Load Force 250

[anyrange]

Anyone else have one of these?
http://www.shootingsoftware.com/recoil.htm

 

[mikecr]

I have the setup, including handheld unit and USB laptop feed. Personally, I feel that it needs more developement.
It's very difficult to capture dynamic force while filtering out static force. The software with it doesn't consistantly do so. I'm not convinced the answer lies there anyway,due to friction and rate).
Big problem for me is that you must seat,full ram stroke, without rate change) in under 2 seconds. Beyond this window, the true data is lost, and reaquisition within a new window begins. I haven't managed to do it at the same rate.
Also, the force cell is set in a modified shellholder. Doesn't work for darn with Wilson hand dies, even though it has an "ARBOR PRESS" mode. A large/stable wafer force cell is needed for arbor use.
The pressure curve software for laptop use has so many problems I won't even try to describe. Just stay away from it, as it has no real use.
The flexi-force load cell is cutting edge, and can be had on the open market for about $5 each. I have a 5-pack from the company, and have used an analog voltmeter for realtime reading from a cell. I need to make a cell wafer to house it.

But still, in the end, I'm certain that what we really need takes a completely different approach. That is, a way to measure static neck tension. A relative pressure or force needed to expand the neck .0001" This may be worthless w/regard to internal ballistics, I don't know. But it would eliminate the problems I see in measurement.
You come up with that, and I'll waste money on it. Just as I have done with every other gadget over the years.
It's a kind of sickness really.

 

[anyrange]

Mike,
Too late, I also have one including the software package. I am using it with Wilson dies and an arbor press. I can see the correct spot on the force curve, however the unit only selects that spot about 25 to 40% of the time. The thing would be worthless without the software for me. I am able to get meaningful readings by looking at each curve and selecting the spot wear the seating die bottoms out. I thought the unit would work better on a normal press. Not so?? So you must be the other shooter with one of the units. I think there is only two or three of us, or are you part of a muzzle brake outfit?

 

[mikecr]

I'm not with that outfit mentioned. If you get things working consistantly, let me know please. I'd appreciate it.
Also, I'll do the same for you.
Thanks

 

[anyrange]

Mike,
Little update on the load force 200. I have been getting better results and have updated the firmware in the portable unit a couple of times. I am using version 2.4 in the portable unit. I have also fasten my arbor press to my bench and that has help me be more consistant and get better results. Everything was working good and I was getting 96% or better good readings. However, now the portable unit is locking up. After the 61st round, the 69th round, and the 81st round in the last 100 rounds if loaded, the unit locked up on me. I must power off by unpluging the power cord and restart the unit or reboot the unit. Now after doing that a few times the portable unit stopped talking to my computer or the scope program. I waiting for them to get back to me.

However some results on 100 round of Winchester 223 brass seating 80 Sierra MK bullets.
Necks turned and loaded as expanded for turning
First loading: Average seating force 51.76 lb, SD 9.89 lb
Necks resized using .242 bushing and no expander
Loaded rounds are .245
Second loading: Average seating force 61.19 lb, SD 7.48 lb
Third loading: Average seating force 42.15 lb, SD 5.63 lb
Fourth loading: Average seating force 39.88 lb, SD 4.98 lb
Fifth loading: Average seating force 38.96 lb, SD 4.80 lb
Brass is getting more consistant with a slight dropping in seating force.

 

[mikecr]

Great info.
How would I get a firmware update? What does it change?
How are you using it with an arbor press? Is yours in a shellholder.

 

[anyrange]

Little update on my Loadforce 200, it is now a 250 and see article on "How Not to Seat Bullets" on how it help me improve my case prep/bullet seaing process.

How Not to Seat Bullets

ltm