Testing The New Lee Classic Powder Measure

The first impressions on the unboxing of the new Lee Classic Powder Measure have been done...time to actually test the new measure in use...perhaps it will shine brightly or not at all... Here's a user review...

[@leonhitchcox3675]

I see two possible issues with your test. First, as another poster stated, the micrometer is hitting the mount bar and that will cause problems with the micrometer not being able to fully open. Charges would be erratic. Second, you need to pause at the top to let the powder settle before dropping the charge. My Lee Classic works great. I also have a Lee Perfect that works great with stick powder, but leaks ball powder kernels, and I have a Lyman 55 from the 1970s that works really well. I like the new Lee better than the Lyman.

[@CharlesVanNoland]

I second this.

[@livincincy4498]

You need to send it back to Lee for the new Brass body version of this powder measure.

[@junmadrid2010]

I noted when using the brass drum, the metering cylinder hits the measure stand. This may cause the cylinder not to fill completely in some strokes. Also you do not pause the stroke at the top and bottom. The powder needs time to move into and out of the metering cylinder. Give a pause. Some reloaders even double tap the handle at the top and bottom of the stroke to jiggle powder to move into or out of the metering cylinder. Try it again for the lee classic powder measure. You may see an improvement on consistency.

[@GunFunZS]

For that brass drum, I would be tempted to lapp them together. i.e. remove the rubber wipe, put in some light oil and baking soda. Cycle a bunch of times. Clean thoroughly. cover the thing with sharpie or dychem, and cycle some more. See if there are any highlights. Repeat as needed until you have a very smooth tight fit.

[@chevy6299]

+GunFun ZS Great minds think alike.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

+GunFun ZS : I think this is exactly what is needed, I cannot see why a measure made with so much better materials is not performing as well as the pot metal and plastic one, it may be a Monday morning made one! Send it back and get another, it should work out of the box!

[@Mr257weatherby]

Might try incrementally tightening the drum and pausing slightly as you throw so the powder can settle on your up stroke. Might stabilize your charges. I always single weigh and trickle from a lower charge or throw. Takes longer but I know it is right.

[@billywilliams9455]

U gotta slow down some and give it time to fall, this is the first person iv seen go so fast with a powder measure

[@eleanoramelia2591]

Just received the new for 2017 deluxe perfect powder measure. Using Titegroup powder the brass cylinder leaked much the same as one the classic. However, using the nylon inserts, same powder, virtually zero leakage.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Clint Eastwood - You should do a video showing the performance of that measure...there will be interest... Best to ya, FC

[@craneoperator4]

I have the plastic version and use ramshot zip for 9mm and it throws perfect every time with a flake or 2 leakage still pretty good for the price..I think the reloads shoot better than commercial ammo

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+craneoperator4 -- Congrats on your reloading - reloading just expands our shooting experience tremendously, and if bullets are cast, that even takes it to another level... Best Regards, FC

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

In case anybody watches this, I believe Lee changed this model and the main housing is made of some kind steel or potmetal its cadmium plated I believe, or golden anodized, if you buy one today. It doesnt have the bumpy finish like his shown here. My cylinder/drum is made of solid brass like the one used here on some of the video. It will interchange with the plastic drums used here though if you like those. Mine seems more accurate than this as well. Perhaps FC45 could send his back to Lee and get the new one. I think Lee may have improved these since these early ones came out.

[@mikesandoval5296]

I have tried power Measures made by Lee, RCBS, Lyman including the lee auto drum and I still prefer to Weigh my chargers. I don’t like to worry about inconsistent changes . I have 4 powder measures sitting on my shelf with very little use

[@mky45lg]

It is odd that the Auto-drum works so well with virtually the same mechanism. I recently did 100 .357 with Accurate #7 with just a few specs spillage. I really like the review videos on Lee products. keep them coming.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+mky45lg -- The Auto Drum PM is as big a winner as this Classic is a big downer. Best to ya, FC

[@tommykawasaki9676]

I have the inexpensive plastic Lee Perfect Powder throw. & it throws a perfect charge each time of any powder I use & can be snugged up, to not leak. BUT ☝️ how you fill the hopper is important. Fill it 1 inch from the top & don’t let it get below 1 inch from the cone. That’s the “Sweet Area” at least on both of mine. I don’t care for the “cheap feel” & I bought a much more expensive model & it didn’t throw as accurate as the Lee Perfect Measure. I returned the expensive one. You must pause slightly at the top of the lever throw & it works all the time, every time.

