Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811 Review

Getting Up Close with the Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811

For any reloader, the powder measure is the heart of the operation, dictating both speed and accuracy. My search for a more efficient powder dispensing solution led me to the Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811. After years of meticulous hand-measuring, the promise of automated, accurate charges was incredibly appealing, especially after a particularly tedious session where a single dropped kernel felt like a significant setback. Other auto-drum designs I’d seen were considerably more expensive, and I was curious if Lee could deliver comparable performance at a more accessible price point. My initial impression upon unboxing this unit was one of pragmatic engineering; it felt sturdy enough, with a functional design that prioritized utility over flash. There was a distinct sense of getting precisely what you paid for, which, for a tool of this nature, felt like a promising start.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811 to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing began on my dedicated reloading bench, specifically integrated into a Lee 4-hole turret press setup. This setup is my workhorse for medium-volume rifle and pistol cartridges. The powder measure mounted easily and intuitively, aligning perfectly with the press’s case-actuated mechanism. Setting up the desired powder charge was straightforward; the adjustable drums offered a wide range of settings from 1 to 80 grains, which covers most of my common calibers. The initial drops were surprisingly consistent, and I felt a noticeable reduction in the time spent at the bench. There was a slight learning curve in ensuring the case mouth fully actuated the lever for each powder drop, but this was quickly overcome with a few cycles.

Extended Use & Reliability

After loading approximately 200 rounds of .223 Remington, and subsequently another 400 rounds of .308 Winchester, the Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811 continued to perform admirably. The case actuation remained smooth, and powder drops maintained their accuracy, averaging within +/- 0.1 grains of my target charge for both spherical and some stick powders. I did encounter a minor issue with a particularly fine flake powder, where a small amount of leakage occurred around the drum, but the included elastomer wiper seemed to mitigate this on subsequent uses. Cleaning is relatively simple, with the hopper detaching easily for powder changes and the drum accessible for wiping down. Compared to some premium standalone measures I’ve used, its consistency is impressive for its price, though I wouldn’t expect it to last for tens of thousands of rounds without some potential wear on the nylon drums or internal gears.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811

Specifications

The Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811 is a case-actuated powder dispensing system designed for progressive reloading presses. It comes equipped with two infinitely adjustable drums, a significant feature that allows for precise charge setting across a broad spectrum. These drums offer a charge range of 1 to 80 grains, a versatile capability for many popular rifle and pistol cartridges. The body is constructed from a machined metal, featuring a labyrinth groove designed to mate with the precision molded nylon drums for a leak-free fit. This design is crucial for containing even the finest powders, preventing spillage.

The actuation mechanism utilizes a steel sector and pinion gear train, providing a robust connection to the press’s ram. A key design element is the exclusive elastomer wiper integrated into the drum, specifically engineered to prevent powder shearing, which is especially beneficial for difficult-to-meter extruded powders. The quick-change hopper includes an on/off valve, facilitating swift powder changes and storage. Internally, all gears, springs, and levers are housed within the die-cast housing, contributing to a clean and protected operation. The unit also features a swivel adapter for quick positioning and a double charge disconnector that reduces the risk of double charges on compatible progressive presses, requiring a fixed tool head or turret. The material for the drums is specified as nylon, and the overall color is a distinctive red.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function, dispensing powder, the Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811 performs exceptionally well for its price point. The accuracy achieved with spherical and some flattened pistol powders was consistently within acceptable reloading tolerances, often holding to +/- 0.1 grains without significant variation over multiple drops. This level of consistency is often found in measures costing several times more. Its reliability is further enhanced by the case-actuated mechanism, which ensures a powder charge is dispensed only when a case is present and raised on the press, a critical safety feature to prevent accidental discharges or double charges.

The leak-free fit between the machined body and the nylon drums is a standout aspect, effectively containing fine powders that might escape less precise designs. The elastomer wiper genuinely makes a difference, particularly with stick powders that can sometimes bind or shear, leading to inconsistent drops. However, it’s important to manage expectations. While excellent, it’s not entirely immune to the physics of powder dispensing. Extremely fine, dusty powders might still find minute pathways if not seated perfectly, and heavily compressed extruded powders can occasionally require a bit more force to actuate the drum mechanism smoothly. The double charge disconnector is a valuable safety addition, although its effectiveness is contingent on the press having a fixed toolhead or turret.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811 is a blend of robust metal construction for the main body and precision-molded nylon for the drums and internal gears. This choice of materials provides a good balance between durability and cost-effectiveness. The machined metal housing feels solid and well-finished, while the nylon drums offer a smooth sliding surface that is less prone to galling than metal-on-metal contact for powder metering. The overall aesthetic is functional and clean, with all internal components neatly tucked away inside the die-cast housing, protecting them from debris and accidental interference.

