When metering Varget, I often have the dispenser hang up on a kernel of powder. Do you try to work around it by jiggling the handle a bit, or do you just force it and cut the kernel(s)?
To cut or not to cut--
- Thread starter johngfoster
- Start date
Re: To cut or not to cut--
Simply don't use any charge that involves cutting. As a practical matter, those interested in accuracy will weigh their charges. A popular alternative is an electronic measure like the RCBS ChargeMaster Combo.
Simply don't use any charge that involves cutting. As a practical matter, those interested in accuracy will weigh their charges. A popular alternative is an electronic measure like the RCBS ChargeMaster Combo.
Re: To cut or not to cut--
Powder measures will cut from time to time with different powder grain types. Don't try to jiggle it because that will cause a bigger load variation than just cutting through.
If you weigh that cut charge you will not even be able to measure the difference.
Good powder measures give just as good accuracy as weighing charges , thousands of BR shooters prove that every weekend.
For example weigh up one grain of Varget and see how many individual granules of powder there is in one grain weight . So how much difference do you think a couple of cut granules are going to make.
Good quality powder measures with close fitting drums and sharp edges suffer less from cutting problems.
Get a jar full of graphite and now and then run it through the measure back into the jar to lubricate it and smooth it up a bit.
I use a lot of Varget ( AR 2208) and very similar powders in a Harrels and a Redding Comp powder measure and cutting is not a problem. You may be using a rough handling style that is compacting the powder too much or the measure is being compacted by sitting on a bench while a press is being used. Only load the powder measure when all other loading operations are finnished except for throwing the powder and seating the bullets. Use a gentle steady throw action and if a bit gets caught just push through
to powder drop.
Powder measures will cut from time to time with different powder grain types. Don't try to jiggle it because that will cause a bigger load variation than just cutting through.
If you weigh that cut charge you will not even be able to measure the difference.
Good powder measures give just as good accuracy as weighing charges , thousands of BR shooters prove that every weekend.
For example weigh up one grain of Varget and see how many individual granules of powder there is in one grain weight . So how much difference do you think a couple of cut granules are going to make.
Good quality powder measures with close fitting drums and sharp edges suffer less from cutting problems.
Get a jar full of graphite and now and then run it through the measure back into the jar to lubricate it and smooth it up a bit.
I use a lot of Varget ( AR 2208) and very similar powders in a Harrels and a Redding Comp powder measure and cutting is not a problem. You may be using a rough handling style that is compacting the powder too much or the measure is being compacted by sitting on a bench while a press is being used. Only load the powder measure when all other loading operations are finnished except for throwing the powder and seating the bullets. Use a gentle steady throw action and if a bit gets caught just push through
to powder drop.
Re: To cut or not to cut--
I never worried about cutting a granule or 2 of powder. I haven't seen or heard anything that would say it is a problem.
I never worried about cutting a granule or 2 of powder. I haven't seen or heard anything that would say it is a problem.
Re: To cut or not to cut--
Thanks for the replies so far. My concern about cutting granules is whether it will change the burn rate appreciably or not. My guess is not, but physics would indicate that the smaller the particle, the quicker it burns (this is why corn dust causes explosions in grain elevators).
Thanks for the replies so far. My concern about cutting granules is whether it will change the burn rate appreciably or not. My guess is not, but physics would indicate that the smaller the particle, the quicker it burns (this is why corn dust causes explosions in grain elevators).
Re: To cut or not to cut--
I use to do the same with Varget, throw just under then trickle. I did not like cutting the grain. I started using the Lee Powder Dippers I had. It works faster for me. I use a dipper with a little more capacity than the weight I want, when the beam moves I then start jently tapping the dipper handle so it trikles. So I now do not use the Thrower or trikler for Varget. I do throw all of my BL-C2, it works perfect.
I use to do the same with Varget, throw just under then trickle. I did not like cutting the grain. I started using the Lee Powder Dippers I had. It works faster for me. I use a dipper with a little more capacity than the weight I want, when the beam moves I then start jently tapping the dipper handle so it trikles. So I now do not use the Thrower or trikler for Varget. I do throw all of my BL-C2, it works perfect.
Re: To cut or not to cut--
I am using a Lee Perfect measure ($21 at Midway) with RE15 and 4064 and don't have issues with cutting kernels. I still throw about .2-.4gr low and trickle up.
I just cannot get over the $20 investment doing so much good for my rifle reloading.
I am using a Lee Perfect measure ($21 at Midway) with RE15 and 4064 and don't have issues with cutting kernels. I still throw about .2-.4gr low and trickle up.
