Experience with Harrells Premium Powder Measure

[ASbobcat]

View attachment 1015814
Some advantage in weighing individual charges of H-4198 in a 20 VarTarg. The difference corresponds to a difference in charge SD of about 0.07 grains. I ran the same test with the same powder in a .222 and found no difference between weighed and measured charges. Depending on the powder used, and the volume of the case, a measure could save you time with little or absolutely no measurable effect on performance.

Excellent presentation. It makes sense that the larger charges would show less percentage volume variation. It's been awhile since I loaded 20VT, but I shoot .2moa or less in an old chopped off Savage factory .204 bbl using Harrells thrown charges.

 

[ASbobcat]

I've had one for a few months, works great if you only use ONE powder, having to take the powder container off and dump the remaining powder out and and moving the handle back and forth to make sure ALL the powder is out got to be a PITA... if I'm missing something please post or PM me. Thanks'

It doesn't matter how many powders you use, you still have to go through the procedure you mention after every loading session. I left powder in mine overnight once and had to completely disassemble it and polish the corrosion from the brass internals.
I consider it a very minor effort to clear the measure out compared to fire forming, neck turning, tumbling, lubing, neck brushing, resizing, primer pocket cleaning/uniforming and all the other laborious steps we go through to produce accurate loads.

 

[RCC1]

My powder measure showed up today. I got it setup and practiced getting my technique right.

I then proceeding to load 100- M855A1 rounds in about 30 minutes. This has literally cut my reloading time in half.

I appreciate the advice.

 

[ASbobcat]

My powder measure showed up today. I got it setup and practiced getting my technique right.

I then proceeding to load 100- M855A1 rounds in about 30 minutes. This has literally cut my reloading time in half.

I appreciate the advice.

I forgot to mention that I ran into problems with extruded powders bridging in 22cal drop tubes, resulting in very erratic charges. I use a minimum 6mm tube and 6.5mm is even better. For loading 20cal or 22cal cases I use a Saturn funnel held up against the bottom of the larger drop tube.

 

[RCC1]

I forgot to mention that I ran into problems with extruded powders bridging in 22cal drop tubes, resulting in very erratic charges. I use a minimum 6mm tube and 6.5mm is even better. For loading 20cal or 22cal cases I use a Saturn funnel held up against the bottom of the larger drop tube.

I used my Satern funnel also.

My reloading/gun room is aircondiitoned and kept at a very low humidity.

Is there any issues leaving powder in the measurer when not in use?

 

[spclark]

My reloading/gun room is aircondiitoned and kept at a very low humidity.

Is there any issues leaving powder in the measurer when not in use?

How low is '... very low...'?

I maintain my basement retreat @ 50% according to remote digital gauge & indicator on dehumidifier yet after reading that essay in Precision Shooting years ago I empty everything back into the original
packaging once a session's complete, which then gets a firmly secured screw cap replaced.

Below 50% I worry about static affecting stuff, above that's just not worth contemplating as long as the electricity's available to run the dehumidifier.

 

[RCC1]

How low is '... very low...'?

I maintain my basement retreat @ 50% according to remote digital gauge & indicator on dehumidifier yet after reading that essay in Precision Shooting years ago I empty everything back into the original
packaging once a session's complete, which then gets a firmly secured screw cap replaced.

Below 50% I worry about static affecting stuff, above that's just not worth contemplating as long as the electricity's available to run the dehumidifier.

My room is kept below 50%, 42-45% is where I like to keep it.

When using my electronic throwers powder stays in them for weeks while I am developing loads. I have never had an issue.

 

[Gabe22BR]

empty the measure, it will start to tarnish/ or powder will stick to it (the brass) when left for a extended period of time..

 

[Matt in Virginia]

My powder measure showed up today. I got it setup and practiced getting my technique right.

I then proceeding to load 100- M855A1 rounds in about 30 minutes. This has literally cut my reloading time in half.

I appreciate the advice.

fwiw & imho,
If THAT is what you are going to do, load 5.56 with for 55-62 grain bullets that you can find a suitable BALL POWDER to load with, I am not certain that ANY other means of dropping a powder charge is going to BEST a Harrell's Premium Measure. Granted a Jones Precision Measure, or quite honestly(just about ANY volutmetric measure that is properly mounted combined with a CONSISTENT technique on your part) is going to be damned hard to beat. Again I was throwing H335 for a Custom GA Precision .223 AI built by my favorite retired USMC 2112. It threw the most accurate ammunition that I have ever shot and continues to do so... With a #3 contour Broughton 5C...fwiw.

