The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - New to Reloading, Weight Variation Question

Nathan · April 30, 2012, 08:21 PM

Your method has some possibility, but you would have to separate bullets and cases into .1 gr or similar increments to make this effective.

Now, powder which measures ~5gr, usually meters well. That means it's weight for a given throw or volume is very accurate. Usually, I find pistol powders can be "thrown" to +/- 0.1 gr. to do this, you will need to practice a consistent throw technique. At first, I measured my fist 10 and then 1 in 10. Now I know my measure well enough to just check my first 3 and then about 1 in 50. I also visually check case powder fill 100% before putting the bullet in.

So, the key to me is being sure of my powder measure technique. If thi is impossible, like with Reloader 19, I throw ~0.5-1 gr under, put it on the scale and trickle up to weight. I have a balance type scale, so this works. Avoid trickling on digital scales, unless rated for it. They can give bad readings.

Last, get a scale you trust 100%, then buy check weights to prove it to yourself.

If your powder measure doesn't throw +/-0.2 with 5gr charges ask the maker why. It is likely your setup, cleaning, configuration, etc. they know. Call them.

April 30, 2012, 08:21 PM	#8
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,817	Your method has some possibility, but you would have to separate bullets and cases into .1 gr or similar increments to make this effective. Now, powder which measures ~5gr, usually meters well. That means it's weight for a given throw or volume is very accurate. Usually, I find pistol powders can be "thrown" to +/- 0.1 gr. to do this, you will need to practice a consistent throw technique. At first, I measured my fist 10 and then 1 in 10. Now I know my measure well enough to just check my first 3 and then about 1 in 50. I also visually check case powder fill 100% before putting the bullet in. So, the key to me is being sure of my powder measure technique. If thi is impossible, like with Reloader 19, I throw ~0.5-1 gr under, put it on the scale and trickle up to weight. I have a balance type scale, so this works. Avoid trickling on digital scales, unless rated for it. They can give bad readings. Last, get a scale you trust 100%, then buy check weights to prove it to yourself. If your powder measure doesn't throw +/-0.2 with 5gr charges ask the maker why. It is likely your setup, cleaning, configuration, etc. they know. Call them.