Best Powder Measure

There is a review of the best powder measure in 2023.

So, I:

• purchased 9 powder measures
• spent over 52 hours testing by myself (because I love to reload ammo!)
• spent more than 33 hours talking to real press owners (about features of powder measure, not empty talk)
• have included both objective and subjective tests, real pros and… cons
• did not receive any funds from manufacturers for my assessments.

So, I am confident that I have identified the best powder measure:

“The RCBS Chargemaster is the best product for reloaders as it is accurate (0.1 grains), easy to use, and has a memory system for storing load data”

by me – Hans Wimberly

I received feedback from one of our readers regarding the RCBS Chargemaster, which I would like to share below.

“The RCBS 98923 Chargemaster Combo Scale/Dispenser worth the investment if you desire consistent and precise loads. I rely on this product for producing accurate long-range rifle loads. It is more convenient and accurate than a powder drop, dispensing both stick and sphere powders flawlessly. Additionally, it has useful features for storing your preferred loads.”

by Ben Booth

In this blog post, I will examine the advantages and disadvantages of various powder measures, highlight essential features for reloading, and offer some useful tips. So, let’s begin!

Best Powder Measure: our and customers choices

Last update on 2023-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

RCBS Chargemaster Combination Scale/Dispenser is our top choice because it combines an accurate digital scale with a fast powder dispenser, eliminates the need for calibration, and provides easy and precise control over the powder charges.

Lyman Powder Measure is our runner-up since it is a popular choice for reloaders due to its versatility in handling different types of charges, ease of use with a clamp-on design, and convenient features such as a powder baffle and drop tubes for various case mouth sizes.

Lee Precision 90058 Perfect Powder Measure (Red) is easy to use, consistent, and accurate, as it eliminates cut powder and jerky action with a soft elastomer wiper.

Let’s look at the products in more detail and tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of each.

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Top 6 Best Powder Measure for reloading

1. RCBS Chargemaster Combination Scale/Dispenser

Last update on 2023-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The RCBS Chargemaster is easy to use, and I was impressed with its accuracy. The instructions are clear, and I appreciated learning how to mute the beeping sounds and engage in automatic dispense mode.

The powder measure remembers these settings after turning it off and back on again. Zeroing the machine is straightforward, and the weights are stored in two small compartments beside the weigh scale.

Challenges with Long Cylindrical Powders

When I loaded 50 new .44 pistol rounds using VIHT N-110, a fairly short cylindrical powder, I was pleased that all the rounds were finished to the exact weight I desired. On average, it took about 10-12 seconds for the machine to dispense the powder.

I required 52 load cycles since two of the loads were over by 0.1 grain. For the overcharges, I simply dumped the powder back into the hopper and loaded a new charge into the powder tray.

However, when I loaded 50 new 30-06 rifle rounds using Alliant RL-17, a long cylindrical powder where the grains tend to clump on top of each other due to the length, the process took about 30 seconds to dispense the powder.

I required 60 load cycles, with 10 extra cycles due to overcharges ranging from 54.9 to 55.2 grains. The Chargemaster has trouble with long powder grains since it shakes powder down a rotating horizontal tube, and powder grains that clump on top of each other tend to exit the tube all at once, throwing off the precise measurements.

The tool prevents inaccuracies

The Chargemaster is a good product, even with occasional overcharges. Even when the powder dispenser is wrong, the scale always measures the weight and lets me know if I need to intervene. In the end, my loads are always accurate to the tenth of a grain.

Before using the Chargemaster, one of my friends had zero experience in reloading. However, with the help of the Chargemaster, he was able to get things right in general. He likes that the machine helps him measure powder by weight, and not use a volumetric powder drop, which is especially important for someone who is inexperienced.