[@nickjm37fordel1]

Agree, think I'll stay with the Auto-Drum also!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+Nick J -- I just loaded up more of those 11.1 grain #9 loads using this new Classic PM... still getting lots of powder leakage. This measure is not performing well - with fine powders = accurate throws, but lots of leakage. With flake powders - no leakage, but throws not as accurate. It's not a good combination. The Auto Drum = accurate throws with all powders, no leakage, reliable operation + great price point and high value. ...Best to ya, FC

[@mikeross4]

I have had a Lee Perfect powder measure for about 40 years which I have always found to be very accurate. About seven years ago I thought I would upgrade and I bought a Redding powder measure which at the time was about four times the price of the Lee. Compared to the Lee it is rubbish and is not at all accurate particularly with fine grain powders. Moral, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!

[@joehunt1980]

It looks to me that the main difference between the two measures in operation is the Classic Powder Measure rests with the measuring drum in the dropping position and the Auto Drum Powder Measure rests in the fill position which gives the powder longer time to settle in the measuring drum... Looking at the 4:00 mark you can see powder sticking in the drop tube area which would explain the way the powder weight is jumping around. While the powder is building up on the sides of the tube it will throw lighter than expected charges until it reaches a point where the sticking powder is heavy enough to drop during a random charge which results in a significantly heavier charge weight than expected. Its quite disappointing as I was thinking of getting one of these.

[@GunFunZS]

+joehunt1980 Astute observation. Also different materials have different static related properties. Anti static plastics and ZAMAC never need to be sticky with corrosion preventative, which gives them a leg up on brass, steel, and Iron.

[@charless8641]

I have the same power measure and I was having problems, I saw video were the guy used a spray on Blaster Graphite dry lubricant. After using this product I started getting much better throwing of powder. Thank You for the video.

[@Toolness1]

I noticed the price is pretty high on this cast powder measure. When you're up into the price of RCBS, Hornady, and Lyman equipment, I wouldn't go for the Lee. I've had good luck with two of the plastic perfect powder measures, but they aren't as nice as a RCBS cast powder measure. They are accurate, but the action isn't near as smooth as a cast measure. Unless they can fix the leaking issue and bring the price down, I would go with the other brands for a cast powder measure.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Toolness1 - The new Lee Classic Powder Measure sure had a lot of promise, but it is overpriced as you have already said - plus it performs poorly in accuracy and leakage...It is a low value item at this time... Have a great day, FC

[@Toolness1]

That's a bummer. I like to root for the underdog. Hopefully they will improve it if enough people have the same issue!

[@Dustysa4]

Thanks for this video. Was trying to decide between the auto drum vs classic powder measure.

[@robtolley5077]

Fc 45, I'm really happy to get to play and add some of your magic to my 45 70, we know what their capable of.. I'm undecided what I'm gonna do with it to impress me.lol that's a neat round. Watchen you for ideas! !! lol thank you

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Rob Tolley - Problem is that I will not be doing any 45/70 loading for a while - my cue of video ideas is already long with three projects running including the 22 sabot rounds in 308 Winchester, 44 Spl, 12 gauge, and finishing up my heavy bullet 38/357 Powder Coated loadings... Good shootin' to ya, FC

[@martinbenton742]

Why not dispense the powder into the weigh cup instead of a shell? Are you sure you are getting the shell dumped completely?

[@eleanoramelia2591]

Well, I boxed up my classic powder measure and sent it back to lee with a note of the powder I was using and the leakage I was experiencing. Received it yesterday, tried it today and it still leaks. For some reason my auto drum doesn't leak using the same powder. Since I like the features of the removable hopper and the capacity to charge .357 all the way up to rifle, I'll keep it and make a device to catch all the powder that leaks from the drum.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Clint Eastwood - When I first got leakage with the Auto Drum, it was solved by 1/4 more turn on the thumb screw. However, I've found that other drums may leak with the fine grain powders. I reserve use of those for the flake powders (no problem there). However, nothing helps the leakage of fine powders with my Lee Classic - that measure is also not accurate in the charges thrown, either. I'm not ready to give up on it...but it is not performing well. My Auto Drums, however, are working very well - I'm happy with them. You shouldn't have to catch the leaking powder with your Classic...that is not acceptable. I can always use my Classic the old classic way....throw a charge on the light side and trickle up...at least it doesn't jam with stick powders like my RCBS does. Best to ya, FC

[@drklynoon]

I'm a little disappointed. The classic cast line began pretty terrific with the presses. Now they need to fix that scale. Thanks for the heads up.

