I love that you have your Dymo label reminder on your scale. This shows that it doesn't matter how old your equipment is. If you take care of it, it will serve you well for many many years. Thank you for showing us that you don't need the latest equipment. We just need to respect the value of what we have.
He has reminders on everything lol it is hard to argue with your self and take short cuts when you leave your self reminders it makes me want to buy a label maker
I have a couple of tips for using a balance beam scale. Keep your balance inside a cabinet mounted at your normal line of sight when seated at your loading bench, which it appears you have. No parallax error, no bending over (a factor we figure out as we age). The cabinet keeps it dust free when not in use. And no battery issues or power cords cluttering up the bench. I use a lid stay so the balance cabinet door becomes my “balance table.” It sits in front of the cabinet so I don't have to reach inside or have the compartment constraints. I've also mounted a trickler pedestal and used magnets to add security to give me greater clearance between the trickler spout and the balance pan. Also, shallow “dimples” in the cabinet door/table will insure consistent location of the balance. I really enjoy your vast practical knowledge.
I’m looking for a complete non electrical process for reloading. I’m at the powder drop stage. I started watching this and thought we’ll I’ll never get through it. Man was I ever wrong. This by far the best presentation of manual powder drop I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much for all you do.
Also practice with your Lee powder dippers, they'll get you out of trouble. If there's ever no power ( electric ) you will always have your beam scales, powder thrower and dippers . Good luck my friend.
Your videos are one of my top sources of information for anything related to firearms. I really enjoy all of your videos and thank you for taking the time to share all of this information with us. I've been around guns most all of my life, been reloading for many, many years and yet the more I watch your videos the more I realize I don't know. The learning process never ends.
I realize that I am old school, when most of my equipment hails from the 70s when I started reloading. My Redding powder measure is probably late 50s or early 60s. If it ain't broke....don't fix it. I've owned just about every innovation that came along up to about 15 years ago when I decided I had enough toys. I sold off the Dillon progressives, all the duplicate O frames and kept an old Orange Crusher and a spar-t turret. The RCBS presses brought more money but didn't do anything the Lyman's won't. I'm down to about 75 die sets and 100 bullet molds and handles, 2 lubrisizers, one RCBS and one Saeco. One RCBS lead furnace. Maybe down to a ton of WW ingots. All this stuff is old and works perfectly. I'm 62 and no longer work perfectly! It'll be here doing fine when I'm long gone.
You got that part right on , i started reloading and casting bullets in 1964 and still do .. My equipment works perfect after all of these years ..well said
@@KathrynLiz1 I first learned to reload in 1958 with my dad using Lyman 310 hand tool, really enjoyed that tool , just resizing but I was hooked. Soon as I finished high school In 1962 my first job I had i stated with a C press and beam scale , 2 ten pound pots for lead and Lyman bullet moulds and lubesizer... I was off at that point. Hollywood press soon followed along with a RCBS powder measure to replace the old Lyman #55... Since I have added dies along with the Redding 3BR measure and Redding scale.. I load 3 handgun and 4 rifle ctgs at this time.. Not certain what would be next for me. Have been thinking hard on the .260 Remington. But I lean more towards the Remington 6mm BR ctg.
If my grandpa was still alive, this is how he'd go about teaching me how to do something. I am really grateful for this. Better-trained people that are that way because of your willingness to share what you know is the hallmark of a good person. Thank you very much.
