Is a Powder Trickler worth using?

[ranger335v]

A good load for a mid-sized cartridge may have a window of accuracy as much as .6 gr. wide. If you strive to load in the middle of that window your charges can vary +/- .3 gr. and most of us can drop charges that well. On the other hand, if you load on the ragged edge of the window then charge variations will sometimes get away from you and you'll see fliers in your groups.

 

[oneounceload]

Many more importent things affect accuray then a 0.1 grain variation in a 55.0 grain load.

Assuming .1 grain is what the variation is.....

I use a trickler for ALL rifle loadings - my dispenser (RCBS) gets very close, but when using stick powders like 4350, a few grains here and there and your accuracy goes out the window. Mine is the basic ??zinc?? one you use your thumb and forefinger on - very inexpensive and my balance beam scale reads correctly, so that works for me

 

[Walkalong]

A good load for a mid-sized cartridge may have a window of accuracy as much as .6 gr. wide. If you strive to load in the middle of that window your charges can vary +/- .3 gr. and most of us can drop charges that well

Yep, a good accuracy load has a nice big window. If it takes exactly XX.X Grs to shoot well, it's not a good accuracy load.

 

[Randy1911]

After reading all of this I think I am just as confused as ever. I will give a trickler a try. If no improvment, oh well, I tried.

 

[OYE]

I guess since you have a LNL press, you probably have a Hornady manual around.
Things might seem less confusing if you go back and read the first half of that manual
two or three more times (or as many times as it takes) if you are serious about shrinking your group size. If you aren't serious about it, then don't waste your time.

 

[jim243]

Randy1911, don't be confused. If all you are doing is hunting, 1 and 1/2 inch groups with a 30-06 is fine. If you are shooting for groups, you need to start with the right state of mind in putting your rounds together, and a trickler is just ONE step in the process that requires you to weigh each bullet, each case, size your primer flash hole, use the same brand and lot of brass so the volume in each case is exactly the same. And the finished product is EXACTLY the same as the next one on each round you put together. We are not talking about windows but peep holes and then you can get groups that are 1/2 inch or less.

But let me warn you, the first time you shoot a group of three rounds that measures 0.25 inches or less you will be hooked on accuracy loads and spend a lot more time and effort in putting your loads together and making sure they are just right.

Jim

 

[Randy1911]

I went to the range today to see if I could improve my shooting. While there I ran into the club president. He showed me what I was doing wrong with the way I was holding my rifle. After just a short time I was getting sub-MOA groups (3/4" center to center) at 100 yards. I guess there is nothing wrong with my loads. My load was a Hornady 165 gr. SPBT with 55.0 grs. of IMR 4350. Win LR primer and Win. brass all of which was the same lot #. This load was under Hodgdon's start load by 1 grain, but approching max in my Lyman #48 manual. I think I will skip buying a trickler. Thanks for all of the input on the trickler. It was very educational.

EDIT: I forgot to say that I am loading 30-06.

 

[OYE]

Very good !!!!!! I would be willing to bet that will not be your tightest group either.
Most 30/06 's in good condition are very good shooters even with the 20 inch light barrels.

 

[WNTFW]

Randy1911,
Loose nut behind trigger is usually a good place to look. Instead of trigger you can substitute steering wheel, handlebars or other device including keyboard. Been guilty of it myself often enough.
What was specifically wrong with your position? I am alway trying to learn.

 

[Eb1]

My guess would be that the barrel was sitting/resting on the bags/rest instead of the stock. This will open groups, and also might not have had a good check weld on the stock.
Possibly not creeping up the trigger allowing it to just break, but pulling the trigger therefore jerking it.

 

[CraigC]

A powder trickler is a good thing to have. I'd rather not coat my powder with whatever is on my hands at the time. Be it natural skin oils, bullet lube or case lube. I never touch the powder with my hands.

 

[Randy1911]

WNTEW - I was just laying the rifle on the sandbags and holding it with my right hand and not touching it with the left. I was told to do it that way by another shooter I knew. I now hold as before but I place my left hand on top of the scope holding firmly.

Eb1 - I am resting the gun on the sandbags with the front part of the stock on the front bags and a bag under the butt of the stock. The barrel is not touching the bags.

 

[Ky Larry]

Cabela's has an RCBS powder trickler for $15.00. For that price, you can try it to see if it helps. I weigh every rifle charge and use a trickler to "top up" the charge. However, I usually only shoot about 50 centerfire rifle rounds during a typical range session so I afford to take my time. To me, accurate reloadind means removing all variables such as case prep, primer seating depth, c.o.a.l; crimp, and powder charge weight.

 

[Gryffydd]

For trickling I just use the barrel of a Bic pen. I fill it up with the powder and just tap a few kernels at a time into the pan. That said I don't use it very often. Lately I've been using it with RL-17 that I'm using with my .30-06. My Hornady measure doesn't seem to like that stuff at all, so I have it throw a light charge and then bring it up.