Beginner reloader

[Paulie69]

I have a .38 spl and I am trying to load new casings with tite group powder with a 110 gr hornady bullet. I have measured the minimum wt. grain of 4.3 and it is over flowing, what am I doing wrong?

 

[Starter52]

Overflowing in a revolver case?

You are using too much powder!

How are you measuring your powder load?

 

[Paulie69]

With a digital scale using gn as measurements

 

[badkarmamib]

How are you measuring powder charge? Are you certain you aren't weighing in grams (would be 66 grains, but still...)?

 

[CKweigand]

What kind of scale are you using? Are you sure you are weighing in Grains and not grams?

More info needed for sure. Are you sure you have a 38 spl casing?

 

[Paulie69]

I was using gn and I tried g just to see. Now can I use any digital scale or does it have to be specifically for ammo?

 

[Paulie69]

Yes I have a .38 spl and casings aswell

 

[CKweigand]

(gn) is for grains and (g) is for grams. Some digital scales aren’t precise enough to weigh out in grains. If you don’t have a scale dedicated for grains you are doing a disservice to yourself. You can pick up a Hornady or RCBS and even Lyman at a reasonable price.

Edit: when I say some digital scales I’m referring to the ones like my wife used to measure out 6oz. of red meat and so forth...

Also if you are using a digital scale or you sure it is calibrated correctly? The reloading scales will come with brass weights that way you can make sure your scale is calibrated correctly. (think of a standard used for verifying micrometers)

 

[CraigC]

You need a reloading scale.

 

[Paulie69]

Ok Thts wut I wanted to know. Thank u. Now its not good to guess on how much grain to put?

 

[Paulie69]

You need a reloading scale.

Thts wut I thought!!! Thank u very much....

 

[badkarmamib]

This is an inexpensive digital scale that has good reviews among hobby reloaders.
https://www.amazon.com/American-Wei...rd_wg=CoCuM&psc=1&refRID=4HVZETYR1SC0ASPS6M9G
You should also have a good reloading beam scale from your favorite reloading tool manufacturer (Lee, Hornady, RCBS, et al.) to verify the digital, if your battery goes dead, etc.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

gn? Should be in grains, typically abbreviated gr. Are you putting the tray on, zeroing the scale, and then measuring?

Something is seriously wrong there.

 

[Paulie69]

Ok thank you. I called sportsmans warehouse and the guy said I can use any digital scale but it doesnt seem to work. I had put powder just under the bullet. Thats not a good idea is it?

 

[Paulie69]

Yes I am. But it says gn not gr. Im gonna get a different scale..thank u

 

[CraigC]

IMHO, your reloading scale is one thing you should not skimp on and I suggest a decent beam scale from a reloading equipment manufacturer. I scarcely trust my $300 RCBS electronic scale, much less a cheap generic scale.

 

[bullseye308]

Put the bullet on the scale and see what it reads. Definitely do not attempt to load anything till you get this resolved.

What caliber are you loading?
Where are you getting your data?
Do you have check weights for your scale?
Is your scale on a level surface?
Lots more questions coming, but for now please stop. At the least you could blow up your gun, at the worst you could seriously injure or kill your self.

We will happily help you, we just need more info.

 

[Paulie69]

Ok..im going to get a reloading scale. Thank u for your input

 

[Paulie69]

Thank u and I will stop...All of u on here are very helpfull and appreciated

 

[billybob44]

New reloaders NEED to start with a Beam type scale..
MidWayusa, MidSouth shooters supply, Grafs ,and others are a good start.

FWIW:A good reloading manual is a GREAT place to start. .https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/000159816050/50th-edition-reloading-manual-(hard-cover)
This is a good one..Bill.

 

[WestKentucky]

Frankford arsenal makes a decent cheap scale. Buy a scale, use the scale, and come back with your next question.

 

[Paulie69]

(gn) is for grains and (g) is for grams. Some digital scales aren’t precise enough to weigh out in grains. If you don’t have a scale dedicated for grains you are doing a disservice to yourself. You can pick up a Hornady or RCBS and even Lyman at a reasonable price.

Edit: when I say some digital scales I’m referring to the ones like my wife used to measure out 6oz. of red meat and so forth...

Also if you are using a digital scale or you sure it is calibrated correctly? The reloading scales will come with brass weights that way you can make sure your scale is calibrated correctly. (think of a standard used for verifying micrometers)

Ok thank u..and no the scale I have did not come with wts.. To calibrate.. Ot was a cheap on that I had b4 I started anything...

 

[ATLDave]

I suspect the scale may be reading in grams, not grains. (A >15x difference).

Titegroup is an especially unforgiving powder. Full cases of it will blow up guns. Pick a different powder until you get the hang of things. In all honesty, you are fortunate that the error was so large you got an overflowing case. Most TG charges are small enough that a double charge will fit in a case... and blow up a gun.

 

[Paulie69]

THANK U EVERYONE FOR YOUR INPUT. IT IS MUCH HELPFULL AND I WILL STAY ON HERE IN THE FUTURE.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Now its not good to guess on how much grain to put?

Never ever guess on powder charge. You need to be measured and precise.

Too much powder or not enough can both be dangerous.