Best technique for using a manual powder scale

[The Grand Baboon]

So, being new to reloading, I'm still nailing down the most effiecent way to use a 505 Ohaus powder scale (basically a copy of RCBS, or any other 505 for that matter).

What I do now is this:

1. Dump enough powder in the pan to tip the scale past zero
2. Empty enough powder out to be just below the zero
3. Trickle until the scale reads zero

Is this the best way to tango?

 

[scythefwd]

I dump enough powder to be just below zero and then trickle.

 

[FROGO207]

Use a scoop that is near the proper size and then trickle to full. A small spoon or such will work well also. Or make a custom scoop. You can take an old casing that is no longer usable, add a handle, and file off the rim or fill with epoxy till you get the weight you want that is just below final weight then trickle up. I do this all the time. Don't forget to label it for next time.

 

[The Grand Baboon]

Goodness you people have good ideas. Thanks Frog.

 

[Sport45]

I dump the charge from my measure into the pan and move weights around until it's balanced. Then I make whatever adjustment I need to the measure, drop another charge and move weights around until it balances again. I repeat this until I like what the measure is doing and then I just weigh every 5th, 10th, or 25th charge depending on what I'm loading and how close to max I am.

For load development I use the scale as mentioned above except my RCBS powder trickler hasn't been out of its box for about a decade. I tried it when I bought it but found I could "trickle" powder with my Lee scoops faster. I just tap the handle to shake powder slowly into the pan.

 

[scythefwd]

sport45 - I though about buying one of those and then I read an empty case could be used. I have a .30-06 case that I use. Now that I think of it though, it's not primed... how did I keep the powder in it? Whatever... it worked very well for me.

 

[Sport45]

I've got lots of the Lee scoops. Just about every die set I have came with one...

 

[Josh45]

I use a scoop and trickle the rest in. Slowly and watch for the zero. I have the auto measure but.....I prefer this way. I check every charge. Call me paranoid...

 

[GP100man]

If ya wanna get fancy get the case trimmed just a tad over .8grs. or so then drill&tap the primer pocket for 1/4" bolt for an "adjustable" dipper !!

But still on the fluffy powders it`s best to throw lite then trickle .

If your workin with a lite load with faster powders there more finiky (stay within a.1+ - )

But the larger volume powders you can get away with a wider spread .

 

[LBEE]

I set my powder Measure to throw a little less charge then just trickle the rest to 0 on the Scale, sometimes the measure will throw a perfect charge which means your set to go with no trickle.