im finally ready to reload my first batch of .223 and i am trying to use the RCBS powder measure for the first time and everytime try to measure the load with the try for the scale the powder hits the trey and goes everywhere. im loosing .5-1gr every time. is there a trick to this or am i doing something wrong?
-
Having trouble using the site?
Contact support
RCBS powder measure first time use help
- Thread starter Porter24
- Start date
Place the scale pan flush to the bottom of the dispenser tube, then lift and release the throw lever, then remove the pan and place it on the scale.
this is my first time attempting to reload. i have the basic knowledge and common sense for everything (I hope) just never figured the powder would jump out like that. Im using varget and i think the sticks make it a little more difficult for the function to work smooth.
The stick powder usually gets cut so you will develop a technique of sharply moving it up and back down so it'll cut it faster and smoother. Holding the pan up tight against the bottom of the drop tube while working the level then lowering it down it'll slip into the pan smoothly with no spill.
Welcome to the world of reloading, sure is nice to develop a load yourself and see it perform the way you'd hoped.
When in doubt about whether you might not have done something right double check and sometimes check a third time. Easy to get distracted or lackadaisical so always pay attention.
I see you're also from Ohio, you'd be more than welcome to join us on a practice day at Rayners Range ( Rayner's Range ) near Cambridge/Zanesville or one of the matches on the fourth weekend of every month thru the summer.
Topstrap
Welcome to the world of reloading, sure is nice to develop a load yourself and see it perform the way you'd hoped.
When in doubt about whether you might not have done something right double check and sometimes check a third time. Easy to get distracted or lackadaisical so always pay attention.
I see you're also from Ohio, you'd be more than welcome to join us on a practice day at Rayners Range ( Rayner's Range ) near Cambridge/Zanesville or one of the matches on the fourth weekend of every month thru the summer.
Topstrap
Last edited:
back when I used a RCBS powder measure, I would catch the powder in a small measuring cup with a sharp pouring spout, then pour it in the scale pan. Drop your load a little short then trickle up, if you are trying to make a precision load, or not, if you're just loading blasting ammo. The stroke with stick powder takes a little practice to get smooth...
Get a powder baffle. ***RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure Powder Baffle *** This helps keep the powder at a constant pressure level in the hopper. There are many techniques to make accurate drops, some raise the handle, let it tap once on the upstroke and give it two light taps on the down stroke. The name of the game is to be consistent, however you do it, ALWAYS THE SAME.
Ball powders and short, extruded powders like Benchmark, 8208XBR, AR COMP etc. will drop very accurate drops. long extruded powders will cut the grains and you will not get accurate drops. You will have to hand throw and trickle these types of powders. For these powders, I set the drop to be within 1-2 grains, I make the drop into a fired case, then dump the powder onto the scale pan and then trickle.
On powders that meter well, I take a once fired 338 Lapua case and will make two drops into the case. If I'm setting for 44.0 grains of powder, I'll make two drops and adjust the metering dial to get as close to 88.0 grains as possible with the two drops. It seems to work pretty well, like I said, we all have our own ways of getting the job done. The Lapua case will hold about 105 grains. There are many ways to do it. Others will give their recommendations.
I like using a fired case to make the drops into if I'm going to hand weigh and then trickle. If the drops are accurate, I use the case I'm going the seat the bullet into. If you're going to directly drop the charge into the case you're charging, be careful with the .22 cal. cases. Sometimes, thicker stick powders will bridge and you may not get all of the powder into the case. For this, I use a larger caliber fired case and drop the powder into it and then transfer the powder to the .22 cal. case.
Ball powders and short, extruded powders like Benchmark, 8208XBR, AR COMP etc. will drop very accurate drops. long extruded powders will cut the grains and you will not get accurate drops. You will have to hand throw and trickle these types of powders. For these powders, I set the drop to be within 1-2 grains, I make the drop into a fired case, then dump the powder onto the scale pan and then trickle.
On powders that meter well, I take a once fired 338 Lapua case and will make two drops into the case. If I'm setting for 44.0 grains of powder, I'll make two drops and adjust the metering dial to get as close to 88.0 grains as possible with the two drops. It seems to work pretty well, like I said, we all have our own ways of getting the job done. The Lapua case will hold about 105 grains. There are many ways to do it. Others will give their recommendations.
I like using a fired case to make the drops into if I'm going to hand weigh and then trickle. If the drops are accurate, I use the case I'm going the seat the bullet into. If you're going to directly drop the charge into the case you're charging, be careful with the .22 cal. cases. Sometimes, thicker stick powders will bridge and you may not get all of the powder into the case. For this, I use a larger caliber fired case and drop the powder into it and then transfer the powder to the .22 cal. case.
I throw my charges into a 4.3cc Lee powder dipper then dump the dipper into the pan that stays on te scale until I dump te pan into the funnel on the to-be charged case. . Its the little yellow scoop that is included with Lee dies. It completely encloses the bottom of the either the large or small drop tubes included with the uniflow so zero powder spills. The 4.3cc dipper will hold a 58gr of RE15
Last edited:
