Anyone know which Lee Powder measure I would use for 5.0 or 5.2 grains of Win 231? I've got a kit from 1966, but none measure the amount I need for this .45ACP load. The kit has 13 dippers. My guess is that the measure number is between 020 and 039. I'm going to be reloading with a 230 grain lead round nose bullet. Firearm is a Colt Gold Cup. If you have any pet loads with this bullet/ powder, I'd be happy to try them. Thanks.

From the Lee Slide Card...

.3 = 3.2
.5 = 5.4

I've got both the 13 (red) and 15 (yellow) Dipper Kits and there is nothing in between that would help you. In the Red Kit, the 020 dipper will throw 3.5 grains of powder and the 039, 6.8-grains.

Do you have a scale that you could check to see what the .5 dipper is delivering? Depending on the lot of powder it might be closer to 5.0 than 5.4 but you would want to know for sure.

Michael

You can home-make a dipper for the exact quantity of a specific powder by taking an old discarded cartridge case, trimming it down with a file or case trimmer until it holds exactly the amount you want. A large, stiff paper clip that is wound around the rim base or extractor groove makes a handy handle.

Thank y'all. I was afraid Lee didn't have the exact one I needed. I will probably try and make my own custom dipper with an old casing (spent primer put in backwards). I have an RCBS powder dispensor, but it is not the ideal dispensor for charges less than 10 grains of any powder type. I always quality control every 20th charge anyway.

For a quick primer on rolling your own powder dippers, here's an article from our Tech Notes Archives:

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/41

I found an extra set of scoops at my reloading store for $2, so I brought them home, and put some to the grinder in steps, until I had what I needed. Now I have scoops that plug the gaps betwen the other set. Just make sure you mark them so they are easily distinguished from the others. I made small typed labels for them, then shellacked them onto the handles. Of all possible mistakes to be made when reloading, powder measuring is the one I try most to avoid! :D

PJ