H335 metering

[Steve H]

I just loaded some 223 with H335. I use a Redding "Match Grade 3BR" powder measure, it's about 20+ years old. I set it to throw 24.0 grains. I was checking about every 5th charge and was finding it was varying between 23.8 and 24.2 grains. I haven't used very much H335 as most of my rifle loading is with stick powders. Is H335 one of the poorer metering powders or do I have a problem somewhere?

 

[ironworkerwill]

It should meter accurately.

 

[Walkalong]

It should meter just about dead on with each drop. Certainly not a .4 Gr swing.

+/- .1 is more like it.

 

[cheygriz]

I've used several hundred pounds of it over the last 25 years in Redding, Eagle and Dillon measures. Never a single problem. One of the best metering powders I've ever used.

Try disassembling your powder measure, cleaning it thoroughly, and lubing with a pinch of dry graphite. If that doesn't fix the problem, try some of your powder in a friend's measure. If it meters okay in another measure, give Redding a call

 

[gpb]

H335 has always been one of the more consistent metering powders that I've used.

If everything checks out with the powder measure, the next thing I would check is the repeatability of the scale. Find something that weighs close to 24 grains. Set its weight on the scale and then take it off the scale and put it back on several times. Each time it should repeat the same weight.

 

[Rule3]

It meters perfectly for me in a lowly LEE Pro Disc and a RCBS Uniflow measure.

 

[SlowFuse]

I don't know much about the redding but even using a cheapo Lee PPM I get consistent throws with H335, .2 would be a bad day. Being off by .4 would have me checking stuff out as post 4 & 5 suggested.

Ball usually meters better than stick even when I have the small drum leak issue that the PPM is known for.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have used a lot of H335 over the past 2 years and it's a good metering powder for me, most Ball powders are.

 

[rskent]

Is H335 one of the poorer metering powders or do I have a problem somewhere?

I think you might have a problem. What scale do you have?

 

[Steve H]

Later today it will come apart, completely cleaned and lubed with dry graphite, Then rechecked. It's been sitting unused for a few months so maybe dirt or dry.

 

[Walkalong]

Could be static buildup as well, but a good cleaning/drying would be a great start.

 

[Steve H]

Think I found a big part of the problem.......just took it apart, the drop tube came out in three pieces !!!!!!! I want to think the cracks were filling up with powder holding back some of the charge then they would empty out causing an over charge.

Thoughts????

 

[Steve in PA]

I've used a lot of H335 over the years for reloading .223 ammo and found it to be one of the best and easiest powders to meter.

It's not the powder.

 

[lightman]

My experience with 335 is about like the others, very good. I use a Dillon, RCBS and a Harrell's measure. It sounds like you found the problem and a call to Redding is in order.

 

[Steve H]

new spout is on order!!!

 

[Rule3]

Think I found a big part of the problem.......just took it apart, the drop tube came out in three pieces !!!!!!! I want to think the cracks were filling up with powder holding back some of the charge then they would empty out causing an over charge.

Thoughts????

Looks like you better get that checked.

Seems to be even beyond JB Weld and duct tape.

They still make parts??

 

[Steve H]

ooks like you better get that checked.

Seems to be even beyond JB Weld and duct tape.

They still make parts??

Midway has 'em in stock!!!!

 

[gahunter12]

I get .1gr +/- accuracy, and sometimes better with H335 in my Dillon powder measure.

 

[cheygriz]

BTW, if you don't already have them, invest $20-25 in a good set of scale check weights.

These are precise, and a good way to make sure your scale is dead on.

I check both of my scales with the check weights before every reloading session.

 

[Lennyjoe]

+/- .1gr here with my Lee Autodisc as well. Probably the best metering powder I've ever used

 

[SSN Vet]

Midway rocks!!!