Harrel's powder measures?

[Viperdoc]

I have a Redding BR powder measure,which works OK,but in my mind is kind of fiddly. It will usually throw ball powder within around 0.1-0.2gr, but it is very dependent on how you work the lever.

I was looking at one of the Harrel's measures- they seem to be extremely well made, and a lot finer machined than a Redding.

However, how do they measure? Are they going to be more consistent from throw to throw compared to the Redding? I need more of a justification to buy one than simply saying it looks better.

 

[BoydAllen]

I have several different brands of powder measures. They are all technique sensitive. I have spent more time than anyone that I am aware of trying different techniques. IMO what has been published may not always be the best, and shooters tend to not try things that they have never heard or read about, even if all that would be lost is a little time. Your Redding will do a fine job. I would think that you should be able to do +-.075, sith ball powder if you find the right technique. On the other hand the Harrell's is a fine measure, with many convenient features, which is why it is the one that I usually take to the range with me. I have one Lyman, 2 Saeco Micro-measures, two Hollywood measures, and a Harrell (the one with the roller bearings). If you must have a new toy, and you load at home, have you thought of one of the Chargemasters? A friend has one.

 

[markr]

I have a Lyman that was extensively modified many years ago and an RFD measure. They are both tecnique sensitive as I believe you will find any measure, but both of them can be very accurate. The larger the powder granules, the tougher it is to throw consistant charges. I am not thotoughy convinced that weighing each and every charge is better than using a good powder measure...but I'm not easily convinced.
I think that it really matters in what you expect of a powder measure, If you're looking for one that will throw within 1/10th or better, I don't know if you will find happiness, but, which scale are you using to verify charge weights...is it even capable of discerning charges to within one tenth on any given day? Will it really matter? Only you can answer that one.
The Harrell brothers make a fine measure. Don't be scared to get one and use it!
Mark
"To be....is to do"

 

[hawghunter]

I have a Neil Jones i used for years then i got a Harrels from my mentor when he past away which is what i use for my BR rifles and the Neal Jones for my varmint rifles both are accurate but has said above technique sensitive, being consistant and finding the technique that works for you takes a little work but worth it good luck in your choice Mark

 

[lightman]

Everyone that has replied seems to be in agreement that all meausures will be technique sensitive,including me.I have a RCBS uniflow and a Harrells and both are about equal in their accuracy.The Harrells looks and feels better and is smoother,but what puts it ahead of most production meausures is its adjustment system.X number of clicks is the same weight of powder next week as it is today.You can bank on it!Even the most expensive production meausures with micrometers will vary some when returning to a reference point,but the Harrells will be dead on,much like a good scopes adjustments.Hope this helps Lightman

 

[hawghunter]

Good point to add I didn't think of that, the jones is repeatable to. Mark

 

[Rust]

I spent years diddling around with powder measures and coarse stick powders, trickling to the 1/10th grain. Then I got a Chargemaster and went through the learning curve of getting it accurate and repeatable. All my powder measures are now decorative knick knacks on the back of the bench.

Reloading 60-100 rounds of match ammo is no longer the chore it once was.

Things required to make it work: CLEAN electrical power; a level surface; ZERO external vibration; close the powder pan cover so stray breezes are not an issue; let the unit warm up for 30 minutes before use.

 

[cheek9075]

just brought a harrell 90 curve i think it was. havent loaded with it yet, but have tried it out . i messured out 20 rounds of n133 shooting for 29.4 gr. i had 2 drops -.1gr, all the rest where on the money. i like it, got it to take to the range, its a little smaller but still looks like a good one.