best way to measure powder
- Thread starter bruno
- Start date
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Think I might have to get a RCBS Chargemaster combo. Used a SDB for handguns, but trickled by hand for rifle and it is so time consuming.
- Location
- Edmonton, AB
I use prosper's gear 
- Location
- Calgary, AB
ben hunchak said:
Yeah, but we big bore fans throw bigger and it hits harder
I remember posting the same question a few months back, as I was considering whether to continue using the dipper and weighing each round of 308 I make, or purchase the lee double disk kit and just base my loads on volume. I still haven't made the decision yet. =) For now, My lee dippers and weigh every 5th charge is good for me.
Just to raise some controversy -:
If we use a powder measure and judge its consistancy by checking it with a scale - we are "weighing" powder charges.
Dealing in "volume" means using a measure only - weight be damned.
My experience - limited as it is - is that a quality measure (Harrel) gives me better accuracy over weighing.
If we use a powder measure and judge its consistancy by checking it with a scale - we are "weighing" powder charges.
Dealing in "volume" means using a measure only - weight be damned.
My experience - limited as it is - is that a quality measure (Harrel) gives me better accuracy over weighing.
Pepperpopper said:
1) a brand-new Harrel is only about $200CDN, not $400. Lots of guys use Redding 3BR's at about $160CDN. Anyone who spends more is getting bragging rights and smoother operation, not greater accuracy.
2) throwing isn't 'more accurate', just 'accurate enough'. Throwing is accurate enough out to about 300 yards and much, much faster than weighing each charge.
- Location
- South Cariboo, BC
qballs said:
It does seem like extra work for no benefit. I'd be a little concerned about the possibility of some powder staying in the case which could result in an overcharged cartridge.
I pour the charge into one case, and throw the charge for the next case while the pan is already in my hand. Then I set it back on the scale and trickle up to the correct weight.
The chargemaster combo would make the process more enjoyable, but I can't justify it yet. It's hard to get past the nagging thought "I could buy another Stevens 200 with that money instead."
The larger the cartridge case volume, the less significant exact charges are. The type of powder being thrown makes a difference as well. A fine ball powder is very consistant thru a measurer or even a cheap dipper. Hand turned powder measures choke on long grained extruded powders.
"1) a brand-new Harrel is only about $200CDN, not $400. Lots of guys use Redding 3BR's at about $160CDN. Anyone who spends more is getting bragging rights and smoother operation, not greater accuracy."
You may be right, though how do we know? Does a Harrel hold all the world records (assuming anyone knows)
"2) throwing isn't 'more accurate', just 'accurate enough'. Throwing is accurate enough out to about 300 yards and much, much faster than weighing each charge."
I'm sure you are right in Minute of Gopher terms, forget what the OP here is actually about. But if you are shooting benchrest groups then "accurate enough" sounds like a loosing proposition. I was actually picking up on Dmay's well worded point, but I don't see how one could tell that throwing was more accurate than measuring, since the margin is so narrow only a scale could tell the difference...
You may be right, though how do we know? Does a Harrel hold all the world records (assuming anyone knows)
"2) throwing isn't 'more accurate', just 'accurate enough'. Throwing is accurate enough out to about 300 yards and much, much faster than weighing each charge."
I'm sure you are right in Minute of Gopher terms, forget what the OP here is actually about. But if you are shooting benchrest groups then "accurate enough" sounds like a loosing proposition. I was actually picking up on Dmay's well worded point, but I don't see how one could tell that throwing was more accurate than measuring, since the margin is so narrow only a scale could tell the difference...
Pepperpopper said:
1- we know because that's what Sinclair sells them for, and the 'world record' holders throw powder, a lot of them through a Harrel. You can spend more on a throw, but there is no measurable difference in accuracy until one buys a Prometheus.
2-it may sound, to you, like a loosing proposition, but it is not up to about 300 yards. Go to a benchrest match, watch the guys reloading between relays, and count the number that trickle and weigh. Should be none. This includes Supershoot winners.
Since you seem disinclined to take my word for it, pick up a benchrest book like, say, "Extreme Rifle Accuracy" and have a look at what the world's best say.
