Inconsistent range reloading

[PD Gohil]

I'm trying to do load development at the range to cut down on the back and forth running. I feel like I am failing. I am not able to achieve consistent results like or achieved with loading at the bench. I would say the biggest variable is the charge master 1500. I know it is not sitting level plus temperature inconsistencies and the slightest win seems to screw with it. I have way more overages reloading in the field versus the bench . What can I do to bring more consistent results? Right now I feel like I am just wasting components.

Co-ax press
Redding dies
Chargemaster 1500 on a 12v battery pack.
LabRadar

Thanks,

PGohil
WV

 

[BoydAllen]

I would suggest that you build a base that can be leveled at the range, that has locks on the leveling screws so that it will not induce any vibration due to clearances in those locations. Some plywood, T nuts and nuts should get the job done.

 

[AlNyhus]

When doing load work at the range, I record the powder measure settings for a given charge weight, write them down on the powder containers and adjust the measure as needed at the range.

If you don't have a quality non-electric powder measure, I'd suggest buying some capped vials and preloading the range of power weights you'll be using and bring those to the range.

Good shootin'. -Al

 

[rijndael]

If the wind is messing with the CM, I'd build a box for it, not just a platform.

 

[mac86951]

I like the box method, but I use a manual scale. I put in a slide out drawer with some wooden dividers so when I'm done loading, the scale; press, powder measure go back into the box and are secured down.

I used 2x4 for the construction which is find for the scale; seating bullets is ok, I wouldn't want to size 30-06 on it though. I bring my brass prepped anyway.

Alternate:. I then built a wooden topper that bolts to a black and decker workmate somewhat like an old writing desk; making it a full portable reloading bench. I found the idea on the internet and copied it.

-Mac

 

[JEFFPPC]

I always had a problem with wind affecting scale. I bought 100 test tubes that fit in a 100 round mtm cartridge box. I precharge at home then dump into cases what I want in the quanity required.

 

[PD Gohil]

I dont understand the tube method of transporting powder.... if you already know the charge weights, why not load them up at the bench? I like the idea of a box to put the scale in, will give that a try along with a leveling method.

 

[JimSC]

I'm trying to do load development at the range to cut down on the back and forth running. I feel like I am failing. I am not able to achieve consistent results like or achieved with loading at the bench.

Thanks,

PGohil
WV

Before they built a range classroom I tried boxes, loading in the back of a SUV, setting up my chargemaster in the restroom etc etc. and like you I found it difficult to get consistent powder charges. A workmate set up in the restroom was the best of a lot of bad choices with the SUV backseat a close second. None were perfect. If you can get a spot without much wind get a small battery operated scale and hand trickle to weight after throwing a initial charge with the chargemaster or scoops.

edit - another suggestion is weigh the charges at home and barely seat the bullets and just doing the depth test loading at the range

 

[hambone1971]

Test tubes work best for me. Load up some loads at home ready to fire like 3 or 4 of each powder load. Then load up some test tubes with extra powder of the same loaded ammo and if something looks good at range then load (dump powder in brass an seat bullet) and retest.
Very accurate checking of loads. I hope your rechecking the charge master dumps on another scale before you load them. You might be shocked at what was dumped and shown for weight. Sounds like a lot of work but your looking for precision ammo right? ..... HB

 

[marchboom]

Use a very accurate powder measure and adjust charges by clicks. While at your home reloading bench determine how many clicks equal X amount of powder For example, 3 clicks equals .1 grain. Do this for the powders you want to try at the range. No messing around with scales and wind is not a problem.

 

[MislMan]

In the past I used loading blocks, a like-sized plywood board, mouse-pads, and bungie cords. I loaded brass with varied powder rates at home and left them in the loading block (loaded 10 brass of each weight). Then glued mouse-pads to the like-sized board. Place the board (mouse-pad down onto case mouths for sealing) over the case mouths and secure in place with bungie cords (or whatever you choose). Carefully transport to range to avoid spillage (the mouse-pads keep power in the brass). Then seat bullets at the range using the appropriate charge for your testing. Simple and gets the job done.

 

[powderbrake]

I found my chargemaster was not consistent when reloading at the range until I added a level to it.
see this link chargemaster leveling

 

[Chiquita]

I had the box method (one side open) but unfortunately even the very slightest wind would throw off the scales (electronic and beam). You will need a box that has all sides closed off. I may just add a plexi glass to my box for next time.

But fo now in my work van (completely enclosed) I have made a portable shelf that attaches to the sides that I use for my prep table to fill the cases with powder. Then use the concrete range tables for my press and seating the bullets.

The complete enclosure will keep the wind out and both electronic and beam scale will work fine. Last weekend we had winds up to 25mph and it worked fine.
I hope it will work at the range.

Link to the van setup.

New photo · Sunday, Nov 8, 2020

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photos.app.goo.gl

 

[PD Gohil]

I appreciate the replies. I'm definitely going to have to come up with the way to better level my charge master within my truck, or do it outside with some type of box that keeps the wind off.

Thank you!

 

[Chuckhunter]

I use tubes like Jeff, you can load various charges at home under controlled conditions and put them in an MTM ammo box. Makes life a whole lot easier and removes any doubt about charge weights.

 

[Mulligan]

I appreciate the replies. I'm definitely going to have to come up with the way to better level my charge master within my truck, or do it outside with some type of box that keeps the wind off.

Thank you!

I use a charge master and battery pack in a large plastic tool box, it works well. My CM is much more accurate with the battery pack than plugged in to AC.
One of the fellas that shoots LRBR with us loads at the range for our matches and testing. He uses his powder thrower and always places in the top couple of shooters. A good powder thrower with good technique is really accurate.
CW

 

[daniel brothers]

get a small battery operated scale and hand trickle to weight after throwing a initial charge with the scoops.

 

[BoydAllen]

When I designed this a couple of decades back, I had never seen or heard of anything like it. It works. Today, I would take the basic concept and redo the design from scratch. Plastics accumulate static charge. The panel was originally plastic, but was replaced with tempered glass. At the time I did not have a place to build it. My friend Ed Hellam built two from my design, one for each of us.

Wind Box Shelters Scales When Reloading at Outdoor Ranges « Daily Bulletin

Shooters who reload at the range, during the course of benchrest matches, or during load development sessions, can benefit from having a portable scale to weigh charges. Even if you throw charges, using click values, a scale allows you to double-check the accuracy of your throws.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

 

[marchboom]

IMO the less that you handle an electronic powder measure/scale the better off you'll be. These electronic devices are not meant to be moved around a lot. Just takes one sharp bump and it's accuracy could be lost for good.

I would opt for a quality mechanical powder measure or use the test tube method.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I never load anywhere but the range, so I bet your problem is with the Chargemaster 1500. I started out with one.
I now use a Chargemaster Lite. In my opinion, it is a far superior unit than the original 1500 for outdoor loading. It is more compact, The wind guard actually works, the best I have seen. It has a built in level, and the charge tube is redesigned to avoid powder grains from just falling out. It throws plenty accurate for any shooting discipline.
I shoot thousands of rounds a year, every one loaded at the range, either in practice or a match. I haul the CM Lite everywhere. I keep a spare, but the one I use has been in service ever since RCBS came out with it.
One thing I do use is the actual power source that comes with the unit. I simply plug it into a small inverter from Best Buy, which is powered by a small motorcycle battery. This gives very consistent and clean voltage.
I think you are on the right track by learning to load at the range. It is by far the best option for finding what your barrel likes And for practice in general.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/cyberpower-175w-power-inverter-black/9037001.p?skuId=9037001

the single big draw back to loading at the range is you will catch yourself staying all day.