Oddly enough...

I just had to return my Harrell's Premium Culver Measure to Harrell's Precision as I went to move it and it was locked up solid. Called them a few weeks back, always courteous to a fault, and they suggested I remove the handle and brass culver portion. I did so only to find the "needle bearings" we have heard about for so many years(my unit is from 2002) were both RUSTED COMPLETELY and TOTALLY to a point of being seized. I have NO CLUE how moisture would have gotten into the measure, however, I FULLY EXPECT to pay for a new set of needle bearings despite being gobsmacked on how in the dickens they ever exposed to moisture. There was so much rust YOU COULD SMELL RUST... I have NEVER left powder in powder measure of ANY type whether it be an RCBS Uniflow or Chargemaster. Further they've been either in the house or in a humidity controlled vault/loading room since they arrived from the old Sinclair International 15 years ago. I know they got there last friday, however, I had expected a call today and planned to call them myself. No go on either. I intend to call them tomorrow and find out where we go from here...

You know I will also say another volumetric measure I have been REALLY impressed by is the humble RCBS Uniflow. Kind of like my RCBS A4 it is one of those things that RCBS just really did right especially for no more than it is... I just wish they made as many A4s as they have Uniflows...;-). One thing I have found is that the Uniflow, when dampened, and operated through my manually indexed RCBS 2000(a hunk of cast iron I'd not trade for ANYTHING currently made of aluminum from RCBS or Dillon) is that it becomes even more accurate. That I bought that press, complete from Grafs, of all places, for $299 in 2001-2002 really puts MOST of my other reloading purchases in a dim light when it comes to value. Especially when you consider the Uniflow included both large and small charge drums as well as the Micrometer. I happened to call RCBS last year for a tiny part that I broke due to abuse and a measure of stupidity, and they sent 5 not 1, and they also sent, a new Uniflow Plastic Hopper AS WELL AS a competition powder baffle AND the new competition powder baffle top to replace the original(which I had long ago replaced with a Butler Creek Scope Cap). I really hate to see them what seems to cheapen their line as the customer service IS world class. The Sidewinder is also gone, however, as much as I love mine they were getting expensive and had tightening competition.

Regards, Matt.

 

[RCC1]

fwiw & imho,
If THAT is what you are going to do, load 5.56 with for 55-62 grain bullets that you can find a suitable BALL POWDER to load with, I am not certain that ANY other means of dropping a powder charge is going to BEST a Harrell's Premium Measure. Granted a Jones Precision Measure, or quite honestly(just about ANY volutmetric measure that is properly mounted combined with a CONSISTENT technique on your part) is going to be damned hard to beat. Again I was throwing H335 for a Custom GA Precision .223 AI built by my favorite retired USMC 2112. It threw the most accurate ammunition that I have ever shot and continues to do so... With a #3 contour Broughton 5C...fwiw.

Oddly enough...

I just had to return my Harrell's Premium Culver Measure to Harrell's Precision as I went to move it and it was locked up solid. Called them a few weeks back, always courteous to a fault, and they suggested I remove the handle and brass culver portion. I did so only to find the "needle bearings" we have heard about for so many years(my unit is from 2002) were both RUSTED COMPLETELY and TOTALLY to a point of being seized. I have NO CLUE how moisture would have gotten into the measure, however, I FULLY EXPECT to pay for a new set of needle bearings despite being gobsmacked on how in the dickens they ever exposed to moisture. There was so much rust YOU COULD SMELL RUST... I have NEVER left powder in powder measure of ANY type whether it be an RCBS Uniflow or Chargemaster. Further they've been either in the house or in a humidity controlled vault/loading room since they arrived from the old Sinclair International 15 years ago. I know they got there last friday, however, I had expected a call today and planned to call them myself. No go on either. I intend to call them tomorrow and find out where we go from here...

