Powder charge accuracy of Square Deal B

358Scout

358Scout

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Loading 45 Long Colt for Marlin 1895 to shoot 200 yard silhouette. Loading singly, I use a RCBS press and dies. I'm wondering if you would get consistent powder charges with a progressive loader like the Square Deal or 550?
 
I own a Square Deal in 9mm Luger and it works great. However, IMHO whether or not you get consistent powder throws from any progressive reloader depends more upon the type of powder than brand or style of progressive reloader. Ball powder is your friend because it meters very smoothly through a powder measure. I happen to favor Accurate Arms #5 for most of my handgun reloading. Similar burn rate to Unique but in a ball powder form.
 
However, IMHO whether or not you get consistent powder throws from any progressive reloader depends more upon the type of powder than brand or style of progressive reloader. Ball powder is your friend because it meters very smoothly through a powder measure. I happen to favor Accurate Arms #5 for most of my handgun reloading. Similar burn rate to Unique but in a ball powder form.
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I also have a Squre Deal B and I totally agree, When I was reloading for PPC, I used 3 grains of Win 231. I checked the powder charges on my scale often & they were right on 3 grains all the time.
 
Dillon progressive loaders have quite accurate powder charge system.
I use IClays for loading my .40cal bullets and the difference is 0.1gr.
For some reason, first case is always charged with 0.2-0.3gr extra.
 
The previously mentioned tip about using ball powder is a good one. The finer the powder the more uniform your charges will be. Having said that I have never had an issue with metering flake and ball powders out of a Dillon measure.

Seeing that you will be loading heavier loads for sillouette shooting I would look a developing a load using H110 or Winchester 296, which by the way are the same powder.
 
Great thanks. I do use H110 and Unique. Its such a pain loading on a single press. Think I will ad out for a Square Deal. My daughter is planning on the police force and is considering buying a Glock 22 in 40 SW before. Looks like I'll be loading for her also.
 
The SDB measure is very consistent. I am very happy with mine.The only downside is it does pistol cartridges only.

If I was to do it again, I would probably purchase a 550 model instead of the SDB.Just because of the use of industry standard dies which allows loading of rifle and pistol cartridges on the same press.SDB conversions without the base plate are about $80-100,same as a good set of carbides from any outfit.It's pretty tedious on a single stage after you crank out quality ammo with the progressive.
 
Just remember that you have to check several powder drops after making any adjustments. This allows the powder measure to settle into the new setting. Once set you can check at intervals that make you feel comfortable (every 10, 25, 50, etc.).
 
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