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  #1  
Old 05-13-2005, 12:45 AM
Big joe Big joe is offline
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Charge Volume vs Weight???

I have heard that for rifle reloading a metered volume of powder is as accurate or even more accurate as actually weighing the powder. Is this true? Man... I hope so... weighing my powder takes forever!!! Also.. if this is true, what should I look for in a powder measure?


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Old 05-13-2005, 10:13 AM
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Rocky Raab Rocky Raab is offline
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Anyone who uses a common powder dispenser (such as the RCBS UniFlow) actually DOES measure by volume, not weight.

True, the person may adjust the volume to achieve a weight -or close to it- but the actual dispensing is by volume.

Only if you weigh each and every charge do you truly load a weight of powder.

Electronic dispensing systems (such as the PACT/RCBS) are pure weight systems, because the scale controls the dispenser.

Benchrest guys use very accurate and very expensive powder dispensers such as a Harrell's or a Redding BR. Normal shooters don't need that kind of accuracy or expense, because a variation of a few tenths of a percent of the charge weight is meaningless.

RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, Redding and others all make good dispensers. A semi-new one is the JDS I reviewed on my webpage, but it's for rifle only. It's very good, though.

User technique is more important than the brand you choose. With good technique, even the Lee dipper set is perfectly adequate for most loading. I use one myself at times, especially for pistol loads.
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Old 05-13-2005, 11:17 PM
smalstuf smalstuf is offline
 
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The JDS Quick Measure does offer a small charge funnel for their measure that will throw pistol charges down to 3 grains. Their website is www.quick-measure.com
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Old 05-14-2005, 09:40 AM
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Rocky Raab Rocky Raab is offline
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Thanks for the update, and a hearty welcome to the board!
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Old 05-15-2005, 09:06 PM
Catfish Catfish is offline
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Most of the powder measures on the market do at least a fair job of measureing ball powders, but if your going to load stick powders you`ll need a higher dollar one.
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Old 05-18-2005, 02:57 PM
Critch Critch is offline
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What does it mean on the Lee Dippers that the dipper must be "struck"?

I use them for pistols and I fill the dipper and level it with a business card.

Seems to work fine, especially with my 45 Long Colt.

Very inconsistent in my experience for rifles.
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Old 05-18-2005, 04:59 PM
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Rocky Raab Rocky Raab is offline
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That's exactly what "struck" means, Critch: to "strike" it off level with something like a card.

BTW, the most consistent way I've found to use a Lee dipper (or any other dipper) is NOT to drag it through the powder open end first. I BACK mine in, lowering the closed end in until the powder spills into the open end. Then lift the filled dipper out and strike off the rounded mound of powder. VERY consistent method.

Use an old heavy-bottom whiskey glass (one or two always seem to follow me out of a Vegas casino, LOL!) to hold the powder. Just about the right amount, won't tip over easily and static free. Great.
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