by Bret Heidkamp, Precision Rifle Staff 

Powder Measure Shoot-Out !!

JDS Quick-Measure takes on Redding's 3-BR

We set out to compare the popular Redding 3-BR powder measure to the JDS Quick-Measure.  The JDS claims we could use the measure with extruded powders and be accurate within 1/10 of a grain in the 45-grain range and 2/10 of a grain in the larger magnum volumes of 75 or so grains.

We wanted to know if this was possible.  If true, it would mean loading directly into our cases and a goodbye to trickling powder.  We cannot think of a more tedious process than trickle charging each load.  Of course, we could buy one of those RCBS electronic measures, but we wanted to see if there was a faster alternative. 

Not trickling every charge would significantly speed up anyone's overall reloading process.   We were excited about the prospect.  Before we got started, we invited another product, the Corvalis attachment to the test, but they did not bother to return our calls – so, they are not included in this test.  It would have been interesting to see if their unit increased the accuracy of either of these measures.

First a bit of background on construction of these two measures:

Redding

The 3-BR is a drum-style measure, pretty much the same as most of the measures currently on the market.  From what we understand, the only thing separating most of the drum-style measures is their construction techniques – bearings vs. non, hardened surfaces, and tolerances.  We chose the Redding because of the micrometer adjustment.  It and the RCBS are the defacto standards for many reloaders.  The RCBS unit is visually identical; however we cannot speak as to any surface hardening or clearances between the two measures.

Redding 3-BR

JDS Quick-Measure

We received the JDS Quick-Measure Benchrest Kit for test, which contains the powder measure, several tubes of various lengths (each covers a powder weight range) and a dial indicator setup to adjust the tube length via a set screw.  The entire package comes in a very nice carry box suitable to go out to the range.  Plus, the box has a mount for the measure - and if it doesn't need trickle charging & scale weighing ... we could test / reload at the range in the wind !

JDS Quick-Measure Benchrest Kit

The JDS unit uses a totally unique design.  There is a tube mechanism that protrudes up into the powder reservoir.  When activated by pressing up on the base of the unit, the tube raises up approx. ½” to reveal a small opening cut in the side of the tube.  The powder fills the tube from the horizontal, right at the bottom of the reservoir.  This helps alleviate any stacking pressures of the powder in the chamber.  See photo below.

JDS Quick-Measure

When filled, releasing the base of the unit lowers the tube and thus shuts the gate.  This unit does not cut grains of powder during operation such as the drum-style measures.  Adjusting the unit requires selecting the right tube, then dialing in the load via a set screw and the dial indicator.  We tried it both with and without the dial indicator, and found it to be much easier and faster using the dial indicator.  The reason is small adjustments (.010") in the set screw length result in several more granules of powder being added, enough to move the scale.  Here is a photo of a tube being adjusted:

Adjusting a powder tube for the JDS measure

Prev - Next >>