Is the above worth the coin? Will this unit be more consistent than a RCBS Uniflow? Looking at purchasing a powder measure and don't want junk, but dont want to spend a ton of money on something that isnt well made.
Redding 3BR Powder measure
- Thread starter Quackaddict
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Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
They are similar in build quality. A significant step-up is the BR-30, but it is designed to throw smaller charges in the 25-35gr range.
They are similar in build quality. A significant step-up is the BR-30, but it is designed to throw smaller charges in the 25-35gr range.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
The rifles I plan to reload for all use more than 35grns of powder, (270 win, 308 win, 35 rem) So that measure is out, I hate the adjustments on the Uniflow I have used, seemed cheap and easy. Really like the micrometer adjustments on the reddings but have only played with it in a store.
The rifles I plan to reload for all use more than 35grns of powder, (270 win, 308 win, 35 rem) So that measure is out, I hate the adjustments on the Uniflow I have used, seemed cheap and easy. Really like the micrometer adjustments on the reddings but have only played with it in a store.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
"Will this (Redding 3Br) be more consistent than a RCBS Uniflow?"
That's a loaded question, things do vary. But, on average, I think the Redding's are the best of the commonally available, rationally priced powder measures. The 3BR is the most flexible due to its larger capacity.
They are both quite simular, as I'm sure you are aware. But, RCBS charges a small fortune for the micrometer type thimble that's Redding's standard feature.
"Will this (Redding 3Br) be more consistent than a RCBS Uniflow?"
That's a loaded question, things do vary. But, on average, I think the Redding's are the best of the commonally available, rationally priced powder measures. The 3BR is the most flexible due to its larger capacity.
They are both quite simular, as I'm sure you are aware. But, RCBS charges a small fortune for the micrometer type thimble that's Redding's standard feature.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
I have both and there abouot the same in that there a screw adjustment and sized opening for the powder, if it makes any differance I use the Rediing a hell of a lot more .
Bill
I have both and there abouot the same in that there a screw adjustment and sized opening for the powder, if it makes any differance I use the Rediing a hell of a lot more .
Bill
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
Consider the powders you're using before deciding that a mechanical powder measure will fulfill your expectations. My guess is that you're in weigh-every-charge territory; the automated solution may be the RCBS Chargemaster Combo, unless the Prometheus appeals to you.
Consider the powders you're using before deciding that a mechanical powder measure will fulfill your expectations. My guess is that you're in weigh-every-charge territory; the automated solution may be the RCBS Chargemaster Combo, unless the Prometheus appeals to you.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
I thought real hard about that route, but I just placed an order for a BR3 Throw and a RCBS scale, and im still about 40 bucks under the cost of the Chargemaster, and I know for a fact the motor on the Powder measure isnt gonna burn up or fail or do something like that. I like simple redundant things, not so much fancy push button wizz bangs that will leave me dead in the water when i need some ammo.
I thought real hard about that route, but I just placed an order for a BR3 Throw and a RCBS scale, and im still about 40 bucks under the cost of the Chargemaster, and I know for a fact the motor on the Powder measure isnt gonna burn up or fail or do something like that. I like simple redundant things, not so much fancy push button wizz bangs that will leave me dead in the water when i need some ammo.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
I use one to throw 78 grains of larger kernel 7828 into 300 win mag cases with absolute accuracy.
