a "T"
2 usually used on a Turret Press, but will also work on single stage or progressive, the measure is actuated by movement of the internal part of the Lee Case-Mouth Belling die and returned to the starting position by a spring attached to a lever shaped like an "F", so Lee named it the "POWDER MEA LEVR F"
When you buy an auto-disk (either the standard or the Pro) it usually comes with both. If you buy it in a kit, it may come only with the one most appropriate for the type of press included.
The Auto-Disk can even work mounted on a powder measure stand and actuated by your fingers actuating the lever, but I don't think it will work on any maker's dies but Lee.
Lost Sheep
Definitely, yes. It does work on single stage, indeed, any press except the Forster Co-Ax, which has structure that would be in the way.
The Lee Auto-Disk works two ways.
1 usually used on a Progressive or Single Stage press, the measure is actuated by movement of an internal part of the Lee Case-Mouth Belling die and returned to the starting position by a pull on a chain with its lower end attached to (on progressives, the shell plate carrier and on single stages to something attached to the ram) and the upper end attached to a part named ' PULL BACK LEVER "T" because it is shaped vaguely like a "T"
2 usually used on a Turret Press, but will also work on single stage or progressive, the measure is actuated by movement of the internal part of the Lee Case-Mouth Belling die and returned to the starting position by a spring attached to a lever shaped like an "F", so Lee named it the "POWDER MEA LEVR F"
When you buy an auto-disk (either the standard or the Pro) it usually comes with both. If you buy it in a kit, it may come only with the one most appropriate for the type of press included.
The Auto-Disk can even work mounted on a powder measure stand and actuated by your fingers actuating the lever, but I don't think it will work on any maker's dies but Lee.
Lost Sheep
Lost Sheep
Member
Settling the powder
Taking steps to settle powder in a measure is not limited to the Auto-Disk.
ArchangelCD is correct, though. On another forum I saw a picture (sorry, don't have a link) of a guy who duct-taped a vibrator to his powder measure to ensure consistency of powder compaction.
Looked like a cross between an I.E.D. and something obscene. But he testified that it works.
Lost Sheep
Taking steps to settle powder in a measure is not limited to the Auto-Disk.
ArchangelCD is correct, though. On another forum I saw a picture (sorry, don't have a link) of a guy who duct-taped a vibrator to his powder measure to ensure consistency of powder compaction.
Looked like a cross between an I.E.D. and something obscene. But he testified that it works.
Lost Sheep
No Good
Member
That's a creative way to settle the powder. Would like to see a picture of that!
Me, being not so creative, I just kinda tap it with my thumb before each drop.
Me, being not so creative, I just kinda tap it with my thumb before each drop.
Blackrock
Member
I am using one for both pistol and rifle reloading. I use a Lee rifle powder through die (no belling) and the double disc kit for .223 and 6mm on my 3 hole lee turret press. Don't need the pull back chain if you are using the spring to pull back the disc.
As for tapping the hopper. Consistency is the key with all powder throwers. If you tap do it every time, I seem to get plenty of jiggling every time I actuate the press that settles the powder. I do know I get consistent loads with this setup.
As for tapping the hopper. Consistency is the key with all powder throwers. If you tap do it every time, I seem to get plenty of jiggling every time I actuate the press that settles the powder. I do know I get consistent loads with this setup.
Blackrock
Member
Early Christmas present
Sorry I goofed
Sorry I goofed
I would also recommend their very affordable Adjustable Charge Bar and Micro Disk kit. It makes for an exteremly easy way to change charges or calibers without fiddling with disk holes. I use it for my 9mm and .45ACP reloading and switch to the microdisk for .380 auto.
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Be sure to get the Pro Auto Disc!! You'll thank me later
As for settling the powder, running the press handle to its full stops is all that you really need to do. The clunk at the end of the stroke will do what you need, and consistant working of the handle helps.
As for settling the powder, running the press handle to its full stops is all that you really need to do. The clunk at the end of the stroke will do what you need, and consistant working of the handle helps.
