Rather than use a powder measure baffle...

[RM]

Rather than use a powder measure baffle, would keeping the powder in the measure at low level serve the same function? Thank you.

 

[something vague]

Or, could you just make a baffle out of some sheet metal somehow? What really does the baffle do? Does it keep the weight of a full hopper off of where it is feeding into the drum?

 

[Sport45]

you can search for yourself, but Shoney here has already posted templates for making your own.

Shoney's Post

 

[Tequila Mockingbird]

The purpose of the powder baffle is to keep a constant "head" (to use the engineering term) on the powder that's flowing into the metering cavity. If the powder measure is nearly full, without a baffle, the powder will exert more pressure at the bottom of the measure, thus packing more powder into the metering cavity. When the powder level is low, the opposite happens and less powder is packed in. Sorta like the high school experiment to demonstrate that pressure increases with depth, where you punch holes vertically in a can and observe that the water flows out of the lower holes faster than it does out of the upper holes. In a powder measure, the difference is probably very small, but, in theory at least, metering accuracy should be constant as the powder level goes down if you're using a powder baffle.

 

[pinkymingeo]

I run my Hornady measure at about 1/3 full, and refill every 100-200 rounds. Have yet to see any variation. I've had guys tell me I should keep it full and use a baffle. I just look at them like they're nuts, which they are. Why would I go to all that trouble when my system works like a charm?

 

[Walkalong]

Yes it will, you will just have to add powder more often to keep it consistent. A baffle is just easier.

For the baffle doubters out there do a test. Without a baffle installed, with the measure full, throw several charges to settle the measure down, then weigh several throws of the powder. Then repeat with the measure 1/3 full, and get back to us.

 

[243winxb]

What Walkalong said. Plus the type of powder can made a difference. For IMR i put a funnel in the top of the measure, keep adding powder as it goes down so that funnel always has some powder in it. Makes a difference.

 

[Walkalong]

That is a good idea 243winxb. I never thought of that, nor heard of it either, but it makes a lot of sense.

 

[kelbro]

Hmmmm.... a funnel that is acting as a baffle. Very clever. Great idea.

 

[Borg]

I've been using the funnel with a soft, clear, plastic tube that leaves about 2" of powder in the reservoir for 30 years. Makes it more accurate for the stick powders.
Borg

 

[rcmodel]

It doesn't matter whether you keep it almost empty all the time, or almost full all the time.

It is the head pressure being nearly the same all the time that matters.

I prefer almost full and add more when it gets down 1/4 to 1/2.
That way, I don't run clear out of powder without noticing it.

rc

 

[RugerBob]

+1 rc. I keep mine 3/4 plus at all times. Bob

 

[something vague]

I would love to keep mine that full all the time but I am always changing powders. With my cheap Lee Perfect Powder Measure (which isn't so perfect) I have no way to clean the powder out very effeciently. Especially with ball powders I have to take the thing apart to clean it every time as there is a little rubber type gasket inside that the powder loves to stick to. I'd love to get me a new measure but costs are starting to kick my ass a little. Any good recomendations for a decent powder measure that wont break the bank? I have been eyeballing the Uniflow with all small rifle/pistol hardaware for a little while now. But I have also been contemplating the Redding 3BR. I just am kind of strapped a little at the moment. Is the Redding worth the extra $?