I use one to throw 78 grains of larger kernel 7828 into 300 win mag cases with absolute accuracy.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quackaddict</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I thought real hard about that route, but I just placed an order for a BR3 Throw and a RCBS scale, and im still about 40 bucks under the cost of the Chargemaster, and I know for a fact the motor on the Powder measure isnt gonna burn up or fail or do something like that. I like simple redundant things, not so much fancy push button wizz bangs that will leave me dead in the water when i need some ammo. </div></div>
You still haven't said what powders you're playing with. You could find out you're kidding yourself. Price is NOT the basis for making decisions. Modern education? My estimation is that you've paid $125 to supplement a trickler.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quackaddict</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I thought real hard about that route, but I just placed an order for a BR3 Throw and a RCBS scale, and im still about 40 bucks under the cost of the Chargemaster, and I know for a fact the motor on the Powder measure isnt gonna burn up or fail or do something like that. I like simple redundant things, not so much fancy push button wizz bangs that will leave me dead in the water when i need some ammo. </div></div>
You still haven't said what powders you're playing with. You could find out you're kidding yourself. Price is NOT the basis for making decisions. Modern education? My estimation is that you've paid $125 to supplement a trickler.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
The problem with mid-priced measures is in their tolerances. Both the Uniflow and the 3BR have a sloppy fit between the metering drum and the hopper. This allows certain powders to slip inbetween and bind the assembly. AA pistol powders, Winchester ball powders, Alliant pistol powders all will get in there and piss you off. The 3BR complicates things because the interchangable micrometer assemblies. They do not fit perfectly and tend to smear the powder instead of cutting it. That's why I went with the BR-30 and the 10x. I got tired of taking that 3BR apart to clean it.
The problem with mid-priced measures is in their tolerances. Both the Uniflow and the 3BR have a sloppy fit between the metering drum and the hopper. This allows certain powders to slip inbetween and bind the assembly. AA pistol powders, Winchester ball powders, Alliant pistol powders all will get in there and piss you off. The 3BR complicates things because the interchangable micrometer assemblies. They do not fit perfectly and tend to smear the powder instead of cutting it. That's why I went with the BR-30 and the 10x. I got tired of taking that 3BR apart to clean it.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
Varget, 10x, and IMR 4895 are the powders im working with. I have no plans to work with pistol powders.
I fully plan to use a trickler to top off the charges, the uniflow I have used was good to maybe 1.5 grains either way, if I can get to 4 or 5 tenths of a grain variance I will be happy with it. I am at the point where I enjoy making ammo, and only normally make 30-50rnds at a time.
Price isnt my main concern when making purchases, but it does play a role, if the BR-30 would have a larger throw weight range one those would be on the way.
Varget, 10x, and IMR 4895 are the powders im working with. I have no plans to work with pistol powders.
I fully plan to use a trickler to top off the charges, the uniflow I have used was good to maybe 1.5 grains either way, if I can get to 4 or 5 tenths of a grain variance I will be happy with it. I am at the point where I enjoy making ammo, and only normally make 30-50rnds at a time.
Price isnt my main concern when making purchases, but it does play a role, if the BR-30 would have a larger throw weight range one those would be on the way.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
I have the uniflow powder thrower, it is ok but allot of stuff would affect the charge, amount of powder in hopper, way you worked the handle etc.. What I didnt like about it was with stick powder, 1 out of about every 5 throws would jam and crunch while it was breaking the powder in half, and that charge would be way off and have to go back in the hopper. The trickle feature of the chargemaster seems to do alot better with stick powder in my opinion.
I have the uniflow powder thrower, it is ok but allot of stuff would affect the charge, amount of powder in hopper, way you worked the handle etc.. What I didnt like about it was with stick powder, 1 out of about every 5 throws would jam and crunch while it was breaking the powder in half, and that charge would be way off and have to go back in the hopper. The trickle feature of the chargemaster seems to do alot better with stick powder in my opinion.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
The chargemaster is definitely the best option. It throws. It trickles. It'll even... well let's not go there.
The chargemaster is definitely the best option. It throws. It trickles. It'll even... well let's not go there.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
...crawl on its belly like a reptile?
Thanks for the input on the 3BR. I had the impression that it was on the same level as the other two models.
...crawl on its belly like a reptile?
Thanks for the input on the 3BR. I had the impression that it was on the same level as the other two models.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
I really love my Harrell's Premium powder measure. But I understand when someone is concerned about the price.
Since you already have a RCBS try the aftermarket micrometer thimble for it. Having a repeatable system is important to me.
I'm currently adding some more powders to my spreadsheet for the Harrell's. I'll probably have it together again maybe by the middle of January if anyone wants a copy by email. (I'm going to try to get in some good field time in the next few weeks.)
I really love my Harrell's Premium powder measure. But I understand when someone is concerned about the price.
Since you already have a RCBS try the aftermarket micrometer thimble for it. Having a repeatable system is important to me.
