Problem with Uniflow powder measure and Unique

jal5 · February 10, 2009, 08:20 PM

I am loading 38 spl, 3.9gr Unique in one batch and 4.0 gr in a second batch. First time using the Uniflow. Followed directions and ran about 1/2 lb of powder through it. Ran my first loads to be as close to 3.6gr as I could get it then wanted to weigh the charge and trickle up to 3.9 or 4.0.

That measuring rod confuses me, do you set the measurement as the mark under the lock nut, which is the only mark you can see, or above the lock nut but you cannot see that once it is tightened down? I set it as the mark under it only to get very high readings. I finally moved it between 0 and 1 which threw a charge of 3.6 gr.

Secondly, throwing the powder into the cup for the scale resulted in a small amount of powder flying out all over the bench top. Whats the correct way to do this? Is it the Unique which is flake shaped or am i messing up?

Thanks.
Joe

dlb435 · February 10, 2009, 08:31 PM

The Uniflow works best with ball powders. Read the directions again. Flake powders will vary a little from charge to charge. As long as the drift is within the range of load for that caliber, you will be OK. I don't understand why you are getting powder thrown out. You press the cartdidge up against the mouth and all of the powder will go in the case.

Shoney · February 10, 2009, 08:45 PM

Flake powders like Unique will "bridge" from the weight of the powder above, making it drop in uneven amounts, When you install double baffles in the measure, it makes the powder drops more consistent.

See the pattern for baffles which can be cut out from pop can aluminum at:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=304280

RamSlammer · February 10, 2009, 08:56 PM

Unique is very versatile, but it measures with difficulty from most powder dispensers. I came across a deal and now own 16 pounds of the stuff and am finding it's best used in target loads where +/- 2-3/10ths of a grain are not a big deal. I'd never try loading something small like .380 ACP with it unless weighing each charge.

jal5 · February 10, 2009, 09:12 PM

DLB-
I was weighing each case since I was unsure of the weight of the charges. So I was dropping the charges into the scale cup, it was flying out of that cup.

I will try the double baffle idea. thanks.

February 10, 2009, 08:20 PM	#1
jal5 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 419	Problem with Uniflow powder measure and Unique I am loading 38 spl, 3.9gr Unique in one batch and 4.0 gr in a second batch. First time using the Uniflow. Followed directions and ran about 1/2 lb of powder through it. Ran my first loads to be as close to 3.6gr as I could get it then wanted to weigh the charge and trickle up to 3.9 or 4.0. That measuring rod confuses me, do you set the measurement as the mark under the lock nut, which is the only mark you can see, or above the lock nut but you cannot see that once it is tightened down? I set it as the mark under it only to get very high readings. I finally moved it between 0 and 1 which threw a charge of 3.6 gr. Secondly, throwing the powder into the cup for the scale resulted in a small amount of powder flying out all over the bench top. Whats the correct way to do this? Is it the Unique which is flake shaped or am i messing up? Thanks. Joe __________________ We live in the greatest country on Earth- always be thankful!

February 10, 2009, 08:45 PM	#3
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	Flake powders like Unique will "bridge" from the weight of the powder above, making it drop in uneven amounts, When you install double baffles in the measure, it makes the powder drops more consistent. See the pattern for baffles which can be cut out from pop can aluminum at: http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=304280 __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

February 10, 2009, 09:12 PM	#5
jal5 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 419	DLB- I was weighing each case since I was unsure of the weight of the charges. So I was dropping the charges into the scale cup, it was flying out of that cup. I will try the double baffle idea. thanks. __________________ We live in the greatest country on Earth- always be thankful!

February 10, 2009, 08:31 PM	#2
dlb435 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Posts: 654	The Uniflow works best with ball powders. Read the directions again. Flake powders will vary a little from charge to charge. As long as the drift is within the range of load for that caliber, you will be OK. I don't understand why you are getting powder thrown out. You press the cartdidge up against the mouth and all of the powder will go in the case.

February 10, 2009, 08:56 PM	#4
RamSlammer Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Location: Arkansas Posts: 722	Unique is very versatile, but it measures with difficulty from most powder dispensers. I came across a deal and now own 16 pounds of the stuff and am finding it's best used in target loads where +/- 2-3/10ths of a grain are not a big deal. I'd never try loading something small like .380 ACP with it unless weighing each charge.