Working on a new load for the 223 tonight... trying to decide whether to use Varget, which doesn't meter as well, or BL-C(2) which meters very well. I decided to do a quick test. One outcome of the test is that there is very little reason to individually hand weigh powder charges in rifles.

Commercial ammo that I've tested has about a 35 fps standard deviation in muzzle velocity. My individually hand weighed stuff is usually better than that. But, for a pessmimistic number assume 28 fps.

My Lee Perfect Powder Measure throws Varget charges that have a standard deviation of .11 grain. Since 1 grain is about 100 fps, this is equivalent of 11 fps.

Standard deviations add by the square root of the sum of the squares method. So, if I just take "mill run" from my powder measure, my muzzle velocity SD will be about SQRT(28^2 + 11^2) = 30 fps, rather than the original 28 fps.

The change in consistency is very small, and not worth the extra effort.

I also quit weighing each charge a long time ago. IMO, with a good powder measure, it's a waste of time. I weigh and set the first charge and then check every 10th round. I load around 2000 22 centerfires alone every year, not to mention everything else that gets loaded around here. I don't even want to think about weighing every one.

I quit weighing mine too.
After checking alot I found that with most powders my BR3 Redding is as accurate as my BBK scale.
Obviously I weigh charges to set the measure, and spot check here and there.

Travis F.

1st off, I never load more than 100 rounds in a single setting. 2nd off, What the hell else can I do that can get me in the basement for extended periods of time? I love spending the time and pain stakingly handling each cartridge through every stage of the hand loading process. Sizing, trimming, primer pockets! Give me it all. I crave the tedium and monotony of hours spent in the talk radio filled room laboring over brass, powder and bullets. BLISS!!!

When first setting the powder measure I'll weight a number of charges to make sure it's throwing them consistantly. After that I don't measure except every once in awhile. It all depends on how good a measure you've got I suppose. Mine is extremely consistent, especially with flake and ball powders.

i weigh every 10th load, on normal stuff, and every 5th on hig pressure.

since I figured out my lyman 55, oh 2 decades or so ago, this has been my MO.

i also try to keep the powder in the tube from 3/4 to 1/3 full.. so it doesn't get different pressures


BUT

when I am working up loads, EVERY one gets weighed
jeffe

Still weigh my powder charges for the 500 Nitro Express.

Set the powder measure about a half grain less than the 106 grain load of IMR4831, then trickle it up on the scale. Adds a little time, but sort of particular about those DG loads.

Hammer

I use measures for ammo for use in high volume applications ... plinking, IPSC practice for pistol and rifle.

I still weigh all charges on hunting ammo. I use a measure then trickle to exact weight. For stick powders I have an old automatic powder measure which I use in place of the traditional measure. It handles stick powders pretty well, but can't deal with ball powders very well.

I have a pretty good thrower but with the extruded type of powder my charges still arent very consistent. I wish I could find more ball powders that I really like.

I throw Varget from my lee measure and never worry about it. Now I'm using RE15 in the 223, throw it too. I find the guys at the matches who worry about weighing charges and turning necks also don't shoot master scores. I made Distinguished and Presidents 100 with thrown charges and recycled GI brass. Practice is more important than perfection in handloads.

Oddball,
You're a man after my own heart. I listen to talk radio at least 12 hrs. a day. Even in my reloading room.. Have a good day. Roger.