I found out how much is too low

[tercel89]

I am still new to reloading and found out how much too low of powder is just too low. I was reloading 9mm using Aliant Power Pistol. It calls for a minimum of 4.8 grains for a 115 grain FMJ Round nose.. I am making plinking rounds. Well since I am new to it all I am being very carefull and loading them very light. My Hornady powder measure doesn't seem to hold a very exact "throw" right now and like I said , I am getting used to it and all. It was varying from 4.8 to as low as 4.5. I thought what the heck and made them up. I put them in my S&W Shield. It shot them but the low powder didnt have enough power to cycle the slide all the way.  I guess I'll keep it up around 5gr or 5.1 from now on. Do any of you guys have constantly varying powder measures ? I have the baffles in it and its all clean but it seems to vary from time to time .

Edited May 12, 2015 by tercel89

[R1100R]

Tap the powder measure on the upswing. That's when powder goes into the measuring bushing. Mine does the same unless you make sure the bushing is full. Edited May 12, 2015 by R1100R

[Trekbike]

I have the RCBS Uniflow powder measure and found it to be pretty constant IMO. Probably within 0.1 grain or so with ball powder like V V N320. Less accurate on flake powder like W231 for example.

One thing I try to do is keep the chamber at least 3/4 full all the time during dispensing. Edited May 12, 2015 by Trekbike

[deafdogdief]

Mine is a Lee but it does say to completely fill and then empty the hopper via throwing and it will bleed off any static that can mess with proper regulating.

[tercel89]

Tap the powder measure on the upswing. That's when powder goes into the measuring bushing. Mine does the same unless you make sure the bushing is full.

 

 Yeah when i raise the lever up ,  I bring it all the way and gently slam it into the fully upward position. I also tap the powder around some to make it settle in and around the baffle.

[Raoul]

I have the RCBS Uniflow powder measure and found it to be pretty constant IMO. Probably within 0.1 grain or so with ball powder like V V N320. Less accurate on flake powder like W231 for example.

One thing I try to do is keep the chamber at least 3/4 full all the time during dispensing.

 

For the RCBS the powder baffle helps the charge stay more consistent.

[musicman]

I'm not familiar with Power Pistol as a powder. Is it a larger flake type powder? Powder granule size is another factor when trying to throw consistent and small charges of a given powder. I use the Lee Pro Auto disc powder measure and generally get great results, except when trying to use larger flake or disk powders in 9/38, etc. Specifically, I don't use 800x, Clays, and to some extent Unique when the load calls for less than 6 or so grains. As the powder charge grows, the inconsistencies aren't as great/obvious or dangerous. This is my experience, and take it with a grain (ha!) of salt.

I have found myself falling in love with all of the AA pistol powders (2,5,7,9) as they are super consistent, small spherical powders that measure absolutely flawlessly. I still have lots of other stuff and continue to use them, but I'll buy AA powders whenever they're available above the others now because they have been so easy to use for me.

[TN Volunteer]

The extruded powders seem to cause me a little grief but as musicman said, the powders he was using, worked very well for me.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Use a baffle in the hopper. It will make ANY powder dispenser extremely consistent.

[Photoguy67]

I have the lee and a Dillon. When I first got mine, I was having the same problems so I took both apart and wiped them down with a used dryer sheet. Never had a problem since.

[R_Bert]

Use a baffle in the hopper. It will make ANY powder dispenser extremely consistent.

+1  - I was amazed at how much the baffle helped.

[tercel89]

Well thanks to all you guys. I'm just gonna take my powder measure all apart again and clean it one more time. I did use a dryer sheet to tak off the static but this time I'll do it more.

 Let me run this by you guys : When I am throwing my charge I will occasionally tap the reservoir to make the powder around the baffle settle some more. Could doing  this be bad ?

[Clod Stomper]

Consistency is the name of the game. If you tap the reservoir, do it for every charge. My Lyman powder measure has a little "knocker" (for lack of a better term). I tap it once when I raise the handle to fill the drum, then I tap it once again when I lower the handle to dump the powder. The second time is to make sure all the powder comes out.

[chances R]

Your experience with is not uncommon.  Varies with equipment and powder types.  My Hornady works very well.  It throws 5 grains of unique spot on.  But I do use a baffle.  Also I think it helps if you consistently set your powder drop by screwing in  the stop; not going back and forth.  One last try for persistent problems is attach a small aquarium air pump to the powder hopper.  The constant vibration may give you the result you are looking for.  The pumps are very cheap. 

[musicman]

One last try for persistent problems is attach a small aquarium air pump to the powder hopper. The constant vibration may give you the result you are looking for. The pumps are very cheap.

Not gunna lie, that's genius!