Published: April 2026 | Last updated: April 2026
Disclaimer: Specifications and pricing in this article are drawn from manufacturer and retailer sources current at time of publication. Always verify current pricing before purchasing.
The premise behind the Redding Competition PR-50 Powder Measure is straightforward and worth stating plainly: every volumetric powder measure has a sweet spot. The metering chamber in any measure is optimized for a specific range of charge weights, and the greatest accuracy and throw-to-throw consistency occurs within that window. Rather than build a single measure and claim it handles everything from 3-grain pistol charges to 90-grain magnum loads, Redding designed the PR-50 specifically for rifle-weight charges – roughly 10 to 50 grains – and built it to do that job with the precision a serious handloader actually needs.
That design philosophy produces a tool that competes at the top end of the mechanical powder measure market. If you’re loading 6.5 Creedmoor or 308 Winchester at the bench and you’re tired of chasing consistency with a measure that was never really designed for your charge weight, the PR-50 is the kind of tool that addresses that problem at the source.
Key Specifications
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Redding Reloading Equipment |
| Model | Competition PR-50 Powder Measure |
| Item Number (SKU) | 190126 |
| MPN | 03-050 |
| UPC | 611760039003 |
| Charge Range | Approximately 10 to 50 grains (rifle metering insert) |
| Primary Construction | Precision-machined aluminum and steel |
| Mount | Universal – fits standard 7/8″-14 threaded bench stands |
| MSRP | $303.99 |
| Approx. Street Price | $285.00 – $310.00 |
The PR-50 is a single-insert measure, meaning the metering drum is matched to its intended charge range. This is not a modular system with interchangeable pistol and rifle inserts – that’s the Redding Model 3 Powder Measure, which takes a universal metering insert and offers optional pistol and handgun chambers. The PR-50 is purpose-built for rifle. If you also reload pistol calibers and want to cover both with one tool, look at the Model 3 setup instead.
What Makes the PR-50 Different
Most powder measures at this price point are general-purpose tools with broad charge weight capability. The engineering tradeoff in a general-purpose chamber is that accuracy suffers at the extremes of the range – small charges are inconsistent because the rotor isn’t fully purging the chamber, and large charges are inconsistent because the geometry isn’t optimized for the volume. The PR-50 sidesteps this entirely by focusing the chamber dimensions on the rifle charge weight range where the most competitive handloaders actually work.
The metering insert itself is machined to very tight tolerances, and the drum-to-body fit is held to minimize powder leakage between the drum and the housing. Powder leakage – even a fraction of a grain per stroke – is one of the most common sources of throw-to-throw variation in lower-tier measures. Redding’s machining quality on the PR-50 is the primary reason it outperforms cheaper tools in extended consistency testing.
The other key design element is the powder baffle built into the hopper. A baffle prevents powder from varying in its column height above the metering chamber, which would otherwise cause density-related inconsistency as the hopper empties. With the baffle in place, the last charge of a loading session should drop as consistently as the first.
Build Quality and Construction
The PR-50 is machined aluminum and steel throughout. There is no polymer in the critical metering components. This matters for two reasons: dimensional stability over time, and static resistance. Polymer metering drums and housings can wear, develop imprecise fit, and in low-humidity environments build up static charge that causes powder to cling to the interior surfaces. Neither issue is a concern with the PR-50.
The drum handle is large enough to operate with one hand and provides positive, controlled actuation. There is no slop or play in the drum’s travel path – the stroke is the same every time, which is a prerequisite for consistent volumetric measurement. A measure with loose drum travel is simply not capable of throwing consistent charges regardless of how well it’s adjusted.
The adjusting drum is micrometer-style, marked with graduated increments so you can return to a specific setting without having to re-weigh and re-dial from scratch after a powder change or press teardown. Once you’ve logged your settings for a given load – Hodgdon H4350 at a specific weight, for example – you can return to that exact position at the start of your next session in a matter of seconds.