[@jwelsh1238]

So disappointing. I've had my eye on one of these for almost a yr now. I need something better for fine powder like H110. Which manual measure do u recommend? The uniflow?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+jwelsh1238 -- As you are fully aware, H110 needs to loaded at max or very near max charges for best performance. Reduced charges with H110 are not recommended. But it is one of our most fun powders as it gives us magnum velocity and plenty of lightning and thunder. When I load max H110, I have used my Uniflow and then trickle up to max charge. But my Hornady Automatic Powder Dispenser does all that for me and very nicely. Either way gets us to the same destination...Until Lee gets the bugs out of their new Classic PM, I'd stay away from that puppy... Good reloadin' to ya, FC

[@Anon.Emouse]

The problem is the Elastomer wiper Lee have put in there. It sits too proud and keeps the drum from mating properly with the surfaces in the measure. It is also too grippy which effects the smoothness of the action. Take the wiper out and make a wiper from a hard plastic that sits flush with the surface and the action will smooth out and there will be no more leakage. I had no leakage with W-760 ball powder after making a new wiper.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+Michael Streeter -- I'm going to re-test this measure with the stick powders, before making any mods to it...Also, I still have to do the powdered graphite trick yet... Thanks for the suggestion - Sending the measure back may be the best option for me personally. Best Regards, FC

[@robertbush8327]

Please do a review with extruded powders like imr4064. Thanks.

[@grimllocc131]

Hello FC. Great vids thanks. Can you tell me how I can get a ladle like the black one that your dumping the powder in on the scale while testing in this vid? Thanks

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+Grim llocc - Thanks for the request and for your generous comment... The powder pan to which you refer is the Lyman Powder Pan ; $8 from Midway USA. It's a very handy pan that saves having to pick up a funnel. Good reloadin' to ya... FC

[@grimllocc131]

FC thanks for the response. I am new to reloading and I am currently acquiring my tools ,stock and inventory. I am a fan of Lee and I have to tell that your vids have been a great tool of insight for me. Please keep on putting them out there you are doing a service for all of us so once again great vids.thank you.Grimllocc

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+Grim llocc -- Congrats on getting into reloading..!! It's actually the best way to enjoy the shooting sports (unless you have factory or government sponsorship providing all the ammo you need - but then it's really in the realm of work and commitment). Good reloadin' to ya... FC

[@gman77gas]

Looks like Lee got into the BOAT ANCHOR business!

[@GunFunZS]

+gman77gas I have higher standards for boat anchors. You haven't had a bad day until you've drug anchor and woke up in a dangerous situation or tangled up with another boat. Bruce anchors so far seem to be the best.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+gman77gas -- Seems so, they are trying to compete with Ruger....There was one old article back in the 60s that compared the Colt Python to a boat anchor (what kind of sacrilege was that?). But we just learned from GunFun ZS that they all have a long way to go to catch up to Bruce anchors - Hail to Bruce!! :) ;) :) FC

[@gman77gas]

I think 'Cutting Corners' to save pennies or dollars to compete with the next guy brings down quality that we as hobby-ests would and are willing to pay for..the old saying is back...Ya get what ya pay for!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+gman77gas -- They didn't beta test this unit for sure...if you or I could have gotten hold of this thing, either of us could have given them feedback - but the baffling thing is that they are reloaders also...I wonder what happened?? Best Regards, FC

[@comodice905]

Do you use respirator??????????

[@spokehedz]

What is the new camera model? Sounds great when you are in front of the camera, pretty weird when you are behind it.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Alexander Borsi - My Ipad Pro just got some new upgrade and ever since, the sound has been weird...I've gone back to my Canon EOS T3i. Have a great day, FC

[@martymcgill1312]

You are going too fast for that digital scale, plus you're dumping into a case which may be holding particles of powder in the case. You should slow down and dump directly into the pan.

[@butopiatoo]

So let me get this straight. The Auto Drum Measure is made of pot metal and it DOESN'T leak and costs $35. This one is 3x expensive made out of cast iron and leaks. What is wrong with this picture?

[@SomeGuyInSandy]

I'll keep my Hornady powder measure, thanks.

