Most consistant .223 powder through Dillon measure?

[JC Smith]

For 25 years I've been using mostly W-748 for my .223 loads and although I don't have any serious complaints I am a little disappointed in the consistency of the charges thrown by my Dillon measure. While I can throw +/- 0.1 grain of IMR 700-X for my .45 loads I'm lucks to throw +/- 0.25 grains of 748 and it's not uncommon to find a charge off by 0.35 grain. I realize the size of the .223 charge is a lot larger than the .45 charge so percentage-wise it's not that bad but I'd like to get it closer if I can. There are some newer powders out now that I've never tried and I'm wondering if any of them are particularly good through the Dillon, or any old ones for that matter. I'd appreciate your experience. I should add that my loads are for bullet weights between 55 & 69 gr.

[popeye4]

One thing you can do to improve the consistency of your Dillon powder measure is to take it apart and polish the bottom metal, particularly the funnel area. I used a felt bob on a Foredom tool, but a Dremel would work just as well. A mirror finish works wonders, even with semi-stick powders like VV.

I also have a standard routine of running the press the same way each stroke, and tap the side of the measure 5 times after the return stroke, to settle the powder. That has also really helped in the consistency area.

There was an article a few years back in "Precision Shooter" that addressed making precision ammo on a Dillon. I haven't been able to find it again, but those two suggestions stuck with me and have produced the best results to date.

[JC Smith]

Thanks, good idea and I also have the Foredom (S-series). I do try to be very consistent with every stroke but I've never tried intentionally tapping the measure. I'll give that a try. Do you have a powder preference?

[popeye4]

I usually run the Vihta Vuori powders, mostly N140 and N540. I have found some loads that are really insensitive to charge variations, +/- 0.4 grains all end up in the same place. That's in .308 Win, charge weights are in the 40 grain range.

[freonr22]

Aa 2230?

[Point of Impact]

I run Ramshot xterminator and TAC, as well as Hodgdon H335 through my 650 with pretty consistent results with TAC and H335 being the most consistant. Random spot checking powder charges has shown that if the charge is not dead on, its at most .2 of a grain off.

[Sky_DiveR]

+1 on the TAC. Very consistent. Don't forget to use dryer sheet to eliminate the static also.