I really enjoy your down to earth approach to firearms, shooting and hunting. I visited New Hampshire and Maine and stood on top of Mount Washington. I was greatly impressed of the hidden beauty of your small state. There is no place quite like it anywhere. I spent four years attending night classes at The Pennsylvania Gunsmith School in the early eighties. Before that, I spent four years as an 0311 Marine and my last year on the rifle and pistol ranges. Pennsylvania deer hunting rules have made high magnification optics popular because some areas of the state require antler deer to have at least four points on one horn to be taken legally. This changes the idea of shooting running deer to zero in most hunting situations. It reduces wounding game and wild rapid shooting. The first day of deer season stopped sounding like World War Three. Once you learn to use high magnification variable scopes, they are quite easy to use. Metallic silhouette shooters use high magnification fixed power scopes shooting offhand with great success. There are always exceptions to the rules. No wood stock rifle I own has one drop of plastic bedding. True custom-made rifles shoot accurately without the need for it. No rifle made in The Pennsylvania Gunsmith School was permitted to have any and pass as a finished rifle project. I did make two rifles as extra credit using Sako actions and Brown Precision fiberglass raw stock blanks. They were the first two ever made by a student of the school. They all thought this would never catch on at the time. Boy, they missed that by a country mile. You can bed any rifle without using plastic if you know how. It only takes a little extra time to properly bed even a factory-stocked rifle 95% of the time. Composite molded stocks and carbon fiber or fiberglass stocks are two very different stock materials. Composite molded stocks are heavy and kick like a mule. Fiberglass stocks are light and absorb recoil better than any stock material known and that’s a fact. I grew up when the 35 Remington and the 300 Savage 99 ruled the deer woods. No one trusted scopes much because they fogged up. I hunted groundhogs with one old geezer that had a beautiful stocked 30/40 Crag action. He necked it down to 224 and let me tell you he laid low every groundhog he dropped the hammer on. I never saw him miss. He had an old K-8 Weaver and screwed on a new barrel on that thing at least three times I know of. He belonged to a groundhog-hunting club and all the groundhogs were kept and consumed at the awards banquette. They made burgers, meatloaf, chili, and fried groundhog. It was all mighty tasty. He seldom ever missed getting an award. That was long ago in Lancaster Pennsylvania. You need to come south and watch what goes on at this place at least once. The Original Pennsylvania 1000 Yard Benchrest Club, Inc. The Birthplace of Long Range Shooting God Bless…
You have a gift for making things very simple to understand. I was just looking into reloading and after this I’m definitely going to start. I was looking at all the fancy stuff and at the cost upfront thinking “no way is this worth it”.
Go for it. Get some basic gear and start 'rolling your own'... only way to go. If you shoot much the equipment will be paid for in a very short time and you ammo will be custom made for your guns. All you need is a simple press, balance scale, a trickler and some dies. This will let yo load world class ammo at about one third of the cost of half decent factory stuff, and probably still a lot cheaper than millsurp, if you shoot such a calibre. You can get all the gear you need in the USA for under $200, and that will enable you to load ammunition that is the equal of any that you can buy at any a price. Better ammo, and you are saving heaps of money...... Gotta be good!
THIS MADE ME SMILE! MOST...OF MY RELOADING EQUIPMENT IS... ANTIQUE ALSO... I DID PURCHASE ONE OF THE NEWER DIGITAL POWDER DISPENSER / SCALES ... BUT I USE MY BALANCE BEAM SCALE TO VERIFY THE CHARGE IT THROWS! THANK YOU SIR!
Your wisdom and years of learning are much appreciated! Thank you for all that you do. As a newby to reloading you have helped me understand, and learn so much.
MY Redding BR30 had gotten sticky over the years and after watching this video and cleaning/lubricating properly...it is slick and smooth and good as new - many thanks from an old infantryman.
Thank you for the information. You make it easy for a relatively new reloader to learn. I started reloading in my early 60's and I'm 67 now. Who says that you can't teach old dogs new tricks.
I can not believe how fast and simple it is to make the initial setting on the measure. For years I've wasted time with the try and turn method. Thank you sir. God bless.
I'm just getting into this stuff: It seem's so obvious after seeing it, and I'd like to think that I'd have caught it, but, if I'm honest with myself, like you, I'm pretty sure I'd have been wasting my time too with the "try and turn"!
Spot on solution and comment. I have always wondered why RCBS has never published or made available a table of powders and setting per volume like for the Lee powder dippers. With the dippers, you chose your powder and then select the charge and appropriate CC dipper closest to your desired charge. Why can't or hasn't RCBS done the same thing for their Uniflow measures?
