Why PRS Shooters prefer Harrell’s Precision BR Premium Powder Measure

[hpshooter]

Hands down, the best mechanical measures I have are a couple of Belding And Mulls. They are slower to use, compared to a traditional measure, but no slower than using the Chargemaster.

For what it's worth....

I have two Harrell's and use them a lot. BUT, I also have two Belding and Mulls and agree with AINhus especially if dealing with flake or large stick powder.

 

[Explorer1]

My Redding BR measure is collecting dust, need to sell it.
The Lyman Gen6 system works and gets used when loading 3-5 rds for testing something new.
My Harrell has worked well forever, its both my go-to and what I use to load in the field.
Never knew I had a "problem" till I got a Garmin Chrony. What a trap as I started chasing SDs with dreams of grandeur and the Holy Grail.
The Harrell will remain my volume use tool, the V4 for those "special" uses, like BR and distance.

I'm running out of excuses, might have to learn to shoot!

 

[servant403]

I once saw a comparison test of powder measures. I was just looking for it again but could not find it.
The test included popular measures used today and the Harrels. But the one that seemed to be the most consistent in this test was a CH tool and die model 502. The results were impressive if I recall. But like some here have already said the consistency of the user is the ultimate tool.

 

[Ajohnce]

I would also agree that the Belding & Mull was the best mechanical thrower. I have tested it a long time ago against my Harrell and the B&M was consistently more accurate. Still using mine.

 

[Varminterror]

Any quality or performance conversation of the Harrel's measure, or popularity among other shooting sport disciplines notwithstanding, is there any data out there which actually supports the titular claim that PRS shooters prefer the Harrells drop?

All of the data and personal interaction I have had in discussion with hundreds of PRS shooters over the last 8 years has really, REALLY not agreed with the claim that the Harrell's drop is "preferred." Autotricklers, supertricklers, Ingenuity Tricklers (old version), or Chargemasters - all electronic dispensers + scales/balances.

Here's an example of this data reflecting the 2024 Finalists:



Here's the live data from the PRS Member Site:

 

[markm87]

Well I've only used the Harrell's benchrest powder measure so I have no alternative to compare it to.

I no longer have the patience for the God awful Chargemaster. The Harrell's is AT LEAST 5 times as fast. I mostly run IMR long grain rice extruded through it.

I have an A&D thingy, but it can't cut extruded kernals and is basically an overpriced table ornament. It jams and tries to finish the charge on the trickler. Worst investment ever. I don't need to meter ball powder.

 

[Varminterror]

I have an A&D thingy, but it can't cut extruded kernals and is basically an overpriced table ornament. It jams and tries to finish the charge on the trickler.

That's strange - I dispense Varget, H4350, and gigantic H50BMG without issues on my Autotrickler and Autothrow above the A&D. The current AutoTrickler V4 doesn't use a powder drop at all, just 2 sizes of rotary augers, so it's even less sensitive to powder shapes and sizes.

 

[markm87]

That's strange - I dispense Varget, H4350, and gigantic H50BMG without issues on my Autotrickler and Autothrow above the A&D. The current AutoTrickler V4 doesn't use a powder drop at all, just 2 sizes of rotary augers, so it's even less sensitive to powder shapes and sizes.

Last time I set it up was with H1000 I think. I just gave up. Could have been IMR 4350 though. The scale is amazing. It's just the throw portion that sucked. I'd be happy if I could manually throw the main charge and let it trickle up.

 

[Varminterror]

Last time I set it up was with H1000 I think. I just gave up. Could have been IMR 4350 though. The scale is amazing. It's just the throw portion that sucked. I'd be happy if I could manually throw the main charge and let it trickle up.

You can, you'd just disconnect the throw cable.

But for someone buying in the current market, the V4 doesn't have that issue, because it does not use a powder drop for the main charge like the V2 and V3.

 

[Explorer1]

The FX-123 sets on my bench awaiting the V4 and used the Harrel's to load 20 rounds for some trouble shooting. Had individually weighed previous rounds, didn't want to spend that much time for these. Shot 10-rd groups measured at 0.35x so perhaps the extra effort is more academic than practical?

 

[JFrank]

I use a Harrell’s measure with a FX120 and Dandy trickler.
The Harrell’s alone is “NOT” accurate on every throw, you must trickle up to the desired weight.

 

[xr650rRider]

Last time I set it up was with H1000 I think. I just gave up. Could have been IMR 4350 though. The scale is amazing. It's just the throw portion that sucked. I'd be happy if I could manually throw the main charge and let it trickle up.

I load a lot of H-1000, RL-33, H-4831, H-4350 and the V3 Autotrickler with A&D FX-120i and it has zero problems. With both the original trickler and Ingenuity Precision trickler. Let's see a photo of this setup causing issues.

 

[SKWERLZ]

Agreed

I found a refinement that helped my ammo made with a powder dropper
When setting it up for an amount--I would throw 10 charges into one pan then measure--Then adjust--toss another 10 charges--until the Total for 10 was as close as I could get it--this easy and well know trick seemed to iron out the differences to the minimum the equipment was capable of--
As stated the user has to develop a method--be it a slight tap at the top and bottom of a stroke or whatever you come up with try and repeat it the best you can

I love my V4 but I am not scared of a good ole powder dropper--Harrels being a nice one for sure

I love my V3 as well but I load pistol, 223 and 22 arc and possibly 6BRA soon with a Hornandy or rcbs powder throw.

Like you said, a consistent tap tap and averaging multiple throws really ups that game.

 

[SKWERLZ]

I load a lot of H-1000, RL-33, H-4831, H-4350 and the V3 Autotrickler with A&D FX-120i and it has zero problems. With both the original trickler and Ingenuity Precision trickler. Let's see a photo of this setup causing issues.

I load a lot of N570 in my V3
Works well and getting a 96.5 gn. Charge of it in 10 or so seconds accurate to a single kernel is difficult to complain about.

 

[searcher]

I use a Harrell’s measure with a FX120 and Dandy trickler.
The Harrell’s alone is “NOT” accurate on every throw, you must trickle up to the desired weight.

I weigh everything after charging with my Harrel's. But that is only because the powders I use aren't the most conducive to hopper accuracy. There are super-fine powders that can be thrown straight into the cases (with perhaps 1/20th grain deviation -the results of which would not show on most folk's targets. Lots of world records taken without scales.... I like the smooth and accurate adjustability of the Harrel's. I don't "chop the big wood" with it.

 

[markm87]

I load a lot of H-1000, RL-33, H-4831, H-4350 and the V3 Autotrickler with A&D FX-120i and it has zero problems. With both the original trickler and Ingenuity Precision trickler. Let's see a photo of this setup causing issues.

Old photo. Looks to be 40.8 gr of IMR 4350 for 6.5cm.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Us North Western Pa. boys need to stick together......A big plug for Neil Jones.

As it is, a 60 year old Uniflow with the proper drum does as good. But the
bottom line is, I still hand trickle up.

Neil Jones here also. 30 years and going strong.