I been told that the electronic dispensers will not measure stick powder accurately. I'd like to get some input before I buy one. What say you?

What's heavier a pound of lead or a pound of feathers? My RCBS combo dispenser and scale does fine. At least none of my rifle bullets have blown up which is what a light load tends to do and no flat primers. H4895 is my all time favorite

Thanks for your reply. I used the wrong word in my question. I said measure in-stead of meter.

None are perfect, but they're worth having and using.

The problems with electronic dispensers are two-fold: some of them have lower quality scales and software than others, and they all are handicapped by the way the dispenser tube works. The dispenser tube issues can be handled in various ways, but the soda straw solution is probably the easiest.

I've had three, the first was an RCBS which I sold to lay in components during the shortages in 2008 (?). Later on I bought a Hornady and it was okay, but I just didn't think it was as good as RCBS so I sold it also. Now I have another RCBS and I'm keeping it. It may drop an overcharge of H4831 or H4895 now and then but I can deal with it.

I have an RCBS Combo and use lots of stick powder. Yes, it does drop a little too much from time to time. I just pinch a few granules out and re-check, but it can be a little frustrating.

BUT...I tried the "straw trick" just yesterday and only had about 2 out of 30 that went over.

I have no problem measuring any type of powder with my Lyman Gen 5 PDS.

As I said above, the problem is not measuring, its metering.

On the electronic scales not measuring stick powders well, I think it's better said that they don't meter/throw stick charges as well as ball powder charges. Heck, I wouldn't expect mine to. I have a Lyman 1200 DPS 2 (I think that's right), and it's great with ball powders but less exact with stick powders. Seems to often throw just a touch too much, so if I need 50.2 grains I'll program it to throw 50.0 or 50.1 grains, which will then give me what I need (usually).

If we imagine for a moment that we upsize the powder granules, with ball being the size of golf balls and the stick is the size of bricks, it seems reasonable to imagine that it would be easier to meet an exact desired weight with the smaller golf balls, rather than to throw another brick on to the scale.

That said, I have no plans to ever return to my RCBS 1010 and Lyman 55 for rifle rounds. I do still use the Lyman 55 on pistol charges. The 1010 is boxed and has been for a couple of years.

Sorry, you used the word measure in the post. Well it meters it just fine as well and without any issues. The tube that dispenses powder comes with a rubber insert that you can use if you find the powder if falling out as it stops on the desired weight. the plug has a smaller diameter hole and prevents an unwanted extra bump at the end. As far as measuring and metering, there are no issues with the Lyman auto DPS.

I had the Lyman Gen 3 and just moved to the Gen 5 and stick powders have never been an issue.

Thanks all. I bought a Lyman Gen 6 compact. Thanks for the input.

Let me know how you like the lyman...been looking at them also

Will do.

I would never advise a Lyman tool other than a bullet mold, but my nephew bought a Gen 6 and likes it. I need to go over there and see if the thing really IS worth a damn.

Why do you say that?

Because I've used reloading equipment for around 35 years and found Lyman stuff to be lacking.

Good bullet molds, though.

I have used a lot of diff brands of equip in the 48 yrs I've been doing this and most work well for me. LMK what you find out at your nephew's.

LMK what you find out with yours.

Will do.

I was just up at S&S Precision in Argyle. Talked to the gentleman in the shop for a bit as Im looking for a powder measure as well. He said he was using the Lyman Gen 5 and had nothing but good things to say about it. He shoots bench rest so I assume he pays pretty close attention to his reloads.

The Lyman Gen 5 and Gen 6 are the best on the market. I used the Lyman Gen 3 for years and it was great. Upgraded to the Gen 5 simply because the warm-up time is down to 3 minutes instead of 30 min.

Somewhat disapointed in the Gen 6. Set to throw 20.5 gr of IMR4198. Anywhere from 19.8 to 20.4, it got better as it went on, but never better than 20.4. Maybe I'm expecting too much.

RCBS.

Chargemaster down. In reloading section. I couldn't wait either.

I saw my nephew's Gen 6 in action last night. It just isn't in the same league with the Chargemaster.