Thank you sir, I have been reloading since 1980 but still enjoy your reloading tutorials very much. Always receive a nugget or two. Thank you again! God Bless
GunBlue490- Thank you Sir for this great in depth video. About 3-months ago I purchased a used power measure exactly like the one you are demonstrating here and even though it was fairly accurate it just wasn't as consistent as I thought it could/should be. After watching this video and hearing you explain that the drum should be filling while in the upstroke (handle in the up position) I realized that the one I purchased had been set-up bassackwards. I changed it to operate the way you explained and it immediately started to become consistent with each throw. Without your video and excellent commentary I would have probably had to learn to live with the inconsistency that I was experiencing. Thanks again and God bless Sir.
Love your in depth videos on numerous subjects. Always a pleasure to watch you instruct or demonstrate. Yup, I use a 1962 mfg Lyman #55 measure that I bought brand new, or a 1905 Ideal No.5 all cast iron unit. Both drop anything I put in 'em with uncanny accuracy. My scale is an ancient Redding No.1 scale complete with the oil dampening system. Reckon I'm not a modern reloader, but my old gear has served me well for decades.
This guy! I love hearing from experienced reloaders. Excellent presentation and even though the methods are "old skool" the data backs it up and the repeatability is demonstrated. I am new to reloading and my RCBS kit came with a similar powder measure and a balance beam scale. You see all the fancy electronic stuff and think you need it, i think this proves otherwise. Of course I also learned a few things, just like when I hang out with experienced machinists! 1 - powder has graphite in it; that's where its lubricity comes from. 2 - the method used to initially set the charge is brilliant and a huge time saver. 3 - no school like the old school. This convinces me I can accurately reload for my 6.5 CM without all the fancy gear for now at least. A lot of the reloading videos are hard to watch, younger guys with machine gun like delivery of the content but still ramble on for 2x the time!? This is clear, concise, well spoken and easily digestible. Even though my Grandpa was a big shooter/hunter (Jr. Olympic team for small bore) he was never into reloading. I wish I would have been exposed to it earlier in life and I hope to pass this onto my son (he is already interested). Thanks GunBlue490!
This was a great tutorial. I have been having problems loading Cowboy loads in 357 brass. Your tutorials gave me insight into a bunch of problems. Thanks for your help. It is a rare kindness.
You certainly alleviated some doubt in my processes. I'm fairly new to reloading and have only loaded .45 and .308 as I use both calibers exclusively. You are brilliant and well studied fella. At 70 years old, i still enjoy learning new things and certainly enjoyed this vid. Thank you
I've got an old RCBS 10-10 scale from 40+ years ago (1977?), and it's all I've ever wanted or needed. I have an electric for sorting cases and bullets. Thank you for educating the next generation so logically yet succinctly. I love your channel.
Most significant video (for me) you have posted. After watching several times, the realizations are so clear. I have since sold my E-droppers and configured an RCBS measure EXACTLY as you describe. After 15 years of reloading this call to common sense and practicality was enlightening. Now equipped with a small rotor its staggering how inherently accurate the RCBS powder drop is.....in superb time. THANK YOU!
just excellent. it took me years to get there (i think, been too long now). if you're new, or been away for a long while. i'd recommend refreshing from the excellent loading manuals (yes, read several again). along with your excellent advice, get your mind into the swing of things totally when you reload. be confident, SOBER, and without distraction on a clean well thought out platform. don't, don't reload with another person talking to you. 100% of your attention is required, and you cannot be in a hurry. a thoughtful approach may save your life and prevent firearm damage.
I really like how you got the measure close by dropping a weighed charge into a empty measure and then adjusting the spindle, lightly pressing the powder against the cylinder wall. It never occurred to me to try that, thanks.
@@learningthehardwayalways185 yo get close enough then by using the scale you you trickle just enough to get the exact charge. I never through a rifle charge without measuring each and every charge.
You sir are a breath of fresh air. Amongst all the digital gadgets and toys they sell now I'm glad to see someone show how the basics still works. Thanks for the great video.