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

+SomeGuyInSandy I heard the Hornady ones are good. I thought about getting one.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+SomeGuyInSandy -- The Hornady is a good PM. So is the Uniflow. This Classic by Lee is going to have to go a ways to get there. Great day to ya, FC

[@enriqueaguilar1211]

The metering arm is hitting ur mounting bracket, maybe it's not moving all the to the open and closed position.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+Enrique Aguilar -- Thanks for your comment, I have made sure that the arm is not hitting anything during the stroke... Have a great day, FC

[@plow9133]

will be new to the 556 233 reloading i dont see anyone using 223 brass to reload mostly 556 why is that or can you use 223 brass also ?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

plow - You will hear different stuff on that brass - some say the military 5.56 brass has less case volume (thicker walls), but when weighed, there isn't much variation between 5.56 and 223 brass. Safest thing is to use only 223 brass and factory ammo for 223 guns (no 5.56 there), but if you are shooting a 5.56 rifle, shoot any 223 or 5.56 you have is OK (goes for reloading brass also). The 5.56 rifles have a longer leade so there is freebore built in allowing slightly heavier powder charges. If those 5.56 rounds are fired in 223 guns, then pressure problems could occur. That being said, my 223 Rem M700 Police model is stamped 223, but it has a pretty long leade before the rifling starts - my particular rifle would be OK to shoot 5.56 in as befitting a rifle that LE might use. Best to ya, and Happy Holidays - FC

[@plow9133]

I think I under stand that thanks do the 223 brass also have too be swaged or just 556 military brass

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

plow - Commercial 223 brass = no need to swage the primer pockets. Have a great day, FC

[@plow9133]

thanks for all the info keep the good videos coming thanks

[@erklaerbaer01]

7:45 did you just mix 2 types of powders?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+erklaerbaer01 -- No, no - at 6.48 we switched to Unique to test the PM with flake powder. I didn't show all that was done to empty the #9 out and refill with Unique. Have a great day, FC

[@miltonwells2088]

A lot of good info, I am old school . use Lyman 55

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Milton Wells - That Lyman is an old stand-by. Best to ya, FC

[@eleanoramelia2591]

Fortunecookie45lc, I wrote Lee Precision about the problem with leakage, they replied that the elastomer wiper needs to be seated properly. I followed the instructions and it still leaks. Have you tried the same remedy and fix it?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+Clint Eastwood -- Will check that, but it didn't look like it was keeping the drum from seating when I last looked at it. Thanks for doing the legwork. Have a great evening, FC

[@taurushipointenthusiast1306]

Any way to keep it from leaking?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Taurus/Hipoint Enthusiast - Yes, 1) tighten the thumb knob an extra 1/4 turn 2) switch drums (only some of them leak) 3) switch to a coarser powder . That has solved the issue for me...I'll have to do another video when I load a fine grained powder... Best Regards to ya, FC

[@taurushipointenthusiast1306]

Hey Thanks for that. It is cheap and effective (powder measure) that has been my only issue the leaking

[@plow9133]

can anyone tell me what the best all around Powder Measure for reloading I'm will be reloading 223 mostly and maybe 9mm latter one down the rod i would like to get a progressive load but may go with a single stage, any help would be appreciated thanks

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

plow - If anyone just comes out and says "This is the best powder measure...", you automatically have to step back and wonder. There is no one perfect powder measure...our needs are different - there are press activated powder measures and there are manual cranks. How much reloading will you be doing? Powders vary from big flakes to big rods to tiny balls or specks. You will hear that the operator of the measure makes a big difference as to the accuracy of that measure. There are now automated electrically driven powder measures, but durability is still an issue. I happen to like the Lee Auto Drum because of the features brought out in the videos, but the fact of the matter, a reloader should have more than one powder measure and at least one powder scale. Calibration is another subject so calibration weights are good to have. Reloaders have to do their homework for most of their reloading equipment acquisitions and the powder measure in no exception to that... Sorry not much help... FC

[@robtolley5077]

asking cookie way to go.I use all rcbs

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

plow - The Redding Powder Measures are very well regarded...but pricey (currently on sale at MidwayUSA). The RCBS Uniflow or Hornady LNL are about equal in performance (some extruded powders meter with difficulty). The Lee Auto Drum is a press mounted measure and a good one - also very reasonably priced. All powder measures need to have the operator run them for max performance. Hope this extra reply helps... FC

[@plow9133]

will the Lee Classic Powder Measure with with hodgdon cfe223 work with out leakage ?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

plow - recommend you avoid the Lee Classic PM - it is not priced like other Lee products, plus it doesn't work reliably with any powder I have tried so far...now I might have a bad measure, but I'm still working with it a bit - haven't given up on it yet. Might have to wind up sending it back... Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to ya..!! FC

[@plow9133]

thanks keep up the good work just trying to find what will work with the fine powders

[@galamonkey]

I have a Lee that's all plastic, and it's absolutely horrible with leakage. It's not even usable.