The universal 7/8″-14 threaded base means the PR-50 mounts directly on Redding’s own bench stand or the standard stands from RCBS, Lyman, and other manufacturers. It’s also compatible with most single-stage press mounting threads, which allows you to mount it directly to your press for a streamlined workflow if you prefer that over a dedicated bench stand.
Setup and Calibration
Getting the PR-50 dialed in takes a few minutes the first time with a new powder. The process is the same regardless of what you’re running:
Mount and level. Mount the measure on your bench stand or press. The stand should be on a stable, vibration-free surface. The PR-50 doesn’t use electronics, so RFI and air currents are not factors – but bench vibration from a nearby progressive press or power tools can affect volumetric consistency in any mechanical measure.
Charge the hopper. Fill to a comfortable working level. Don’t overfill to the brim on the first use – let the powder settle and verify the baffle is seated correctly. Top off as needed during the session, ideally keeping the level fairly consistent rather than running nearly empty and then refilling.
Set an approximate charge. Use the graduated drum to approximate your target charge. For a 44-grain charge of Hodgdon Varget, you’ll start in the upper portion of the PR-50’s range and fine-tune from there.
Throw and weigh a series. Throw 10 charges into your pan and weigh each one on a quality powder scale. You’re looking for two things: average weight versus target, and the standard deviation across the ten throws. Average weight is adjusted via the drum. Standard deviation tells you how the measure is performing. With an extruded powder like Varget in the PR-50’s optimal range, you should expect ES (extreme spread) of 0.3 grains or better across a ten-shot string. Many users report ES under 0.2 grains.
Log your setting. Once you’ve confirmed the average weight and the consistency, record the drum graduation number. You won’t have to repeat this process the next time you load this combination.
Powders and Consistency
The PR-50 handles extruded stick powders and ball powders differently, and it’s worth understanding those differences before you set expectations.
Extruded powders – Hodgdon Varget, IMR 4064, Alliant Reloder 15, Vihtavuori N140, Hodgdon H4350 – can produce occasional cut kernels during the drum rotation. A cut kernel changes the actual weight of that throw by a small amount. With quality extruded powders and a well-fitted drum, this happens infrequently, but it does happen. Many competition reloaders who use the PR-50 for extruded powders still do a quick check-weigh on every fifth or tenth charge as a matter of habit rather than blind trust.
Ball powders – Hodgdon CFE 223, Winchester 748, Ramshot TAC, Hodgdon H335 – flow more freely through the drum and are less prone to cut kernels. Ball powder ES in the PR-50 is typically tighter than with stick powders, but the absolute weight accuracy still depends on proper setup and consistent drum actuation.
Where the PR-50 Fits in Redding’s Lineup
Redding builds a range of powder measures that cover different needs and price points. Understanding where the PR-50 sits prevents buying the wrong tool.
| Model | Metering Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Redding Model 3 (Universal) | Broad – universal + optional pistol insert | Mixed rifle and pistol loading |
| Redding Competition PR-50 | ~10 to 50 grains rifle | Dedicated rifle loading, precision competition |
| Redding Competition BR-30 | ~10 to 30 grains rifle | Benchrest and small-volume precision cartridges |
| Redding Competition LR-1000 | Up to ~100 grains | Magnum rifle and long-range cartridges |
| Redding Competition 10X | Pistol and small rifle | High-volume pistol, .223 Remington |
The PR-50 occupies the core position in this lineup. It covers the charge range used by the most popular precision rifle cartridges – 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Winchester, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm-08 Remington, 30-06 Springfield – without the design compromises of a broader-range instrument.
If you primarily load benchrest cartridges like 6mm BR or 6mm PPC where charges run 28 to 35 grains, the BR-30 is optimized even more tightly for that window. If you’re loading magnums – 7mm Remington Magnum, 300 Winchester Magnum, 338 Lapua Magnum – where charges exceed 70 grains, the LR-1000 is the right tool.
Competitive Analysis
The PR-50 competes directly with other precision mechanical measures in the $200-$350 range.