I have new found respect for the speed and accuracy of my rcbs powder measure, scale and powder trickler. Very impressed after cleaning and using your tip to set powder charge with adjustment of the plunger depth again the back wall of the housing, what a time saver! Anxiously awaiting your new 30/06 rifle reveal video, God Bless
You produce the best video's. You never assume the viewer knows what your explaining. You hit all the important points that a complete novice needs to know. I watched several video's seeking information on reloading. No one does this topic justice like your videos. Your my go to guy for all gun related content. Thank you very much. Hope you are well.
Gunblue490, I see those older arms and hands working the reloading levers and other tools. Keep doing what you do as long as you can. It gives me great elation to be able to soak up the knowledge and information that you pass to the world. Thanks. Just so you know, I'm not far behind you in age ,and thanks to my father and many people like you, I'm not far behind in my knowledge of firearms ,reloading, stock work, and other related topics. Being an author of a written book is great, but being able to see what you do, is wonderful. Thank you forever mister.
I never fail to learn something from your videos. I LOVE the reloading ones. I have been humbled by your depth of knowledge. I was convinced I knew everything about my powder measure - wrong....Thanks again.
My comment has nothing to do with this video but I'm writing this non the less. Your earlier video on self defense and shooting was priceless. I'm not sure, however, that you do know the culture. I'm almost 65 and your take has changed me with respect as to how I act around people when it concerns firearms and shooting. Thank You so much for making it. Our lives are an open book.
You remind me of a guy in my gun club. He puts on reloading workshops several times a year. I'm still using a RCBS balance beam scale. It works, so I can't justify replacing it. I have rifles that are much older, 60 to 80 years old and they work too! I won't replace them either! Good presentation.
Thanks for the tip on how to set up a charge weight in that powder measure by measuring out the charge on the scale first, then using that to set the micrometer depth. One question though - - WHERE WERE YOU THIRTY YEARS AGO WHEN I FIRST STARTED??? Great video, many thanks for sharing!
hey, you bought yours in '72 i bought mine in '73 both still serving me very well despite a run in with some rust due to a leaking roof and flooded basement. with a little TLC they are working at full efficiency, i have been throwing loads for 3 different handguns as well as 2 different rifles, with care and a mind toward safety they have never thrown an incorrect load we also use the measure to make salutes in paper tubes to chase off the birds and sometimes the feral pigs that wander around these parts. great video, keep up the great work.. stay safe.
Been reloading for 20 yrs and I picked up a couple good hints. Thanks for the math at the and! I've always trickled up every charge while holding my breath, but now I may get away from that for a lot of my shooting. Also like the still air pocket for your scale... Perfect solution! Up high and out of the breath zone! 👍 👍 Gonna have to make myself a pocket shelf like that!
I have the utmost respect for your knowledge. To me; a huge part of the joy of reloading is doing it without the dependency of any electronics. It’s the best way.
After watching this, I'm going out tomorrow and replacing the balance beam and powder measure from my old Lee anniversary kit, and upgrading to something a bit better built. Definitely getting a trickler as well. Thanks for going through all the effort to make these videos!
Always something new to learn. I love the idea of halving the charge and double charging the case. I’m going to implement that for my .300 Blackout loads.
Fantastic! You have taught me a lot and very well explained.. Thank you again. Health to Benny and all.. Added: Since this is mostly a hobby that does include a small, but real possibility of self-defense purpose, I too only load the slow way. Individual steps, with a high standard of quality control, in which the QC takes more time than the actual production time. This is a craft, it is good for the mind to just take it easy and enjoy the process. In the end run, you can be very confident that your stuff is as good or maybe better than anything you can buy from the store. For example, if the brass has any markings, it goes back in the tumbler. When done, it all looks new, and there is no oxidation to cause premature aging of your stored ammo.