I'm currently adding some more powders to my spreadsheet for the Harrell's. I'll probably have it together again maybe by the middle of January if anyone wants a copy by email. (I'm going to try to get in some good field time in the next few weeks.)
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
Its actually not mine, otherwise I would have waited and went a chargemaster, I am finally getting to where I can roll my own without my friends equipment. I can see the advantages of both and will likely own both down the road.
Its actually not mine, otherwise I would have waited and went a chargemaster, I am finally getting to where I can roll my own without my friends equipment. I can see the advantages of both and will likely own both down the road.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
I have the Redding and like it. It does very well with the powders I use for .308.
I have the Redding and like it. It does very well with the powders I use for .308.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
I still prefer to throw my own charges and trickle up to zero out. I kind of enjoy it sometimes. I think I'll stick with doing by hand, at least for now anyway.
I still prefer to throw my own charges and trickle up to zero out. I kind of enjoy it sometimes. I think I'll stick with doing by hand, at least for now anyway.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
Chargemasters are hard to beat
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Winchester 69</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Consider the powders you're using before deciding that a mechanical powder measure will fulfill your expectations. My guess is that you're in weigh-every-charge territory; the automated solution may be the RCBS Chargemaster Combo, unless the Prometheus appeals to you. </div></div>
Chargemasters are hard to beat
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Winchester 69</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Consider the powders you're using before deciding that a mechanical powder measure will fulfill your expectations. My guess is that you're in weigh-every-charge territory; the automated solution may be the RCBS Chargemaster Combo, unless the Prometheus appeals to you. </div></div>
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
"I am at the point where I enjoy making ammo, and only normally make 30-50rnds at a time."
For what you're doing and the volume you're loading, a 3BR, a beam scale and a good trickler (Redding also) is perhaps the finest, most long lasting reliable system available.
Few of those who love their digital dumpsters bother to ask what volume the user may be working with and that matters, a LOT! IF I loaded a couple hundred trickled to .1 gr. charges each week I MIGHT consider a digital system, but I don't do that. And I sure don't trickle handgun stuff. So I don't need the agravation of a digital anything, no matter the prices.
I'm a retired electonics tech. There's a reason so many new techs are trained each year, that stuff craps out!
"I am at the point where I enjoy making ammo, and only normally make 30-50rnds at a time."
For what you're doing and the volume you're loading, a 3BR, a beam scale and a good trickler (Redding also) is perhaps the finest, most long lasting reliable system available.
Few of those who love their digital dumpsters bother to ask what volume the user may be working with and that matters, a LOT! IF I loaded a couple hundred trickled to .1 gr. charges each week I MIGHT consider a digital system, but I don't do that. And I sure don't trickle handgun stuff. So I don't need the agravation of a digital anything, no matter the prices.
I'm a retired electonics tech. There's a reason so many new techs are trained each year, that stuff craps out!
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
That was my thinking, I dont need massive amounts of ammo, I like to shoot, but can afford to even reloading to go through 300 rnds a week, if i shot 50 a week I will be a much better marksman than I was before.
That was my thinking, I dont need massive amounts of ammo, I like to shoot, but can afford to even reloading to go through 300 rnds a week, if i shot 50 a week I will be a much better marksman than I was before.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
"So I don't need the agravation of a digital anything"
While I certainly agree with your points on quantity/quality etc., I don't understand your point about aggravation.
Frankly if I was doing what the OP was, I'd stick with a Lee and be very happy.
"So I don't need the agravation of a digital anything"
While I certainly agree with your points on quantity/quality etc., I don't understand your point about aggravation.
Frankly if I was doing what the OP was, I'd stick with a Lee and be very happy.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
Lee and a trickler works for me. Measure once cry twice or measure twice (Digitally and Manually) and dont cry at all. But then again I reload only one cartridge.
Lee and a trickler works for me. Measure once cry twice or measure twice (Digitally and Manually) and dont cry at all. But then again I reload only one cartridge.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
I use the Redding BR3 with a home made drop tube with a baffle in the end of it. I drop a slightly light charge straight into the pan of my 10-10 scale and then top if off with a vibrashine trickler. I can load faster than a chargemaster using this method. I am not knocking the chargemaster, I have seen them in action and they are pretty slick. It always bothered me that everyone that I know that has one always checked it against a beam scale though.
