hp38 metering

[thomis]

I thought HP38 was supposed to meter well. I'm using a RCBS chargemaster Combo, and using HP38 at a charge of 3.7 grains I'm getting anywhere from 3.9 to 4.8 after it finishes its' cycle. I've been using this powder measure for a couple years now with great results but this is unacceptable. When I do some websearch, I don't find many complaints about HP38 metering poorly. Would like to hear your thoughts.
If it matters, I'm loading .38 special 158 grain LRN cast.

Thanks,

 

[Potatohead]

Meters well for me. Does the Chargemaster have trouble with small charges?

 

[iShoot17]

That sounds like a ChargeMaster issue..

Have you done any modifications to it (i.e. The straw trick?)

I have use my ChargeMaster for pistol when doing initial load developments. I use it to help get accurate loads for the 10-20 that I load at a particular weight. I have used HP-38 in 9mm, 40S&W, 45ACP, 38SPL, 357Mag, etc. and have done developments with many different bullets. I have never had the issue of over throwing, especially on extremes like that. I would say I may have to dump maybe 1 of ever 40-50 back into the hopper whenever it over throws by .1 of a grain.

You may want to try the straw trick or talk with RCBS. It seems extremely odd that it is over throwing by 30%+. Do you have issues with any other powders (specifically ball powders)?

 

[grogetr]

I have win 231 which is suppose to be the same and does real good with lee pro auto disk and adjustable charge bar

 

[Gadawg88]

I use HP-38 in 38sp, 9mm and 45acp and I have found it to meter very well. For pistol calibers I use the Lee pro auto disk powder system and HP-38 drops +-.1 grain all day long and most of the time it is right on the money. I also use the Chargemaster, but only for rifle and buckshot to throw larger charges. If you are throwing small pistol charges, you may want to change the programming so that it goes into the final super slow trickle mode sooner. If you are not familiar with that process just do a Google search and you will find lots of info. It is easy to do. Also try the McDonalds straw trick if you haven't already. It helps with certain powders. Get a drinking straw from McDonalds and cut about a one inch piece and insert it into the end of the powder tube where the powder drops into the pan. Why McDonalds? It is just the right diameter. Most other straws are too skinny. Hope this helps.

 

[1SOW]

Win 231/HP-38 meters about as good as it gets.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

HP-38/W231 is a ball powder and ball powders meter like water. I agree, it sounds like a Chargmaster issue.

 

[Schwing]

Check your powder tube for static or even something tacky like oil. I had some issues the other day switching from blue dot to bullseye. It would drop consistent charges of blue dot but I was seeing the same thing you are with the bullseye (which is probably one of the easiest to meter powders invented.

It turned out I had static in the tube. The blue dot was large enough flakes to largely be unaffected. The bullseye on the other hand, being so small, stuck to the sides. I took everything apart, cleaned it and then wiped it all down with a dryer sheet and the problem was solved.

 

[LiveLife]

I do not believe your metering issue is due to the powder.

W231/HP-38 is small flattened ball powder that's coated and it flows and meters very well. The black coating works as lubricant and will coat the sliding surfaces of my Pro Auto Disk with use and I never clean the coating off.

With a slight modification, the Pro Auto Disk will consistently meter down to 2.0 gr so I don't think you can blame the inconsistent powder drops to the powder - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=741988

 

[buck460XVR]

Win 231/HP-38 meters about as good as it gets.

I agree, even at low charge rates outta my Uniflo, it meters very consistently.

 

[Joe's]

thomis,
Call RCBS and explain what is going on. They'll set you up with a technician. He will tell you how to set your ChargeMaster back to original defaults.
They will then run you through a set of codes that will match what you are trying to accomplish. It will either work or they will instruct you how to send it back to them. They sent me a brand new machine. Took about 2 weeks total. Hope this helps.

Be Well,
Joe's

 

[TfflHndn]

I have not had very good results metering HP-38 in my Hornady powder measure, for whatever reason. Not as bad as many, but not as good as the Accurate powders or Silhouette either. I don't use a lot of it, so I hand measure when I do use it rather than accept the variance load to load with this powder. Dryer sheet didn't help. I just work around it.

 

[kcofohio]

With using the Lee Pro-Auto with the charge bar, I have gone down to 2.8 gr. in HP-38/W231 with no problems. Titegroup, on the other hand....

 

[16in50calNavalRifle]

HP-38? Is that a powder? Sounds vaguely familiar.

(sorry, *someone* had to do it)

 

[zerobarrier]

I have not had very good results metering HP-38 in my Hornady powder measure, for whatever reason. .

Are you using the pistol metering assembly? I use HP-38 and titegroup in my LNL with the hornady powder measure and it is spot on everytime. Whenever I check it, there is no variance.

 

[GP100man]

A little powdered graphite goes a long way in helpin powder flow thru any kind of measure !

& it all but eliminates static safely.

& 231 seemed to always be a bit more GRAYISH/SHINEY than hp-38 , more powdered graphite ???

 

[ArchAngelCD]

A little powdered graphite goes a long way in helpin powder flow thru any kind of measure !

& it all but eliminates static safely.

& 231 seemed to always be a bit more GRAYISH/SHINEY than hp-38 , more powdered graphite ???

I have never noticed a difference between the color of W231 and HP-38 especially since they are identical but for the label on the bottle and the color of the cap.