Dropping powder, Click, Balance or Beep

[Markhor]

I know that powder is dropped by benchrest shooters mostly using Culver type measures and referred in clicks. Does everyone still feel that this is by far the best way to charge cases or are folks moving to weighted systems i.e. Chargemaser etc. I know H322 can be dropped accurately but what about N133?

I know from a practical point of view, when loading during a match, the culver type measure would work better. So what is everyone using especially for N133.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[BoydAllen]

Based on my own testing, I would say that throwing 133 to +-.1 grain requires lots of practice with a scale that measures to .02, and while I would guess that most competitors still throw charges, I believe that a significant number have gone to the Chargemaster. Because the density of powder can change, I think that even if you are throwing, having a good scale in your range kit is a good idea, if only to check the weight produced by a given measure setting. The measure technique that I have to use, to throw 133 with reasonable accuracy, is significantly slower and different than any other that I have seen or read about. Recently, I have had a chance to try out the GemPro 250 and although I have not made it to the range with it yet, I think that it will do a good job there, based on my testing at home. I will say that I believe that letting it warm up for a half an hour does make it hold zero much better, but if close attention is payed useful results can be produced right after it is turned on. It is just that it will have to be re-zeroed much more frequently, until it has warmed up. One feature that I like, for battery operation is that the back light can be turned off, and I would guess that the power needed to run the scale, and the LC display is minimal. It uses four AAAs.

 

[Markhor]

Thanks Boyd, are folks using some type of a battery pack at the range for the CM? The electronic scale idea looks promising as well. It would be good to get your feedback once you begin using it at the range.

What are your thoughts on range vs home loading for matches?

Ed

 

[BoydAllen]

Yes, a battery pack is the way to go. There has been some discussion on Benchrest Central. Getting the polarity right is important. I think that loading at the range it the only way to go, despite the fact that at least one famous gunsmith disagrees. 99.9% of matches are shot and won by shooters that load at matches.

 

[357Mag]

Mark -

Howdy !

My recent testing on a few powders, showed that some powders measure better with one method; than another.

For each ( new ) powder I assemble cartridges to shoot for accuracy, I'll try all 3 measuring meathods; and see which one works best.

For example: MY "Trailboss" loads in .35 Rem measured best/shot best when I used my old O'Haus " Dial-O'-Grain" scale.

RL-22 powder loads for my 6mm wildcat came out best when I used a digi scale.

IMR7828SC worked best dropped brom my Lyman scale w/ Culver insert.

WIth regards,
357Mag

 

[artbosco]

I know that powder is dropped by benchrest shooters mostly using Culver type measures and referred in clicks. Does everyone still feel that this is by far the best way to charge cases or are folks moving to weighted systems i.e. Chargemaser etc. I know H322 can be dropped accurately but what about N133?

Ed, I watched both Billy Stevens [my gunsmith] and Bart Sauder [my bullet maker] using the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 combo to measure N-133, along with many other competitors at this year's nationals in Midland. Jerry Hensler uses two 1500 combos during his bench loading. By placing small strips of foam along the edges of the pan enclosure he seals out the elements without resorting to large glassed in cases that are often seen to house them. He uses a battery pack that utilizes eight size D batteries. Using info he gave me, I construct two for myself using components from a Dallas distributor and parts from Radio Shack. Each, less than $10 as I recall. More and more shooters that I see at matches seem to be gravitating to the ChargeMaster combo.

 

[Markhor]

Thanks Outdoorsman, can you guide me in constructing the battery pack? I am sure others will benefit from this tutorial as well. Any photos of your setup as well as the foam enclosure used to keep the elements under control would be great. If you have any links of this already explained please post them.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Ed

 

[artbosco]

Ed, Here is what mine looks like, only it has two wires, red and black with the same type plug: http://salestores.com/bolidetechno145.html

I purchased the 8 "D" battery holder separately [looks like this]: http://shop.willyselectronics.com/browse.cfm/philmore-battery-holder-%288%29-d-cells/4,103.html

As I mentioned, I took it to a Radio Shack, where the sales rep was kind enough to solder a similar plug and separate wires to the holder. I brought the ChargeMaster with me, so once his soldering was done, we tested it. It worked perfect. Hope this helps.

Important: Make sure to purchase the right size plug for the ChargeMaster or whatever you're using.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving too!

 

[Terry]

A good friend of mine taught me to weigh the charges at home on my balance beam scale and place it in small vials. You just poor them in the case and load at the match.

 

[artbosco]

A good friend of mine taught me to weigh the charges at home on my balance beam scale and place it in small vials. You just poor them in the case and load at the match.

Wow! That's a lot of vials. Depending on the number of sighters and foulers you shoot for each yardage, let's say 40, [for 5 record targets], times two [100 & 200 yards], that's 80. Times 4 different loads for different condition changes, that's 320 vials. Could be more, could be less. Don't spill any of those vials!

 

[Terry]

A good friend of mine taught me to weigh the charges at home on my balance beam scale and place it in small vials. You just poor them in the case and load at the match.

Wow! That's a lot of vials. Depending on the number of sighters and foulers you shoot for each yardage, let's say 40, [for 5 record targets], times two [100 & 200 yards], that's 80. Times 4 different loads for different condition changes, that's 320 vials. Could be more, could be less. Don't spill any of those vials!

We only need 40 for score to cover light and heavy gun. I own 300.

Terry

 

[artbosco]

A good friend of mine taught me to weigh the charges at home on my balance beam scale and place it in small vials. You just poor them in the case and load at the match.

Wow! That's a lot of vials. Depending on the number of sighters and foulers you shoot for each yardage, let's say 40, [for 5 record targets], times two [100 & 200 yards], that's 80. Times 4 different loads for different condition changes, that's 320 vials. Could be more, could be less. Don't spill any of those vials!

We only need 40 for score to cover light and heavy gun. I own 300.

Terry

I reload for Score at home, because H-4198 in the 30BR seem to be impervious to all kinds of conditions, in fact, that's what I'm doing right now, for a match this weekend. I wish the 6PPC would respond to H-4198 but of course it doesn't. I intend to shoot my 30BR in more group matches this coming year, when possible, because of the powder advantage.

 

[artbosco]

Any photos of your setup as well as the foam enclosure used to keep the elements under control would be great.

Ed, Here's a good up close picture of the ChargeMaster with pan shield in place: http://www.cabelas.com/tumblers-scales-rcbs-chargemaster-powder-1500-scale-dispenser-combo-1.shtml

Either, on the inside or outside of the shield [I used the inside], which swings from left to right or right to left as you look at, you place 3/8" to 1/2" wide strips of foam with adhesive backing, that extends slightly past the edge of the shields dimensions, so as to get a good seal all the way around.

Get as close as you can to the dispenser spout without impeding its revolutions. If you see gaps in other places, apply some foam there as well. You can usually find thin sheets of foam with peal off backing at most hobby stores or places like The Home Depot. Use scissors to cut to your desired length and/or thickness. You can thank Jerry Hensler, the architect of this idea, for keeping it simple.

 

[Markhor]

Thanks Outdoorsman, the pics explain it well. I will try to put it togather this weekend.

Ed