Good data.... I have always used a Lyman balance beam scale and viewed the digital ones with some suspicion (and I used to be a programmer!). When I have checked digitals against my Lyman (which has zero error in repeatability) the digitals are always inferior. I would rate the digitals as 'accurate enough'. As for powder measures, the ones i have used are surprisingly accurate, even those little Lee automatic ones that sit in a die station and are worked by the case as it ascends for neck flaring. They seem to throw within 1/10th of a grain consistently, even with single digit charges for pistol roundd.... More than good enough for all pistol work and most rifles too, and they keep that accuracy over long use. They cost very little too... amazing. Your video confirms my own experience over many years (started handloading 50 years ago), and it's nice to see a video that shows it.
Unrelated to this video: I was starting to remove some spacers from the butpad of my Steyr Scout and was having some difficulty. I was about to search on TH-cam for a solution when I heard a voice in my head say "read your owners manual, nobody know more about your firearm than the manufacturer". Thanks for all of the great advice you've been giving. God bless.
I started handloading years ago with my dad we shot and hunted together since I was a youngster some 50 plus years ago with the same style equipment some even the same love his knowledge on gunsmithing and really appreciate him sharing for free all this wisdom he has acquired over his lifetime thank-you sir for everything
What a pleasant, non screaming, clear and informative video and of pretty good quality. . I am planning to start reloading and enjoyed your detailed aproach. Greetings from The Netherlands.
Straight talk, no nonsense. I'll take wisdom over smarts any day. This man is a pro and delivers content logically, accurately, and backs it up with facts. Bravo!
When I reload rifle, I always charge into a pan and then trickle. It takes time but I think it makes a difference. Thank you for providing your videos with so much education and experience. I’ve only been reloading about 2 years but I’ve gotten more and more into it. Trying different powders and bullets/weights for shooting
I encourage you to try just charging without trickling to see what happens. I think you will be pleasantly surprised and it will give you perspective on things. Unless you're shooting at ranges beyond 600 yards, and you have very difficult powders, there's little advantage.
One has to “enjoy” the detail - and develops observations and insight to get consistency. The gun shoots way better than me and the quality of the components ( cases, powder, primers and BULLETS ) helps for great down range result ! Once happened to weight LEAD PROJECTILES (i.e. WADE CUTTERS ) 148grn, an old standard target bullet ! Took a while for the light to illuminate in the skull - a range betwixt 144 to 152 grains !!! turned out .000s of an inch in length - SO, set a light one, a dead on one and a heavy one on the bench and you can sort QUICKLY by comparison and the down range result was sure worth the little effort.
Love learning the technique that you use and setting the powder charge. The only the only question I have, is 29.9 to 30.1 is a 2/10 difference not a 3/10 difference, but you maybe just observing that there are three points of differential in that span. The Cutting of the IMR powders however was one of the reasons why they came out with the short IMR powders that would meter better in such devices. As for pistols, I had a lot of success using the RCBS little Dandy measure. It would throw a consistent charge 3.8 grains of 231 every single time. I believe it was 1984-85 that they upped the max charge for the 380 from 3.2 grains up to 4.0 grains. I rather large change. But my Walther PPKs loved that load of 3.8. It was a completely different animal to shoot. And blazingly accurate for what it was.
Fantastic! I'm new to reloading and this kind of information is invaluable. Math doesn't lie and you can't beat experience! I'll be rethinking my shopping list. Thank you.
I have the same equipment that i’ve been using it for the last 35 years and is more than enough fo me. I don’t trust electronic equipments. Excellent reasoning & logic on measuring error. Thanks.
I find where the speed of the electronic dispenser comes in is that I can seat bullets while my chargemaster is throwing the next charge. I always find myself reverting back to throwing the charge and then trickling up, but sometimes it's nice to let the machine do the work. Comparing charges back and forth between the chargemaster, my ohaus 5-0-5, and the newer RCBS M1000, it's always spot on. Very rarely the charge it throws is 1/10th higher than I'd like. The electronic dispenser allows me to reduce my level of fatigue at the bench, which is critical when loading large batches for a competition. For things like 223, I revert back to ball powders and load in large batches with the charge thrower. To each his own. Great video!