Ergonomically, the unit is designed to integrate seamlessly with progressive presses. The swivel adapter is a practical touch, allowing for easy positioning and quick removal when not in use or during setup changes. The quick-change hopper with its on/off valve simplifies powder management and storage, preventing waste when switching between different propellant types. Setting the powder charge is an intuitive process thanks to the infinitely adjustable drums, which allow for fine-tuning. However, some users might find the lever actuation slightly stiff, especially with certain types of powder or if the press linkage isn’t perfectly aligned. The nylon construction, while lightweight and self-lubricating, might raise questions about long-term abrasion resistance compared to all-metal measures, a point to consider for users who push their equipment to extreme limits.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is always a consideration with any reloading tool, and the Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811 presents a mixed but generally positive picture for its intended use. The machined metal body is very robust and shows no signs of wear or damage even after repeated cycles and occasional accidental bumps against other press components. The internal gears and levers, being housed within the body, are well-protected from external contaminants like dust and brass shavings. The nylon drums, while designed for precision, are the components most likely to exhibit wear over extended periods, especially if subjected to excessive force or abrasive cleaning agents.

Maintenance is straightforward; the hopper detaches easily for emptying and cleaning. A quick wipe-down of the drum and the internal housing with a dry cloth or a soft brush usually suffices to keep it free of powder residue. For more stubborn build-up, a very light application of a compatible solvent can be used, ensuring thorough drying before reassembly. Storing the hopper with the on/off valve closed is an excellent practice to maintain powder freshness and prevent any potential leakage. While many users report thousands of successful loads from this unit, it’s reasonable to assume that, like most finely tuned mechanisms, it might eventually require replacement or repair of the nylon drums after tens of thousands of cycles, particularly with very abrasive powders.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811 comes primarily as a standalone unit, with its main “accessories” being the two infinitely adjustable drums it includes. This is a deliberate design choice by Lee, focusing on the core functionality rather than bundling extras. The flexibility of these quick-change drums is the key to its versatility, allowing users to preset charges for different cartridges and swap them out easily. No additional metering inserts or specialized needles are typically required.

Customization is limited to the drums themselves and the swivel adapter for mounting. While there aren’t extensive aftermarket modifications available for this specific unit, its integration with Lee’s own progressive presses is seamless. Users can purchase additional nylon drums if they wish to pre-set more charges than the included two, which is a practical “customization” for those who frequently switch between a wide variety of calibers. Compatibility with other brands of progressive presses is generally good, provided the press offers the necessary case-actuated lever system and a suitable mounting point.

Pros and Cons of Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811

Who Should Buy Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811?

The Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811 is an outstanding choice for reloaders who utilize Lee progressive presses or other presses with a similar case-actuation system. It is particularly well-suited for those who reload a variety of cartridges and want the convenience of quickly swapping pre-set powder charges. This powder measure is ideal for homeガン enthusiasts looking to increase their reloading efficiency without a significant financial outlay.

Those who should consider alternatives are individuals who require a standalone powder measure for manual dispensing or those using progressive presses that lack a case-actuated mechanism. It may also not be the best fit for users who prioritize extreme longevity in their equipment or who exclusively load with highly abrasive or notoriously difficult-to-meter powders and are willing to invest in specialized, premium measures.

For optimal use, ensuring your progressive press’s ram stroke is sufficient to fully actuate the powder measure lever is paramount. Having a dedicated drum pre-set for each commonly loaded cartridge will maximize the benefit of its quick-change design.

Conclusion on Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811

The Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811 represents a remarkable achievement in providing accurate and efficient powder dispensing at an accessible price. Its ability to consistently drop charges within tight tolerances, combined with the convenience of its case-actuated design and quick-change drums, makes it a highly valuable addition to any progressive reloading setup. The robust construction of the main body, coupled with thoughtful features like the elastomer wiper and double charge disconnector, further cements its utility.

While the nylon drums may eventually show wear in extremely high-volume or abrasive powder applications, the overall performance and value proposition are undeniable. For its price of $59.99, it delivers accuracy and functionality that many reloaders would typically expect from much higher-priced equipment. I can confidently recommend the Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure 90811 to any reloader looking to streamline their process and improve the consistency of their loads without breaking the bank.