Best powder dispensing method
- Thread starter MattMoser
- Start date
I dispense my powder with two Chargemasters (calibrated with the same set of check weights), that I verify with an Acculab VIC-303 scale.
The Chargemaster can be tuned for better performance: http://www.sahuntingrifle.co.za/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=24&func=view&catid=8&id=185
I adjusted the parameters to:
HSP_A1 = 8.00
HSP_B1 = 3.00
HSP_C1 = 1.00
I also use a reducer, that restricts the powder and makes it so that it doesn't come out in clumps when it trickles:
It's made by just wrapping paper around a 3/16" rod until it fits in a Starbuck's straw. I've been meaning to machine a more permanent reducer, but haven't gotten around to it and I've been using this for a couple years now.
One of the biggest enemies of the Chargemaster is static buildup. To cope with it, I wear an anti-static wrist strap that is grounded. This dissipates any charge that is starting to build each time I grab the pan.
If you want to improve the accuracy further, know the weight of your powder pan. When you remove the pan with the powder in it, the display should read -(pan weight). If it's not EXACTLY that weight, it's off. This works very well, I have verified it with the Acculab. My charges are consistently within 0.02 gr. of each other UNLESS that empty tray reading is off, which sometimes happen and is always 0.1 gr. higher (ex: -148.3 vs. -148.4) on my units (zeroing offset/error). Then the Acculab also shows the charge being off by 0.08-0.1 gr.
In most cases, I only need to add a single kernel of powder to make the exact weight. When I get the 0.1 gr. low reading, then I drop in 4-5 kernels. If I didn't have the Acculab, I would just dump that charge back into the top of the Chargemaster.
The Chargemaster can be tuned for better performance: http://www.sahuntingrifle.co.za/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=24&func=view&catid=8&id=185
I adjusted the parameters to:
HSP_A1 = 8.00
HSP_B1 = 3.00
HSP_C1 = 1.00
I also use a reducer, that restricts the powder and makes it so that it doesn't come out in clumps when it trickles:
It's made by just wrapping paper around a 3/16" rod until it fits in a Starbuck's straw. I've been meaning to machine a more permanent reducer, but haven't gotten around to it and I've been using this for a couple years now.
One of the biggest enemies of the Chargemaster is static buildup. To cope with it, I wear an anti-static wrist strap that is grounded. This dissipates any charge that is starting to build each time I grab the pan.
If you want to improve the accuracy further, know the weight of your powder pan. When you remove the pan with the powder in it, the display should read -(pan weight). If it's not EXACTLY that weight, it's off. This works very well, I have verified it with the Acculab. My charges are consistently within 0.02 gr. of each other UNLESS that empty tray reading is off, which sometimes happen and is always 0.1 gr. higher (ex: -148.3 vs. -148.4) on my units (zeroing offset/error). Then the Acculab also shows the charge being off by 0.08-0.1 gr.
In most cases, I only need to add a single kernel of powder to make the exact weight. When I get the 0.1 gr. low reading, then I drop in 4-5 kernels. If I didn't have the Acculab, I would just dump that charge back into the top of the Chargemaster.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
has to do with barrel timing. Loads can leave the barrel with various velocities but if their exit fits the swing of the barrel, the trajectory ends up in the same spot AT ONE DISTANCE.
You can also tune for one specific LR distance like 600 or 1000yds BR. As long as the target is where the bullets converge, you can have really small groups AT THAT SPECIFIC DISTANCE.
And I would even like to propose that 1 distance tuning can produce smaller groups for that distance then conventional LR shooting loads tuned to be consistent over a range of distances.
1 distance loads may not shoot all that well at different distances.
My first experience was an Enfield sporter in 30-06 that would group an honest 1/2" 5 rds at 100yds BUT couldn't put 2 rds on a 8x11 sheet of paper at 500yds.
The vertical stringing was close to 3.5ft at 500yds.
A change in powder, tuning and the groups stayed consistently 1/2 min throughout the flight Vertical was dialed out and hitting at any range was just a function of proper wind doping.
