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Lee Deluxe Perfect Powder Measure

Lee Deluxe Perfect Powder Measure

Lee reloading have been around for a long time and their product range is constantly being updated. On review, here, is the latest addition to their range of powder measures, the Deluxe Perfect Powder Measure. It is a big and impressive unit and looks like a bigger, more ‘engineered’ version of the previous top of their range model, the Perfect Powder measure.

The first issue with this unit, and one worth getting out of the way before going into the features of the measure itself, is that you really need the optional stand to use the measure, and that’s an extra £30! The measure will not fit on any turret press alongside other dies, due to its size, and on the ‘O’ framed presses, the drop tube isn’t easily accessible. The stand is, however, great quality, very heavy and will be useful for any other single stage work. That said, the measure is well constructed and easy to operate.

On a cautionary note, before you start reloading, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! There are several important points within them that do make a significant difference to the performance of the measure. They recommend running a full hopper of powder through the measure to coat the inside surfaces with graphite, during this process the powder charges vary greatly and it takes a while for them to settle down and become consistent. The instructions also state that charges can vary by up to 0.4-grains on larger charges; I certainly didn’t experience such large variances but it’s there in black and white to manage your expectations. Also, you do have to give the powder enough time to flow into the metering chamber and then from the metering chamber into the case again, all as per the instructions.

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There is the usual powder shut-off facility on the hopper, making it easier to empty when you have finished but it is also important to check inside the measure housing to ensure all residual powder is removed. Once you have it set-up, the measure cycles very smoothly and is easy to operate. The measure functioned well with four different powders that I tried but did struggle with Trail Boss. This powder has a tendency to cause bridging in a few powder measures I have tried, due to its unusually shaped grains, and it was no different in this one. A quick tap on the side of the hopper instantly frees up the powder flow.

Micro management

As with all of Lee powder measures, they provide a table of different powders and their volume per grain for you to set the micrometer on the measure and with a bit of tweaking it is a quick and easy process to get to the desired correct charge weight. The micrometer is big and chunky and the scale is easy to read. The powder drop tube allows you to either drop the powder charge into a dish for weighing on a powder scale, or directly into a case, whichever you prefer. The crank handle is a good size and once the powder measure is run in it operates smoothly through the full range of travel. There is no jerking at all, and with the stand being so stable and substantial, there is no movement of the unit at all. The hopper is a good size and you can actually see the powder flowing into the metering chamber on the upstroke, making it easy to spot any problems with powder flow.

If you reload for a number of different calibres, or use more than one charge weight for your particular gun, a very useful addition is the Lee Quick Change Drum Set. In the set, you get four nylon drums, which replace the brass drum supplied with the powder measure. Each drum can be pre-set, using the adjusting key supplied with each drum, to a desired charge weight and simply fitted to the measure when required. Usefully, each drum incorporates a flat area for it to be labelled with charge weight and powder type, so there is less risk of a mix up. The nylon drums fit and cycle well and save time and effort in adjusting the main micrometer on the measure each time you want to change powder charge.

Conclusion

Build quality is excellent, as you would expect from Lee and they certainly seem to have put a lot of thought and practical knowledge into this piece of kit. The stand, powder measure and quick change drum set represent a significant investment for a powder measure set up, but it’s certainly worth it, as you do get a very well-made, durable and reliable set up that will last a long time.

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  • Name: Lee Deluxe Perfect Powder Measure £51.30 Lee Quick Change Drum Set £17.10 Lee Powder Measure Stand £29.90
  • Contact: Henry Krank www.henrykrank.com
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