Quote from: bjw0007 on April 25 2015 06:51:04 AM MDT
800x is fine to use without weighing/trickling every round, but you have to test your powder measure.  With my Lee autodisk, I set it at 8.6 grains, got some wide variances, but I'd be comfortable mid-range with it.  Statistically, there is a 1 in 10,000 chance of throwing a charge 0.4 grains or higher than average.  That 1-10000 chance is what I set as an acceptable level of risk, and the 0.4 grain was calculated with weighing 200-300 throws, both with constant powder level (throwing the powder back after weighing) and with diminishing powder level.

My other Lee powder measure (Perfect Powder Meadure) cannot be trusted with 800x.  Powder throws do not fit on a Bell Curve, and consistenly throw 1 grain above/below average.

I don't have that problem. My Hornady Auto dispenser works with any powder.

I use the Lee dippers with hi skor 800x

I've gotten good results using AutoComp, it meters well and gives worthwhile performance.  I've used AA5 before but it's more lower/mid end although it's good powder.  AA7 would probably work well too.

Love 800x but for me it's for upper end stuff only.

Quote from: wadcutter on April 27 2015 10:26:49 AM MDT
I use the Lee dippers with hi skor 800x

Haven't use dippers since I was a teen with my dad... Even with the Lee loaders that worked via hammers

But I do remember they were pretty consistent if you tapped them after filling to let excess off...in a mid range load , no problem esp since you pick a scoop that was under the load wanted

I still have the full set of Lee Dippers, but hardly ever use them anymore. But they will be there when the Zombie Apocalypse occurs and there is no more electricity or batteries left!

Quote from: gandog56 on April 28 2015 08:17:36 AM MDTBut they will be there when the Zombie Apocalypse occurs and there is no more electricity or batteries left!

Exactly why I like the balance beam scale, real printed load data and notes.  Should the SHTF, I can still cast over an open flame if need be, and maintain some various supplies for sustaining my needs!

They are continually talking about and EMP event or solar burst that will take down the electrical grid system...

Yeah, but when you are living in that cold drafty uneven floored cave, dippers would be better! 

I will take the balance beam any day over dippers.  Especially in an EOTWAWKI scenario.  There is mass that is relevant in reloading than the powder.

Quote from: tommac919 on April 27 2015 07:07:26 PM MDT

Quote from: wadcutter on April 27 2015 10:26:49 AM MDT
I use the Lee dippers with hi skor 800x

Haven't use dippers since I was a teen with my dad... Even with the Lee loaders that worked via hammers

But I do remember they were pretty consistent if you tapped them after filling to let excess off...in a mid range load , no problem esp since you pick a scoop that was under the load wanted

I remember those first bullets.... And the overwhelming feeling that hitting a loaded she'll with a hammer was not the best idea...

I also have the dippers... Mine are black plastic! They can be useful for plinker loads for sure. Always need a good BB scale tho!!!

CW

Yes the beam scale has the final say in the weight. Is the Lee good enough or should I get something better.  I'm going to start loading rifle shortly.

Quote from: hnusz on April 28 2015 05:26:50 PM MDT
Yes the beam scale has the final say in the weight. Is the Lee good enough or should I get something better.  I'm going to start loading rifle shortly.

the Lee balance scale is accurate ( after leveled ) but the 1/10 area of reading scale is a bit of a pain... I'd look for something with like a wire weight for the 1/10ths.

Quote from: hnusz on April 28 2015 05:26:50 PM MDT
Yes the beam scale has the final say in the weight. Is the Lee good enough or should I get something better.  I'm going to start loading rifle shortly.

The scale is the one thing that keeps our fingers and eyeballs intact. So scales are a good place place not go for a "price point" model. An RCBS 5-0-5 or Dillon beam scale are both great scales. Very similar since both are made by Ohaus. Back those up with some check weights and off you go for a lifetime. I have also found a powder trickler to be a boon to drop and trickle rifle charges. Of course, if you are flush with cash, the RCBS Chargemaster would be awesome for rifle.

Quote from: Taterhead on April 28 2015 06:55:12 PM MDT

Quote from: hnusz on April 28 2015 05:26:50 PM MDT
Yes the beam scale has the final say in the weight. Is the Lee good enough or should I get something better.  I'm going to start loading rifle shortly.

The scale is the one thing that keeps our fingers and eyeballs intact. So scales are a good place place not go for a "price point" model. An RCBS 5-0-5 or Dillon beam scale are both great scales. Very similar since both are made by Ohaus. Back those up with some check weights and off you go for a lifetime. I have also found a powder trickler to be a boon to drop and trickle rifle charges. Of course, if you are flush with cash, the RCBS Chargemaster would be awesome for rifle.

ABSOLUTELY!!!

BUY BEST YOU CAN AFFORD!

skimp elsewhere!

Keep in mind the Lee selling point is to load for economy and accuracy, not max velocity.  With that in mind all the Lee equipment is great stuff.

But, when I am pushing limits, my RCBS balance scale comes out.

Yes I have used the RCBS 5-10 balance beam since 1978 , and had never really had any check weights to test it.  However I bought a FrankFord Arsenal digital, that you see in the pull-downs, it came with check weights, so I used them to test the RCBS and it was on the money perfect after all these years.  The other thing is the two scales agree with each other...

But with time the digital scale does drift and needs to be re zeroed often, so I learned to deal with its limitations when working with it.