Powder weight or volume?

[old_heli_logger]

What matters most? It depends? Calm down...

 

[marchboom]

All I know is that benchrest shooters load by volume. However, I have never seen any tests proving one way is superior.

 

[old_heli_logger]

Thanks! It makes sense... volume wouldn't change with humidity, but weight would

 

[marchboom]

Now is the time to research powder measures to see what the pros are using. Spend whatever it takes to get the best measure. You won't regret the money outlay and you will love using a quality measure.

 

[Doom]

Thanks! It makes sense... volume wouldn't change with humidity, but weight would

Not true. Volume does change with humidity. Last check water occupies space.

All I know is that benchrest shooters load by volume. However, I have never seen any tests proving one way is superior.

SRBR shooters don't worry about minor velocity variations as they have very little effect on their POI. I'll let the Longer shooters comment on that discipline.

As to which is more important? Weight and volume are tied together through the powder bulk density. The way that the powder combusts is related to case fill and powder orientation. So consistent case fill tends to drive combustion consistency. Within reason depending on the powder and case fill the method that gives the most consistent case fill might be shown to be superior.

 

[Straightshooter1]

this ^^^^^, what Doom said.

Powder kernels expand or contract as they loose or absorb moisture.

And I'll add, while consistent case fill is very important, another aspect of that as well is having the case at or close to 100% case fill. When the case if filled at 100% or so, ignition tends to be very consistent. That's why I always try to select powder that can do that for me.

 

[Webster]

Thanks! It makes sense... volume wouldn't change with humidity, but weight would

Volume of a powder isn't the same as volume of a liquid. What do you think drop tubes are for? If you shake it or drop it over increased height it compacts more. Someone said bench shooters measure by volume, I don't think that's true. Why is everyone buying $1000 electronic scales?

 

[marchboom]

Would be interesting to take a survey of pro benchrest shooters to see what measuring devices they are using.

 

[Bronsin]

It's a rarity to see someone using a thrower anymore.