Ceiling fan running during reloading

[MGYSGT]

Going to be 115 Deg here today. So the air will be on while using the beam scale. I put up a shield to keep the scale out of the wind of the air conditioner. My RCBS 10 10 will move if I don't.

 

[Centuriator]

Wait...this is still being discussed?

 

[284winner]

It's basically opinions. Thanks guys for your opinions on the matter. John

 

[Metal God]

It's basically opinions

No it's not , it's fact . You "may" have a different opinion but that does not change the "fact" air flow around a reloading scale can and more times then not will effect the readings . Was that the cause of your SD/ES problem ? Now that may be opinion but ask your self ( which you already did ) what was different ? If you are a consistent reloader and the air flow was the "only" thing different . I think it reasonable to conclude that was the problem .

 

[Ned Ludd]

The simple truth here is that if air currents are affecting your balance readings, it should be readily apparent with an empty tray on the balance pan - the balance will not hold zero. In fact, by watching the total spread of the readings as they jump up and down, it is possible to get a pretty good idea of how much the powder weights will actually be affected. If this is the case, there are two simple choices to correct the issue: 1) turn off the fan, 2) get a cover for the balance.

 

[284winner]

No it's not , it's fact . You "may" have a different opinion but that does not change the "fact" air flow around a reloading scale can and more times then not will effect the readings . Was that the cause of your SD/ES problem ? Now that may be opinion but ask your self ( which you already did ) what was different ? If you are a consistent reloader and the air flow was the "only" thing different . I think it reasonable to conclude that was the problem .

Actually it's not only the reloading part that may be the issue. Could be heat that caused that increase in velocity. The barrel was very hot during my shooting. For some reason hotter than previous trips. Again, next time out should help a little. I didn't take my barrel cooler last time. Next time I will.

 

[Raythemanroe]

Is this a joke? WTF would be running a fan if they cared whatsoever?

Ray

 

[Metal God]

Actually it's not only the reloading part that may be the issue. Could be heat that caused that increase in velocity. The barrel was very hot during my shooting. For some reason hotter than previous trips. Again, next time out should help a little. I didn't take my barrel cooler last time. Next time I will.

Interesting , It appears there may be another cause . Is it normal for you to chrono your shoots each time out ? I ask because maybe you can rule the heat out if you've shot something similar before ?? Did your SD/ES change last time in similar sessions ?

I'll add that if the fan had caused the problem . One of two things may be going on . Either you were not paying close attention to the scale or your load is in a very tight node . I say this because 10's to the 90's is not a .1gr difference so your scale was doing a dance and it was not noticed or your node is very small which both minor charge differences and or extra heat can throw you out of whack .

Do you use check weights before you start each time ? IMHO this is a very important stage in reloading . I always start by checking my zero with check weights that equal the intended charge . This insures that I'm at least starting with a perfect zero . If I set the pan on the scale funny or bump the scale or if "ANYTHING" appears to touch the scale abnormally I recheck the zero with the check weights . If I'm loading more then 50rds I check weight the scale at least every 50rds usually more often but 50 is the most I'll load with out rechecking my zero .

EDIT : I went back and read what I just wrote . As I read it I thought it sounded as if I was being snarky but that was not my intention in any way so please don't take it that way . I sometimes write in a mater of fact way not thinking how someone else may take it , sorry if I'm coming off kinda strong .

 

[284winner]

Interesting , It appears there may be another cause . Is it normal for you to chrono your shoots each time out ? I ask because maybe you can rule the heat out if you've shot something similar before ?? Did your SD/ES change last time in similar sessions ?

I'll add that if the fan had caused the problem . One of two things may be going on . Either you were not paying close attention to the scale or your load is in a very tight node . I say this because 10's to the 90's is not a .1gr difference so your scale was doing a dance and it was not noticed or your node is very small which both minor charge differences and or extra heat can throw you out of whack .

Do you use check weights before you start each time ? IMHO this is a very important stage in reloading . I always start by checking my zero with check weights that equal the intended charge . This insures that I'm at least starting with a perfect zero . If I set the pan on the scale funny or bump the scale or if "ANYTHING" appears to touch the scale abnormally I recheck the zero with the check weights . If I'm loading more then 50rds I check weight the scale at least every 50rds usually more often but 50 is the most I'll load with out rechecking my zero .

EDIT : I went back and read what I just wrote . As I read it I thought it sounded as if I was being snarky but that was not my intention in any way so please don't take it that way . I sometimes write in a mater of fact way not thinking how someone else may take it , sorry if I'm coming off kinda strong .

I always recalibrate before each use with check weights. The velocities are verified by the shot marker at 600 yards. There was no difference in charge weights on my scale. Once it beeped, the 51.3 grains of H4831 was the same each time I removed the pan. I'm leaning toward heat being the culprit. The idea of the fan was a possibility that a friend gave me. He had it happen with a humidifier running so it was suspect to me as well. Couple things went wrong on that shoot. My bipod loosened while I shot throwing a couple rounds but the ES wasn't off on those shots( too early in the string). Pressures were definitely higher because my bolt stuck in 5-6 rounds. Tells me heat from temps or pressure. Really both but no quite sure the exact reason. Again, next Sunday I'll be more conscious and pay attention. I'll be shooting rounds that I paid very close attention too while loading and I'll have a barrel cooler.

 

[Metal God]

Since we've moved to heat being the likely issue . I should bring up if the rounds were in direct sunlight ?? I've been shooting before and not notice right away the sun had shifted and my once shaded ammo was now baking in the sun .

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I would put a charge in the pan, let it settle on zero, then turn the fan on and watch it

 

[284winner]

Since we've moved to heat being the likely issue . I should bring up if the rounds were in direct sunlight ?? I've been shooting before and not notice right away the sun had shifted and my once shaded ammo was now baking in the sun .

No. Only shade. Haven't ruled out the ceiling fan yet.

 

[SDDasher]

I always recalibrate before each use with check weights. The velocities are verified by the shot marker at 600 yards. There was no difference in charge weights on my scale. Once it beeped, the 51.3 grains of H4831 was the same each time I removed the pan. I'm leaning toward heat being the culprit. The idea of the fan was a possibility that a friend gave me. He had it happen with a humidifier running so it was suspect to me as well. Couple things went wrong on that shoot. My bipod loosened while I shot throwing a couple rounds but the ES wasn't off on those shots( too early in the string). Pressures were definitely higher because my bolt stuck in 5-6 rounds. Tells me heat from temps or pressure. Really both but no quite sure the exact reason. Again, next Sunday I'll be more conscious and pay attention. I'll be shooting rounds that I paid very close attention too while loading and I'll have a barrel cooler.

When I experienced issues in my 284 turned out to be a carbon ring. I know you’re aware of that just thought I would share. I had to scrub my throat area every time I shot the 284.

 

[David101]

For a really good measurement the room and all the equipment to be used and all the parts to be measured should of been allowed to stabilize at about 22 deg c for an hour.

 

[284winner]

Thanks for all the input. I'll relay my next experience out with the rifle and loads.