Feedback from a reloading expert: “When utilizing it, this apparatus is nearly imperceptible. You needn’t bother with any button presses; you can simply place the container onto the scale, receive your weighty charge, and proceed with the remainder of the reloading operation. In the event that you utilize a lot of rifle rounds, or on the off chance that you reload for an exorbitant, high-precision cartridge, this may be the solution to meeting the exacting requirements of obsessive-compulsive reloaders while also sparing yourself the time it takes to make each cartridge. Despite the fact that reloading is enjoyable, I would rather spend my time shooting.”

by the team of huntinggearguy

Feedback from a manufacturer: “The ChargeMaster Combo features the ChargeMaster 1500 Scale and ChargeMaster Dispenser, preassembled to form an unmatched combination of speed and accuracy. There is no longer a need for timely calibration to the type of powder being used. Simply fill the 1-plus-pound capacity hopper with smokeless powder, enter the desired charge and press the dispense button. Average dispensing time is less than 30 seconds for a 60-grain extruded powder charge. It carries a one-year limited warranty.”

by RCBS

Feedback from our reader: “After reading positive reviews of this particular scale both with and without the combo, I decided to give it a try. One of the features I appreciate most is that it dispenses and trickles the powder for you, which saves time and minimizes the risk of errors. The automatic mode is especially helpful, as the scale starts dispensing the programmed charge weight as soon as you put the pan on the scale and it zeros out. This allows me to focus on seating the bullet into the previously charged case while the scale takes care of dispensing the powder.”

by our reader Bill Mally

I asked 12 reloaders about the features of RCBS Chargemaster, so we have pros and cons below:

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Pros	Cons
Provides precise charges for rifle rounds	Temperature-sensitive and may lose accuracy when used in cold temperatures
Allows for multitasking while dispensing charges, which can speed up the overall reloading process
Stores a lot of loads and can be reprogrammed to suit individual needs
Works well with flake powders
Scale is very accurate

In conclusion, the RCBS Chargemaster is precise and simplifies the task, allowing me to load double the number of rounds during a reloading session. It’s not just due to the speed, but also because it’s easier to use, enabling me to work longer without the need to take breaks.

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2. Lyman Powder Measure

Last update on 2023-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

You can adjust fractional grains and the powder reservoir has up to 2400 UV-protected grain. The Lyman best powder measures can either be used alone or in conjunction with a Turret Press, depending on your needs.

Lyman Powder Measure works with all calibers and is precise in measuring. This can be used on fine powders like red dot and H110.

The Lyman Powder Measure is sturdy and allows you to work with thousands of handgun loads using different powders. Although it requires some setup, the instructions are clear and explain how it works. The best thing about the Lyman Powder Measure is its simplicity of use.

The most appealing thing regarding the Lyman Gen6 Computing Powder is its unique design. It comes with the most conservative design that uses just half of the space in your seat, which makes it perfect for reloaders that have limited space.

It also comes with touchscreen controls that work with both left and right-gave clients, ensuring a seamless operation.

3. Lee Precision 90058 Perfect Powder Measure (Red)

Last update on 2023-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Lee Perfect Powder Measure is undoubtedly the most affordable good powder measure below $100 and best overall! This fine powder measures are made from nylon and are very affordable.

We love that you can empty your hopper in a quarter turn. Then, you lift the lid off and pour your reloading powder into your container of powder measures.

Lee Precision 90058 Perfect powder measurer is the best overall tool that can be used to reload rifle cases or certain pistol cases. We don`t recommend measure powder for rifle cases, except if you are Jason Bourne in the streets of Turkey.

Anyone who wants to start measuring quality powder should use Lee Precision 90058 Perfect powder measurer. This the best powder measure is easy to use and has consistent results, which is what you need for a perfect reload.

4. Best Electronic Powder Measurement: Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper Powder Measuring

Last update on 2023-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The powder measure can be used for manual powder or automatic powder dispensing. Frankford gives you the flexibility to choose which mode suits your needs best. This powder measure is able to hold more than 7000 grains and can keep 250 grains per throw. It is a great option if you need to work with large and small quantities of powder.

