Over the last few days, I loaded up some 100 8mm rounds using IMR- 4350 and IMR- 4198. The IMR-4350 loads (jacketed) were 52, 53, and 54 gr. The IMR-4198 loads (lead, gas-checked) were 33, 34, and 35 gr.
The 4350 is larger in stick diameter than the 4198. The 4350 also took more attention because of it being a compressed charge, at least for the 53 & 54 gr.
I started with the 4350, and found straight powder throws wasn:t going to be consistent. I found that using the handle of Craftmans "dental picks", which have a hard rubber coating, helped settle the powder in the drum. A steady moderate tap, 10 times, gave me a throw of powder that varied + - .1. I repeated this with the 4198 with the same results.
These are low volume rounds, so I just needed to have a short term technique.
I have never used a baffle. But filling the hopper, and almost emptying it with the 4350, I still was getting consistent weights.
There was a THR member, a couple weeks ago, that was having a consistency issue with either IMR-4166 or IMR-4046. I couldn't locate the thread.
So, for what it's worth, this was my first time with stick powder in the auto-drum.
The 4350 is larger in stick diameter than the 4198. The 4350 also took more attention because of it being a compressed charge, at least for the 53 & 54 gr.
I started with the 4350, and found straight powder throws wasn:t going to be consistent. I found that using the handle of Craftmans "dental picks", which have a hard rubber coating, helped settle the powder in the drum. A steady moderate tap, 10 times, gave me a throw of powder that varied + - .1. I repeated this with the 4198 with the same results.
These are low volume rounds, so I just needed to have a short term technique.
I have never used a baffle. But filling the hopper, and almost emptying it with the 4350, I still was getting consistent weights.
There was a THR member, a couple weeks ago, that was having a consistency issue with either IMR-4166 or IMR-4046. I couldn't locate the thread.
So, for what it's worth, this was my first time with stick powder in the auto-drum.