Metering Hodgdon Universal Powder

[jski]

I was trying to throw consistent 5.5 gr charges of Universal powder and was consistently getting 5.5±0.1 and at times even 5.5±0.2. I’m using a Redding powder dispenser (Model 3BR) so the problem isn’t with the dispenser.

Sometimes I notice the drum must be cutting thru some the powder flakes as I move the lever up and down. I don’t know if that’s a potential source of this problem?

Have others had problems throwing consistent charges with Universal powder?

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

I’m using a Redding powder dispenser (Model 3BR) so the problem isn’t with the dispenser.

You have found the precision limit with that powder for your 'dispenser'.

Some powder measures work better with certain types of powders. Your Redding apparently will not throw Universal to your satisfaction.

Try a different powder measure or a different powder.

 

[lordpaxman]

I don’t have a Redding measure, but my Hornady throws Universal very consistently at +/- .1, rarely at +/-.2 grains. At least I consider this consistent.
What are your expectations?

 

[Walkalong]

Universal powder and was consistently getting 5.5±0.1 and at times even 5.5±0.2.

Not overly unusual, if you're loading at max make sure your heaviest charges are not over.

 

[Howa 9700]

Does the Redding have a large and small stem option?

My first powder measure was / is an RCBS Uniflow. I got it used and it only has the large stem. There is no way it would accurately measure drops in range of 5 grains of anything. Have looked into it and not sure even RCBS still offers the small stem for this particular loader.

The easy fix was to switch to the cheap, plastic Lee PPM (or upgrade to the Deluxe). No crunching powder and spot on......drop after drop.

After thinking about it for a moment, the difference became obvious. The chamber on the Uniflow is wide and shallow. The Lee is narrow and deep. The interface between the powder column and edge of measure where the cut line occurs when drum rotates is huge on one......and minuscule on the other.

 

[Otto]

Have others had problems throwing consistent charges with Universal powder?

Yeah, Universal is a smaller cut extruded flake powder which doesn’t meter as well as a spherical. I only use it for 40 S&W. The other thing is that it’s now made in Canada and no longer produced by ADI in Australia.

 

[243winxb]

A small chamber would be a plus, as said above.

Competition Proven Conversion Features...
Now used on the Match-Grade Model 3BR and both Competition Powder Measures, the Model BR-30 and *10X Pistol/Small Rifle.*
https://redding-reloading.com/online-catalog/40-match-grade-model-3br-powder-measure

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012961477?pid=226117. Confused? Is a 2nd measure needed?

+/- 1/10 grs is normal, even with the pistol chamber on my different brand measure with Unique type powders.

I can not see a big difference on target at 50 yards when comparing measured to hand weighed.

Powder called a Disk, under photo. A bit smaller then Alliants Unique.

 

[sparkyv]

100% agree, same goes with Universal.

+/- 1/10 grs is normal, even with the pistol chamber on my different brand measure with Unique type powders

 

[BBarn]

Tried two pounds of Universal from two different sources made many years apart. Neither metered very well through my Uniflow. In my experience the large flake powders generally meter better through the sliding bar type measures like those on Mec shotshell loaders and Dillon presses.

 

[MEHavey]

Universal is spheroidal (not flake), and meters like water through my Harrells
Extreme spread (should) be no more than +/- 1/2 grain in rotary machines.

How are you running the handle routine?

 

[25-20 WCF]

…How are you running the handle routine?

A very good point, especially when dealing with small charge weights a very consistent operation of the handle each throw is essential for accurate results. But really, +/-0.1 grains is about all one can reasonably expect from a powder measure. After all, thats’s the accuracy limit of most powder scales.


.

 

[.45Coltguy]

To answer jski's question; no problem metering Universal thru my RCBS Uniflow. However, I am using the "small" drum when using smaller charges of Universal or Unique. That small drum and a baffle works wonders on stubborn powders.

 

[Walkalong]

Universal is spheroidal (not flake),

If that means disc, I'm with you. Looks like fine cut discs of extruded powder.

 

[Targa]

I consider +/-0.1 grains a consistent powder drop.

 

[N555]

Plus or minus a tenth is how I run it.

 

[jski]

Does the Redding have a large and small stem option?

It comes with both large and small stems. But since the only rifle cartridge I load for is my wife’s 22 Hornet, I really don’t use the large stem.

 

[jski]

I consider +/-0.1 grains a consistent powder drop.

I load a lot of True Blue which is such a fine grain powder it meters exceptionally well. Rarely do I see even a ±0.1 gr drift.

 

[jski]

If that means disc, I'm with you. Looks like fine cut discs of extruded powder.

I’ll agree with discs but certainly not spheres.

 

[jski]

I’ve gone to measuring every throw using my Hornady $50 digital scale. That’s what I use for quick work. I use my Ohaus 10-10 scale for ground truth.

 

[Charlie98]

What are your expectations?

People complain about Unique not metering well, too. I always say to not look at the variance, look at what the target is telling you. .1grn variations with Unique rarely show up at the target, and I've likely had .2grn variation as well... but I don't really know because I don't micromanage my powder drop. I would agree with Walkalong, however, that if you are loading near max, set your drop to not go over even with a heavy charge. FWIW, I use this method even with rifle powders... like IMR powders that don't meter so well. If I am looking specifically for precision, I'm not using my drop anyway.