The powder scale is accurate to -/+ 0.01 making it a priority for gun enthusiasts who are concerned about accuracy and consistency. The best powder measures also feature a self-optimizing powder scale calibration. The scale can automatically calibrate for different powder loads.

A large LCD screen displays make it easy to use and control the Frankford Intellidropper powder measurement. It comes with pre-filled bullets, Powder Databases, and lists for preloaded cartridges.

The most appealing thing is that this powder measurement has Bluetooth capabilities that allow you to sync it to an app on your smartphone. In this way, you are able to operate the dispenser and use the scale to read it, make notes, and even send information from your records to the scale using your phone.

This is an obvious choice for those looking for an electronic powder scale with an impressive set of features , while also offering a lot of flexibility. This , along with the database that holds preloaded data to assist you in loading your ammunition make this model the ideal choice for you.

5. Lee Precision Powder Measure Kit 

Last update on 2023-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Lee Precision powder measurement kit is not a method I would recommend. These powder dippers are the traditional way to reload ammunition.

Surprisingly, there are people who reload in this manner. These dippers are only recommended if you don’t have the budget for a powder measure.

These powder measures allow you to simply scoop out the right powder charge and then dump it onto your scale. A reloading powder tipler is a great tool to use when you’re starting this method. Slowly adding powder to a trickler is the best way to work with it accurately.

This method works, but I don’t recommend it for measuring powder. But if you know how to handle it well, then you can easily use it.

6. Hornady Lock n Load Powder Auto Charge Scale

Last update on 2023-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Hornady Lock N Load powder measure is made mostly from steel and weighs in at 7.8 pounds. Hornady powder measure Lock n load is easy to assemble and use. With some additional accessories, you can meter charges from .5 to 265 grains of powder.

You will be able work with larger loads of reloading powder with a greater precision of 0.1 grains and a higher capacity of 1000 grains. Hornady Lock N Load powder measure is more precise than the previous models.

Hornady’s 050068 Lock-N-Load Auto Powder Charge Scale has a 110V voltage and a 220 Volts adapter. Lock N Load allows you to save power, especially when your good powder measure is not being used.

Lock N Load has three speed options and a protector for overcharging. Hornady Lock N Load powder measure also features a trickle function and is easy to clean. In the event of any issues, there is overcharge protection and one-year warranty.

Different types of powder measures

Powder measures don’t always look the same and have a wide range. There are three basic types of powder measurements you can choose from. Each type of powder measurehas a unique design and pros and cons.

Types of powder measures: Volume Powder Dippers

Volume powder dipper has the main advantage that it is very affordable. It’s actually so inexpensive that you often get it as a freebie when you purchase other reloading tools.

This is the simplest method. You simply use a spoon to measure the powder. Then, you weigh the powder on a scale. This is easy enough to grasp for beginners.

It’s similar to putting a cup of coffee in your coffee maker.

This is a tedious reloading process that doesn’t result in consistent powder amounts. It may take too long to get the right amount of powder for consistent charges.

Automatic powder or manual powder dispenser

Automatic powder type is best suited for single-stage reloading progressive press. It’s also suitable for low volume reloading.

Simply calibrate the scale first to determine the amount of powder to be thrown. Then, you can set it up to measure that powder onto your scale and use single-stage reloading press.

Measurement of Case Activated Powder

You can now use a variety of reloading presses and can even set it up as an independent tool.

The basic design of the powder dispenser is the same. It has a powder container that needs to be calibrated and a dispenser that will throw the desired amount of powder.

Types of powder measures: electronic dispensers

These powder measures are usually the most expensive. The powder dispenser comes with a keypad and an LCD display.

Simply enter the amount of powder, and the dispenser will weigh it so you get the correct weight every time.

These dispensers aren’t very popular because the digital scale built into them may not be as accurate or as the reloader requires. This means that you may need to pay more to have another powder scale work with yours. It also slows down the process.

Why Should You Use a Powder Measure?

