I'm getting sick of measuring each charge individually and have decided to get a measure. I have tried an RCBS Uniflow and was generally happy but found the charges varied by .3 - .5 grains with the one I had. Are the benchrest measures that much more accurate or was that Uniflow in need of repairs/recalibration? I can justify the extra 100$ if I'm going to get the results. Thanks in advance.
Powder measure choices
- Thread starter denydart
- Start date
I reload a small volume of precision ammo, so I can deal with measuring charges individually. But if you are going to buy a powder measure, the best choice (in my opinion since I have tried one, and in many others' opinion), is to get the RCBS 1500 chargemaster combo. Only downside is it will cost you $400.
Not if you order it from Natchez Shooters Supply in the US. $250 plus shipping and tax at the border.
Product Number: RC98923
Product Title: CHARGEMASTER DISPENSER & SCALE
Item Price: Reg $327.49 Sale $254.95
Availability: In Stock
Shipping Weight: 6.38 lbs.
The RCBS Uniflow works great with ball-type powders; less so with stick (extruded) powders. Kind of like the difference between measuring sand vs. toothpicks. Give Winchester or Accurate Arms powder a whirl before you go looking for a different powder measure.
If you practice your technique and dump the charges that don't cut well or hang up you should be able to keep your consistancey under .2 of a grain which for most purposes is more than enough accuracy. With coarse extruded powders a difference of plus or minus 1/2 grain would likely make no noticeable difference in the average group sizes especially in a hunting or plinking rifle. Unless you are doing full blown bench rest loads in a rifle capable of "one hole" accuracy it won't matter.
FWIW, 44Bore.
FWIW, 44Bore.
Thanks for responding. I've never heard of Harrell but will check them out. Right now I'm loading for an '06 that has shot some one hole groups with tediously assembled handloads, and I just want to see if the Redding "match grade" (for example) or other benchrest measures are going to give me .05 grain consistency charge to charge or are they only slightly better than the regular ones like the Uniflow or Lyman 55. If I can assemble 200 "perfect" hunting rounds instead of really good ones, I'll spend the extra $$ to save the time and frustration.
I just wanted to pop in here and say thanks guys! I was having much the same issues as denydart in his initial post. After reading this thread and speaking to my RCBS-guru friend, reloaderdave, I placed the order, and got an e-mail today from Natchez confirming that my order was ready to go and to let them know how I wanted it shipped.
So, thanks!
So, thanks!
Those not wanting to spend the big bucks could try any of the name brand powder measures, set it to throw just under your desired charge and bring up to exact charge using a powder dribbler. This is the only way I know of duplicating the Chargemaster, and getting the charge bang-on everytime.
