Ball powder metering

[boltman13]

Long ago I used a Redding BR30 Powder Thrower and RCBS trickler and 505 Beam Scale. I had two 50 round loading blocks and would throw a approximately 1 grain lite load in 50 cases and then one at a time empty a charged case onto the powder pan and trickle up to the desired weight then put the charge into the case it came from in an empty 50 round block until I had charged all 50 then seat the bullet and repeat until I had all I wanted to reload. I rigged a magnifing glass to allow me to more accurately see the beam pointer. This was fairly fast with ball powder like Win. 760, and Win. 748. Stick powder was slower. I noticed ball powder could be thrown much closer to the desired charge weight and decrease the amount to be trickled soon. I decreased the trickle amount to 0.5 grains then to 0.2 with very rare over charges. Since I used mainly stick powder I eventually got a Lyman GenII powder thrower and threw about 0.5 grains lite and trickled up with a Little Gem powered trickler on low. Adding a GemPro scale got me very precise loads but drove me crazy with scale drift. The Auto Throw-Trickler System with scale I have now is so much faster and super accurate but I only use it on stick powder, Varget and H-4350 mostly. Some people report this system will leak fine ball powder. I still use the Redding BR30 at the range for short range Bench Rest shooting with the super short stick powders.

 

[SSL]

Not arguing with those who have had problems with them, but my CM 1500 has never had a problem (knock on wood) with any of the powders that I use. CFE223, H322, AA2200, AA2700,, H4350, IMR 4064 - all meter and flow without issue. All my pistol powders (2400, 296, CFE Pistol, Bullseye and Unique) go through progressive presses that have their own measures. I have not done any of the reducer or straw modifications. I do have my bench (2-inch thick MDF) leveled, the unit installed on 1" thick dense foam rubber to isolate it from vibrations and shielded from drafts and a wrist static strap installed around the hopper and grounded to earth ground. Granted, I don't shoot competitively, but I seldom have charges vary by more than .1 to .2 grains weight. Maybe I just got lucky, but I am very happy with mine.
Prior to using this I used an old Ohaus and a Lee measure. The Lee was perfect for "stick" powders since it doesn't cut the sticks, while the Ohaus worked exceptionally well for ball powders. Still have both "just in case"!

 

[Fotheringill]

If you are going to go manual, what is your range of calibers? Some, like Redding, have an optimal range on a particular unit, for specific grain throws. If you are going for a ball powder, each of the major throwers should be able to handle it without spillage. I suggest you go on line to a big supplier, like Brownells or Midway (and also our site here in particular) and carefully read the descriptions of the product as well as the reviews. Also, go to the manufacturers' sites and read what they say about their product and then finally talk to techs at each of major manufacturers. I have found them to be honest in their opinions.

As to purchase and return (and I do not own a piece of the company or know anyone at Brownells) they have a great return policy for ever and ever. I would also look into their EDGE membership for $50/yr for free shipping and free return labels. Purchasing there has been a seemless experience for me. You will find, sooner or later as I did, that I can press the order button and kick myself in the rear for forgetting an item or two, No problem with no charge for shipping. BTW- today was a bonus day there. One cent Hazmat. Couple that with free shipping and it was truly a savings.

 

[NorCalMikie]

My RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure works like a champ. Batteries never go bad p) and that CLICK at the top and bottom makes for accurate measures.
Only issue is loosing a bit of powder around the case necks on some of my necked down to 20s brass.
Cured that with "custom machined" aluminum Heart Powder funnels that fit snug on the case necks. Only doing 20 to 25 at a time so moving the funnel from one case to another has no issues.

 

[Burnt Powder]

Here's my preference when I'm feeling nostalgic.

View attachment 1151583


Otherwise I go with the RCBS with small drum. If I am weighing like 50 or more grains, I go big drum. I don't know if other brands have two different drum sizes. jd

Complete with AL-7!

BP

 

[squirrelsplitter]

Thanks to all for your replies/post!! I am very appreciative of the generous sharing of knowledge and experience on this site, very valuable.
I am now trying to decide between the Hornady Lock n Load Bench Rest Powder Measure, or the RCBS Competition Powder Measure Pistol/Small Rifle. Need to decide which one is best for filling 17 and 20 cal cases.

 

[dttheliman]

Been putting off loading up some 6.5 Grendel with lever revolution which is “messy” as all get out - you blink it’s everywhere - used it through the Autothrow v3 , cleanest run I ever had with it literally no mess - was procrastinating about 10 months to load 100 rounds - last time used a charge master it was a chore- have fun

 

[Laurie]

between the Hornady Lock n Load Bench Rest Powder Measure, or the RCBS Competition Powder Measure Pistol/Small Rifle. Need to decide which one is best for filling 17 and 20 cal cases.

IIRC, the minimum charge weight the Hornady will throw is c. 20gn and unlike the standard L-N-L model there is no alternative 'pistol' metering insert available.

 

[squirrelsplitter]

Ordered the RCBS Competition Powder Measure Pistol/Small Rifle with the 17-20 cal tube. That one will do .5-40 grains.
Thank you one and all for your input!! Great hobby filled with great people. Hope everyone is having as much fun as me.

 

[AJC]

Ordered the RCBS Competition Powder Measure Pistol/Small Rifle with the 17-20 cal tube. That one will do .5-40 grains.
Thank you one and all for your input!! Great hobby filled with great people. Hope everyone is having as much fun as me.

Did you even try and pull out the straw to see if it helped? Seems like the least amount of money and effort???

 

[squirrelsplitter]

Straw no straw reducer no reducer...
I have put more hours into trying to get the CM to work with Big Game than I care to admit.

 

[joshb]

Ordered the RCBS Competition Powder Measure Pistol/Small Rifle with the 17-20 cal tube. That one will do .5-40 grains.
Thank you one and all for your input!! Great hobby filled with great people. Hope everyone is having as much fun as me.

Good move! You won’t regret it.

 

[Zero333]

Besides changing the slow down and trickle....

I change the size of the straws powder inlet opening by moving it over...

Pic 1 = opening fully open

Pic 2 = Opening minimized for ball powder

Pic 3 = Straw mouth cut

 

[LCazador]

You guys are great! Thanks so much for your input. Trying to decide which powder throw to get for filling 17 and 20 cal cases.
21 to 26 gr loads.
Let me know your preference please.
RCBS
Hornady
Redding
Lee
??

A Harrels culver measure is best but their 0-60 BR measure will work as well. Regardless of what brand you buy, they will all be susceptible to binding or locking up as the fine ball powder particles will penetrate into the mechanics of the powder measure. Harrels has fixed mine free of charge twice in the 20+ years that I've owned it.