There are a lot of reasons that a powder measure is used by various users despite their preferences of bullet types or reloading size. If you are one of those people who has included the ‘old school’ type, you might want to consider getting one as it might help you a lot in the process!

Basically, if you wish to become a professional reloader without wasting twice the time other people do, a powder measure is necessary to do that. While you might have read or watched how powder measures can be inaccurate, that fact is relative to how much short or over is accepted.

You can also use trickling up method to ensure accuracy for each bullet.

There are also many tutorials and videos that help you gain the highest consistency on each bullet, such as by giving it 2-3 taps for every turn of the lever to get the maximum, correct amount per charge.

Things To Consider When Buying a Powder Measure

A powder measure is very efficient and helps you reload with ease and much less time than the old school way of measuring the same cartridge 10 times before continuing with a second one.

For every reloader, however, there is always a powder measure that works better for you and other factors may turn your head into investing in a certain brand.

Budget and price range

Obviously, we realize that not all of our readers are ready to invest hundreds of dollars into every piece of reloading equipment. The best powder measure doesn’t necessarily have to cost a hundred dollars for you. There are some affordable ones which still work decently and accurately.

Double Check and Triple Check

If necessary because no matter how accurate the metering seems to be after using it a few hours, you never know if it accidentally let a little bit more through. Get a reliable beam or digital scale to double check and triple check the load in the cartridges every 10 or so bullets. A powder measure can never be 100% accurate all the time.

Versatility

Because if you are the type that reloads various sizes of bullets, you know that cheap guy isn’t going to make it. The Hornady powder measure is typically with both quality and versatility. Some others require you to purchase the metering separately, so calculate this in.

Read The Manual

Because every powder measure has its own method of cleaning, prepping and changing the metering as well as ensuring a sealed system with no leakage. Make sure you lock everything in place before you start using the powder measure.

Also, make sure that you know how to operate the powder measure properly and do not test it with black powder. Again, please never use it with black powder!

Charge capacity

While it’s not the biggest concern, Hornady has the biggest capacity between the three of them. That means you will do a lot of refilling if you are working on a lot of rounds. It’s also worth reminding that you are not advised to completely fill the hopper because the pressure will work its way, causing the excessive powder to flow through the metering.

Powder Types

That you will use on the powder measure because each one has something its best in. Due to sizes and shape, some powder measures work well with certain types of powders that others can’t work well with.

The Lee Precision, for example, works very well with stick powder, that tends to not work with Hornady or RCBS (RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure). But on the other hand, it cannot handle fine grain with a big leakage in the process of reloading.

Settle Powder

Before operating any powder measure you have by discharging about 5-10 rounds. Accuracy tends to sway on first 10-25 accurate charges. Do not use it in a hurry and allow powder consistent charges to flow all the way into the chamber before you release button the lever.

Top Powder Measure Brands

For our list, we have included four of the most well-known brands in the reloading business. These brands include Hornady, Lyman Precision, Lee Precision, Hornady, and Lyman.

Lyman

This brand is the most important in reloading. It is so ancient that it has been around since the early 1800s.

This means that they have a lot of experience in manufacturing reloading equipment. It speaks volumes about their commitment to quality over the years that the brand continues to thrive.

RCBS

Another well-known brand in reloading is this one, which was established in California in 1943. It is part of a group that has been associated with military weapons and it continues to be one of the most important reloading equipment companies worldwide.

This brand is well-known for listening to customers, you can send product ideas via their website or buy RCBS uniflow powder measure.

Hornady

Hornady has a large selection of reloading accessories and tools, as well as ammunition. It was established in 1949.

It is a US-owned family brand as the current boss of the company is the son Joyce Hornady, the founder.

Which Powder Measures are the Best for Reloading?

This question is not answered by a consensus. You might get many different answers if you ask different reloaders which powder measures are best.

It is fair to say, however, that you will get a great powder measure if you visit a US brand that has been in the reloading business for a while.

Frequently Asked Questions