Issues with N320 - inconsistent loads

[nighttowl]

I bought some N320 at the recommendation of my gun builder, and I'm getting inconsistent powder drops from my XL750 (.40 s&w). They are varying up to +/- .2 grains. Was using cfe pistol - and the drops were flawless - less than .1 grain variation based on a sample , so I know it's not my rig. I think it's the powder shape.

Anyone else have a similar issue with cylinder shaped powder?
Any suggestions?

[obsidianghost]

I've had no problems with N320 in my 650. I have rarely seen more than a .1 gr variation. I have loaded a few pounds worth over the last year. I have read that if you are using a new powder measure you need to brake it down and go thru it. I don't know if that applies to you, just a thought.

[Fatcat]

To OP: Have you tried to chrono your loads? N320 was my go-to powder when I used to load .40 S&W. I had no issues with weight throws and consistent fps.
It could be a a bad lot.

[bruce381]

Yeah is meters bad for me to plus costs way to much using clay dot now

[robert101]

There are a lot of good powders on the market. My go to brand is Alliant. Specifically Unique and Bullseye. I like Unique better because it fills the case more and is easier to see before placing bullet on top of case mouth.

If you have reasons to not use someone else's recommendation then move to another powder.

[nighttowl]

To OP: Have you tried to chrono your loads? N320 was my go-to powder when I used to load .40 S&W. I had no issues with weight throws and consistent fps.
It could be a a bad lot.

I did chrono my test loads - they were all over the place.
I had marked loads with the grains, and then I had 20 random un-checked loads.

The random loads were between 865 / 1016 fps.

way too much variance...

[nighttowl]

I I ordered 2 different baffles for the powder dropper, one is supposed to be here today, the other monday (see pics).

As soon as it gets here Im going to try it out.

I have to make ammo today - I have a match tomorrow.
Worst case Ill go buy some CFE pistol from the reloading store and shelve the N320 for another day.

[Raiderh20boy]

Have you tried the rubber band on the powder bar to give a consistent return and fill of powder in the bar? I did that and cleared up a lot of issues on my loads and less mess on my 650.

[nighttowl]

Have you tried the rubber band on the powder bar to give a consistent return and fill of powder in the bar? I did that and cleared up a lot of issues on my loads and less mess on my 650.

Ive never heard of this.
do you have a picture?

[nighttowl]

still having some issues with load consistency with the n320.
i put a rubber band on the powder bar to help pull it in, but its is still at +/- .1 grains.

I also bought the exra small dillon powder bar, which did not make much of a difference either. it is nearly identical to the small powder bar, but the corners are rectangular with a fillet radius instad of an angle. i took a side by side picture of it, the extra small powder bar is on the right. they are the same thickness.

i took the powder dropper apart, i dont see any accumulation or anything in it. its clean.

maybe its static and the particles are sticking in it?

i read somewhere that someone said to wipe the inside of it out.
what is this supposed to accomplish?

any ideas?

[hambam105]

Many a professional Reloader used the Rubber Band Method.

They would wrap it around some body part to remind themselves to purchase a professional grade powder thrower.

OP,
are your NFG loads using plated bullets? Ah haw. Next time assemble the loads the same for all except...Except this
time use a hardcast or a real fmj and see how those cartridges compare with the cartridges loaded with plated bullets..
And remember, don't change any of your die settings.

W.K.R.P. primers might ignite but not burn uniformly, hence sporadic velocities. NFG crimps. Don't under
estimate uniform and appropriate crimps.

Clean primer pockets.
Yah, I know. I've reloaded five million ten thousand rounds since last Easter too. Left handed. Even if the primer is good,
improper, or non uniform primer depth could give you unsatisfactory loads.

And if all else fails you have two other options:
First, you can blame me. That always works. Secondly, you can increase target size while decreasing distance.
That way you can always blame me or some other yahoo of your choice nearest you.