measuring IMR 4831

[farmertim]

Who make a powder measure that will consistently measure 4831?

 

[gamestalker]

Welcome to THR Farmertim!

Can you provide a little bit more information please?

Generally speaking, and I know not everyone will agree, but for bottle neck loads, I prefer to use a scale to load with these powders. But at the very least, one needs to have an accurate scale to verify what a powder measure is throwing.

But in all honesty, I rarely even use measures, which makes me a loner in this respect really, so I'll leave the powder measure stuff to those who have experience with them.

GS

 

[LAGS]

I switched to the H 4831 SC and it meters easier.
The SC stands for Short Cut, but it uses the same loading data as the H4831.
But the IMR 4831 does not use the same data.

 

[gamestalker]

What cartridge are you loading for?

Like LAGS said, H4831SC will meter much better, which is why Hodgdon developed it.

And FYI, IMR-4831 is not loaded using the same data, it's a different powder, similar, but different.

GS

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I don't know if any measure will consistently measure with in the +or - 1gr range except the Auto-charge and Chargemaster auto dispensers.

Like Gamestalker said a set of scales and a dribbler would be the next best thing.

I've heard people talk about the Lee perfect powder measure but have never used one.

 

[Canuck-IL]

Surprisingly, the Lee Perfect Powder Measure is the best I've found for Lincoln Log powders ... I have one devoted solely to 4064.
http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/540522/lee-perfect-powder-measure?cm_vc=ProductFinding

/B

 

[627PCFan]

I use a cheapo lee hopper and my main 7mm load is imr-4831. Occasionally it "bridges" and you can hear it short dump, but as far as powder volume accuracy from case to case I haven't had any issues.

 

[BruceB]

There are several different #4831 powders on the market, including IMR4831, H4831, and... important for this question.... H4831 SHORT CUT.

When I was doing extensive cast-bullet work in the .308, I had occasion to try 4831 Short Cut in a Dillon 550 progressive press. Because of my concerns about consistent metering, I checked every single cartridge (over 150 of them) for proper charge level with the 4831SC powder.

Every charge was metered correctly.

If I was doing it again today, I would DEFINITELY use the Short Cut powder to minimize the chances of powder-measure error. Even then, I'd pay strict attention as I did the loading (of course, we all do that anyway..... RIGHT???)

 

[Elkins45]

This guy claims his measure will not cut stick powders, but it isn't cheap.

Http://www.quick-measure.com

 

[kerreckt]

Lee perfect powder measure is my best option with the logs. Works with cornflakes, too.

 

[Okcafe86]

I use an auto charge for those extruded rifle powders.

 

[ironworkerwill]

The Lee PPM can be made to throw an accurate charge. You can't beat the price.

 

[JimKirk]

My RCBS Uniflow is within acceptable tolerances when throwing IMR 4831 ...

 

[R.W.Dale]

My RCBS Uniflow is within acceptable tolerances when throwing IMR 4831 ...

Mine will meter imr5010 even.

Set the measure up (contrary to the instructions) to dispense and this cut grains on the DOWNSTROKE and make a firm motion with the weight of your arm behind it.

Done right you'll never even feel it as granules are cut

 

[Lj1941]

I have never used IMR 4831 however it's brother IMR 4350 is also hard to meter. I adjust my measure to throw a little light and then use a trickler to bring it up to weight. Most of the time I load small batches of rifle cartridges so it is not too bad and is accurate. I would not want to do it with high volume ( pistol) batches but it works fine for me with a rifle cartridge.:banghead:

 

[Offfhand]

The ease and accuracy, or lack thereof, of throwing coarse grained propellants is largely determined by the design and quality of the measuring instrument used. Attached is the interior view of a Bruno power measure which is designed and made for accuracy and uniformity with thick grained propellants. Unfortunately, these beautiful tools are made in small batches and not always available , but worth waiting for. The other options for good charge uniformity with thick stick propellant are electronic tools such as the RCBS Chargemaster.

 

[gahunter12]

RCBS Charge Master for me. I set it to dispense while I'm verifying the last charge on my beam scale, and charging the case, and seating bullets. I can usually verify with my beam scale, drop that charge in a case, and seat a bullet by the time my CM drops the next charge. Very systematic!

 

[sage5907]

Welcome to the HighRoad. I have loaded IMR 4831 for many years and always set my measure to drop the charge a grain or two light and finish with a powder trickler. I assume you're loading rifle cartridges, and my long term experience indicates it is always better to check every charge on the scale. Accuracy is the main reason I do it, but there is always the chance that static electricity will hold several grains in the drop tube, and then drop them with the next charge which could result in an overcharge.

 

[MEHavey]

Using any quality standard rolling drum powder measure, you can throw IMR4831 just fine:

1. Up firmly
2. Down firmly
3. Throwing arm rapped down twice against the stop ("Tap, Tap")

April 25, 2013


Large Harrells set at '94.0'
Note the consistent velocity

 

[BillB204]

Unless you spend $350+ for a high end automatic measure/scale combo, I have found no difference in the accuracy/consistency of the different brands of powder measures. If you want BR consistency, you'll have to weigh every load anyway. And you'll likely have to trickle every load to get it right on the tenth of a grain. The Lee Perfect Measure is just as accurate and consistent as any other powder measure and is the least expensive measure that I know of. So you throw a load just under your desired weight and trickle to your exact weight. Takes no more time than the $350 automatic measures, but about $250 cheaper (which includes the cost of the measure, a quality scale and a trickler).

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have to agree, the inexpensive Lee Perfect Powder Measure works very well with stick powders. I have used my Lyman #55 but always go back to the Lee for extruded powders.

 

[FROGO207]

Guess I am the exception here. I use a series of custom made scoops to load the stick stuff with. Use the scales to find the load then make the custom scoop. It takes a bit of practice to get a consistent drop each time but then you get great results. I just label each one with the weight that it drops and the propellant used.