Author Topic: Powder problems (Read 478 times)

EOD3 · « **on:** August 31, 2003, 10:46:00 AM »

Ive recently been bitten by the CAS shooting bug. Ive been reloading both rifle and pistol with a single stage RCBS for a few years. Id like to add a progressive press but Im concerned about inconsistency of the powder measure. The RCBS powder measure I have isnt too good at throwing small loads. Trying to get 6.0 grains of unique out of it is nearly impossible. Which progressive would you folks recommend? Can anyone recommend a cure for the RCBS powder measure Im currently using?

EOD3 (AKA Rusty Fingers)

John Traveler · « **Reply #1 on:** August 31, 2003, 04:17:58 PM »

Hi, EDD3!

The RCBS powder measure can use either a rifle measuring chamber, or a pistol measuring chamber. The pistol measuring chamber should give more consistant results with smaller pistol charges.

As you've probably discovered, Unique is a relatively coarse-grained flake powder, and doesn't throw uniform charges. You can switch to a finer-grained powder that throws well (Bullseye, WW231, etc) or just accept it.

I used to shoot PPC revolver, and my handloaded practice and competition loads used Bullseye and 148 HBWC bullets. They were plenty accurate enough to win a few competitions.

I've learned to keep my powder measure at least 3/4 full at all times, and just use it. The minor inconsistancies shouldn't affect your scores much.

HTH
John

Flint · « **Reply #2 on:** August 31, 2003, 05:58:45 PM »

As John Traveller hinted, it sounds like you have a rifle drum in your RCBS measure. I use the RCBS measure when I'm not loading progressive and have no problem with it. The RCBS can also be used on a Dillon, with the adapter, but it becomes a manual powder drop if you do that. Hogdon's Titegroup is a very good powder for light loads. I prefer Dillon for a progressive, try the 550B. It comes with adjustable powder slides, and if you get a few extra you can set them up for your favorite loads and mark them

EOD3 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2003, 06:32:40 PM »

Thanks guys,

Im using the stem that came with the powder measure, sounds like I need to get one of the small micrometer stems.

Im using Titegroup in my .44 ammo and if I could find load date for the 38 S&W and 45/70, Id be a happy camper. Im having trouble finding any useable data for the 38. Im trying to use Hornady 145 grain cast bullets on 2.2 grains of W231 but seating them to 1.2 doesnt look like its going to work.

Ill have a look at the Dillon press.

Thanks,
EOD3

Cheyenne Ranger · « **Reply #4 on:** September 01, 2003, 05:58:20 AM »

I'm going to second the Dillon press. I've been using the Sq. Deal B's for just about ever (to give you an idea of how long my first one's price was $125!!! and that was new). It does what I want (but doesn't do rifle calibers). Notice that it will do 44-40, though.
My pard has a 550 and likes it but I like the automatic indexing so iffn I going to do rifle calibers I'd get a 650.

Just my :money:

Cheyenne

Capt Hamp Cox · « **Reply #5 on:** September 01, 2003, 10:52:54 AM »

Don't think you can go wrong with the Dillon. Mine is the RL550B and I've never had a problem with the press or the Dillon powder measure. I load .44 Spc/Mag for my CAS, and .38 Spc and .357 Mag for Texanna's (all with TITEGROUP). Also use the Dillon to reload .40 S&W .45 ACP, .22-250 Rem, .308 Win, 6.5 X 55 mm, .260 Rem, 7.65 Arg Mauser, .300 Win Mag, .303 Brit, 7 MM Rem Mag, .22 Hornet, .30-30 Win, and .30-06. Do wish it had auto indexing, but I'm so used to manual indexing now I don't guess I'll change.

Flint · « **Reply #6 on:** September 02, 2003, 06:30:08 AM »

EDD3, go the Hogdon's website, you can print their whole Cowboy Action loading Manual on Adobe Acrobat off the net., and more There's all kinds of loading data on the web.

EOD3 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 02, 2003, 11:37:32 AM »

I load lots of rifle so I think Id be better of with the 550 or maybe one of the RCBS turret presses. Ill see what I can find at the next gun show.

Ive got the data from Hodgdon, Alliant, and IMR. The only load shown for the 38 is 2.2 to 2.5 grains of HP38 under a 145 grain cast bullet. The Hodgdon annual shows the same load with a COL of 1.2 inches which only seats the Hornady 145 grain (.358) bullet about 3/16 into the case mouth. I cant find any real 38 S&W bullets (.360) anywhere. I expect the correct bullets would have a profile similar to commercial ammunition which would seat further into the case. I may have to pull one of the commercial rounds and measure its seating depth.

EOD3