Forster Bench Rest Powder Measure is the closest direct competitor and the one that causes the most genuine consideration. The Forster is precision-machined to similar tolerances, uses a drum design that also minimizes leakage, and is well-regarded for consistency with extruded powders. The primary differences come down to metering range – the Forster covers a slightly broader window – and usability nuances like handle feel and drum adjustment mechanics. Both are excellent tools. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference and which brands the handloader has already standardized on.
RCBS Competition Die Set / RCBS Chargemaster Supreme – the RCBS digital dispenser route is a different category entirely. An automated dispenser like the RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme dispenses to a target weight electronically and handles each charge individually. The PR-50 is a mechanical volumetric measure that throws consistent volume quickly. The RCBS route is slower per charge but gives you a verified weight on every single throw. For reloaders who prioritize speed and batch volume, the PR-50 wins. For reloaders who want a confirmed weight on every charge, the ChargeMaster Supreme makes more sense.
Redding Match Grade 3BR – Redding’s own modular option with interchangeable metering chambers. It covers rifle and pistol in a single unit. If you load both rifle and pistol rounds regularly, the 3BR gives you that versatility. If your loading is almost entirely rifle, the PR-50’s dedicated chamber gives you better optimized performance within its range.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Redding PR-50 | Forster Bench Rest | Redding BR-30 | Redding LR-1000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charge Range | ~10-50 gr | ~5-100 gr | ~10-30 gr | ~10-100 gr |
| Primary Use | Precision rifle | Precision rifle/pistol | Benchrest | Magnum rifle |
| Metering Material | Machined aluminum | Machined aluminum | Machined aluminum | Machined aluminum |
| Hopper Baffle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Micrometer Drum | Yes | No (plain adjustment) | Yes | Yes |
| Price Range | $285-$310 | $185-$225 | $285-$310 | $310-$340 |
Practical Use: What to Expect at the Bench
The PR-50 is not a plug-and-play tool in the sense that it requires zero attention. You need to understand the workflow.
At the start of every session, throw and discard at least five charges before you begin recording data. The first few throws after filling the hopper and seating the drum are often slightly inconsistent as the powder settles and the drum seats properly. Discarding the first five is standard practice with any high-quality mechanical measure.
For precision rifle loading where you’re building hunting or long-range competition loads, the most efficient workflow combines the PR-50 with a quality powder trickler and a sensitive digital scale. The measure handles the bulk of the charge quickly and consistently – throwing to within 0.2-0.3 grains of target – and the trickler brings individual charges exactly to weight. This combination is fast enough for a serious batch of 100 rounds and precise enough for sub-half-MOA work.
For volume loading where you’re building hunting rounds and can accept 0.3-grain ES rather than dialing each charge to the kernel, the PR-50 can be run without a trickler on medium-burn ball powders and still deliver more than adequate consistency for hunting accuracy standards.
Common Troubleshooting
Inconsistent throws on stick powders. The most common cause is bridging in the hopper – the longer kernels of some powders like IMR 4064 or Hodgdon H4895 can bridge across the hopper outlet and cause irregular flow. A gentle tap on the hopper body before each stroke, or using the included hopper tap, solves this. Some reloaders keep a thin rod alongside the measure specifically for this purpose.
Powder leaking from the drum. A small amount of fine powder dust at the drum-to-body interface is normal. If you’re seeing whole kernels escape, check that the drum is fully seated and that there’s no debris in the drum channel. A light application of dry lubrication to the drum is acceptable; never use oil-based lubricants, which will contaminate your powder.
Throws running heavy or light after a powder change. The drum graduation setting that works for Hodgdon H4350 will not produce the same weight with a different powder of different bulk density. Always re-weigh and re-dial after any powder change, even to a different lot of the same powder.
Pros and Cons
Where the PR-50 excels: The measure throws consistent charges across an extended session without fatigue or drift. The micrometer-style drum lets you return to saved settings reliably. The build quality is simply better than what you find on measures in the $80-$150 range – the drum fit, the baffle, the handle action. For the charge ranges used by the most common precision rifle cartridges, it’s hard to find a better mechanical measure at any price point.
