Inconsistent Weights/Throws?

[powderBurnz]

Ive been using a Lyman thrower along with a Lee balance to get my charges. I cant for the life of me get reliable, steady weights.

So, say I have the Lyman measured out to what was say 46.5gr on the last throw, weigh the next throw of powder and its way under or way over on the Lee.

I am using IMR4350 and H4895, both getting the same scattered results.

Could this be the Lyman, the LEE, or is it just the nature of the cylindrical powder?

 

[CatShooter]

What is the amount of "Way under or way over"??


The two powders you mentioned are not known for throwing evenly from a measure.

Most people set the measure a grain light, and then throw the powder into a scale pan and trickle it until it's on the money.


.

 

[gambleone]

What Cat said.
Gambleone

 

[powderBurnz]

Mind you I am using a LEE balance, so I am not seeing digi measures. But the balance is pegged down or up all the way. So I am thinking its a fairly large amount, more than .5 at least.

 

[CatShooter]

Mind you I am using a LEE balance, so I am not seeing digi measures. But the balance is pegged down or up all the way. So I am thinking its a fairly large amount, more than .5 at least.

"More than .5"... that seems like a lot - When I throw stick powder, I usually see +/- 0.2 gr maximum variance.

with fine grained powders,H-322, BenchMark) I get less than 0.1 gr.

If you are getting 0.5+ gr of variance, there is something wrong with your technique - but you can still trickle the charges back to being right on.

 

[2506]

I could very well be the LEE scale. Everyone I have ever seen is junk. Lee makes some good stuff but their powder scale is not part of the good stuff.

 

[LarryElliott]

Technique with a powder measure is very important in getting the most consistant weights. The best way to learn which is the best for your measure is to throw and weigh a lot of charges. For me and the measures I have a slow fill and slow dump stroke works best. There are differences in measures though, some don't seem to be able to produce the results that others do, at least for me.

Trying to get uniform thrown charges with IMR 4350 or any other stick powder with similar size isn't likely going to happen in my experience, but H4895 should do better with it's shorter granules. One thing that helps with stick powders that sometimes are cut by the measure, is a longer handle on the measure. I'm not sure how the handle is attached to the Lyman measure, but a length of 1/8"x1/2" steel strap about 6 or 7 inches long with a handle attached improves leverage and makes cutting powder granules a little easier.

If you have any means of testing your scale that might be something to try too. Weighing a bullet to see if the scale shows a weight close to the weight the bullet is supposed to be,50 gr ± 0.5 gr or so, or whatever bullets you have on hand). Try weighing the same bullet a few times too to make sure that the scale will give the same weight with item being measured.

 

[Loupeznik]

The last poster, LarryElliott, is onto something. Weighing a bullet won't tell you as much as weighing the same amount of powder over and over. Make sure your scale is repeatable. Another option would be to use something easier to handle of the same weight that you expect to get. An example of this might be 45 grains of washers or copper solid wire.

Verify your scale first and then look your measure later.

On a side note: I fix scales for a living.

 

[BigJim]

I had the same problem with my Lee scale. That's why I bought a Hornady and had no problems after that. The balance beam scales are very sensitive to air currents. Keep them away from windows, fans and don't get too close your breath can even throw them off. You can purchase a set of test weights at Midway but I believe they are expensive. I hated to have to buy a more expensive scale but it was worth it. I now use a RCBS 1500 and would not go back.

Big Jim

Good luck on solving your problem.

 

[Tbear]

I use alot of IMR 4064 extruded,stick) powder and was having
the same problem of much cutting and inconsistent weight throws.
Then I discovered the LEE PERFECT POWDER MEASURE. It costs
about $24.00. Cutting is about "0" and weight variation fluctuates between 1-2 tenths of a grain. Some of the loads are right on. Check it out. Im going to buy another one for H 4895. Just trickle in the
difference for the load you want. Only BALL powders will
give you close to a perfect load.

Tbear

 

[grahamfarmer]

newby to reloading and was having same trouble with varget in a rcbs powder measure main trouble was vibration so went out and brought proper cast stand bolted it down firm and fitted a powder baffle this has brought incredible accuracy now as grains are cut first time with no sticking i also allow the powder arm to freefall back as this is a constant action every time hope this helps . graham

 

[Talon1959]

Newbie reloader here as well. I may be in the minority here and certainly don't think the Lee scale is the best on the market. I have 3 scales. The Lee, a Lyman 50 and a digital. The Lyman is ancient, but when I check it with weights, it's on the money as is the Lee.

I was having the same problem with n-150 and getting frustrated with my powder drops. I tightened the screw on the handle of the Lee PPM and now the drops are consistant every time.

Good luck to you!

 

[powderBurnz]

Thanks all for the replies.

I tried more loads with H4895 and it does throw and weigh a little more consistently.

I also took the Lyman thrower and adjusted where the powder falls into the thrower and tried to see if certain variances of adjustment would determine more consistent throws. The best I can get is an accurate 1st throw and thereafter all throws are lower in weight. Mind you this is better than b4 where the throws would be lower AND higher in weight.

One more thing, I do have a LEE powder thrower sitting new in a box here somewhere, so I may give that a try if I can find it. I initially didnt like the whole "conversion" deal that you had to go through with it, and set it aside. It was just one more step I wanted to not include in the process.

Well, either way I guess I'll be throwing/trickling/weighing til I can afford a nice automatic setup.

 

[Winchester69]

Throw 5 or 10 charges before you start measuring. The first throw doesn't count. In reality, variation will be both higher and lower than the average; it just seems to work out that way :crazy:. Work on your technique,slow, steady, pausing; breathing's less important ), and don't forget about a baffle. Some people,mostly older) swear by the Lyman. It's not that it can't be accurate; it's just a pain. If you're only loading for one cartridge, it can be made to work for you.

 

[rayjay]

I move the lever up firmly, give it one more firm bump against the stop and then firmly down with a decent bump against the stop. whack whack ---- whack whack whack ----- whack. Usually less than .1 grain variation using H322 and H4198. Slightly more variation with Varget.

This is with a Harrells Precision BR measure.

 

[Byron]

Throw away the Lee scale as it will never give you two measurements the same even if you use the same weight to check it.

The Lee Measure is another story from what I've read. The problem with it is that you're stuck with whatever charge is dropped based on the bushing you have inserted in it.

I realize that when you're first starting out that we sometimes have to make compromises. With practice even the Lee Powder Scoops will produce accurate ammo. However, try not to do it when it comes to your scale. Find a used Ohaus scale, either RCBS, Ohaus or Lyman. Get a set of check weights. Then you will know if your scale is telling you the truth.

Powder measures are what they are and some work better than others. That's the reason you see people dumping light and trickling in the last .1 gr to .2 gr of powder.

When you find the right load for your gun it will likely shoot good at + or - .1 gr.