Questions on Using Powder Measure

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jwrowland77

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Quick question...when using a powder measure, is it better to fill it up?

I normally only put in enough powder to fill about 1/3-1/4 of the powder measure. Normally I get somewhat close but was jus wondering, if I put in more powder, would it help with the consistency of the throws. I do double tap at the top and bottom to make sure I get good fill and a good powder dump.

Also, when emptying it, I unscrew the plug as far as it will go, then I just raise and lower the handle a bunch. Is there an easier way to get all the powder out and back into the container?
 
It is better to keep it 1/2 full or more.
It is better to refill it and keep it that way when it gets below 1/2 full.

Dumping them?
All of mine are mounted on heavy homemade powder measure stands.

I just put a funnel in the powder can, pick them up, and dump them.

If they are mounted on a press, I guess that wouldn't work so hot!

rc
 
In theory, if you are using a baffle, it does not matter how much powder is above the baffle. Without the baffle, there is a different weight of the powder column between full and near empty which may cause changes in the powder charge as the column drops.

But, operation of the measure also has an effect, maybe a more significant effect than the height of the powder column.

I remove the powder measure from the stand and pour as much powder as I can back into the container directly, then cycle to measuring chamber to get the last of the powder out of the measure. (One of the good uses for Lee o-ring lock rings!)

What ever floats your boat is what works in dumping the measure.
 
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I keep my Uniflow Rcbs about half full, or more. You want to be consistent with your 'throws' and check the charges periodically. I haven't used a baffle, maybe I'll try one.
 
My powder system has a baffle. It still prefers to be kept OVER 1/3 full to get max consistancy---actually 3/4 full or full is best with some powders.

JMO: The type of powder you're using makes a difference. Large flake needs more powder in most hoppers than small ball/small rod to stay consistant---it doesn't "flow" as easily as small ball..
 
You'll not only want to keep the measure 1/2 full or better - with or without a baffle - but you will want to develop a certain method of operating the handle - this will also help in getting consistent drops
 
My Pacific powder measure is mounted on a 1' 2x8 and I just invert and dump back into the original container (using a glass funnel). My RL 550B and XL 650 have removable tool heads; unhook fail safe rod from the bell crank, pull two pins, invert and return to container. Very easy!
 
I put a home-made baffle made from the lid of a prescription bottle in my LPPM and it went from throwing +-0.6 grains of varget (on a nominal 47-grain setting) to +-0.2 grains and it made it much less sensitive to the amount of powder in the hopper. Redneck engineering at it's finest! (I stole the idea from someone else.)

Matt
 
I have Hornady LNL measures with baffles. They meter consistently with most powders regardless of the level. When I'm done I dump them back into the jug, cycle the rotor, then vacuum the remaining powder out so I don't have a little Bullseye in my HS-6 and vice versa.
 
A baffle really does work.

I was reloading with the worst kind of powder for powder measures (Varget - a stick powder)
with a baffle, I was able to CONSISTENTLY drop 26.0 grains of powder.
When I finished I only had about 100 grains of powder left in the hopper.

I even weighed each case, waiting for it to start dropping low charges.
(never happened - the PM worked perfectly right to the 50th charge). (full box)
 
Using a baffle and keeping it about 1/3 to 1/2 full works great for me. I have my powder measures mounted using Hornady's Quick Release bushing and simply twist and lift powder measure off the press or stand so I can dump the powder back into the container.
 
As mentioned the type of powder will make more differences in how much you need in the hopper in my experience. I use several Uniflows, some are mounted to the press, some to the bench some are portable. Depends on what I am loading. (I hate to switch rotors, so I picked up a few second hand ones over the years.)

I find the added and consistent bump at the top and bottom to be the best way to keep things on an even keel. I DO use the baffle on ball and some stick powders however, but it also depends on what I am loading and how big the charge is.
 
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