Where it falls short: It doesn’t cover pistol charge weights without purchasing additional inserts or a different measure. There is no digital feedback – you are trusting volumetric consistency, not verified weight on every throw. The price is a real barrier for the casual reloader who loads one caliber occasionally. And for extreme long-range magnum cartridges, you’ll want the LR-1000 instead.
FAQ
Does the PR-50 work for pistol powder charges? Not well. The PR-50 is designed for rifle charge weights – roughly 10 to 50 grains. Pistol charges in the 3-8 grain range fall below its optimized zone and will produce inconsistent results. For pistol loading, look at the Redding Competition 10X or the Redding Model 3 with a pistol insert.
Can I use the PR-50 on a progressive press? It can be bench-mounted alongside a progressive setup, but it is not designed to mount directly onto a progressive press’s toolhead in the way a press-integrated measure would. Most precision reloaders use it on a dedicated bench stand adjacent to their single-stage press.
How does it compare to an automatic dispenser for precision work? An automated dispenser like the RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme verifies the actual weight of every charge electronically. The PR-50 throws consistent volume – which translates to consistent weight if the setup is correct – but does not verify individual charges. For most precision rifle loading, the PR-50 plus a check weigh every 10-15 charges is faster than an automatic dispenser and precise enough for sub-MOA performance. For benchrest-level precision where you’re confirming every single charge, an automatic dispenser or a combination of the PR-50 and trickler may be the right choice.
What’s the difference between the PR-50 and the BR-30? Charge range and optimization. The BR-30 is sized for charges up to approximately 30 grains, which covers benchrest cartridges like 6mm BR and 6mm PPC. The PR-50 covers up to approximately 50 grains, which adds cartridges like 308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and similar. If your primary cartridge runs under 35 grains, the BR-30 may give you slightly better optimized performance within that tighter range.
Does Redding offer a warranty on the PR-50? Redding provides a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Redding’s customer service and parts support is among the better in the reloading equipment industry, which is relevant when you’re buying a precision tool you expect to use for decades.
Is the PR-50 compatible with Redding’s bench stands? Yes. It also fits standard 7/8″-14 bench stands from RCBS, Lyman, and other manufacturers.
Conclusion
The Redding Competition PR-50 Powder Measure is a specialized tool that does what it’s designed to do at a level that justifies its price. If your loading is primarily rifle rounds in the 10-to-50-grain range – which covers nearly every popular precision rifle cartridge from 6mm Creedmoor to 30-06 Springfield – the PR-50 gives you mechanical consistency that a general-purpose measure simply cannot match. The precision-machined chamber, the powder baffle, and the micrometer adjustment all serve the same purpose: minimizing the variables that cause throw-to-throw inconsistency.
It is not the right tool for every reloader. If you load pistol rounds alongside rifle, you’ll need either a separate measure or a modular system like the Redding Model 3. If you load magnum charges above 50 grains, the LR-1000 is the correct tool. If you want confirmed weight on every single charge without a separate weigh step, an automated dispenser fits your workflow better.
But for the reloader who loads a consistent set of rifle calibers, values speed and reliability over an automatic dispenser’s per-charge verification, and wants the best mechanical measure available for that charge range – the PR-50 is the answer.
Choose the PR-50 if: you load primarily rifle calibers in the 6mm Creedmoor to 30-06 Springfield range, want a mechanical measure with competition-level consistency, and prefer the speed of volumetric dispensing over per-charge electronic verification.
Choose the BR-30 instead if your primary cartridges run under 35 grains and you want the tightest possible optimization for benchrest-level work.
Choose the LR-1000 instead if you load magnums and large-capacity cartridges where charges exceed 50 grains.
Editorial note: Originally published April 2026. Article covers the Redding Competition PR-50 Powder Measure (SKU 190126, UPC 611760039003, MSRP $303.99). Internal links updated throughout to current myreloading.com caliber guides, powder pages, and related equipment reviews.
