Dillon Powder Measure Accuracy

[elemenope]

I spent a few hours working up my first set of 308 rounds tonight on my 650. Most of the time was spent trying to get my powder measure to consistently throw loads.

I did a couple of tests of 10 loads each and measured the output. The first test had a pretty big variance of .6gr over 10 different loads. Only one of them was spot on at 44.2gr.

The second set had much better results and had a .2gr variance between 44.2-44.4gr.

I noticed after any adjustment of the powder bar, I essentially dumped the first three or so loads before it started to get consistent again.

I wiped the powder measure with a dryer sheet to kill some static and cleaned out the internals of the die with alcohol to try to get some consistency.

So my question for other Dillon owners, what kind of accuracy are you seeing? Any tips for tightening up the powder throws?

Thanks!

-e

Almost forgot to mention I'm using IMR 4007 SSC.

[damndave]

For any powder measure, it greatly depends on what kind of powder you use.

With H335, it drops pretty well. Generally with a +/-0.2 variance.

My advice with any powder measure is to cycle a LOT of powder through it on initial setup. Then after anytime changing the load, run between 5-10 loads and dump them back in the reservoir. From there you should get a pretty accurate load.

[Revoman]

^^^Agree, some powders just do not throw well.

I have heard of and done so, polishing the funnel part of the hopper along with the throat helps. I'm no sure that it helps because the powders I use normally don't have inconsistent issues.

Also, the hopper should be filled at least half way to help with consistency.

[CSACANNONEER]

If your charges centered around your wanted charge, your "accuracy" was fine. It sounds like your PRECISION was not what you wanted it to be. There's a difference. Knowing the difference and using the words properly will help you explain things in the future. That said, different powders meter differently.

[jameshenry]

I dump the first 8 before I get consistent throws, with most powders on a dill. 650

[Pauliedad]

First three for me and as others (thanks to all who chimed in) have said and I can confirm even after one gets the adjustment just right if you take a few minutes away the first drop will be heavy. For me, I'm fine by the fourth drop so those first three go back in the hopper.
Good luck

[elemenope]

Thanks for the replies. Throw and toss seems to be the way to go. Also going to try a different powder and see how it handles in the measure.

Shot my first set of 50 at the range today and had mixed results. Much more tinkering to go to figure out what will work best in my gun.

[oddjob]

I have done the polish as stated. I've also got a 12" long 1 1/2" pvc pipe with a cap. I place the cap end into the powder measure. I get a more consistent charge that way. Just the weight of the pvc pipe and cap helps. I didn't glue the cap on. My thought was if I needed more weight I could drop bullets into the open end. So far I don't have too.

Running powder through the measure helps....slicks the measure up with that graphite like residue.

[vorra65]

Have had similar issues with my 550, found many posts at various sites addressing the variation in the powder drop. Some say its crucial to have a good solid mount set up. Other chatter involves tension on the spring on the charge rod. Others have posted that they get consistent drops with die adjustments. Guess it all boils down to tinkering with all the variables till you get it to throw +\- .1 gr. If its a Dillon press, you can always call the tech guys at Dillon- they've always been great every time I've called for anything.

Also, somewhere I saw an aftermarket insert for your powder tube, that was supposed to improve drop accuracy- but can't seem to find the web site now.

[vorra65]

Found it-

http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1278

[Davisje011]

Put a rubber band on the neck of the powder drop and loop it onto the retaining pin, it reduces the slop back and forth.

Kinda like this:

[elemenope]

That's interesting. Do the rubber bands add much resistance as well when dropping the powder? Also, why is the spring arm disconnected in your picture?

[vorra65]

That's interesting. Do the rubber bands add much resistance as well when dropping the powder? Also, why is the spring arm disconnected in your picture?

I think the springs replace the mechanical return ( rod ) setup. At least that is the way my 550 was when I bought it-they sent me the upgrade n/c.

[Davisje011]

You still use the rod, the spring (or Rubber Band) simply makes sure there is no over travel on the slider.

[windrunner]

Put a rubber band on the neck of the powder drop and loop it onto the retaining pin, it reduces the slop back and forth.

Kinda like this:

Looks like a great idea right there.

To answer the OP's original question, I only use the powder throw for my grinder ammo, so I don't care if the load is a few 1/100th's off. My match ammo is all done by hand.