Lee Loader powder

[NuclearMeltdown]

I recently bought a NOS Lee Loader for .38 Special from about 1979 or 1980. In it I found a powder charge table listed with several powders, and the instructions say to include a level dip of each from the included dipper. I am posting to ask whether anything has changed in the last 30 years that would make me want to look for updated information, or if a dip of Unique is exactly the same as it was 30 years ago.

 

[dstark]

I also use lee loaders and only use the dippers to pour powder onto my scale. I used to use just the dippers until I bought a scale and found out how much measurments vary dip by dip. I dont have info from 30 yrs ago, but I can imagine how much max loads have changed. A good reloading manual and scale will do you wonders.

 

[moooose102]

+1 on a scale. the lee dippers are a decent way to go for just plinking ammo. i have a set and still use them. but ammo made that way, while it will shoot and kill, is not going to be anywhere near optimum levels on either accuracy or power. go to ebay and watch for used stuff. you can get some very good buys there, both new and used equipment. as far as if unique is the same as it was 30 years ago, you would have to contact the powder company themselves for that info. also, you may want to see if lee has updated instructions listed on their website.

 

[pmeisel]

The dipper should be labeled as to size == probably in cubic centimeters (e.g. .5) but possibly in cubic inches (which Lee used first before going metric). You can check out the equivalency of volumetric measurement to weight in Lee's reloading manual....

For example, the recommended starting load in the 2nd edition Lee manual for 38 special with 158 grain lead bullets is 5.8 grains, which would call for a 0.5cc dipper.

The problem with dippers is that there is such a gap between sizes that a dipper alone will not always get you the charge you want for the powder and component matchup you have....

But if you do have a good match, they sure are dead simple and cheap.

 

[Vacek]

Nuclear,

Go to Lee's website and download the sheet that shows all of the various powder grains as a function of volume. You can get up to date powder info. Now if your scoop is by number and not CC then you need to call and see what is volume is.

During the 70's and 80's I had two loads for my 357. One a light load and one heavy. Both used Bullseye.

 

[Doug b]

Has anything changed?

Yep Alliant bought Hercules in 1995,production went from New Jersey to Virginia.Most definately get new data to be on the safe side.

 

[rcmodel]

None of the powders likely still being made on your list have changed enough to matter.

And the Lee dipper supplied will give you plenty of leeway even if they have.
It is very conservative unless you pack it in with a pencil.

rc