RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure Question

Status
Not open for further replies.

Cokeman

Member
Joined
Feb 23, 2007
Messages
1,550
Location
Utah
My powder measure came with two drop tubes, a large and a small. If I am loading 38 special, does it matter which one I use? The case fits into both of them. It fits a little better in to the large one. Which one do you guys use?
 
The drop tube inner diameter needs to be smaller than the case mouth, and large enough to pass the powder without bridging/jamming. Many rifle powders won't flow through the small tube, or only slowly, hence the large tube.

Generally, pick the largest tube that doesn't fit over the case mouth.
 
I use the large tube for all my measures. But, I don't drop charges directly into cases, I drop them in the pan and then weigh them. Once correct, I use a funnel to charge the case and immediately seat the bullet. I also weigh every charge, although many just weigh the first one or two and then spot check.

I currently use four different powders, and two don't meter consistently enough for my liking.

chris
 
And they even make a 17-20 caliber drop tube for the itty bitty case mouths. It's an an optional accessory though.
 
I use the large tube for all my measures. But, I don't drop charges directly into cases, I drop them in the pan and then weigh them. Once correct, I use a funnel to charge the case and immediately seat the bullet. I also weigh every charge, although many just weigh the first one or two and then spot check.

I currently use four different powders, and two don't meter consistently enough for my liking.

chris


Ballman6711
Sir,
I see that you drop charges from your RCBS Uniflow directly into a pan and then funnel it to charge a case. This is exactly the method that I would prefer to use, but I am forced to drop a charge directly from the Uniflow to the case because if I drop directly into my pan, the powder (Tac,CFE-223 & W748) splashes out of the pan. I have tried holding the pan at different levels under the Uniflow, but irregardless of where I hold it, it still splashes out of the pan. Is there a secret of how to slow the flow out of the Uniflow to accomplish charging into a pan? Thank you for helping and please stay safe.
 
Ballman6711
Sir,
I see that you drop charges from your RCBS Uniflow directly into a pan and then funnel it to charge a case. This is exactly the method that I would prefer to use, but I am forced to drop a charge directly from the Uniflow to the case because if I drop directly into my pan, the powder (Tac,CFE-223 & W748) splashes out of the pan. I have tried holding the pan at different levels under the Uniflow, but irregardless of where I hold it, it still splashes out of the pan. Is there a secret of how to slow the flow out of the Uniflow to accomplish charging into a pan? Thank you for helping and please stay safe.

Hold the pan against the down tube (by holding a finger directly under the pan in the center), drop the charge, lower the pan.......is what I do.

@71GTO I must apologize for not being clear. I do as GW Staar does, hold the pan against the drop tube, drop a charge, and then lower the pan. Very little if any powder goes outside the pan.

I must also apologize as I don't own or use a Uniflow, I have three Hornady powder measures and one Lyman. All three that I use ( I haven't set up the third Hornady yet ) work well when placing the pan directly against the drop tube, then throw the charge, then lower the pan. I then weigh the charge, and finally drop the weighed charge into the case with a funnel.

And thank you Sir, for calling me Sir. Don't see that much nowadays, and especially with the younger folk.

chris
 
Gentleman,
Thank you to everyone who replied to my question. As usual you Gentleman have come through and solved my issue with the Uniflow. It never occurred to me to hold the pan directly against the drop tube to prevent powder from splashing out of it. I did as you instructed and it worked perfectly!
You guys are the best! Stay safe and don't forget to vote pro-guns!
 
Weighing every charge for 38 Spl is a huge waste of time. Dial in the RCBS and start dropping powder. If you're nervous, check every 20 or so. Powders for 38 tend to meter nice and consistently - at least they have for me over 35+ years of reloading 38s.
 
My powder measure came with two drop tubes, a large and a small. If I am loading 38 special, does it matter which one I use? The case fits into both of them. It fits a little better in to the large one. Which one do you guys use?
I use the small one for .38/.357 and small diameter case necks (like .25-20 WIN). Haven't bothered to try the larger one, but then never needed the larger inside diameter to accurately drop the powder.
 
Mine is mounted in a stand that the drop tube doesn’t extend below. Do they make a longer drop tube?
 
Weighing every charge for 38 Spl is a huge waste of time. Dial in the RCBS and start dropping powder. If you're nervous, check every 20 or so. Powders for 38 tend to meter nice and consistently - at least they have for me over 35+ years of reloading 38s.

Yep and I just use the Uniflow even for my .44 mag loads.
 
Anyone notice that the delivery cylinder wiggles a lot inside the barrel housing?
 
Not too much, but coupled with a baffle, it does help make for consistent powder drops as long as you operate the handle in a consistent manner
 
Large one works well for my rifle cartridges such as 243, 6.5x55, 7-08 and 7mm mag
 
I use wooden reloading block; the RCBS stand allow me to get three rows before I have to switch it around and has high enough clearance for even the largest of hunting rifle rounds.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top