General Tso
member
Definitely get the pro. It's around $35-40. It works so much smoother than the standard.
rbernie
Contributing Member
The Pro is well worth the upgrade, and it's my go-to powder drop for pistol loads. I also have the double disk update and that allows me to load up to 30gr or so of most rifle powders, making it suitable for use for intermediate chamberings (7.62x39, 5.56NATO, 6.8SPC) and light loads in 30/30 and similar.
I have the auto disc and it seems to work fine for pistol calibers and .223 w/ a through the die powder-die on a turret. for some of my loads I don't even need double disc for .223 depending on the specific powder (H335 for me).
since the OP's question seems to have been answered, I'd thought to add to this thread with questions about the PRO and a turret press.
I've been thinking of picking up a 2nd dispenser, namely the pro. However in the description I read:
" Designed to be mounted on the Lee Pro-1000 and Loadmaster presses with Lee powder-through expander dies."
and also
" The Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure will work with turret presses when setup properly although it was not designed for this application."
So, what is needed to set up the pro for a turret? the 'F' lever only? or some other type of modifications?
since the OP's question seems to have been answered, I'd thought to add to this thread with questions about the PRO and a turret press.
I've been thinking of picking up a 2nd dispenser, namely the pro. However in the description I read:
" Designed to be mounted on the Lee Pro-1000 and Loadmaster presses with Lee powder-through expander dies."
and also
" The Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure will work with turret presses when setup properly although it was not designed for this application."
So, what is needed to set up the pro for a turret? the 'F' lever only? or some other type of modifications?
General Tso
member
Nothing. I use mine on a Lee turret press. It comes with the stuff to hook it up to a progressive, but you don't use it for a turret. I would recommend the powder-through riser although it's not required. It just makes it easier to mount and un-mount.
RealGun
Member
The Pro uses a chain activation on a progressive but needs the optional spring reset for the turret. The parts for both should be included, but if not, can be ordered from Lee.
Funshooter45
Member
Yep, it works fine on a turret or a single stage. I like the double disk setup. I can get any charge I want with the right combination of disks. And you don't need to tap it. The movement it makes to cycle the disk is enough of a jolt to settle the powder correctly.
I got the standard measure with my turret kit, and quickly upgraded to the pro. You will find the mounting screws on the standard will wear out quickly, whereas the pro has brass threaded inserts for mounting screws, as well a an elastomer wiper that works much better than the standard plastic/plastic mating surfaces. I have loaded thousands of rounds with my Lee stuff and love every round of it!
Lost Sheep
Member
The riser is necessary
Some people use two risers atop one another.
The swivel adapter is also really handy because it makes the auto-disk measures easier to mount and dismount.
The Pro Auto-Disk's smoother operation may be due in part to a polymer "wiper" that provides a seal between the powder hopper and the disk. I am told it wears, though and is designed to be replaced every so often. I have no first-hand experience with this aspect of the Pro Auto-Disk.
If you already have a standard Auto-Disk, you can upgrade to the Pro (you get the Pro hopper assembly and all you lack is the teflon coating on the Pro's base. But you do get an extra. With the upgrade kit, they throw in the adjustable charge bar, a $10 item.
Lost Sheep
The riser is recommended for two reasons, both involving clearance. 1) If the Auto-Disk (either standard or pro) is mounted on a (turret or progressive) press that also mounts dies made by another manufacturer, which might be taller and 2) if mounted with any press and used in combination with the Lee Safety Prime.General Tso said:
Some people use two risers atop one another.
The swivel adapter is also really handy because it makes the auto-disk measures easier to mount and dismount.
The Pro Auto-Disk's smoother operation may be due in part to a polymer "wiper" that provides a seal between the powder hopper and the disk. I am told it wears, though and is designed to be replaced every so often. I have no first-hand experience with this aspect of the Pro Auto-Disk.
If you already have a standard Auto-Disk, you can upgrade to the Pro (you get the Pro hopper assembly and all you lack is the teflon coating on the Pro's base. But you do get an extra. With the upgrade kit, they throw in the adjustable charge bar, a $10 item.