That is why I do not bother testing at 100yds anymore for LR loads.
Great 200 and 300yds loads WILL also shoot great at 100yds.
However, great 100yds MAY NOT shoot great way out there.
Test as you would like to use the rifle. YMMV.
Jerry
Since we're on the topic of scales, I have a question about the mack 20 I recently bought off the EE.
When I weigh the pan it often seems to be a different weight from one day to another, varying by as much as .16 grains.
So I write down the pan weight, tare it to zero, and weigh a charge.. Now, the wierd thing is this..
I save that charge and fire up the scale later. Put the pan on and it is like .1 gr higher than it was before, BUT, when I weigh that same charge now that powder is the exact same.
Are these scales always so flukey?
I am doing everything properly.. level solid surface, no drafts, tried calibrating, blah, blah.
When I weigh the pan it often seems to be a different weight from one day to another, varying by as much as .16 grains.
So I write down the pan weight, tare it to zero, and weigh a charge.. Now, the wierd thing is this..
I save that charge and fire up the scale later. Put the pan on and it is like .1 gr higher than it was before, BUT, when I weigh that same charge now that powder is the exact same.
Are these scales always so flukey?
I am doing everything properly.. level solid surface, no drafts, tried calibrating, blah, blah.
FlyInLead,
From my experience the mack 20 is not entirely stable. I check the charge weights regularly against my RCBS 10 10. But even my beam has its faults. My latest problem with my mack 20 was only yesterday. For a period of time it refused to turn on. Not much more than 6 months old and never weighed a charge over 80 grains.
From my experience the mack 20 is not entirely stable. I check the charge weights regularly against my RCBS 10 10. But even my beam has its faults. My latest problem with my mack 20 was only yesterday. For a period of time it refused to turn on. Not much more than 6 months old and never weighed a charge over 80 grains.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
The Harrell Classic Culver appears to be the best powder measure and the Sartorius Scale is accurate to 2/100ths of a grain. The Harrel costs $350 and the Sartorius $300. I can think of a better way to spend $650, but if you want the best, they set the height of the bar.
Republic of Alberta
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- ,location, location
I can "see" 2 sticks of R15 powder with my POS Lyman beam scale. So realy I can get it within one stick + or - using the methods I have developed with this scale.
How much would 2 sticks of R15 weigh?
How much would 2 sticks of R15 weigh?
If you can find a Promethius for $800 bucks you have best grab it. The new ones are $2500, w/ a VERY long wait.
The Harrell is a great product, but it dispenses by volume, as long at the powder granules are small it will be perfect, if you are looking at stick powders this system will have all the same problems of any volume dispenser.
Stick powders do not pack reliably and all it takes is +/- one or two sticks and you charge will be off by up to 0.1 gn. This may or may not be a problem depending on what your needs are
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
The MACK 20 can be a bit off on the tare value but the weight value seems to be consistent. And that is what I am after.
You just need to get a feel for how to use it. I have enjoyed mine for several years.
Jerry
You just need to get a feel for how to use it. I have enjoyed mine for several years.
Jerry
I just picked up a Lyman 1200 DPS 3 and it has streamlined my loading immensely. It is a fully automatic powder dispenser and it is bang on with every time. It measures to 0.1gr and is rarely off from the exact set charge. It has tripled my loading speed and made my loaded rounds more consistent. If the zero changes it lets you know with a very irritating beep. So far a very positive review.
Much like auto workers you have been replaced by a machine that never makes a mess in my gun room and does a better job. lol Thank god you can still operate the case trimmer or you might become obsolete!
FlyInLead,
From my experience the mack 20 is not entirely stable. I check the charge weights regularly against my RCBS 10 10. But even my beam has its faults. My latest problem with my mack 20 was only yesterday. For a period of time it refused to turn on. Not much more than 6 months old and never weighed a charge over 80 grains.
to be blunt, the mac 20 is junk, i've owned two, the second just failed. sent the first back under warranty, jennings would not fix as they claimed it was overloaded. threw second in garbage, acculab on the way.