I use the Redding BR3 with a home made drop tube with a baffle in the end of it. I drop a slightly light charge straight into the pan of my 10-10 scale and then top if off with a vibrashine trickler. I can load faster than a chargemaster using this method. I am not knocking the chargemaster, I have seen them in action and they are pretty slick. It always bothered me that everyone that I know that has one always checked it against a beam scale though.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
Smart people use check weights to verify their scales.
The ChargeMaster can be accelerated by dumping a light charge manually as it's dispensing.
Smart people use check weights to verify their scales.
The ChargeMaster can be accelerated by dumping a light charge manually as it's dispensing.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 918v</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A significant step-up is the BR-30, but it is designed to throw smaller charges in the 25-35gr range. </div></div>
I had a conversation many years ago with someone at Redding who told me that throwing two charges with a BR30 was more accurate then a single throw from a 3BR. I have been skeptical of the statement, but wonder if it's valid. Was also informed that the BR30 could throw charges approaching 50 gr, depending on the powder.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 918v</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A significant step-up is the BR-30, but it is designed to throw smaller charges in the 25-35gr range. </div></div>
I had a conversation many years ago with someone at Redding who told me that throwing two charges with a BR30 was more accurate then a single throw from a 3BR. I have been skeptical of the statement, but wonder if it's valid. Was also informed that the BR30 could throw charges approaching 50 gr, depending on the powder.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
But the ideal range is 25-35 grains. It won't throw very consitently at either extreme.
But the ideal range is 25-35 grains. It won't throw very consitently at either extreme.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 918v</div><div class="ubbcode-body">But the ideal range is 25-35 grains. It won't throw very consitently at either extreme. </div></div>
Thanks for the input. Your having had and used both, any thoughts regarding Redding's accuracy evaluation of the BR30 having less than half the deviation of the 3BR?
I've also been wondering if you had asked Redding about the fit of your 3BR. I've always heard good things about it. I had thought that it might be satisfactory for pistol use with the smaller chamber.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 918v</div><div class="ubbcode-body">But the ideal range is 25-35 grains. It won't throw very consitently at either extreme. </div></div>
Thanks for the input. Your having had and used both, any thoughts regarding Redding's accuracy evaluation of the BR30 having less than half the deviation of the 3BR?
I've also been wondering if you had asked Redding about the fit of your 3BR. I've always heard good things about it. I had thought that it might be satisfactory for pistol use with the smaller chamber.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
I believe that it does have half the deviation and is much smoother and easier to use. It cuts cleanly and does not allow powder grains to get smashed and smeared inbetween the drum and the hopper. This is the problem with the 3BR and the pistol assembly. It does not mate perfectly with the drum because it is a drop-in unit. The difference between the two surfaces causes pistol powder to smear and bind the measure which in turn causes inaccurate metering.
I believe that it does have half the deviation and is much smoother and easier to use. It cuts cleanly and does not allow powder grains to get smashed and smeared inbetween the drum and the hopper. This is the problem with the 3BR and the pistol assembly. It does not mate perfectly with the drum because it is a drop-in unit. The difference between the two surfaces causes pistol powder to smear and bind the measure which in turn causes inaccurate metering.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
I like my 3BR. All Redding stuff I have is A+. I can't say the same for RCBS or Lyman.
I like my 3BR. All Redding stuff I have is A+. I can't say the same for RCBS or Lyman.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
I hate to tell you this but with the stick powders you are working with and the fact that you are trickling up anyway, I vote for the Lee Perfect Powder Measure. Yes it looks cheap but the damn thing works, and works well. It's about $25.
I hate to tell you this but with the stick powders you are working with and the fact that you are trickling up anyway, I vote for the Lee Perfect Powder Measure. Yes it looks cheap but the damn thing works, and works well. It's about $25.
Re: Redding 3BR Powder measure
I use the BR-30, for my uses its just perfect: throw, trickle, drop.
Never used anything else so can't comment.
I use the BR-30, for my uses its just perfect: throw, trickle, drop.
Never used anything else so can't comment.
