Author Topic: Mec Powder bushing low charge? (Read 1234 times)

Horsefeathers · « **on:** November 10, 2005, 08:35:00 AM »

I have loaded 28 gauge HS Win. shells with recomended Longshot powder. Mec suggests that a number 13 bushing be used for a charge of 14.8 grs. My loader throws only 13 grs. I weighed it on a balance scale and also an electronic scale . Its a new sizemaster tool. the loads shoot well . Can the weight be off that much?Horsefeathers...

.45 COLT · « **Reply #1 on:** November 11, 2005, 01:44:38 AM »

According to Hodgdon, the MEC #13 bushing throws 13.9 grains of Longshot.

I use adjustable charge bars, so have no idea how far off the bushings are, but even with Hodgdon's number, seems like it should be a little closer.

DC

Val · « **Reply #2 on:** November 12, 2005, 03:53:37 AM »

It's pretty normal for the powder bushings to dispense less powder than indicated by the MEC charts. You need to try the next size or 2 higher until you find the one that throws the proper amount.

Rod B · « **Reply #3 on:** November 12, 2005, 12:34:47 PM »

I use the bushing chart as a "guide" only. It will get you close but I find one has to experiment by weighing charges from progressively larger bushings.

When you think you have the correct bushing, weigh several charges to be sure.

Rod. :wink:

TCBrian · « **Reply #4 on:** November 18, 2005, 03:27:58 PM »

All my MEC bushings will throw a maximum or right around what the bushing chart shows. This is for safety. Most of the time they will throw less than the chart says. Many guys I know use the adjustable charge bars. I just use the bushing that throws what I want it too, this is done by experimenting and weighing charges. I only have a couple powder and bushing combos that throw what the chart says. I have heard that a powder baffle will help however.
You will find that cetain powders are much closer to what the chart says than others. Winchester ball powders tend to work best for me.

WSF is what I use the most and it meters good. Many guys I know use longshot for hot 12 gauge loads and they say it meters good and constitant, so you should be fine once you find the bushing that works for you. You may want to chrono your load if you have one. That is if velocity matters that much to you. If you are hitting your targets, killing birds or breaking clays, a few grains probably wont even matter depending on what you are using your 28 Gauge for.

Good shooting,
Brian

kenscot · « **Reply #5 on:** December 27, 2005, 07:09:38 AM »

I have yet to find a mec bushing that does not throw less powder than the chart specifies I just keep going up until I reach the charge wieight that the manual specs

wild willy · « **Reply #6 on:** December 28, 2005, 01:44:40 PM »

All my bushing throw lighter charges than the chart. to get more consistent charges you need to have you press mounted solidly on a heavy bench

Geno · « **Reply #7 on:** December 29, 2005, 05:04:04 AM »

also, a progressive press tends to throw a lighter than advertised charge, from my experience.

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2006, 08:47:44 AM »

They are usually a couple off. Also when throwing samples for checking work through an entire load sequence before throwing a sample. Just throwing a sample will give you an "unsettled" sample. The vibration associated with running a full sequence will usually cause the charge to be a touch heavier due to settlement.