Description
Let’s be honest—most of us have been there. You’re at the bench, trying to get consistent loads for your .308 hunting rifle or your favorite .45 Colt revolver, and the plastic dippers just aren’t cutting it. You want precision without the price tag of a digital dispenser. That’s where this little brass tool from Thompson Center comes in. I’ve used it to work up loads for everything from mild plinking rounds to stout hunting charges, and it’s a staple in my kit for a reason.
So, what is the Thompson Center Powder Meas Adjustable Powder Meas Rifle/Pistol Solid Brass? It’s a classic, manually-operated volumetric powder measure made from solid brass. You set the cavity volume by twisting the threaded metering chamber, scoop your powder, level it off, and dump it into your case. It’s a simple, durable, and reliable tool for reloaders who value consistency and a tactile process over electronic screens. At its core, it’s about getting back to the fundamentals of reloading with a tool that won’t let you down.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a complex piece of machinery. Its value is in its simplicity and material. The entire unit is machined from solid brass. Why does that matter? Brass is naturally anti-static, so powder granules don’t cling to the inside of the measure as badly as they can to plastic or steel. This means fewer thrown charges that are slightly light because powder stuck to the walls. I’ve found it particularly handy with fine-grained powders like H4350 or Varget, where static can be a real nuisance. It just works, right out of the box, with no fuss.
The adjustment is straightforward. The main body has a threaded stem, and you twist the knurled brass metering chamber up or down to increase or decrease the volume. There’s no clicker, so you’ll want to verify your charge weight on a scale when you set it, but once it’s locked in, it throws remarkably consistent throws. The pour spout is nicely designed to funnel powder cleanly into a case neck without spilling. For the price of $20.86, you’re getting a lot of utility. It weighs a solid 5.2 ounces, giving it a good, stable feel in your hand.
I keep mine set up for a common 9mm charge when I’m doing high-volume pistol loading for my Glock 19 or CZ P-01, but it’s easily adjustable for rifle cartridges like .223 Remington or .30-06 Springfield. The range is broad enough to handle most common pistol and rifle applications. It’s a perfect companion for a single-stage press or for decamping to the kitchen table for a loading session. The build quality is what you’d expect from the Thompson Center name—robust and functional.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid Brass |
| Type | Volumetric Powder Measure |
| Adjustability | Fully Adjustable Threaded Chamber |
| Primary Use | Rifle & Pistol Cartridges |
| Weight | Approx. 5.2 oz |
| Finish | Polished Brass |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: it’s affordable, built from the right material to minimize static, and dead simple to use. It requires no maintenance beyond keeping it clean. The cons are inherent to its design. It’s a volumetric measure, so ambient humidity and your scooping technique can cause minor variance. You must check charges with a scale. It’s also not a speed tool for loading hundreds of rounds an hour. That said, for methodical load development or casual reloading, its consistency is impressive.
Who is this for? This is for the reloader who appreciates manual tools and a direct connection to the process. It’s ideal for beginners looking for a trustworthy first measure without a big investment. It’s also perfect for seasoned loaders who want a dedicated, pre-set measure for a favorite load, or a portable option to throw charges at the range. If you’re the type who enjoys the ritual of reloading as much as the shooting, you’ll like this tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What powders does this work best with?
A: It works well with most extruded (stick) and spherical ball powders. I get the most consistent throws with medium-grained powders like IMR 4064 or Winchester 231. With very fine or flake powders, just be consistent with your scoop and leveling action.
Q: Is it calibrated in grains or CCs?
A: It’s not directly calibrated in either. The threaded adjustment changes the volume of the cavity. You use a scale to find the volume that corresponds to your desired charge weight in grains for your specific powder. Write down the setting for future use.
Q: Can it handle large rifle powder charges?
A: Yes, within reason. The adjustable chamber provides a good range. It can easily throw charges for magnum pistol rounds or standard rifle cartridges. For the very largest magnum rifle charges (e.g., for a .300 Win Mag), you might approach its maximum capacity, but for most common applications, it’s perfectly sufficient.
This Thompson Center measure is a small investment that makes the reloading process more precise and enjoyable. It’s a tool that, with basic care, will last for decades and thousands of rounds. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. If you’re ready to step up from dippers and add some brass-bound reliability to your bench, this is a solid place to start.
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