Having troubles with scale???

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cayden

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Hi guys,

Any body have any ideas why I am getting really wierd measures?? I loaded some .223 with IMR3031 and Nosler ballistic tips with 22.5 grains. Looked good but not had a chance to test them yet. Now that I'm trying to load some Hornady V-max with 25.1 grains, I'm definately confused. After using my uniflow powder measure and beam scale, it FILLS my brass to the top, which is wierd. Has anybody ever heard of this?? Also is it worth buyng an electronic scale??

Cheers
 
Brass can vary in internal volume from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some brands cannot hold as much powder as others. Your scale is likely fine.

Also, compressed loads are normal with some powders. The only way to be sure as to what is safe in your rifle is to work up to the maximum.
 
If you are concerned about your scale, look for some calibration weights and check it. It is probably fine. With relatively small cases and high volume charges using a drop tube may help squeeze it all in.
 
Compressed loads are no big deal as long as you stick within the upper and lower limits of your charts. As said above, brass wear and tear can account for appearances of body volume. When I sort my brass, I sort it by make, dates and usage; a container for once fired brass, another for twice fired, another for 3rd fired ... This way I'm keeping all the conditions and variables the same, and I'll load several hundred of them all in the same batch of powder, primers, and bullets.
 
tracker said:
Weigh one of your bullets for a quick rough check of scale if you think scale is out.
Click to expand...

That's right.
For a more accurate evaluation, weigh at least ten. All commercial bullets are very close to what they say they are, but they do vary a fraction of a grain, up or down.
 
So what ur saying is that if the brass is full and it was measured right, I can push the bullet in and have no big problems?
 
Some compressed loads require drop tube, tap the case repeatedly, or hold case with finger on top onto top of operating tumbler(to settle the powder).
 
Also, if I was to change to a better faster powder. Would it be a good choice to maybe get some Benchmark for .223 and in the future, use it for 22-250??? Or better still H4895 for a more economic loads between both??

Cheers for the help guys
 
The drop tube, tapping, shaking etc are all ways to "settle" the powder into the case in order to get the full weighed charge in. My favorite, is putting my finger over the case mouth to avoid spills, and then placing the base of the case on a vibrating brass polisher. The vibration can dramatically settle the powder into the case.
 
I had compressed loads using the same charge of Varget. My shots were very consistant. I used the drop tube method. Compressed loads are safe as long as you are sure you are within the safe charge limits. Your mileage may vary.

-Jason
 
Right on guys. I understand now. I checked, double checked and then triple checked it. 25.1 Gr of IMR-3031 filled the case full. Then I seated the bullet to make a compressed load.

I will see how they work tomorrow. Figures crossed.

Thanks
 
Double check your COAL after your compressed loads have sat overnight to ensure that they haven't grown due to the powder pushing the bullet back out.
 
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