Powders NOT to use in RCBS Chargemaster?

[JohnnyI]

I attempted to search around for powders not for use in the RCBS chargemaster. I could only find about blackpowder of course, as NOT to use...

This morning I tried to load up some of my .204's favorite powder, CFE223. Powder meters great out of the chargemaster as well as a manual powder measure. However charging loads with the chargemaster, it makes a bit of a mess. The grains of CFE223 is very fine, almost like sand. Unless you want some extended cleanup after using, I would not recommend. After loading my 25, .204 cases, it left a pretty good amount of powder scattered around the chargemaster for cleanup.

Has anyone been a messy Marvin after loading these ultra fine powders? I won't be using this fine powder any longer myself out of the Chargemaster.

[oneforthewall]

I loaded a bunch of pistol stuff with some fine Winchester ball powder, no problems or mess except for the pan I dumped...........Oooops.

[JTB]

I too have had problems with the "ball" type powders. I have tried both H414 and H380 thru my Lyman 1200. Both will eventually clog the system. Lyman wants me to send it in...but dont use it that much anyway. I like to hand measure my rifle loads on a beam scale. Pistol and 5.56 i use RCBS powder thrower and it stays right on with the ball or flake powders.

[ducks-and-bucks]

Ita spill a lil bit... but not a lot....

[ducks-and-bucks]

More you use it the better it gets... the small powders are harder to clean out of it too because of static electricity.... you will find that in a plastic funnel too... you will always have a little spilt for clean up... I just vaccum it up...


DO NOT attemp to sweep iy up and put it back in the can... eventually you will mix a powder doing thT

[JohnnyI]

Just retracing my steps... I did modify the throw to run longer on the fast throw, then slow on the final trickle. Not sure if tuning it down will keep the tiny ball powder from flying out of the pan..? Maybe I will give it another chance with stock settings. Varget throws pretty nice charges. But the smaller stick like Benchmark and 322 throws perfect charges everytime and no spills. But you are correct about that cleanup removing the CFE ball powder is tuff! Sticks to everything and doesn't not want to come out.

[Artos]

I run with a bruno measure which are no longer made, but this is as close as you can get...do not use one or you will hate the one you own.

http://www.harrellsprec.com/

I started reloading when I got into benchrest and always have had a top shelf measure. Once I'm dialed in, I just use the clicks & they are so repeatable the only time i use a scale is when I change a lot# of powder.

ball powders are usually the easiest and most accurate so reading this is weird...I have used lots of fine ball powders and to hear that any could escape a measure is whacked!!

[cwill37]

I haven't changed the settings on my RCBS and ball powders are only slightly more messy than extruded powders. Nothing bad enough for me to not use it with ball powders.

[JohnnyI]

ball powders are usually the easiest and most accurate so reading this is weird...I have used lots of fine ball powders and to hear that any could escape a measure is whacked!!

It does meter very nicely out of the CM as well as the manual powder measure. Very consistent! The issue I was having is when the CM starts its throw I assume this is when the powder bounces out of the pan and sprinkles on and around the base of the CM. my only complaint was the mess caused. The sticking powder is less of a concern for me, I can brush out tr powder with a paint brush when changing to another powder. I close the cover, not snapped shut, but closed to minimize effect from AC running.