Accuracy of Harrell Powder measure

[londonhunter]

Hi

I just bought a harrell power measure in England
Previous post talked about a calibration sheet that comes with the dispenser however i did not get one

I am using it on N160 v133 and R17

What I do is to find the mark which correlates to a charge against my RCBS chargemaster

however every 03 - 05 throws it dispenses a charge up to 0.3 grains out sometimes over and sometimes under
totally erratic otherwise it is within .1 grain accuracy

I just have no confidence to bring it to the range without my RCBS next to me

Have i got a faulty dispenser or just my technique

 

[lightman]

The Harrell is a fine piece of equipment,but like most meausures,is technique sensitive.Practice will improve your consistency,and your confidence in it.The powders that you listed should work fine in it,but don't expect something like 4350 to be consistant. Lightman

 

[johara1]

How would you calibrate one? I would say it was you, I can vary the charge by the way i cycle it.The measure is one of the best.......jim

 

[londonhunter]

PLease please I am not knocking it and i know everybody does not have an issue with them but with measure it throws a wrong charge every now and then

Due to the distance I cannot return to the US for checks hence I am asking here for advice

is it me or is it the actual unit itself ......

 

[Viperdoc]

Like all powder measures, the Harrel is somewhat technique dependent, and requires a consistent motion for accuracy, especially with extruded powders. It is a much better unit than the Redding or RCBS ones, although it costs more as well. It sounds like your problem is one more with consistency rather than the unit itself (although I have seen a couple of episodes of powder bridging with extruded powders, so it is still important to scan each case to eyeball that there is roughly the same level of powder in all, at least in my opinion)

 

[Scott Harris]

I've found about .6 grain max variance using H4895 & H4350. I'm not sure I would trust any powder measure alone for long range shooting. Out to 600 yards, I use a Chargemaster. At 1000 yards, I first throw with a Chargemaster and then pour it into an Acculab VIC123 and trickle up.

My experience, Max Variance:
Harrell Measure: +-.6 grains
RCBS Chargemaster: +-.2 grains
Acculab VIC123: +- .06 grain

 

[GSSP]

I have more trouble with H4350 than any other powder in my Harrell Premium meter. It's my main propellant with both my 260 Rem and 6.5x47 Lapua. Here is an example of what I'm talking about.

It loves to bridge and the bridge sometimes sticks but GOOD!

What you're seeing is 3 kernels of H4350. I had to pull the drop tube to clear the log jam.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c129/GSSP/Reloading/100_2981.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c129/GSSP/Reloading/100_2983.jpg

 

[johara1]

When i set up to load for long range loads is completely different than short range.#1 short range is the ppc, powder ie vv133 or the real 8208.The Harrel measure throws it right on the money every time,just set the clicks and it will repeat every time. Long range i'm using RL-15, RL17 and 4831sc. i load a little different,i set the measure 1-2 tens light and trickler and a scale.This works for me because of the different powder. By the way that scale was used to set a number of short range records over the years,so it works and so will yours...........jim

 

[bheadboy]

Londonhunter, you have a good measure,
i bot my first Culver measure from Homer in the late 60's, and have 3.

The thing i and many found is powder "shakes down" in any measure, thus the settling of the powder into the charge chamber can vary as the vibration is high or low depending on the users steady or varying use of the handle.

you can prove this by altering your force as you move the handle to the up position stop, then to the down position stop - bumping or not bumping with different force. the speed of movement is also a factor as grains roll around as the cylenter rotates shutting off the flow from the supply line.

technique will make a huge difference in your results as you can test by making determined changes in your use of the handle, then measure the results.

with some understanding of this and practice you will find you have one of the best measures.

Bob

 

[Chuckw]

i think VERY highly of Lynnwood Harrell but i find the powder measure no more consistent than an RCBS or redding. if it is important to you, you MUST weigh your powder charges. then too, most scales are not that repeatable either.

chuck

 

[KenO]

I have many powder measures of the different colors, (not the Harrell though). For stick powders I don't think you can beat the cheap-o Lee Perfect Powder measure. I know it looks like a POS, but it works. I would bet for ES and SD it would beat anything out there.

 

[Alycidon]

I also bought a Premium Culver from Sinclair maybe 5 years ago. Agreed it is slightly more accurate that the RCBS it replaced but for me throwing loads + or - .2 of a grain is not the way to tight groups or dead creatures way out there. I set mine to throw .2 light and trickle up.

I use Vit powders almost exclusively, they meter pretty well, I give a light tap at both top and bottom stop, have loaded maybe 2000 rounds with it so am well practised yet get these annoying inconsistencies.

It seems these days that the electronic dispensers are the way to go, shame as the Harrell is beautifully made.

A