Lee Auto Drum Powder Measure

[Phazer]

I use a Lee Load-Master progressive press (since 2014) because it was the only one that I could fit into my very limited space with an extremely low ceiling (when compared to heights of Dillon XL 650 and Hornady Lock-and-Load). Anyway, I've tinkered with the press and I've put up with the poor priming system. The other day, I had issues with my Lee Pro Auto Disk powder measure. I've set it up with their spring option instead of the pull chain. However, it started sticking and allowed several cases to get "charged" without powder while the slide measure disk was stuck in the open position (yes...I caught the empty cases before the moved on since I visually inspect each one after the fill position and since I don't have room for a powder check die). I got it working again after I lubed the pivot point on the small ever arm. Regardless, I decided to look into drum-type powder measures that would fit my press.

I looked into the Hornady and RCBS drum-type measures. Even if I could get one of those to fit into my limited space (which I could not), they would have cost around $150 since the case activated lever assembly needed to be purchased separately.

I was pleasantly surprised when I found that Lee had released a budget priced drum-type powder measure in late 2015 (though, I only just found it), the Lee Auto Drum:

http://leeprecision.com/auto-drum-powder-measure.html

I've loaded a few hundred rounds of 380 and 9mm with this measure. It seems to work smoother, and more consistently, than the auto disk unit. So, for around $48, shipped, I'm satisfied with this solution for making practice rounds: https://www.amazon.com/Lee-LP90811-Auto-Drum-Powder/dp/B000N8MURA

Frankly, since this unit is so "inexpensive," I think that I'm going to get a few more and just leave one attached to the tool heads (with the dies) and calibrated for each of the three calibers that I regularly load.

 

[togmaster]

I use a Dillon. And I have a tool head with a dedicated powder drop for each caliber I load. Provided the primers are the same I can change calibers in less then 30 seconds.

Your really load 380? Almost not worth it considering the time it takes to prep the cases.

 

[Phazer]

Your really load 380? Almost not worth it considering the time it takes to prep the cases.

On the contrary. 380acp costs much more to purchase than 9mm. I simply dry tumble cases and then use them with a bit of case lube. No more prep work than for my 9mm and 45acp rounds.

I probably save more by reloading 380acp than anything else because my wife shoots hundreds of rounds per session through her Sig P238 and Browning Black Label 1911-380.

 

[togmaster]

On the contrary. 380acp costs much more to purchase than 9mm. I simply dry tumble cases and then use them with a bit of case lube. No more prep work than for my 9mm and 45acp rounds.

I probably save more by reloading 380acp than anything else because my wife shoots hundreds of rounds per session through her Sig P238 and Browning Black Label 1911-380.

There's the difference. I wet tumble all my brass. Everything gets the primers punched out, tumbled then inspected before reloading. Time consuming but they shore look perty when I'm done.

 

[Brian Colt]

What powder are you using? I use 700x (flake) primarily, and find it very inconsistent with my Lee auto dusk. I have to weigh every charge, quite time consuming.
http://leeprecision.com/auto-drum-powder-measure.html

I've loaded a few hundred rounds of 380 and 9mm with this measure. It seems to work smoother, and more consistently, than the auto disk unit. So, for around $48, shipped, I'm satisfied with this solution for making practice rounds: https://www.amazon.com/Lee-LP90811-Auto-Drum-Powder/dp/B000N8MURA

Frankly, since this unit is so "inexpensive," I think that I'm going to get a few more and just leave one attached to the tool heads (with the dies) and calibrated for each of the three calibers that I regularly load.[/QUOTE]

 

[Phazer]

What powder are you using? I use 700x (flake) primarily, and find it very inconsistent with my Lee auto dusk. I have to weigh every charge

I've been using HP38 for my .380acp rounds. I've been loading 100gr FMJ RNFP over 3.0 grains HP38 to OAL 0.92 inches.

I hope to speed test the rounds at some point.

 

[RandallOfLegend]

I have the manual drum and the auto disk pro. I have never had the inconsistencies your describing with flake or ball handgun powders. I didn't know there was an "auto drum". That's interesting.

I should mention I do spray my power dispensers with graphite then work them in about 50 times before I drop any powder.

 

[Tinman]

I just ordered one and got it for $35 on eBay. Also ordered the extra drum pack that give you 4 drums for 19.99. I currently have the auto disc and will compare the two.

 

[Brian Colt]

Ordered today. Will report after testing.

 

[Phazer]

I just received my 2nd unit. I'll use it for rifle powder.

I disabled the overcharge lockout lever and chain reset. It worked, but was annoying. Now, the powder drop is just activated every time a case is run up in the charging die.

 

[Brian Colt]

Ordered today. Will report after testing.

Recieved promply. Finally found time to Install, prep and test today. Ran about 50 drops, then started weighing. Target weight 4.3 gr. 44,43,43,44,43,44,43,44,44,44,44,44,44.44. Constent enough for me! My autodisk gets 2 in row the same every couple of hundred drops. This should speed things up tremendously.