Erratic metering H4831sc

[rvander1]

Hi,
I've been working with my new 6.5-284 and am trying to develope an accurate load to compete at Williamsport.
I have been using H4831 dispensed with a Neil Jones custom powder measure. In the past this powder thrower has been amazingly accurate,almost every charge within .2gn- and usually .1gn).
However with the H4831sc the charge weights with the same powder thrower are much more erratic when weighed- I often get variations of .3-.4gn. Since I'm trying to get into the 1000yd game, it seems to me that uniform charge,velociy-and uniform everything else!) is important. I really dread the thought of weighing every charge. It is my thought that the erratic metering is due to the large cylindrical pellets in H4831.
Does anyone else have this problem?
I'm going to try a friends N160 which is also suggested in Jason Baney's article on this caliber on this web site. Hope this will meter better.
Any suggestions??
Thanks!

 

[billmo]

Man, that is why I weigh every charge. I tried some of those throwing deals and just was never happy with my results. It takes a little more time but I feel better to just bite the bullet and weigh it. At least you got the satisfaction of seeing that number everytime. Bill

 

[357Mag]

I agree w/ Billmo.

Now you see why, for one reason ) that LR shooters weigh individaul charges.

You would not be any happier trying to thow 4350, VV160 / VV560. RL-22, I 7828 et al.

You want to go w/ the powder that provides good SD and ES numbers under thchosen bullet..... not simply the powder that throws easiest.

I had encountered similar circumstances using old Beldign & Mull " guilotine-type " powder dispenser; and also when using a Lyman w/ a " Culver " insert.

Some digital scales can take you down to the .1 gr.
This is enough " fine-ness " for you to be able to watch individual kernels of powder affect charge wt , stick powder ).

The high-$$$ auto dispensers/measures, RCBS & Lyman ) do a good job, and remove tedium from the process.
How much convenience do you want ?

Best of luck to you.

Regards,
357Mag

 

[rvander1]

Thanks, again,
You guys are a trememdous help.
Unrelated to the present thread, I found and read with great interest, a thread from Sept-Oct 2007 discussing a case headspace lengthening problem a fellow was having with FL dyes-- I had exactly that problem about a year ago, and that thread would have saved me a lot of headaches. I've never seen that addressed in any other reloading manuel. I'm going to "search" these forums anytime I have a question -- and post to you experts when I don't find an answer. What a great resource for the beginning accuracy reloader!

 

[Tommie]

I tried H4831SC one time - then gave the powder away. That stuff dumps HORRIBLY.

You might try Ramshot powders. "Hunter" burns at about 4350 speed and "Magnum" is a tad slower than H4831. Everything Ramshot sells is spherical and meters nicely.

Tom

 

[Rustystud]

Look at the Quick Measure it is made to measure log powders.
Tim Johnson,the maker) has a web site and telephone number to call to speak with him personally. This measure has a learning curve to operate with precise accuracy. Some people don't take the time to learn how to operate it. They cuss the measure, but it works if you learn how to operate it. Secondly they are rather expensive. I have mine set up on a Dillon 550 that I operate like a turrent loader instead of progressive. I can throw H4831sc with in +/-.1 every time. Need I say any more other than I don't make or sell this product. I would like to have two or three more of them to leave them set up on tool heads.
Rustystud

 

[AlanPF]

I have used H4831SC and Varget extensively over the last 4 years, and the H4831SC is definitely more difficult to throw, and to trickle. It seems to be getting worse so I am going to try dismantling my thrower, and washing it in detergent. I know this works well for sticky powder funnels.

Alan