I just cannot get over the $20 investment doing so much good for my rifle reloading.
Re: To cut or not to cut--
For out to 300 yards I throw everything with my Harrell's Premium powder measure. 90+% of benchrest shooters (100 - 300) throw their charges.
For out to 300 yards I throw everything with my Harrell's Premium powder measure. 90+% of benchrest shooters (100 - 300) throw their charges.
Re: To cut or not to cut--
Cut grains are not an issue, but the measure may hiccup due to the agitation the cutting action induces. Check the charge weight and the two following charge weights. I typically charge at or just over my desired charge, weigh each charge and pinch out the excess, returning the excess to the measure hopper.
Cut grains are not an issue, but the measure may hiccup due to the agitation the cutting action induces. Check the charge weight and the two following charge weights. I typically charge at or just over my desired charge, weigh each charge and pinch out the excess, returning the excess to the measure hopper.
Re: To cut or not to cut--
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For out to 300 yards I throw everything with my Harrell's Premium powder measure. 90+% of benchrest shooters (100 - 300) throw their charges. </div></div>
For $200+, it better be pretty accurate!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For out to 300 yards I throw everything with my Harrell's Premium powder measure. 90+% of benchrest shooters (100 - 300) throw their charges. </div></div>
For $200+, it better be pretty accurate!
Re: To cut or not to cut--
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johngfoster</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the replies so far. My concern about cutting granules is whether it will change the burn rate appreciably or not. My guess is not, but physics would indicate that the smaller the particle, the quicker it burns (this is why corn dust causes explosions in grain elevators). </div></div>
One or two cut grains in the whole charge could hardly make any difference to the overall burning rate of the total mass.
A bit too much oil in your barrel would have a far greater effect on chamber /barrel pressures than that.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johngfoster</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the replies so far. My concern about cutting granules is whether it will change the burn rate appreciably or not. My guess is not, but physics would indicate that the smaller the particle, the quicker it burns (this is why corn dust causes explosions in grain elevators). </div></div>
One or two cut grains in the whole charge could hardly make any difference to the overall burning rate of the total mass.
A bit too much oil in your barrel would have a far greater effect on chamber /barrel pressures than that.
Re: To cut or not to cut--
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NukeMMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am using a Lee Perfect measure ($21 at Midway) with RE15 and 4064 and don't have issues with cutting kernels. I still throw about .2-.4gr low and trickle up.
I just cannot get over the $20 investment doing so much good for my rifle reloading. </div></div>
I do the same thing with the same measure, works like a charm.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NukeMMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am using a Lee Perfect measure ($21 at Midway) with RE15 and 4064 and don't have issues with cutting kernels. I still throw about .2-.4gr low and trickle up.
I just cannot get over the $20 investment doing so much good for my rifle reloading. </div></div>
I do the same thing with the same measure, works like a charm.
Re: To cut or not to cut--
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 18Echo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NukeMMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am using a Lee Perfect measure ($21 at Midway) with RE15 and 4064 and don't have issues with cutting kernels. I still throw about .2-.4gr low and trickle up.
I just cannot get over the $20 investment doing so much good for my rifle reloading. </div></div>
I do the same thing with the same measure, works like a charm. </div></div>
+1 for the Lee, I don't even throw low and trickle up. I'm sure I could get a tiny bit better ES if I weighed every one, but my limiting factor at long range isn't vertical. That cheap Lee is surprisingly effective for stick powders.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 18Echo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NukeMMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am using a Lee Perfect measure ($21 at Midway) with RE15 and 4064 and don't have issues with cutting kernels. I still throw about .2-.4gr low and trickle up.
I just cannot get over the $20 investment doing so much good for my rifle reloading. </div></div>
I do the same thing with the same measure, works like a charm. </div></div>
+1 for the Lee, I don't even throw low and trickle up. I'm sure I could get a tiny bit better ES if I weighed every one, but my limiting factor at long range isn't vertical. That cheap Lee is surprisingly effective for stick powders.
Re: To cut or not to cut--
The problem with a measure's <span style="font-style: italic">cutting</span> grains has nothing to do with the powder's burn rate. Mechanical measures are sensitive to the technique of the user, particularly smoothness of the handle stroke. Cutting disrupts the stroke, affecting the measure's dispensing. When cutting occurs, re-throw the charge.
The problem with a measure's <span style="font-style: italic">cutting</span> grains has nothing to do with the powder's burn rate. Mechanical measures are sensitive to the technique of the user, particularly smoothness of the handle stroke. Cutting disrupts the stroke, affecting the measure's dispensing. When cutting occurs, re-throw the charge.