You know I will also say another volumetric measure I have been REALLY impressed by is the humble RCBS Uniflow. Kind of like my RCBS A4 it is one of those things that RCBS just really did right especially for no more than it is... I just wish they made as many A4s as they have Uniflows...;-). One thing I have found is that the Uniflow, when dampened, and operated through my manually indexed RCBS 2000(a hunk of cast iron I'd not trade for ANYTHING currently made of aluminum from RCBS or Dillon) is that it becomes even more accurate. That I bought that press, complete from Grafs, of all places, for $299 in 2001-2002 really puts MOST of my other reloading purchases in a dim light when it comes to value. Especially when you consider the Uniflow included both large and small charge drums as well as the Micrometer. I happened to call RCBS last year for a tiny part that I broke due to abuse and a measure of stupidity, and they sent 5 not 1, and they also sent, a new Uniflow Plastic Hopper AS WELL AS a competition powder baffle AND the new competition powder baffle top to replace the original(which I had long ago replaced with a Butler Creek Scope Cap). I really hate to see them what seems to cheapen their line as the customer service IS world class. The Sidewinder is also gone, however, as much as I love mine they were getting expensive and had tightening competition.

Regards, Matt.

I plan to load many other calibers for my precision rifles.

I am too meticulous to just give up 10 years of doing things the way I have and use something new.

I got it today and loaded some rounds that aren't as sensitive to powder charge as some of my more picky rounds. It was good learning session so I can learn to have a consistent throw.

 

[Matt in Virginia]

I plan to load many other calibers for my precision rifles.

I am too meticulous to just give up 10 years of doing things the way I have and use something new.

I got it today and loaded some rounds that aren't as sensitive to powder charge as some of my more picky rounds. It was good learning session so I can learn to have a consistent throw.

fwiw,
You have been given accurate expectations of throw accuracy from several other posters given powder type. Meticulous has VERY LITTLE to do with a volumetric powder measure. Powder type and consistency of technique do... That said you sound like you know all of that.

Regards, Matt.

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

I have a Jones measure. I quit bothering to check it after a couple sessions, except every 25 rounds or so, just out of habit.

 

[dttheliman]

Use a redding 3br powder measure to get me close +- 0.5 gr - place on scale and use omega electronic trickler to complete the charge - I gave up on the chargemaster a while back too slow , and inaccurate - the scale its self is fine. Obviously this is a method I use for my OCD rounds - normal plinking stuff - powder measure drop and done. YMMV

 

[ASbobcat]

I used my Satern funnel also.

My reloading/gun room is aircondiitoned and kept at a very low humidity.

Is there any issues leaving powder in the measurer when not in use?

DO NOT LEAVE POWDER IN THE MEASURE FOR EXTENDED PERIODS (overnight). I did once it corroded all the brass guts. Had to completely take apart, polish and reassemble. Don't leave the powder bottle attached, even upright, as the ammonia and other chemical vapors can still attack the brass.
It has nothing to do with humidity.

 

[Fotheringill]

Until one is ready to step up to $500+ for a scale (for accuracy) and then whatever auto trickler one wants to use for convenience, we are stuck with charges that may be .3 grains difference on any given charge in relation to the previous charge. They are pretty much +/- .1 grain, which to me means if the target is 24.7 grains, a charge can be 24.8, 24.7 or 24.6.

 

[Laurie]

and the best I could do is +_ .2 grain. Maybe it's me or my technique, but I consider any measure to be +_.2gr. When I need better, I weigh charges.

That's exactly what I got when I did a side by side test of half a dozen measures some years back for Target Shooter online magazine, the Harrell's Premium being my own property and used a lot.

These days it's all done on the ChargeMaster with corrections done as needed to each thrown charge using a 0.02gn lab scale. Unless it's a ball powder which I won't put in the RCBS machine - too great a risk of tiny balls bouncing out and down the platen aperture onto the charge bar where they will cause serious problems. I return to a mechanical measure for these powders on the few occasions I use them.

From my testing, I came to the conclusion that lovely though the Harrell's Premium is, three or four cheapo Lee Perfect scales each set for one charge are better value and more effective. Haven't tried Lee's more recent bigger model - if it's as good as the old 'Perfect', it'll overcome the latter's greatest downside - it's small size and reservoir capacity.

The other things I use every now and then which is really reliable and consistent are a plastic bowl, the old Lee charge cups, and the UK produced TargetMaster Trickler. With tuned-up beam scales this is a very fast and accurate set-up.

http://www.targetmasteruk.com