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Posted: 3/23/2009 7:17:26 PM EDT
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Anyone measured a LEE dipper for accuracy?
Just curious. I picked up a Lee Classic Loader for .223 Remington and it has a 1.6cc dipper. How many grains does that equal? If this is a dumb question - Go easy on me, I'm a noob 
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| If you use the load data supplied with the lee dies, then you should be fine. The dippers measure powder by volume instead of weight. If I remember right, Lee's data is well under maximum loads when compared to other load manuals. I personally, use a powder thrower and weigh every few charges for accuracy. Specifically to answer your question. The grains the dipper will hold will vary depending on what powder you are using. |
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Get a scale. No one can give you a figure for calibration, because we don't know which gun powder you will be using. Or the lot number of the gunpowder you have.
Accuracy is all about the technique used with the dipper. Whatever you do, do it the same every time. Practice to develop a consistent technique. The load cards with LEE dippers should be treated as a guideline, backed up with a scale. |
| Forget the dippers and buy a scale. The only thing I use dippers for are making pressure test loads by dipping from a bowl dropping in a scale pan and then topping off using the dipper and tapping powder onto the scale to desired level. I do this when I am making just a few rds. and don't feel like messing with the trickler. |
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Powder measures and digital acales are the way to go, no doubt about.
However... I fiirst started shooting centerfire pistol (.45 ACP) when I was a college student. I couldn't afford factory ammo or a full reloading press setup, I got buy loading with a Lee loader. So it wasn't 'match ammo', but it was ammo - which is much better than no ammo. :-) That Lee loader is long gone now, and i have Dillon 650. But this thread is bringing back memories and I'm now I'm wondering why I don't have have a few Lee loaders in my SHTF stores. |
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Quoted:
For match loads I use the dipper in combination with a scale and powder trickler. First weigh the dipper contents, next trickle up to the desired grain weight, then charge the case. did this for a long time till i got my first powder measure. love that powder measure |
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Powders have different densities. So a 1.6 cc measure of powder will differ based on the type of powder.
Are they safe? Certainly, when used according to instructions. Sadly, it sounds like you haven't read the instructions. Yes, they CAN be quite accurate but it all depends on how they are used. The best technique is to push the base into a cup of powder, letting the powder spill over the top, then striking it off level. With practice, they can exceed most measures. |
| I used one in .30-06. Loaded 50 rounds with the lee loader and dipper and W760. I was getting 1-1 1/2 inch groups with factory ammo out of an old sporterized 03 Springfield(I didn't sporterize, but I am trying to get it back to close to original as possible). With the rounds loaded with the lee loader I started getting consistent 1/2 to 3/4 groups. Which for me is a miracle. The only reason I don't use it now is because I got a regular die set and its faster to load on my turret press. |
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If you are going to use dippers you really need to get a full set. One dipper is going to force you into using a very specific powder. If you have a scale (preferred) then the dippers are just a convenient way to get the powder onto the scale.
Regarding accuracy, most powder measures work by volume, just like the dippers do, only in a more automated fashion. |
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