Power Measure question

[PWC]

I know that keeping the powder measure full or nearly so is important to consistent meatering. So, as a retired guy with more free time to think and tinker, what if I cut a disk from 1/8 or 1/4 aluminum to fit the inside of my measure (not too close to keep it from cocking as it moves down) and set it on top of the powder to provide a consistent downward pressure. I believe there is a point of too much pressure would pack the below powder and cause inconsistent metering, but striking a balance would probably work. I also believe there would be a difference between ball / flake and extruded powder so different disks may be needed.

Some kernals of powder would get on top, but that wouldn't affect the operation. Has anyone tried this? If so was it successful? If not, do you folks think it would work?

[milboltnut]

tried it with and without... no differnce

[emmagee1917]

My measure has a disk folded into a tepee with two holes along the edge to let the powder trickle past . It is very consistent , but don't know how much the disk contributes .
Chris

[milboltnut]

I find stick powder gets caught between the cylinder and body of measurer , and ball and spherical doesn't. Ball and spherical are dense enough not to need a disk.

[Litt'le Lee]

Go online and find you a Belding & Mull and your problems will be over

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Belding-Mull-Visible-Powder-Measure-With-Charge-Tube-/262880941989?hash=item3d34ecd7a5:g:u18AAOSw4CFYuwd D

[PWC]

I had not heard of a powder baffle before, so after looking around the net I found a site with templates for various sizes of powder reservoirs, and the reviews look pretty good. Another thing I learned; after I drop the powder I don't set the case down until I close it with the bullet (one at a time). NEVER had a dud round in 20 years. However; since my measure is mounted to my bench, and the bench doesn't weigh a bzillion pounds, moving from powder drop to bullet seating probably causes further settling of the powder which would affect the nest round powder drop.

Now I'm rethinking; do the powder drop on all cases in the block, monitor every 5th dropped charge for consistency, at least at first (and with the baffle). There should be an improvement. I just don't like leaving 'open' cases waiting for interuptions to the loading process. Maybe if there is an interruption, I'll pull the next empty and lay it on the rest of the cases in the block so I'll know where I left off.

Thanks for your replies.

[Major Tom]

Belding & Mull powder measure is the most accurate measure I've ever used. I have both large and small metering devices. Got mine back in the 60's when they were affordable.

[Sunray]

If a powder thrower isn't consistent, regardless of how full it is or the type of powder, throw it away. It's no good.

[nf1e]

Lyman 1200 DPS 3 works great with any powder I throw at it.

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x413/nf1e/IMG_0423_zpsfi7dxdzn.jpg (http://s1180.photobucket.com/user/nf1e/media/IMG_0423_zpsfi7dxdzn.jpg.html)

[milboltnut]

If a powder thrower isn't consistent, regardless of how full it is or the type of powder, throw it away. It's no good.

accuracy is not effected by anything under a half a grain, for rifle loads.

[daboone]

Some PMs work better with stick/extruded powders than ball or flake and vice versa. I have 7 different PMs. Not one of them is consistent with every type of powder but that doesn't make anyone of them a bad PM. Like learning how to be consistent in using a PM it is important to know what kind of powders are consistent in the specific PM you are using. If you PM isn't working with for instance IMR4895 then either get one that will or change to a different powder type.

[Hefights]

I have an RCBS Uniflow measure. I put their baffle in it, it made a noticeable difference in charge consistency.

Belding & Mull is in business, but cannot tell from their web site or the internet if they still make powder measures.

[1-12 INF (M)]

I finally bit the bullet and got the RCBS Chargemaster. For large batches, I'll let that run and dispense charges into extra cases while I resize and prime the cases for cartridges to be loaded. I have also used a Harrel's Measure with good results on most rifle powders.

[AZshooter]

I finally bit the bullet and got the RCBS Chargemaster. For large batches, I'll let that run and dispense charges into extra cases while I resize and prime the cases for cartridges to be loaded. I have also used a Harrel's Measure with good results on most rifle powders.
I've had my Chargemaster for about 3 years. I finally got it when they had an in-store sale price plus a sizeable rebate. Wish I had gotten one years before. It really speeds up reloading larger batches of ammo (and sorting pulled bulk bullets).