[@gman77gas]

+galamonkey Fine powders might do that...try tightening up on the screw on the right...the handle will turn a bit harder but will help with leakage. Also take apart and clean the inside now and then..

[@GunFunZS]

+monitor1862 Mine too. Though, I've mostly used it for IMR types. I did run plenty of bullzeye through it before I got my progressive press and auto disc measure. That ran clean and without leaks.

[@galamonkey]

No need to mess with it anymore... Just got myself a brand new progressive Dillon Precision press. :)

[@GunFunZS]

galamonkey A lot of people who own those put Lee auto discs on all but one of the tool heads.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

galamonkey - Sounds like you have the Perfect PM. Some reloaders really like it. Congrats on getting the Dillon. The Lee Auto Drum PM works really well on my Dillon 550Bs...the interchangeable drums is especially good...But nothing wrong with the Dillon PM - it's just a bit more complicated and changing charges takes a bit of work, but it's fine. Best to ya, FC

[@eleanoramelia2591]

have you tested the new deluxe perfect powder measure?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Clint Eastwood - Yes, and there is a video on it...did not give it a good review... Best to ya, FC

[@donmarshall4888]

Accuracy or rather repeatability is irrelevant if you’re constantly dealing with that kind of leakage.

[@peteralexben]

Hello fc try it with the filling/.measuring cavity up,then the powder gets more time to fill it. yours peter

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+peteralexben -- Thanks for the good suggestion, I'll have to give that a try next use with flake powders - with the fine powders, accuracy of throw is not the problem. This Classic has a long way to go to make us happy with it... Best to ya, FC

[@Banjoandguns]

That's going to throw a squib. It goes to the money lost shelf. Ps you mixed powders.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+Christopher O -- Thanks for the comment. At 6:48 or so, I switched powders to Unique, but did not make the video longer by showing the steps needed to do that .. Best to ya, FC

[@krossF]

Get a Uniflow Lee Precision, an oxymoron at best ;)

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+superswaglord1945 -- However, the tolerances of Lee stuff is right in the mix of most reloading equipment. And they have some real winners - like the Factory Crimp Dies, the value of the 4 die sets, their new Auto Drum Powder Measure, and the rifle collet neck resize dies that provide runout of .001 or less...Note that benchrest shooters don't even use equipment like the rest of us - they use hand dies. But if we really want precision, we have to go with companies like Redding and Forster. Lee, however, has huge market share and is a major player in our industry along with RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, Redding, Forster... Best to ya, FC

[@dynapez]

i dont know why the call it lee precision. everything lee is made poorly

[@comodice905]

Cook 👀 were...sound is goosey

[@FatManLeather]

Can't stand a leaky measure. I get better accuracy with Unique from my Perfect Powder Measure.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+Mr. Tolly (AKA: fatmantolly) - That's the frustrating part - the Perfect is a good measure, but flimsy - we want something more substantial in our PMs. After 50 years, Lee decided to give us that, but turns out to be high priced, poor performance, and so-so to unacceptable accuracy = the lowest value in a Lee product that I can remember... After using the new super winner Auto Drum PM, this Classic is anything but...Best to ya, FC

[@robaldridge6505]

well, thats not impressive, maybe I'll take a look at the SmartReloader measure....

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Rob Aldridge - The Smart products are all knockoffs - if you get lucky, you might get good use out of any of 'em... Best to ya, FC

[@robaldridge6505]

I noticed they seem to be made in Italy...

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Rob Aldridge - :) ;) :) just a mite more to the East... Best to ya, FC

[@doneime875]

And a flop by Lee. First product of theirs I've not been happy with.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Don Eime - It really is difficult to use this measure with any confidence. Best Regards, FC

[@curtisdowling3773]

Your a great teacher !!! But you run a little long. Thank you!