For years I've always just dipped my powder into an RCBS beams scale and then trickled the rest. I've got an older RCBS Uniflow measure but I've only just recently used it a few times. My question is do you folks dump directly into the case or do you dump into a scale and finish off with a trickler? I've been considering buying a new Harrel culver style measure mainly because they are supposed to be more accurate and precise. For those of you using a Harrel, again, do you dump to a scale or directly into the case? I'm just wanting to upgrade my equipment and I figured the powder measure would be a good place to start. I had considered upgrading my 505 scales with 10-10's but now I'm thinking a good measure instead. Thanks for any info.

For the last couple years I've resorted to the same method I first used.....I use a plastic spoon to fill a pan on the scale until the scale reads to "0".....for the few hunting loads i make today this is all I need.....I don't bother with the powder measure anymore.

Several years ago I dumped from the powder measure direct to the case when I used ball powders...they meter beautifully.

I also dumped direct from the powder measure to the case when I used stick powders but backed off the charge 1.5 grains to allow for the large variance I got from dumping extruded powders.

At one time I dumped powder into 50 cases and then dumped the cases one at a time to the scale and trickeled the balance to get a precise reading......I've done it just about every way you can.....but in the net the old fashioned way of spoon feeding and weighing every charge is what works now.....I don't shoot more than 100 rounds of hunting ammo any more.

With the .223 it's another story....ball powder from the dillon 650 works like magic.....and I get a lot of prairie doggin medicine in a hurry.....love it

I dump directly into the case when possible. Consistency is everything when running a powder measure, and if your rhythm varies, so too will your powder charge.

I like to trickle the last few grains..

quote:

Originally posted by buckshot:
Consistency is everything when running a powder measure, and if your rhythm varies, so too will your powder charge.

+1

I use an RCBS Uniflow with the micro-adjustment and powder baffle. For ball powders I dump directly into the case, extruded powder gets weighed when loading max charges or match ammo.

I set the powder measure to get real close and weigh the charge on an electronic scale. Add or subtract powder as necessary.

I'm a novice at this but FWIW I set the charge lever to deliver a few grains underweight.
Tip into the beam scale pan and then use the trickler to bring it up to the exact weight.
Its slow but sure

quote:

Originally posted by Juggernaut76:

quote:

Originally posted by buckshot:
Consistency is everything when running a powder measure, and if your rhythm varies, so too will your powder charge.

+1

I use an RCBS Uniflow with the micro-adjustment and powder baffle. For ball powders I dump directly into the case, extruded powder gets weighed when loading max charges or match ammo.

+ 1 I use a Chargemaster these days but that’s the way I used to do it with the Uniflow.

I think I have tried it most every way I can think of trying. What I am consistent about doing however, is looking into the case mouth of each cartridge and determining if the powder in each case is at the same level. Anything that looks weird, I check on a scale.

The funny part is even when each charge is weighed, I fine an occasional one that does not look right but when I dump it and weigh it, it is right.

The Uniflow is a good measure, I don't think you will be disappointed if you keep your method consistent.

RobertD

I use my Dillon powder measure to load most pistol and rifle rounds directly in the case. I use my Pact digital dispenser and scale for big bore .375H&H 458 Lott 470 NE 500 NE and max loads.
Bill

I have donated the following powder measures to a local rifle club to sell: 1 Harrell- 2 Lees- 1 Redding trickler- 1 RCBS uniflo and micrometer adj....

Since I trust no volumetric measure to drop +/- .1 grain of ALL powders in my match loads I weigh each charge. Since I do it for them, also I weigh every charge of everything... match or not. Since I weigh every charge I use a PACT digital scale/dispenser........It's also better for dropping the small charges of flake powder used in some handgun loads.

Ball Powder is very forgiving; +/- .1 grain is very easy.

You can get that accuracy with short stick powders through a very good to excellent measure. I use a Harrells.

For the big stick powders the most accurate volumetric method I have used is the JDS system. The design precludes cutting or bridging.

LR competition (600 yards and greater) benefits from careful weighing.

If your load is is in the middle of the pressure/velocity curve or an "Audette Node" then the exact weight is not so important.

We tend to get anal about the things we can see easily, not necessarily about the things that matter the most.

The bullet, the barrel, bedding and trigger; in that order control accuracy. The main benefit of individual weighing of charges for shots under 600 yards is confidence.

When I open a new box of bullets, especially a 500 count, I spin a good sampling of the bullets on the Vern Juencke machine (get one before he passes away). Using bullets that are uniformly made and carefully choosing your velocity goal well will make for accurate ammunition.

Sooooo..... use whatever method you like (out side of trying to throw charges of 4831) and you will do well.

LD

quote:

If your load is is in the middle of the pressure/velocity curve or an "Audette Node" then the exact weight is not so important.

We tend to get anal about the things we can see easily, not necessarily about the things that matter the most.

The bullet, the barrel, bedding and trigger; in that order control accuracy. The main benefit of individual weighing of charges for shots under 600 yards is confidence.

Here's a guy that knows his stuff!!~!!!

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

quote:

If your load is is in the middle of the pressure/velocity curve or an "Audette Node" then the exact weight is not so important.

We tend to get anal about the things we can see easily, not necessarily about the things that matter the most.

The bullet, the barrel, bedding and trigger; in that order control accuracy. The main benefit of individual weighing of charges for shots under 600 yards is confidence.

Here's a guy that knows his stuff!!~!!!

+2