Lost Sheep
For rifle...
You need the Rifle Charging Die.
As the case is raised on the ram, the case mouth contacts the bottom of the stem inside the Rifle Charging Die to activate the AutoDisk. But the bottom of the stem often has machine marks that don't allow the case mouth to get perfectly centered (if not centered, powder spills all over). It is worse on 223 and 243 caliber, a little problem on 6.5mm to 7mm, not generally a problem for 30 caliber or larger.
So disassemble the RCD and check the bottom of the riser stem. If it's too rough and catches the edge of the case mouth, you might consider smoothing it out carefully. I used 600 grip sandpaper and a drop of oil.
You need the Rifle Charging Die.
As the case is raised on the ram, the case mouth contacts the bottom of the stem inside the Rifle Charging Die to activate the AutoDisk. But the bottom of the stem often has machine marks that don't allow the case mouth to get perfectly centered (if not centered, powder spills all over). It is worse on 223 and 243 caliber, a little problem on 6.5mm to 7mm, not generally a problem for 30 caliber or larger.
So disassemble the RCD and check the bottom of the riser stem. If it's too rough and catches the edge of the case mouth, you might consider smoothing it out carefully. I used 600 grip sandpaper and a drop of oil.
However...
I made a bracket to mount the Perfect Powder Measure on TOP of my single stage press. And the Lee funnel fits on top of the Lee charging dies (rifle and pistol).
With that setup -- the charging die installed normally, the funnel inserted on top of the charging die, and the Perfect Powder Measure above the funnel -- I charge on the single stage press. This is an advantage to me, because I have a much larger variety of powder charges up to 90 grains, and infinite variability for my powder charge.
Either powder measure, it's your choice. I just want you to know that either powder measure works on the single stage press.
I made a bracket to mount the Perfect Powder Measure on TOP of my single stage press. And the Lee funnel fits on top of the Lee charging dies (rifle and pistol).
With that setup -- the charging die installed normally, the funnel inserted on top of the charging die, and the Perfect Powder Measure above the funnel -- I charge on the single stage press. This is an advantage to me, because I have a much larger variety of powder charges up to 90 grains, and infinite variability for my powder charge.
Either powder measure, it's your choice. I just want you to know that either powder measure works on the single stage press.
mcdonl
Member
I toyed with the idea of getting a turret press, but having only been reloading and casting for a little over a year I do not feel comfortable leaving the single stage world, so I picked up the Lee Pro Auto Disk and it made a HUGE difference in the speed I can get loads done, and still be single stage.
rfwobbly
Member
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't this require Lee dies to work on on ANY press? So the question is not 'single stage vs progressive', it's more a question of 'which dies sets did you buy?' So if you own RCBS, Hornady or Lyman dies then the Auto Disk has no way to attach.
evan price
Member
You can buy a Rifle Charging Die and the measure attaches to that. It can be used on non-rifle cases, too with some jiggering OR just buy the Lee powder-through expander die for the caliber and viola.
rfwobbly
Member
Thanks Evan.
That's my point. The Lee Auto Disk uses the power-through-die system, so the OP may have to buy additional dies just to use this powder measure.
So IF the OP owns non-Lee dies, then by the time he buys the Auto Disk, the adapter dies, the variable charger, etc. ... for the same price he could get a RCBS Uniflow or some other metallic powder measure that will do variable loads for both rifle and pistol.
Don't get me wrong, Lee stuff is very cost effective, but when you break the $50-$60 price barrier there are much better choices to be had.
That's my point. The Lee Auto Disk uses the power-through-die system, so the OP may have to buy additional dies just to use this powder measure.
So IF the OP owns non-Lee dies, then by the time he buys the Auto Disk, the adapter dies, the variable charger, etc. ... for the same price he could get a RCBS Uniflow or some other metallic powder measure that will do variable loads for both rifle and pistol.
Don't get me wrong, Lee stuff is very cost effective, but when you break the $50-$60 price barrier there are much better choices to be had.
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