can anyone explain the phenomenon im noticing with my powder measure where it throws less and less powder as i go, typically decreasing a scotch under .1 grains aproximately every ten throws? seems odd that it consistently does this. also seems to do it more with rod powder than ball powder. just curious if this happens for everyone.thanks
powder measure drift
- Thread starter marduk185
- Start date
Re: powder measure drift
Do you have a set proceedure for throwing your powder? Are you keeping the powder bottle between 3/4 and 1/4 full? What is your humidity in the area when you are throwing charges?
Having a set proceedure in the way and speed you throw your charges will make a marked difference.
Having a somewhat constant downward pressure on the powder hopper will help decrease the chance of having that weight effect the size and weight of the charges thrown.
If the humidity is on the dry side, static electricity can build up and cause powder to stick inside the hopper and drop tube areas. If there is a static charge it can lead to what is called "bridging". That's where the powder actually sticks and caused particals of the powder to "bridge" across from one side to the other and cause a partial block in the drop tube / area. If there is a static charge there are several ways to rid yourself of it. I have found the best for me is to use a small copper wire and alligator clips and actually do a hardwire ground to a ccold water pipe. (Having tripped and caused the wire to pull loose several times, I use masking tape to stick it down to the floor when I'm using it. I have to run it down the hall to clip to the washing machine supply pipes. When I take everything to the range, I use the same wire and push an 8" nail from Lowe's into the ground in front of the bench I'm at.)
I hope one of these ideas helps you.
Do you have a set proceedure for throwing your powder? Are you keeping the powder bottle between 3/4 and 1/4 full? What is your humidity in the area when you are throwing charges?
Having a set proceedure in the way and speed you throw your charges will make a marked difference.
Having a somewhat constant downward pressure on the powder hopper will help decrease the chance of having that weight effect the size and weight of the charges thrown.
If the humidity is on the dry side, static electricity can build up and cause powder to stick inside the hopper and drop tube areas. If there is a static charge it can lead to what is called "bridging". That's where the powder actually sticks and caused particals of the powder to "bridge" across from one side to the other and cause a partial block in the drop tube / area. If there is a static charge there are several ways to rid yourself of it. I have found the best for me is to use a small copper wire and alligator clips and actually do a hardwire ground to a ccold water pipe. (Having tripped and caused the wire to pull loose several times, I use masking tape to stick it down to the floor when I'm using it. I have to run it down the hall to clip to the washing machine supply pipes. When I take everything to the range, I use the same wire and push an 8" nail from Lowe's into the ground in front of the bench I'm at.)
I hope one of these ideas helps you.
Re: powder measure drift
basically, if you have a full hopper there is more weight pressing down on your powder, pushing more into the measuring meter. As you use up the powder and the hopper becomes emptier, there is less weight pushing down on the powder. I would assume that with more weight, there would be more compacting of the powder and with less weight, it would compact less. This could account for the differences in your charges.
basically, if you have a full hopper there is more weight pressing down on your powder, pushing more into the measuring meter. As you use up the powder and the hopper becomes emptier, there is less weight pushing down on the powder. I would assume that with more weight, there would be more compacting of the powder and with less weight, it would compact less. This could account for the differences in your charges.
Re: powder measure drift
Do a search for "powder baffles" which can be cut out of cardboard or sheet metal to put in your hopper. If the powder column weight is the culprit, this will fix it.
here is a premade one, but you can cut one out of cardboard for less than $9
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=699516
madd0c
Do a search for "powder baffles" which can be cut out of cardboard or sheet metal to put in your hopper. If the powder column weight is the culprit, this will fix it.
here is a premade one, but you can cut one out of cardboard for less than $9
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=699516
madd0c
Re: powder measure drift
What Victor said about powder level in the hopper.
Try leaving the powder in the hopper overnight. Seems to help it get acclimated/settle down. Also try dryer sheet trick, can't trip on that.
Are you tapping when you throw? Thrower lever up, tap tap, thrower lever down, tap tap.
What Victor said about powder level in the hopper.
Try leaving the powder in the hopper overnight. Seems to help it get acclimated/settle down. Also try dryer sheet trick, can't trip on that.
Are you tapping when you throw? Thrower lever up, tap tap, thrower lever down, tap tap.
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