Erratic powder charges

[copenhagen269]

While reloading on my Xl650 today I noticed that my powder drops were all over the place. The charges are going from 5.14 -5.7 I am using Titegroup powder. Looking in the book it mentions something about some people have trouble with cases being too clean I've noticed that when I weigh my charges and dump it back into the case a small amount of powder will stick to the funnel. I have been doing my best to pull the handle consistently but it's not helping. Any Ideas

Edit: loading .40 cal pistol

[mvpatriot]

are you using the right caliber funnel?
powder measure full?
you can also use anti static to rub down the parts

[copenhagen269]

I am loading .40 cal with Dillon dies
The powder holder is 1/2 full

Is static a common problem?

[mvpatriot]

Keep your powder measure close to full and that will help.
Its also easy to forget the funnel when doing a caliber change without quick change.
Did you do a recent caliber change perhaps?
And yes, many wipe those components down to reduce static, but I have not had a problem.However I am not loading match ammo on my 650 so .1 -.3 is no biggie.

[copenhagen269]

Keep your powder holder close to full and that will help.
Its also easy to forget the funnel when doing a caliber change without quick change.
Did you do a recent caliber change perhaps?
And yes, many wipe those components down to reduce static, but I have not had a problem.However I am not loading match ammo on my 650 so .1 -.3 is no biggie.

.40cal is the only caliber I am set up for currently
Is it normal for the powder to kleang to the scale funnel?

[mvpatriot]

well if powder is sticking to your scale/funnel then thats a prob. Use metal funnel or just wipe it down with anti stat sheet and try again.
And when refering to funnel in my ealier posts I was talking about the funnel on the 650 itself, they are indeed caliber specific. Also make sure your dies are properly adjusted and locked down while cartridge is in them.

[copenhagen269]

I was also wondering if I had the failsafe rod adjusted wrong so I tweaked it a bit. MVpatriot thanks for helping me out If none of this fixes the problem I'll return shortly to whine some more

[Revoman]

You might want to make sure that the little square pivot goodie in the back side of the powder hopper is okay, I had one come loose once and the same thing happened to me.
Do you have the small powder bar installed, is the bar free-moving across the loader or is it hanging up, are you using an electronic scale? Sometimes electronics can be funny with static, lights, cell phones and the like.
It sounds like static could be at least a part of the problem, I have heard that a laundry static sheet will help, but I have not tried it.
Have you checked the drop tube for obstructions, sometimes powder can build up and cake inside. For that matter, it's possible that something is down inside of the hopper itself.
If you have loaded before without incident, then something has changed, you just gotta hunt it down.

[mvpatriot]

Hey, no problem bro. That's why we all love this board.

Revoman also has some great input. Hope you find out the prob.

[jb7706]

I worked in the energetic materials world in another life. The loading rooms were always kept between 40% and 60% relative humidity, and the loading equipment was very well grounded. Granted most of the stuff I was working with was VERY static sensitive, but I can't help wondering if grounding your press and/or raising the humidity in your loading area might help if none of the other suggestions work.

Maybe not, but worth trying.

[copenhagen269]

You might want to make sure that the little square pivot goodie in the back side of the powder hopper is okay, I had one come loose once and the same thing happened to me.
Do you have the small powder bar installed, is the bar free-moving across the loader or is it hanging up, are you using an electronic scale? Sometimes electronics can be funny with static, lights, cell phones and the like.
It sounds like static could be at least a part of the problem, I have heard that a laundry static sheet will help, but I have not tried it.
Have you checked the drop tube for obstructions, sometimes powder can build up and cake inside. For that matter, it's possible that something is down inside of the hopper itself.
If you have loaded before without incident, then something has changed, you just gotta hunt it down.

I have the small powder bar,I get hangups once in a while and I'm not sure why yet .I have a electronic scale I purchased through Uniquetek.com

[copenhagen269]

I took the powder measure off dumped it out and everything looks good, no casings in there I inspected the bar and that looks fine too.
I did realize that I had the fail safe rod on the wrong side so I installed it where it belongs. After all of this I'm dropping 5.56-5.66 I'm 99.9% sure it's me but does anyone else have problems metering Titegroup?

[PistolPete75]

Very typical of Dillon. Remember progressives are meant for speed, not accuracy.

Make sure everything is propery cleaned, lubed, and tuned. You can also send the reloader back to Dillon and they will refurb it for a small fee.

[ar15barrels]

I'm dropping 5.56-5.66 I'm 99.9% sure it's me but does anyone else have problems metering Titegroup?

This is within 1/10 of a grain.
That's great powder consistency for pistol cartridges.

[tzahoy]

5.56-5.66 is indeed great consistency. My pistol loads are more like +/- 0.1 gr. or maybe a little worse.