Recommend a powder funnel for 9mm

Status
Not open for further replies.
F

Five of Clubs

Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2008
Messages
140
Location
Kentucky
I need a new powder funnel as I can't seem to make my Lee funnel work for 9mm. It fits the .45ACP case perfectly, but it is both too deep and wide for the smaller case. I am using a single stage press and a scoop measure for powder, but I need a better way to get the powder in the case. I like to put the powder in (one at a time) just prior to seating the bullet to avoid double charges. The search I did wasn't a help. Thanks in advance for your help.
 
mine works fine. but a good idea to do is go to your local auto parts store and take a shell with you. you can find some pretty good funnels sometimes for a buck or two.
 
Not sure what type of funnel you need, but RCBS makes a nice green one that I use on all the calibres I load...It's plastic and lasts a life time or at least 22 years so far.
 
I have an RCBS one that I use. Works fine for 9mm or any caliber.
 
the rcbs and the lee are very much alike. used them both. Bushmaster you have to stop saying a lifetime. hate to come here some day and not see you posting anymore.
 
but it is both too deep and wide for the smaller case.
Click to expand...
Are you trying to use it with the 9mm cases setting in a loading block?

That right there might be your problem!

Little cases like the 9mm .380, .32 ACP etc. usually cannot be filled while in the loading block with a normal powder funnel because they set too deep in the holes.

The cure is to fill each case and then set it in the block.

I generally set 50 primed cases mouth down in the loading block, then pick each one up, fill it, and set it in the other end of the block.

BTW: I have made wood loading blocks specific to the 9mm, and others for .380, etc. that are not drilled as deep.

That leaves enough case stick up to get ahold of.

rcmodel
 
Well, we haven't heard back, but if the OP IS filling cases in the loading block, I have to advise against it anyway.

With fast pistol powder, that is an easy route to a Double-Charge!

Set the cases in the block mouth down, and turn them over as you put the powder charge in each one.
Then, set them down in a second loading block.

That pretty much makes it impossible to double-charge a case.

Not so if they are all setting mouth up in a loading block just waiting for you to make one mistake!

rcmodel
 
Sorry for the delay in replying. I generally pull a primed .45ACP case out, set it on the bench, put the Lee funnel on top of that and pour in a scoop of powder. I then place a bullet on top and seat it in the press, and put the live round in the box. Doing it that way (one at a time, not too fast) is a nice rhythm for me and the routine helps me avoid mistakes. Ideally, I'd like another funnel capable of the same thing. Maybe something like this:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0031352215767a&navCount=3&podId=0031352&parentId=cat20853&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat602007-cat20853&catalogCode=2UG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20853&hasJS=true

The alternative would be to make a shim and use the funnel I have. Something like a .40S&W case glued inside a .45ACP case, both cut down some, so that a 9mm would slide in and out. The bottom line is that I just don't want to leave the comfort zone of my established routine. BTW, thanks for the suggestions and I will check them out.
 
No, nothing is being overlooked

I know exactly what Five of Clubs is talking about. He's doing nothing wrong.

Clubs, the outside neck of the funnel (the part that goes around the case) is cut too long on some funnels. Just cut it back 1/8 inch or so, or may half that, just make it a bit shorter than the case length. No big deal. It still works with all calibers, gets all the powder in the case, doesn't spill any powder. You don't even have to cut it perfectly square, unless you just want to stand the funnel on end while it is not being used.

Now, there you go. Load and be happy.
 
I'm with Five of Clubs. Fill and seat...fill and seat. . .fill and seat. A charged casing sitting upright with a small charge in it is an invitation for a OOPS! And it only needs to happen ONCE!
 
I have to disagree.

This is a second line of defense when you can look down inside all 50 charged cases, compare the powder levels, and SEE a double charge, or SEE a missing charge, or any other variation in powder level.

Then put the bullets in all 50 and seat them.

I have done it that way for 48 years now, and never once have I ever had a squib load, or blown myself up!

rcmodel
 
I bought an RCBS funnel today at the local gun shop. The 9mm case that I took with me was a great fit and I shouldn't have to modify the funnel at all since the "spout" is shorter than the Lee and it has a decreasing diameter inside as well. Thanks for the help.
 
May I suggest an alternate path ?

Five -

May I suggest an alternate path that will result in more accurate loads with the added benefit of speeding up your reloading ?

You really should consider moving away from dispensing "powder by volume" and start dispensing "powder by weight". I fully realize you probably know the weight of a #3 scoop or XYZ powder, but what if you want to change that load by 0.1gr, what scoop do you use then?

The answer is to buy a good used powder dispenser. These come with a set of tips that allow you to measure and dump powder into any case size. And the best part is, the volume (weight) of the powder being dumped is infinitely adjustable.

PowderHopper.JPG


I recently bought one such measure, a 15yo RCBS unit off an action site for $60, so we're not talking about an outrageous sum of money. The unit will safely and accurately dump measured powder as fast as you can move the handle up and down without spilling a single grain... and without needing a third hand. You prime your cases, set the cases mouth-up in the loading block, then offer each case to the mouth of the dispenser using one hand to hold the block, while operating the crank with the other.

If you try it once, I guarantee you'll never, ever go back to scoops.
 
I am not sure if I understand your problem, but...could you make one using .223 brass by cutting off the case head and glue/JB Weld the case body to a funnel?

salty
 
Five of Clubs...I've been using the same RCBS funnel for the last 22 years. I do have a brand new one in the drawer just in case I break this one...
 
This thread needs common sense, if you are having problems charging a case with a simple powder funnel, I would say hang it up!!!
Just my opinion.:D
Floydster
 
Midway USA

Midway USA has a great funnel set for all calibers. It includes a 4" drop tube and a container for the entire setup. The caliber specific tips fit both the funnel and the drop tube.Product#554122
 
Dump the Lee and buy a Dillon. Yes I did start out with a Lee many years ago. Have used the following presses and or machines: Lee, C-H, Dillon 450, 550b and the curent reloading machine is the XL-650. However I shoot
close to 1500 rounds of .45ACP a month......... JMHO
Chief
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

M
  • Locked
Powder funnel for .223 cases
Replies
13
Views
2K
45ACPUSER
4
BaltimoreBoy
  • Locked
Powder, Funnels, and Static?
Replies
13
Views
1K
GLOOB
G
Saluki91
  • Locked
UniqueTek Powder Funnel - Operator Error or Defective?
Replies
16
Views
573
jmorris
jmorris
Alex G
  • Locked
Non-flaring Dillon powder funnel for loading 9mm
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
streets ahead
S
I
  • Locked
Newbie questions about powder measuring and dispensing
Replies
14
Views
725
IrvJr
I
Back
Top