reloading procedure

[username]

So I am not happy with the charges my Hornady measure throws - a 60 grain charge may be +/- 2 grains on either side. And it doesn't really settle down after 10-20 charges.

So now I set it up to charge low (say 57), charge into a pan, and then trickle charge to get the right number. I get +/- 0.1 grains, but man is it slow.

Wondering if anyone has a better way. The www ain't been much help. Looked into an automatic charger, but seems like uneven results on those as well.

[jmeghunts]

Look at some of the high-end manual throwers on this page: http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloadin...sers/index.htm

A lot of the bench rest guys like them but you could get an electronic one for the cost of the Harrell Premium. I continue to do the same as you if I'm just working on about 20-50 rounds.

[WhiplashTX]

So I am not happy with the charges my Hornady measure throws - a 60 grain charge may be +/- 2 grains on either side. And it doesn't really settle down after 10-20 charges.

That's quite a swing, even my cheapest measurer doesn't vary that bad. I would disassemble it and wash it well with soap and water, then dry it with low heat from a hair dryer. When you reassemble it, wipe it down with a dryer sheet to get rid of the static. This should help or you just have a bad measurer.

As jmeghunts suggested, higher end measures are worth the money and are more accurate than base models. There are limitations and you should have reasonable expectations. Spherical powders like H335 should be right on the money every time with a good unit, however long cylindral and large flake type powders like 4831 and 800x are going to have issues and even with the best measures may throw a charge 0.3 grains off.

[LWD]

As WhiplashTX points out the powder being thrown has a big effect on how accurate the throw will be. I use my powder throw for ball powder only. I'm just not happy with the accuracy with others, and I've gotten good with the Lee scoops and powder trickler. That said my RCBS is more accurate than yours even with long extruded powders.

What powder is giving you these results?

LWD

[Drycreek3189]

I use the RCBS Chargemaster and have few problems. The only problems I have had were operator errors. But I weigh every charge on a beam scale also when loading rifle rounds or heavy handgun rounds. Plinking loads, I just use an RCBS manual measurer.

[scott.str]

I just use a powder drop +-.6 grains so I go about 1 grain below and trickle the rest. Ball powder and pistol powder is usually +-.2-.1 though so I just drop into cases.

[username]

I use RL-17 and 19 mostly (270 WSM and 30-06).

I would like a total spread of <1% for the hunting stuff, especially since I use max or close to max loads. So about 0.5-0.6 grain total spread for most of what I load. I think I can live with that if I am able to load ammo using the charger on the lock and load progressive press.

I will pull it apart, reassemble, and see what I get.

[hoythitman]

What powder thrower is it? Electric, manual?

[dustoffer]

Yep--it's all about the powder type--ball, flake, or extruded. My RCBS throws consistently within .1 gr for H380, .3 gr for IMR4831, but back to within .1 gr for the 4831 short-cut. I work the lever pretty vigorously too--whap-whap-I don't baby it at all. And if I'm after the utmost accuracy, I throw in the pan, stick it on the scale, and trickle to desired weight.

But--after many years of reloading and then being in the accuracy workup business, I've found that the right "bullet jump" or the distance the bullet is seated away from engaging the rifling is a far more critical factor to accuracy than a propellant charge that varies +/- ,1 or .2 grains. So--my recommendation is to buy the tools to measure chamber length and adjust seating depth to get the optimum bullet jump for your bullet/barrel combo.

[Team Roper]

I never ever never load out of a powder measure of any kind. I own a Harells and even it will not throw accurate charges.

RCBS Chargemaster is the only way to go.

[username]

What powder thrower is it? Electric, manual?

It's the hornady manual that comes as part of the lock in load kit

[Cajun Blake]

I never ever never load out of a powder measure of any kind. I own a Harells and even it will not throw accurate charges.

RCBS Chargemaster is the only way to go.

Is the Harrells for sale ?

What model and price .... You can pm me offline if interested as I know people in the market for one

[Team Roper]

Is the Harrells for sale ?

What model and price .... You can pm me offline if interested as I know people in the market for one

Thanks for the offer but I will keep it with my RCBS 10-10 boxed up in case of a rainy day.

[Artos]

I have an older Bruno that is up there with the Harells...once I get my load dialed in, I just write down the clicks, dial the booger in & throw.

Good measures are expensive but lifetime purchases & worth it for the serious reloader.

[Bowyer]

El Cheapo here. I have a set of Lee dippers that I use and can usually get within 1 grain and trickle the rest of the way.