Harrell's How To....

[ST42]

Hello Gents,

I was lucky enough to get a great deal on my Harrell's powder measure, but unfortunately I do not have any instructions on its use. Specifically setting the vernier to match my throw.
As it sits right now. I am able to throw 30.0 grains of AA 2250 at my desired load with an accuracy of +/- .02 grains for my .264 LBC. By the way I weighed each charge on my Acculab 123 over my last run of 50 rounds. I honestly can't believe how fast and accurate this measure is for me. I had been using my RCBS Chargemaster for my throws, but that 2250 would bounce out of the pan and end up all over my bench.
So before I start to loosen screws and maybe screw up a good thing. Can you fellows tell me how to make the vernier match my load? As you can see in the photos it looks as though it is throwing 49.9 grains and change of powder. I'd like to get it to read correctly.
Here are a couple of photos to show my current settings.

By my count I see 4 screws on the face of the vernier, 1 on the top of the drum and another on the bottom.So if you have experience using Harrell's measure and know how to make the adjustment, I'd appreciate your help.

Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and yours,
ST42

 

[expiper]

Dont touch a thing....you dont adjust the vernier....you just record wher it is and that is IT....it looks like 49 and one clik.....are there 6 cliks to each number??? or 4 ....count em.....you prolly are one or two (count em) past 49.....just record that and you can duplicate that load any time in the future with that particular lot of powder...then when you load some other cal (30-06 or anything) using the appropriate powder find the load that works and record where the vernier scale is and "viola" you can record that.....pretty simple....if you are wanting 68.3 grs of powder ,,just keep opening the measure up till the scales say your there and its that simple....Roger
PS...dont let the number bog youdown....there is a can of 2520 sittin on the counter and your callin it 2250..hahhaha....just have a cup-0-joe and think about it.....
I put a mailing label on each can of powder and then record the ###'s there as well as in my log book....then when you are loading a 300 whiz bang with reloader 88 powder and using a 158 gr bullet you just set the measure on 71 /2 cliks and start loading....

 

[BoydAllen]

Leave it alone. There are no adjustments to make the numbers match the weight. It is not the intent of the builders of any of these style measures for their settings to correspond to charge weights, or to be able to be adjusted so that they do. The set screws on the end of the adjustment knob are used to configure the measure so that it has either four or six detents between numbers. In the jargon of these measures the distance from one number to the next is a click. When Homer Culver built his fist conversions of Lyman 55 powder measures (don't know if there were later changes) there was only one detent between each number, so, for example, you would be at 51, 51 1/2, or 52 "clicks". The Harrell measures have either four or six divisions between numbers. The other variable that gets involved, at least in my experience with 133 (as "stick" powder) is that differences in the technique used to throw charges can have a significant effect on their weight. Also, powders vary considerably in their densities.

 

[ST42]

Thanks Gents! Yes, 2520 ;D I guess I fat fingered that one. It is working wonderfully well and I am very glad to have this measure on my bench. Thanks again for your help.
ST42

 

[expiper]

Good 4 U....im glad to see somone who realizes how quick --ez--accurate a "B"enchrest powder measure can be......If I had to give up mine I wuld give up reloading/shooting...I dont know how I evr got along with out one ...had one for 40yrs now ....time flies...Roger

 

[tenring]

Some confusion exists because short range benchrest competittors usually refer their powder charge to "xx" clicks, and not to grains. They are referring to the clicks only on a Harrells measure.

 

[dreever]

Yep, mine thros 2520 like water........however......wait till you try to throw Varget! LOL!
I can't throw Varget worth a crap. i have to weigh every charge.

Danny

 

[bozo699]

When Homer Culver built his fist conversions of Lyman 55 powder measures (don't know if there were later changes) there was only one detent between each number, so, for example, you would be at 51, 51 1/2, or 52 "clicks". The Harrell measures have either four or six divisions between numbers. The other variable that gets involved, at least in my experience with 133 (as "stick" powder) is that differences in the technique used to throw charges can have a significant effect on their weight. Also, powders vary considerably in their densities.

Boyd,
I have a older Lyman 55 (orange in color) can they be reliably accurate? or should a guy just stick with the Harrels?
Wayne.

 

[BoydAllen]

Wayne,
If you are going to use it where you have a scale a a reference for setting it, it will do fine. If the volume that you are throwing can be achieved with the bottom slide closed, that is the way to go. With a little attention to the proper technique, I think that you will be pleasantly surprised.
Boyd

 

[bozo699]

Thanks Boyd, I have a Harrels but I got this Lyman from a friend a while back and it looked to be of quality, much more so then my RCBS, I will set it up and give it a try, Sorry for side tracking your thread ST42.
Wayne.

 

[ReedG]

ST42, the above advice is solid gold -- don't touch it!!! It is not intended to match the grain weight you are throwing and the "clicks" will vary with each powder: 36 "clicks" of BL-2(C) will weight different than 36 "clicks" of H322, etc. Record the number of clicks for your weight of powder in a notebook (or at least that's what I do) and next time the clicks will be within one or two to the same. The numbers from left to right plus the number on the rotating knob equal the clicks in my recording scheme. Thus, the picture you show, I record as 49+1. There are six clicks between each number on the rotating knob.

My advice is to practice, practice, practice. When mine was new, I clamped to a TV tray and threw charges while watching
TV to get my technique down. The better your technique, the more accurate it throws. I think you'll love the Harrell's as long as you are throwing ball powder or small grain powder like H322. It is not capable of +/- .1 gr. with the larger powders and you will need to throw light and trickle for exact charges.

Enjoy!