How much do you trust your powder measures?

[wanderinwalker]

I think cactus nailed it with technique.

I use a LEE Perfect Powder measure to throw the charges for ALL of my rifle match ammo. 200, 300 and 600 yard loads, I don't trickle a single charge. And at least in my game (NRA Highpower) I know those "fliers" aren't a result of my ammo. Oh, and I use Varget and Reloder 15, stick powders that according to conventional wisdom should be at least weighed for consistent results.

As for the Adjustable Charge Bar, I think mine is sitting underneath a pile of other equipment right now, possibly tucked in with some spare, unused discs. The last time I tried to use it I gave up in frustration and found a disc cavity that was close to the charge I was looking for and ran with it. I couldn't get a consistent set of throws with the ACB, but the discs drop fine.

 

[cfullgraf]

Technique is key

Yes, technique is key to getting consistent throws from a powder measure, but the technique is doing it the same every time.

Once I have settled the powder column throwing ten or fifteen charges, I do my best to not vibrate the measure at all. Easy cycling of the drum, no wrapping or knocking at the end of the stroke.

My powder measures are even mounted on their own floor stands so that vibrations from the bench do not affect the powder column.

Works great for me but not the only technique that works.

 

[MCMXI]

Charging inconsistincies can be almost totally eliminated with a redding powder master or RCBS powder measure in the way it is manipulated.

This is why I like use a Redding 10X and BR-30 on my progressive presses with Hornady's case activated linkage system. The operation of the powder measure is more consistent when the drum is rotated by the upstroke of the ram rather than by me directly. All of that leverage and large moving mass results in a big movement with constant velocity rather than a small one with variable velocity ... if that makes any sense.

 

[Lost Sheep]

I reload handgun ammunition on a Lee Turret using a Lee Adjustable Charging bar.

(edited for brevity)

I find that the variation in the powder charge can vary by as much as +0.6 grains (depending on how much the previous case "catches" in the crimping die).

As a workaround, I've resorted to the tedious (but accurate) process of: 1)charging the case 2)emptying the case 3) recharging the case 4) then bullet seat and crip. Repeat. This is slow, but I don't mind it too much since I'm only loading 50 or so of these hotter loads (not 200-300 of my standard 45 ACP).

Far more efficient and MUCH less tedious is to replace your powder measure with a funnel. This works equally well on a Single Stage, Turret or Progressive. A little slower than a press-mounted measure, though but faster than what you describe.

Operate your press in the normal fashion and obtain the powder charge (in any way you like, from a scale, separate powder measure, scoop or electronic dispenser) in a cup and pour through the funnel (in the usual place of the powder measure) directly into the case without all the fol-de-rol.

You just turn yourself into the powder measure.

Lee's funnel is sized to fit precisely into the top of the powder-through charging die.

When not using my Auto-Disk, I find Lee Dippers to be faster than my friend's electronic powder dispenser. But I admit, his RCBS Chargemaster dispenser is faster if I stop to trickle up to weight of my dippers on a scale like the Chargemaster does. However, with proper technique, the dippers is perfectly safe, even for near-max charges. Just BE SURE your technique is good.

Powder measures do have definite preferences for powder types. Spherical ball powders do well in almost any measure, but extruded stick powders can get crunched or "bridge" in some measures, flake powders can leak and have varying packing ratios. Any powder measure can run out (without you noticing) right in the middle of a good run. At either end of the price spectrum, the electronic dispenser is immune to all these and the dippers are immune to all but the packing ratio sensitivity. Powder measures are a convenience with many compromises. Some feel the convenience is worth it. Some feel the price of the electronic dispenser is worth it. Up to you.

Good Luck

Lost Sheep

 

[ExMachina]

Thanks for all the advice.

A separate powder measure seems like the obvious solution and I will probalby go that route in the near future.

However, for now I'm a little embarrassed to say that I missed an obvious solution.
My (new) workaround--that seems to be working--is to simply turn the powder measure "off" for each cycle of the press. Don't know why that didn't occur to me sooner

 

[45ACPUSER]

Frist and formost the operator of any powder measure is the key. Consistency of operation. Ergo, the person using it!

 

[RustyFN]

With my pro auto disk measure I get no more than .1 variation. I only use the disks because I got inconsistant charges with the charge bar. I also use powders that are known to meter good. With my Dillon powder measure I have only used H-335 and it meters very good.

 

[ranger335v]

Fine powders dispense quite consistanly, coarser powders do not..that's just a fact of life. Most powder measures, perhaps all of them, are more consistant than their users; techique and consistancy of operation counts more than brand and model or price.