Clays powder question and Dillon 550B

[dandean316]

In the loading manual when it says "Clays", does that mean Clays, Universal Clays, or International(?) Clays? Some manuals seem to just list Clays, but then I see the Sierra manual says "Univ. Clays" but nothing under simply Clays.

I asked the guy at the gun shop and he said "uhh, I think..." Wasn't too sure of himself.

Also, does this meter ok in the Dillon 550B? I heard it may not. I was thinking of trying a cleaner powder since the Bullseye I use is dirty. I like it minus the extra grime.

Any help is approeciated!

 

[Kruzr]

Clays is just plain Hodgdon Clays, not International Clays or Universal Clays. Good clean powder for .45 target loads. Provided your press and bench are sturdy and you are consistent with your throws, you shouldn't have a problem. I load Clays on a 550B. Its a large flake and my first 3 or 4 throws always go back in the measure. From then on, I find it consistent. If you make a throw without brass under the powder funnel, I find the next throw is heavy.

Take a look here for some data:


http://www.hodgdon.com/data/pistol/index.php

Choose your caliber on the right.

 

[Mal H]

Most of the manuals drop the 'Clays' and just say Universal or International. If the manual says 'Clays' only, then it is Clays Clays.

I've already posted my feelings on how Hodgdon screwed the pooch when they came up with the Clays naming scheme, so no need to go into it again.

All Clays powders meter well and burn clean. Good powders ... just change the damn names ... Oops. I promised myself I wouldn't talk about it again.

 

[HSMITH]

I agree with Mal on the naming convention, not good at all.....

Mal and Kruzr nailed the usage also. These powders are very different so pay attention.

My 550 drops all three powders with superb repeatability. You are going to find that the Dillon powder measure is probably the most forgiving and most consistent out there.

 

[m1911joe]

Clays is the only powder I use in my 45s. Meters very well in my 550.
As was said good bench and a consistant stroke of the handly and it will
work fine.

 

[rayra]

consistent pull indeed. just give it a microsecond pause at the bottom of the stroke, to ensure the powder transfer bar is completely filled. Nothing exagerrated, just don't be in a hurry to bounce the handle off the bottom of the stroke.