auto powder

#1 · May 11, 2013, 9:58 pm

what's the trick to getting consistent powder loads?

I'm a beginner with this.

Using Vihtavuori N320 powder

I cycle 20x before starting to weigh

Get

5.8g
1.5
0 (few grains)
5.9
6.0
6.1
5.7
4.7
0
.4
.7
5.9
6.5
6.3
6.6
0
5.4
6.2

Suggestions?

Lee

#2 · May 12, 2013, 1:11 am

WOW. Something is seriously wrong. There has to be a problem with your set up. I've been reloading with a RL550B for a couple months now and never get anything other than perfect powder throws.

I would go back through the directions and set the powder measure up again. Make sure there isn't anything stuck inside the measure. Also, Make sure the powder bar is fully returning after each stroke and the failsafe rod is properly adjusted. The instructions explain how to do this. If the bar doesn't fully return it won't fill properly for the next throw. While you're at it, make sure you're using the correct bar. It appears your loading handgun ammo so you'll want the small bar. Check your powder to make sure it isn't clumping due to moisture contamination etc.

I should probably mention that the case pushing up on the powder funnel is what actuates the powder measure. The only way to get an accurate measure is to adjust the powder die for what ever case your loading (again, the instructions explain how o do this) then run a case into the die and dump the powder out of the case onto your scale. Make sure the powder bar is achieving a full stroke when cycling the press handle and that it fully returns when lowering the handle.

Hope this helps,
Steve

#3 · May 13, 2013, 12:04 am

once I removed the failsafe, it was obvious powder bar wasn't fully returning.

I'm Very happy with the loads now.

Thanks for the suggestions.