relying on powder throwers...

[feralbuster]

Are you guys happy to RELY on a powder thrower ???
when I first started reloading I ran a redding thrower, and would check each load on the scales before dropping it in the case.

Some time ago I upgraded to a RCBS chargemaster, which is great, especially for load development work or small capacity cartridges, but its a bit slow as anyone who owns one would know.

so, to speed things up a bought a Harrells premium thrower last year for loading bulk rounds, and this morning I was disappointed to find the following when going for a load of 58grains 2208:
57.8
57.1
57.9
55.8
57.7
59.8
56.5
59.2
55.4
59.2

so thats a spread from the minimum to the maximum charge for the 9.3X62 I'm loading for

Thoughts anyone ???

[jeffk]

I have the same stup, and only get a variation of a fraction of a grain. Presume you are using a consistent technique, keeping the thing full, running the baffle and dumped a couple of tins of powder through it to coat and lube all the internals?

Also, what powder? They work best with short grain or ball, IME. Long stick stuff is a PITA.

[feralbuster]

Jeff, I dont remember seeing a baffle with the Harrels (the redding has one though).
It is new, and no I haven't put a couple of tins of powder through it, so I will take up your suggestion and 'run it in', and see what happens
I always keep the thrower at least half full

[aam]

I've got a RCBS and Harrells. You shouldn't get more than a +/- .2 grain spread, that's what I noticed when using 2208 in both powder throwers. The only time it went really high, .3 over my setting, was when I was shearing the kernel's. I forgot to mention this is in 308 cases.

Regardless of which powder thrower one uses, cheap or expensive and if one is using stick type powders there will be these inconsistencies in thrown charges.

I don't think there is a way around this, just be more consistent with your throws to reduce this spread.

I load for the 375 H&H using the RCBS thrower and get +/- .3 variation. Considering the animals I hunt, donkey and camels , all under 100m. This powder variation has not affected accuracy at this range.

If you really want to reduce the spread, I would be using the Chargemaster. It might be slow, but will give you the desired results.

[MISSED]

I would be willing to run it in for you just drop it in the post and I will get it back in a couple of years

[feralbuster]

I would be willing to run it in for you just drop it in the post and I will get it back in a couple of years

okay, whats your address...

aam, the thrower just has to perform well enough for loading up bulk ammo in 308 & 9.3, I'll use my chargemaster where I need the accuracy

[trevort]

I love my chargemaster

[Plowboy]

Hmmm glad I got the lyman gen 6! I wouldn't have run a test like that on a Harrell. Never used that powder but in my limited use of my lyman, I couldn't be more happy.

[Plowboy]

Double post sorry

[feralbuster]

I love my chargemaster

love is beautiful thing Trevor

[chris.tyne]

Feral buster which measure do you have,is it the Br 60 or the 120?,I have done quite a few tests over the time on the Harrel's I have and a Jones as well,I have come to the conclussion that a bit over half of a grain is about what they will hold reliably.I remove the baffle from mine and keep it topped up and also a consistent action is paramount when operation the handle.
I have a shit plastic lee thrower that when using BM2 ,2219,760 it is about on par with the Harrels,not near as nice,isnt repeatable and dont cost near as much but it is what it is and does what it does...................just my 2 cents worth.

[feralbuster]

Chris, I've got a 120.
I'm gonna strip in down tonight and give it a work-over to see if it improves

[chris.tyne]

AhhhHaaa see there is your problem,the 120's arnt that great,you would be far better with a Lee................I just happen to have a fully tuned Lee here that I can swap you and take that pesky 120 of your hands,what are mate for I say
Honestly I wouldnt pull it apart as there isnt much you can do to them.
Practice your ..........................Hmmmm I am not going to say the word as you will all take the piss,the word rhyms with bloke and has a S at the front ,2208 is getting close to the upper limits of accurately throwing from charge to charge due to kernel length,I do use mine for 2209 but I may dump 1 or two out of every ten back into the hopper due to crunching .

[trevort]

I love my chargemaster

love is beautiful thing Trevor

This topic makes me love it more

[Glenn]

Practice your ..........................Hmmmm I am not going to say the word as you will all take the piss,the word rhyms with bloke and has a S at the front

Technique!!!

Glenn