Arub
Member
I'm loading my first batch of .357 magnums. Using Unique and 125grain jhps. Using the Alliante and Speer reloading specs, max. charge is 9.6grains and the suggested 90% starting charge (my targeted load) is 8.6 grains. I have a RCBS scale, zeroed out, and also a set of Lee dippers.
By the Lee dipper chart, the nearest dipper to the desired charge is a 1cc dipper. Their chart indicates the 1cc charge should weight 9.6 grains which means I should be using less than a full dipper. To get the 8.6 on the RCBS scale, it takes a little more than the 1cc dipper - does not compute. Can the data with the dippers be that far off or am I missing something? I weighed a couple of the 125 grain bullets on the scale and they come in very close to 125 grains they are supposed to weigh. Also weighed a sample charge of some rifle powder and compared to the theoretic Lee dipper weight and it was pretty close (just a hair on the heavy side).
I'm going to buy a new can of Unique today, just in case the powder has somehow gotten lighter with age. Before I make a 30 mile trip to town, any suggestions? Is this a common thing to those of you who may use the dippers? I do intend to weigh each charge, but this difference has worried me. Help!
By the Lee dipper chart, the nearest dipper to the desired charge is a 1cc dipper. Their chart indicates the 1cc charge should weight 9.6 grains which means I should be using less than a full dipper. To get the 8.6 on the RCBS scale, it takes a little more than the 1cc dipper - does not compute. Can the data with the dippers be that far off or am I missing something? I weighed a couple of the 125 grain bullets on the scale and they come in very close to 125 grains they are supposed to weigh. Also weighed a sample charge of some rifle powder and compared to the theoretic Lee dipper weight and it was pretty close (just a hair on the heavy side).
I'm going to buy a new can of Unique today, just in case the powder has somehow gotten lighter with age. Before I make a 30 mile trip to town, any suggestions? Is this a common thing to those of you who may use the dippers? I do intend to weigh each charge, but this difference has worried me. Help!