Powder Measure Mounting Feedback Wanted

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peeplwtchr

peeplwtchr

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Sep 20, 2019
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Hi All-

Anyone see any potential issues/benefits with this powder measure mounting method? I know there is a thread which recommends the dedicated stand, but I'd like to skirt that until I build a dedicated reloading bench. It's still 110+ degrees here.

Thanks
 

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I like a rigid stand, helps with consistent throws. When you are dropping charges with a tool like that you want to do it the same way every time. I push the crank to the stop and when I bring it back forward I use a bit of force and bang it in the forward position twice. That's just the rhythm I do and everyone has their own, try to repeat it and your charges will be more consistent (sounds weird but works for me) . my only gripe would be if downward pressure can flex the bracket holding it, may lead to minor inconsistencies or maybe not. Let us know. As an exercise , do 25 drops at a desired weight and record each, notice a difference or are the weights very close. That'll tell you how careful you need to watch that measure with a specific powder.
 
Charlie98 said:
Does it work? That's your answer....
Click to expand...
Dunno, new to reloading. I am purposefully learning in phases, to ensure proficiency in each, before I move to the next phase. I have completed depriming and cleaning; next is flaring, priming and charging, because I think I an do those in the same few strokes. Looking for input such as "It packs powder too hard in the hopper for accurate measure due to press activity" etc.. Looking for insight. The main driver is that I came into reloading admittedly late, as I have never been through an ammo/gun scare before, because I wasn't shooting/informed enough to care to react before. So I am seeking info./experience which will enable me to purchase correctly based on advice.
 
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Obturation said:
I like a rigid stand, helps with consistent throws. When you are dropping charges with a tool like that you want to do it the same way every time. I push the crank to the stop and when I bring it back forward I use a bit of force and bang it in the forward position twice. That's just the rhythm I do and everyone has their own, try to repeat it and your charges will be more consistent (sounds weird but works for me) . my only gripe would be if downward pressure can flex the bracket holding it, may lead to minor inconsistencies or maybe not. Let us know. As an exercise , do 25 drops at a desired weight and record each, notice a difference or are the weights very close. That'll tell you how careful you need to watch that measure with a specific powder.
Click to expand...
Good advice, will do. Just trying to hedge bets in light of the crazy availability/shipping times now. My first ammo scare, and I'm done with this shortage bulls**t. When a LGS sells 375k rounds of 9mm in less than 30 min from storefront only, I am getting set up for reloading ASAMFP. I shoot/train every week.
 
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I heard it’s been 110+ there for the last 50 days.

Isn’t that bracket supposed to attach to the die? Does anyone do it that way?
 
I tried based on a response from another member. That seems to not allow enough die threading to make it work. Logically it should work, but I sweated my ass off in a 125 degree garage for an hour. So I came here. Please no one think I am a newb who doesn't research, I spend hours each day. I call on experts only when I need to.
 
Cokeman said:
I heard it’s been 110+ there for the last 50 days.

Isn’t that bracket supposed to attach to the die? Does anyone do it that way?
Click to expand...
More 110+ days than ever this summer. You're pretty close. 30+ consecutive days, I'm sure it's close to 150 total. The world is melting guys, prepare.
 
I would just get the stand, they aren't that expensive, particularly if you get a used one, and clamp it to the edge of the bench. That system has worked for me for over 30 years.
 
If you're slapping out pistol rounds, or rifle plinking ammo. . . rock on.

For target rifle, consistency and vibration really do change throw weight. First remove that piece of paper, and get a baffle in there. The only downside I see to your mount is that you'll be tempted to run the press while there's powder in the hopper, which will compress it and increase charge.

Re: the baffle, make or buy one, drill a tiny hole in the peak, and run a string out the top tied to a washer dangling outside. That'll let you remove the baffle from the hopper before pouring powder back into the can.
 
peeplwtchr said:
Anyone see any potential issues/benefits with this powder measure mounting method?
Click to expand...
The only issue is likely to be the inability to empty the measure at the end of a production run. For numerous reasons, you don't want to leave powder in your hopper over night. The ability to grab it and turn it up-side-down is a huge plus.

Using the strap you already have, a short length of 2x4, and a 5x7 chunk of plywood, you can easily make the independent stand you need.

GpMLAYW.jpg

Hope this helps.
 
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edwardware said:
If you're slapping out pistol rounds, or rifle plinking ammo. . . rock on.

For target rifle, consistency and vibration really do change throw weight. First remove that piece of paper, and get a baffle in there. The only downside I see to your mount is that you'll be tempted to run the press while there's powder in the hopper, which will compress it and increase charge.
What I was afraid of. Also, what piece of paper?

Re: the baffle, make or buy one, drill a tiny hole in the peak, and run a string out the top tied to a washer dangling outside. That'll let you remove the baffle from the hopper before pouring powder back into the can.
Click to expand...
 
I would guess that the piece of paper in the hopper is a dryer sheet to remove static. At least that is what I do...
 
As someone above said, if it works for you - that's the most important thing.

I can think of two things that struck me......but I'll admit these are quite minor I think in the grand scheme of things.
  • For me I think I'd get annoyed with how close the measure handle is to the press - and that I'd frequently hit the press with my hand or arm when reaching for the measure and/or operating it.
  • If you're going to be operating the press while the measure is full (e.g. charge a case, seat it immediately.....as opposed to charge 50 then seat bullets on 50) the press movement could encourage the powder to settle....and that amount of settling might be different between a full hopper and a hopper that was, say, 25% full. Shaking the powder measure when it's full could encourage more powder to get "pushed" into the dispensing chamber than if there is less powder in the hopper. So.....long way to say "Is there a chance at somewhat inconsistent throws if the press is being used between charge throws?"
Someone mentioned ease (difficulty) in emptying the hopper. I have my Uniflow in one of RCBS's powder measure stands. I unscrew the lock nut that gets screwed on from the bottom so I can take it out of the stand. I've found that easy and not inconvenient.
 
Cokeman said:
Explain the baffle
Click to expand...

With no baffle: When the powder measure is full it puts a certain amount of downward pressure into the metering chamber (say 1/2 lb of pressure). When the measure gets low on powder, it puts less downward pressure on the powder, thereby pushing less powder into the metering chamber. End result is your powder charge will fluctuate as the powder level gets lower in the measure, usually but not always getting lighter.

What the baffle does is create a small space at the bottom of the measure, basically separate from the powder above. This keeps the weight of the powder and thus the downward pressure into the metering chamber more consistent, which should keep your powder drops consistent through your loading session.

If some one can explain it better, please do.

chris
 
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