Exactly my experience since the early 80's with the same kit. Just added the micro adjuster to make MY reading of the scale easier. Well presented and all the information to settle doubts or start a beginner. 👍
Excellent information and right on. I've been loading since I was 13 years old, 60 years ago. I could buy IMR4831 for $1.75 a pound back then. Everything in this video is correct and accurate. Great job.
I have bought some of the newer stuff...like from the 70's-80's, these auto powder stations and they are nice for pistol rounds. When shooting rifle rounds, you are a 100%! If these young people will learn the craft, they can load accurate ammo. I remember back in the day, when I shot a 5 shot group, thru three holes in sniper school. With a little time, I was able to hand load ammo that would duplicate that accuracy! Take Care Buddy and Spread the word! John
I like the height of your scale. I copied it by building a shelf that holds my scale up to eye height, and am now using a trickler. I also took my charge drop apart and cleaned it. Works like new now. And... you appear to know your way around a spreadsheet!
Thank you for your time and experience, I've always liked doing things by hand as much as possible including loading my own ammo. There's always been something in the back of my mind when it comes to relying on electronics and batteries.
I am kind of a vintage reloading equipment junkie. I have an old Redding measure, a Lyman 55, a Belding and Mull and a Lee. Here is the kicker, they all perform very close to the same as far as accuracy. I tested them. But the one I use the most is the cheap Lee. It does anything the others will, operation is smoother AND it handles large stick powder the best! It also has a neat feature that allows you to remove the hopper and easily put left over powder back into the can. So for newcomers to the hobby who want to save a couple bucks, there you go. Just get a cheap Lee measure and spend more on powder and bullets. Thanks again for your informative Videos!
I have all the items you suggest and have never used them. I have always used electronic digital scales and everything you've said is correct. Now I understand better and will use the older system from now on thanks.
You have uncannily impeccable timing as I was finishing watching reviews (and checked prices) on automated droppers while your video was posted... Good signs indeed. I appreciate the grounding.
Bout to make me cry. It's what my Grandfather used and now it's mine .. sitting in the gun room dusty, Time I get it off the shelf and Use it. Thanks 👍
Nothing wrong with old school tools. They are solid, accurate and dependable. I have RCBS 505 scale that I bought back in 1992 and Hornady manual powder dispenser and I work just fine and makes my handloading very accurate. Good video, thank you.
I went the digital route and after a series of frustrating hiccups I went back to this equipment. It is versatile enough to do some very difficult powders used for shotshell reloading with very accurate results and very repeatable. I have to say you are 100% correct, there is no need for the digital stuff and there is no need, when reloading, for speed. Accuracy is the only essential. If you are not patient enough to take time to reload then don’t.
A man after my own heart! I still have (and use) my Ohaus 1005 balance beam scale and Redding #3 powder dispenser that my Dad bought me over 50 years ago. In recent years I have dabbled in the electronic scales and dispensers on the market, and have pretty much sold or traded them all off. They are just not as reliable nor accurate as the mechanical tools. I still have one Dillon D-Terminator electronic scale that consistently weighs at least 5 grains on the heavy side, and it will not calibrate to zero. Electronic scales have the supposed attraction of speed, accuracy and convenience, and I have found they deliver on none of these.
Outstanding video, sir. The technique of filling the drum with a known amount of powder to register the charge is great. Thanks for your obvious knowledge of the subject.
He just rumbles along with the confidence that practice faith and his years have created. I picked yup a couple of things to be done next time i get the powder thing out. Thankyou
Thank you for this superb lesson in the basics of using these tools. When I began reloading, I had very little money to spare for fancy equipment. So, I attended estate auctions, and acquired some very high quality equipment that was not "newest of the new" but that was superbly accurate, repeatable and reliable. And I've never had occasion to regret the fact that circumstances led me down that road. Reloading is something that is (or can be) fun and relaxing, in and of itself. Having good tools make that experience much more enjoyable, even if they are not computer -driven!
Thank you for your videos, just loaded up .223 for the first time with help from your advice. I have loaded tens of thousands of pistol rounds but rifle was a bit intimidating. Also, thank you very much for cutting the fluff, the reloading industry likes to scare you into spending the most money possible.
