Metering powder, depending on grain size of powder

[BlueWater]

Have a handful of different powders. Am getting back into reloading after a few decades' hiatus. So please forgive the "noob" type question, here, as it's been awhile.

My question is: How does everyone most-effectively get a powder charge, with a fairly hard-to-meter grain shape/size?

Have a RCBS ChargeMaster 1500, for the good-metering powders. But with a longer extruded powder, such as IMR 4350 for example, the scale usually goes several tenths of a grain over the intended charge. (Dumps several kernals rapidly, when trying for that final 0.1gr to 0.2gr.)

Assuming a different powder's unavailable, do people simply use the auto metering to 1-2 grains less than intended, then use a separate manual trickler to eke out the last grain's worth?

IMR 8208 XBR meters well. Hodgdon Superformance does, too, even better, given it's nearly microscopic ball/grain size. But fairly long extruded powders don't seem to be consistently on-target for the weight, with the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500.

 

[GLShooter]

I use custom inserts to adjust for powder size in mine that helps for over-throws. If it is a challenge I just throw about 0.3 low and use the trickle button.

Greg

 

[Big Mc]

Have a handful of different powders. Am getting back into reloading after a few decades' hiatus. So please forgive the "noob" type question, here, as it's been awhile.

My question is: How does everyone most-effectively get a powder charge, with a fairly hard-to-meter grain shape/size?

Have a RCBS ChargeMaster 1500, for the good-metering powders. But with a longer extruded powder, such as IMR 4350 for example, the scale usually goes several tenths of a grain over the intended charge. (Dumps several kernals rapidly, when trying for that final 0.1gr to 0.2gr.)

Assuming a different powder's unavailable, do people simply use the auto metering to 1-2 grains less than intended, then use a separate manual trickler to eke out the last grain's worth?

IMR 8208 XBR meters well. Hodgdon Superformance does, too, even better, given it's nearly microscopic ball/grain size. But fairly long extruded powders don't seem to be consistently on-target for the weight, with the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500.

Go to a auto parts store and get a brass fitting for a rubber fuel line. eye ball the size. Insert it in the CM 1500 and you are good to go. Tommy Mc Insert the hose end in the 1500. It should fit snug. Dont force it. Al little masking tape will help with the fit.

 

[6bra1k]

fx120i

 

[Straightshooter1]

Have a handful of different powders. Am getting back into reloading after a few decades' hiatus. So please forgive the "noob" type question, here, as it's been awhile.

My question is: How does everyone most-effectively get a powder charge, with a fairly hard-to-meter grain shape/size?

Have a RCBS ChargeMaster 1500, for the good-metering powders. But with a longer extruded powder, such as IMR 4350 for example, the scale usually goes several tenths of a grain over the intended charge. (Dumps several kernals rapidly, when trying for that final 0.1gr to 0.2gr.)

Assuming a different powder's unavailable, do people simply use the auto metering to 1-2 grains less than intended, then use a separate manual trickler to eke out the last grain's worth?

IMR 8208 XBR meters well. Hodgdon Superformance does, too, even better, given it's nearly microscopic ball/grain size. But fairly long extruded powders don't seem to be consistently on-target for the weight, with the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500.

For my CM 1500 I use a straw, which I can adjust how much, how fast powder is fed into the tube so that it doesn't dump several kernels during the trickle mode at the end. I also had adjusted the programming to the it will be drop rapidly in the beginning then slow it down so that not too much is being fed into the tube. Here's what some it looks like:

 

[CJ6]

Laugh if you want too, But the Lee scoops an trickle....I started this when I was using H-5010 and now I use this method for almost everything.......

 

[SKWERLZ]

FX120 with V3
Mine even handles Lincoln logs N570 decently

 

[K22]

Depends on the powder - some small grain "stick" powders will meter within + or - .1 grain and for most noncompetitive shooters this quite adequate. Of course, ball powders meter quite uniformly.

I trickle my small grain "stick" powders in, setting the measure about .3 grain short of the targeted load. It's just habit I guess and a mental thing - no practical reason for varmint and predator hunting - it's more of a feel-good thing.  Since I'm retired, I have the time to do this.

Larger grain "stick" powders, like IMR 4350, I have to set the measure about .5 to .7 grain short then trickle to reach the targeted load weight.

 

[BlueWater]

I use custom inserts to adjust for powder size in mine that helps for over-throws. If it is a challenge I just throw about 0.3 low and use the trickle button.

The CM1500 is already set to begin trickling at about 0.7gr under. But with the exceptionally long-stick IMR 4350, it's rarely spot-on. Too many kernels dump out with even the slightest turn of the trickler.

Will look at "straw" or "tip" options, along with using a manual trickler for the final ~0.5gr. At least, with this powder.

 

[D-4297]

Poor , broke , old retired guy here , and I still use a RCBS manual powder measure stand , and hand trickle . But it does work good for 4350 , which I do use a lot of in my M-N rifles . Definitely not as fast as the "New" toys , but still very accurate . It's supposed to be a hobby , recreation . Why would you always want to be in a rush reloading ? To quote Charles Emerson Winchester III ; "I do one thing at a time" . "I do it exceedingly well , and then I move on to the next". If you don't know who "Charles" is , ask someone over forty .

 

[CharlieNC]

As suggested a smaller diameter insert plus adjusting the trickling parameters will make a major improvement.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The mcdonalds straw is how mine rolls. No issue on 4350, h1000, 7828 etc

 

[JMayo]

Set it low trickle up.
I put a few grains on the bench and toss what is needed in.

 

[TIMO]

For my CM 1500 I use a straw, which I can adjust how much, how fast powder is fed into the tube so that it doesn't dump several kernels during the trickle mode at the end. I also had adjusted the programming to the it will be drop rapidly in the beginning then slow it down so that not too much is being fed into the tube. Here's what some it looks like:

View attachment 1325086 View attachment 1325091
View attachment 1325092

As all have stated with a modified straw or other type. I use a plastic reducer then use an ink pen tip. That plus changing a lot of the dispensing settings to suit my preferred technique. Take some time with the settings and keep some notes, it takes some experimenting, you can always rein put the factory settings. I gave up a little speed for accuracy.
Tim