Powder weight question

[nmkid]

Last night I loaded up some rounds using 2 different powders, (IMR-4350 & H-414). I was loading 56.0 grains of each. After I was done using the IMR I switched to the 414. At this point I didn't think I would have to reset my powder measure, (Redding) because it was going to be the same load, (56.0 grs). WHAT!!...The H-414 load pegged the beam all the way to the top. So...I guess different powder doesn't weigh the same even though you are loading the same amount of grains?

 

[dmoran]

Powder density is the key word......
H414 has a bulk density of around .980-g/cm3, while IMR4350 is only around .880-g/cm3

But even from powders of similar density's, never expect them to throw the same charge weights.
Good Luck
Donovan

 

[ShootDots]

Hoadgdon 414 is a ball powder and it's loading density has to be at least 1/3rd higher than the sticks of IMR 4350. EVERY powder needs to be "re-set" on a thrower.. I have a A&D FX-120I which can measure down to the individual kernel.. Some powders are so light in weight, like RL-15 and VVN140, that my scale will not measure a single kernel on those particular powders. AND I have a Harrell powder measure, which is one of the best, and ONLY ball powders can get so close to the weight I need that you might not have to weigh the charge. But ANY stick powder, the variations from "throw to throw" are no where near the correct charge weight for real accuracy. So when I load for a match, I throw a few tenths under the desired charge weight and trickle up to what I need..

 

[Pres100]

Last night I loaded up some rounds using 2 different powders, (IMR-4350 & H-414). I was loading 56.0 grains of each. After I was done using the IMR I switched to the 414. At this point I didn't think I would have to reset my powder measure, (Redding) because it was going to be the same load, (56.0 grs). WHAT!!...The H-414 load pegged the beam all the way to the top. So...I guess different powder doesn't weigh the same even though you are loading the same amount of grains?

As the others stated..
Remember that a powder measure is based off of volume to achieve an approximate weight (usually varies due to how the powder fills the volume of the powder measure's chamber). A scale is what measures the actual mass of the charge.

 

[jds holler]

In the same way that a cup full of flour weighs differently than a cup full of bird shot, the same volume of two different powders can differ greatly in weight. jd

 

[CJ6]

Last night I loaded up some rounds using 2 different powders, (IMR-4350 & H-414). I was loading 56.0 grains of each. After I was done using the IMR I switched to the 414. At this point I didn't think I would have to reset my powder measure, (Redding) because it was going to be the same load, (56.0 grs). WHAT!!...The H-414 load pegged the beam all the way to the top. So...I guess different powder doesn't weigh the same even though you are loading the same amount of grains?

It's good you caught this before PULLING a trigger..Always check EACH powder for proper weight, then check periodically while loading.