Metering and Redding BR-30 Drop

[Fotheringill]

Concise background
.223 Savage F/TR 1:7 twist. 200 yards maximum.
Varget.

I am done with the electronic dispensers and scales for a myriad of reasons.

Varget gets hung up when turning the crank and is giving uneven drops.

Is there another extruded powder that is suggested for accuracy for the above requirements? If not, what powder is recommended for a try?

BTW, I have the cheap Lee drop that gives me no problems with Varget. I just wanted something more substantially built.

Any suggestions would be most helpful.

 

[Richard Coody]

i had a harrells powder measure and a lee perfect powder measure. the lee was just as accurate.

that said the harrell is a work of art. using it was a pleasure. after a time the lee seems to get dull and not cut the extruded powder. that never happens with the harrell.

no doubt throwing charges with a powder measure is the fastest way to charge cases. consistency is the key to accuracy. you should watch someone proficient in its use. they make the.same stroke every time.

 

[Fotheringill]

I have what I have and I know about the consistent stroke. It tries to cut the extruded powder and stops dead.

 

[Richard Coody]

I have what I have and I know about the consistent stroke. It tries to cut the extruded powder and stops dead.

if you want to use a powder measure then get a harrell
http://harrellsprec.com/index.php/products/premium-powder-measure

 

[LHSmith]

Just be aware that throwing charges by volume (besides being dependent on how one operates the measure with consistency) is susceptible to the powders affinity to aDsorb (look it up) moisture. If always loading in a controlled atmosphere AND you are diligent about returning the powder back to it's sealed container ASAP -you're GTG.....if loading at the range there will be adjustments needed to address this change.
IMO, even a Harrell's won't give you what you're looking for. Either rethink your opinion on dispensers or try a finer grain powder with similar burn rates.

 

[Deleted old_dood]

Mark, I've got the same measure. I always drop low with Varget and then trickle up on the fx-120. when I use CFE223, I adjust the drop to where I want, measuring on the scale, then drop right into the case. Measuring the drop about every 10, I find never more than .1 grain variation, usually less. CFE223, being a ball powder, is not as temp. stable as Varget. As the temp. drops, a little more powder may be required to get the same velocity. In my 223ai, my loads of 25.5 Varget and 26.1 CFE shoot just as well out to 200. If you decide to try some CFE, get some CCI 450 primers.

 

[Fotheringill]

Richard-

Hindsight is a great thing but foresight is better. I lacked the foresight to get the Harrels, if of course, it does not get hung up and crunch the powder.

LH- I don't load at the range, but was actually looking for a powder that meters better in the BR-30.

Al- I figured that ball powder would meter better and was looking for recommendations for same.

 

[Deleted old_dood]

Al- I figured that ball powder would meter better and was looking for recommendations for same.

Campsite usually has it in stock. If not I could bring the remains of my 8 pounder to the range (or meet you at Karps) so you could try it out. I'd start off .3 to .5 grains higher than your Varget load.

 

[Richard Coody]

Richard-

Hindsight is a great thing but foresight is better. I lacked the foresight to get the Harrels, if of course, it does not get hung up and crunch the powder.

LH- I don't load at the range, but was actually looking for a powder that meters better in the BR-30.

Al- I figured that ball powder would meter better and was looking for recommendations for same.

they all cut extruded powder. there is a difference in how well they do it.

that cfe meters like a dream. CFE223 is my go to powder for my AR's both .223 and grendel.

 

[Fotheringill]

Al- Last night, I ordered 3 pounds each of the AR-Comp and CFE 223. We shall see what we shall see.