Just got some reloading equipment, some q's

A

awesomeame

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Hey I just picked up some reloading equipment last week. 2 presses, powder dumper (tower type thing) a scale and 20lbs of 4385 all for $70 :D

I'm wondering how accurate those powder dumpers are. It has a dial on it which one can adjust so that it's "supposed" to dump the same amount of powder every time you crank the handle. Do these accuratly and consistantly do this? The weigh scale is mechanical too, are these consistanty accurate? I was under the impression I had to get a digital scale and measure every load on it?

2nd should I be using this powder? It's probably approx 20yrs old although I don't know that for sure. Is there any way to test it besides shooting a couple rounds with it?

Thanks for any help :)

Matt
 
Never heard of 4385? but it should be good, if it's going bad it will have a strong ammonia smell to it.

I can't speak for all powder measures but mine a RCBS Uniflow is very accurate with ball powders & very close with stick. You have to be consistant with your throw method. I tested some 22-250 loads once at the range with a Varmint rifle & found 2 tenths above or below your charge rate had little to no effect on accuracy! (at least on gun I used) :)
 
Both the scales and measure should be accurate, but I test-weigh about every tenth pull. Try to keep the power hopper at least half full. Mine starts throwing heavier charges if I let it run down too low. Also, check that the measuring screw is tight every once and while. I find that mine will start getting loose after a few dozen throws.
 
You do NOT have to weigh every charge if you are reloading rifle/pistol cases. A powder measure will do the job just fine, unless you are seeking a 1000 yard competition load, where vertical dispersion at long range becomes a major issue. Before the advent of digital scales, everyone used mechanical balance-beam type scales, and had no problems with them. Good idea to check your settings at least 3 times before using them to be sure "operator error" does not get into the picture! OneBarfly's advice is sound. The powder is likely just fine. Regards, Eagleye.
 
Powder degradation

Hi


should I be using this powder? It's probably approx 20yrs old although I don't know that for sure.
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Powder are incredibly durable when correctly stored. If there is no signs of degradation (acidic odors, discoloration .....) powder should be usable.
Description of degradation signs are usually found at the beginning of reloading book or in powder manufacturer web site.


Is there any way to test it besides shooting a couple rounds with it?
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As far as I know old bad powder will either don't ignite at all or burn to slow & not completely. Test a small sample of powder by burning it outside, DID i MENTION SMALL AMOUNT & OUTSIDE! if it burn correctly I guess it it OK

When reloading I think you should start with minimum load & check velocity. Then raise slowly weight

My 2 cents

By the way 4895 as a value of 23$-26$ per pound! & 20 lbs your certainly have many containers?
If so I hope the are still original & sealed.
Also check if they came from the same lot & do not mix lot/can ......

Again my 2 cents

Larry"Corporal"Marcotte
 
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Sounds to me like you should get a couple of reloading manuals and maybe some tutelage, and you will see where all this fits in and how it works. You will also find out what else you need to make it all go boom. Those scales are fine but the newer digital ones sure are more convenient and you can see where a 'trickler" either manual or elec. would fit in....lots to it...do some edumacating and you will have stumbled onto a fine new hobby!
 
If the powder was in metal cans pour some out and check if there is any rust on the inside of the can. Check the powder you poured out and see if there is a lot of fine reddish orange dust in it. If either condition is present the powder is suspect especially if it has a strong odour as stated previously.

Pouring some out and igniting it won't tell you a lot.

FWIW, 44Bore
 
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