RCBS UniFlow Powder Measure question:

[Joe's]

I bought a UniFlow Powder Measure a couple years back. It's the one with the micrometer adjustment. I've loaded a lot of 9mm and 40 cal. (it works great by the way) in the past and would like to load larger cartridges. Mainly 30-06 and .300 Win Mag.
Question #1 - Will this micrometer adjustment work for loading larger charges or do I still need a large drum?
Question #2 - Does anybody use extruded powder with the UniFlow? Mainly Varget. It sounds like it's cutting the individual grains of powder. It seems like the charges get heavier as I go. Lately I haven't been using it for .223 and weighing each load individually on the ChargeMaster. Takes a long time to load 1,000 rounds. Any hints?

Thanks for the help,
Joe's

 

[cfullgraf]

Yes, for 30-06, you will probably want the large metering drum. If I remember correctly, I used to change out the drum on my Uniflow until I got a different measure that I only use for large rifle.

I presently use the Uniflow only for small rifle cartridges like 223 Remington.

If you like the micrometer adjuster, you will have to get one that is made for the large cavity rotor. The adjusters are not interchangeable.

Stick powders can be difficult to dispense in the Uniflow but good results can be obtained.

I try to cycle the powder measure the same way every time. i will agree, when a kernel gets cut, that can be difficult. Have the measure mounted rigidly will also help. If the powder measure stand flexes, it will add to the difficulty of cutting any kernels.

I like to use a baffle in my powder measures.

Hope this helps.

 

[Reloadron]

Chuck pretty much covered it. The only thing I might add is if you don't have one get a baffle. I use one and it does make for more consistent loads in my 308 and 30-06 powder drops with stick powders.

Ron

 

[edfardos]

I'm able to use the small drum on 40's and 30-06, barely. Crunching is normal on the stick powders. No workaround on 3006, but at least 223 can use ball powders.

edfardos

 

[Rico567]

I've only had a Uniflow for a few years, having used the old Ohaus Du-O-Measure for over thirty years...but the hopper finally broke to the point where it couldn't be fixed. I like the Uniflow, but I think it's somewhat more uniform with a baffle. One is sold for it at a ridiculous price. I made one out of a piece of aluminum beer can.

 

[Rule3]

Yes, it "cuts" extruded powder No big deal though, every so often a piece gets caught and you have to yank the handle. Doesn't seem to change the load much, if at all.

 

[cfullgraf]

I'm able to use the small drum on 40's and 30-06, barely. Crunching is normal on the stick powders. No workaround on 3006, but at least 223 can use ball powders.

edfardos

Hodgdon has loads in the 30-06 that use Winchester 748. There are probably other ball powder loads around as well.

 

[Rule3]

Hard to believe
What's interesting is the lowly, cheap, neglected LEE PPM throws stick powder without cutting it at all. It is actually very accurate and constant.

Looks cheap, feels cheap, is cheap but it works very well. I have tested it over and over with many powders.

 

[Edster12]

I have the Uni-Flow on my RCBS Progressive press. Loaded a mess of 223 this weekend with stick powders. Trying to clean up some old stuff. Worked very well, drops were consistent. The CRUNCH is unnerving at first but I got use to it quickly.

Worked so well I didn't even hesitate today when looking for some powder at the LGS and saw a 8lb jug of IMR4895.

I agree with the rest a baffle is MANDATORY!!!! Heck it works so good I even get consistency with Unique!!!!!

 

[Jesse Heywood]

It seems like the charges get heavier as I go.

Is that weighing samples and knowing, or just feels like? If sampled and changing there are two things to do. First remove the rotor and clean with a solvent: lacquer thinner, denatured alcohol, brake cleaner... Next, as mentioned above, get a baffle. Play with the height. Some use two baffles.