Let’s Dive into RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors
The RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors are a fundamental tool for any serious handloading enthusiast, particularly those focusing on pistol cartridges or smaller rifle calibers. Manufactured by RCBS, these rotors are designed to work exclusively with the Little Dandy Powder Measure, offering a simple and consistent way to dispense precise powder charges. I’ve spent years tweaking my handloads for optimal performance, and the Little Dandy, with its interchangeable rotors, has been a trusted component on my bench.
What led me to this product was the need for a more precise and consistent powder dispensing method for my pistol reloading. I was tired of the inconsistencies of adjustable powder measures, especially with certain powder types, and wanted something simpler and more repeatable.
Unboxing the rotor reveals a small, precisely machined steel component, finished in a matte black. The weight, although only six ounces, feels substantial in hand, inspiring confidence in its durability. The machining is clean and precise, which is what I expect from RCBS.
I considered using a universal adjustable rotor but opted for the fixed-charge design of the RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors for its simplicity and claimed consistency. I was choosing between this and a more expensive electronic powder dispenser; I chose this for quick volume production of handgun cartridges. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. Would such a small, simple device actually deliver the consistency I was seeking?
Real-World Testing: Putting RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors took place at my reloading bench, focusing on loading .45 ACP rounds. I systematically worked through different rotors with various powders to compare how the values held up to my scale. The setup was straightforward; simply swapping the rotor and verifying charge weight with a quality scale.
The rotor performed well, delivering consistent charges, even with stick powders known for bridging in other measures. Charges were usually within +/- 0.1 grain of the stated value for the rotor, which I found acceptable for the loads I was preparing. It was a significant improvement over my older, adjustable powder measure.
The ease of use was remarkable; after determining the appropriate rotor from the RCBS chart, no further adjustments were needed. I initially experienced some minor powder leakage with fine-grained powders, but this subsided after a few dozen cycles, likely due to the rotor polishing itself against the powder measure body.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors have proven their worth. I have seen no degradation in performance and have not experienced any failures. It reliably dispensed charges for thousands of rounds.
There are no visible signs of wear, even after dispensing many pounds of various powders. The steel construction seems more than capable of handling the abrasive nature of smokeless powder. This is definitely a tool I can see being in my inventory for decades.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a dry brush to remove any powder residue. The simple design makes disassembly and cleaning quick and easy. This is critical because powder residue can affect measurements. My previous experience with adjustable measures was a nightmare of disassembly and tedious cleaning. This little rotor simplifies everything.
Breaking Down the Features of RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors
Specifications
The RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors are specifically designed for use with the RCBS Little Dandy Powder Measure. Each rotor is precision-machined from steel for consistent volumetric dispensing.
- Manufacturer: RCBS
- Quantity: One (1) rotor
- Weight: 6 oz
- Caliber: Universal (rotor size determines charge, not caliber)
- Color: Black
These specifications matter because they directly influence the rotor’s accuracy, durability, and compatibility. The precision machining ensures charge consistency, the steel construction guarantees longevity, and the universal caliber designation highlights the flexibility of the Little Dandy system. By using different rotors you can find the appropriate charge size for any application.
Performance & Functionality
The RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors excel at dispensing consistent and repeatable powder charges for pistol and small-caliber rifle cartridges. They provide a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution for handloaders seeking precision without the complexity of electronic dispensing systems. The fixed charge weight rotor design simplifies the loading process, especially when loading large quantities of the same load.
The primary strength lies in the simplicity and consistency of the volumetric charge. The lack of adjustability, while seemingly limiting, actually enhances repeatability and reduces the potential for human error. A potential weakness lies in the limited range of available rotor sizes; intermediate charge weights may require blending powders or using a different dispensing method.
The RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors meet my expectations for accuracy and reliability, especially considering their price point. While not as precise as an electronic powder dispenser, they offer a significant improvement over adjustable measures, and are much easier to set and maintain.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors is elegantly simple: a precisely machined steel cylinder with a cavity that determines the powder charge. The weight is substantial for its size, reflecting the quality of the steel. The black finish is durable and resistant to corrosion.
The rotor is extremely user-friendly; swapping rotors takes only a few seconds, and no tools are required. There is virtually no learning curve; even novice reloaders can quickly master the system. You do need to take the time to read the charts and understand how to correlate the rotor to the desired charge value.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors suggests exceptional durability. I anticipate that these rotors will last for decades with proper care. The absence of moving parts further enhances long-term reliability.
Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving cleaning to remove powder residue. A brush and some compressed air are usually sufficient to keep the rotors in top condition. Oiling should be avoided, as it can attract powder and affect charge weights.
Accessories and Customization Options
The RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors themselves are accessories for the Little Dandy Powder Measure. There aren’t customization options in the conventional sense. You choose the appropriate rotor size based on your desired powder charge.
RCBS offers a wide range of rotors with varying cavity sizes, allowing users to tailor the dispensing volume to their specific reloading needs. There is also a powder rotor charge table available. These rotors are designed to work exclusively with the RCBS Little Dandy Powder Measure and are not compatible with other brands or systems.
Pros and Cons of RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors
Pros
- Consistent and repeatable powder charges: Delivers accurate volumetric dispensing, improving accuracy and reducing variations.
- Simple and user-friendly design: Easy to swap rotors and operate, even for novice reloaders.
- Durable steel construction: Built to last, ensuring long-term reliability and resistance to wear.
- Cost-effective solution: Provides precision dispensing at a fraction of the cost of electronic systems.
- Wide range of rotor sizes: Allows for precise charge selection for various pistol and small-caliber rifle cartridges.
Cons
- Limited adjustability: Fixed charge weights may not perfectly match all desired loads.
- Rotor chart required: Needs the RCBS chart to cross-reference powder type and rotor number to charge weight.
Who Should Buy RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors?
The RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors are perfect for handgun reloaders and those loading small batches of rifle cartridges where consistent powder charges are critical. This tool is also ideal for high-volume reloaders who focus on a limited number of loads. The product is excellent for anyone seeking a simple, reliable, and affordable powder dispensing solution.
This product may not be suitable for reloaders who frequently experiment with different powder charges or those who require extremely precise dispensing for long-range rifle cartridges. An electronic powder dispenser with its fine-grained adjustments would be more appropriate.
A must-have accessory is a comprehensive RCBS powder rotor charge table to quickly identify the correct rotor for specific powder types and desired charge weights. A high-quality scale is also essential for verifying charge weights and ensuring accuracy.
Conclusion on RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors
The RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors provide a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution for dispensing consistent powder charges. It’s an elegantly designed piece of hardware.
The price of $11.49 per rotor is more than justified by the accuracy, durability, and ease of use they provide. For high-volume reloaders focusing on standard loads, they offer excellent value.
I would absolutely recommend the RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors to any handloader seeking a straightforward and dependable powder dispensing system. If you’re tired of finicky adjustable measures and don’t want to break the bank on an electronic dispenser, this is the perfect choice. Invest in the RCBS Little Dandy PPM Charge Rotors and start reloading with confidence!