Custom loads question

[RanchRoper]

Agreed.

[BigAl52]

Nerves of steel wont be needed because I already know the intelligence is there.

[clovishound]

I've had the auto drum measure for a while. It is a good powder measure IMO. You should have no trouble with it throwing within a couple tenths of a grain. Keep in mind it may take a dozen or so throws for it to settle down.

For pistol caliber loads that are not near max, I weigh the first dozen or so throws in a session. After that, I weigh every tenth throw, and check EVERY throw (weighed or not) with a powder check die. The powder check die will alert to a grossly over/under throw. I can pretty easily see a half a grain difference with it. You will find that some powders measure more consistently than others. I find that Universal meters quite well for me.

One word of caution with an electronic scale. If you place an empty case on the scale and tare it, then throw powder and weigh, be very careful if you dump a throw back in the hopper. You can easily forget to dump the throw, place the case now containing a full powder load on the scale, tare it, and then add another throw of powder. When you weigh, it will show the proper amount on the scale, but contain a double throw.

You can avoid this by using a pan, which is slower, or using a powder check die, which will catch your mistake. I've had a couple very unusual situations that were caught by my powder cop die. "Eyeballing" each and every throw is another acceptable method of QC. You may need to install a light to be able to see properly.

[RanchRoper]

Good info for sure. Thanks. Rest assured I will be the slowest reloader around for quite awhile. Double and triple check everything.

[JEBar]

one point to consider that runs a bit contrary to some .... when it comes to powder charges, unless you are loading maximum pressure loads, don't obsess over a few hundreds of a grain .... I used to .... my powder charges had to be exact .... over time I came to realize that a few hundredths over or under really makes on difference .... having said that and I do believe it, for hunting rounds I find I fall back on old habits .... not so for mid load range ammo

[RanchRoper]

I will go by the book for awhile. Thks

[JEBar]

absolutely .... as you should ..... time and experience will bring you to a point where you are very comfortable with your process .... the time will come when you look back and wonder what all the apprehension was about