Fantastic! The best i have seen so far. Finally i think i have my own opinion on accuracy. 0.1 grains does not matter. Period. And for hunting, i dont think 0.2 grains more or less will matter. Very well explained, thank you very much! I have been thinking about start reloading for years now, but it always seem to end up with hundrads of dollars in equipment, but it looks a lot more possible now!
Hi I have the same kind powder dispenser as yours and balance beam scale, but my scale is made by RCBS all bought in 1975 .I have loaded 1000's of loads no complaints.
Back in the mid '70s, I bought a reloading kit from Herter's. The scale was near worthless, replaced with an RCBS 505 scale, but I still use the powder dropper and case trimmer. The dropper isn't as accurately adjusted as most, taking a bit of trial and error to set a load, but it is very consistent once set. The case trimmer non-replaceable blades finally dulled, and it's been relegated to neck trimmer duty, a Hornady case trimmer taking over. I still use the old "Model 3" single-stage Herter's press for all my reloading, although a Lee hand press does most of my handgun case prep these days.
I bought my RCBS UniFlow in 1972 and it is still 100% and using it on my bench yet!!... Has Red Label maker tape on it too. !! But I learned something new today, Drop a measured charge in and then screw the piston gently down on it to the back wall..... I'll try that next... Thanks....
Using Hornady progressive. My pistol shells ±1g is okay, defensive rounds for practice and 4 Inch group shot fast at 30 feet. My rifles the accuracy is ±0.2g when I have the temperature at 68℉. I fill and weigh every fifth brass, if within ± 0.2g I continue. With the 338LM I fill and weigh each individually. I expect a less than 1" group at 1/4 mile and it is the only way I can come close to guaranteeing that. With my elderly muscles, lungs and heart it is hard to hold steady, I use my limbs not bench rests.
New to your channel. I'm 70, old school in many ways. My powder measure is an old Lyman, from the 70s, with the "knocker". My scale is the RCBS version of yours, RCBS trickler. By the way, I've filled the base of both with epoxy and lead shot. It immobilizes the scale, making it more repeatable.
Thanks for a good video. I've been lucky enough to inherit a variety of powder measures and scales over the years. The thing is that I've stuck with the same scale and measure that I've used since I started reloading in 1986. What I've found FOR ME is that I've learned how to be consistent in my throw technique with that particular measure. The scale I use all the time is also a 505 and it's spooky accurate while being more than fast enough to settle.
I'm glad I live in a time when I can watch guys like you and take notes on advice given .I have not done a bunch of loading .I make short 12ga shells for my older shot guns but I do not reload my rifle rounds yet . However I have ben looking into it for 5 years now and I think I know what I want to buy this year .the accurate measure of powder is important to me I want to work today consistency and accurate load data . So far I have a few thousand primers and many pounds of brass thankfully lots of new shooters out their and thay seem to leave thair brass I have not seen brass left in the woods like this in over 10 years .thanks for all the vids
i recently found out my powder measurements were varying up to +/- 0.1 grains. I did wonder how much of an issue that was, and thanks to you i now know it does matter for F class when my rifle shoots 0.35moa, and my vertical spread is anywhere up to 0.2moa out to 1000m. X ring is half moa, so combined, im likely losing valuable X scores. your video also showed me that my hunting loads are way over engineered and i can easily spend 1/10th of the time reloading those in future. Thank you very much :)
My dad recently passed away and left a TON of reloading. He wasnt much in the way of teaching so I am trying to keep it going. He had one of these, several scales just like youve got. Will be giving it a go here soon hopefully. Thanks for the video.
I agree with everything. The only thing that I have found to do better than your method, in us to double pump at the top and bottom of the stroke. It knocked loose in the granules that may be hiding in because you’re filling the reservoir the second bump settles it income tax it more uniform within just a single presence. Thanks for all you do. Love your channel.
I've been reloading for 30+ years and i still pick up little tidbit, and that is also part of the interest for me. i was also looking for a good digital scale and what you said is why i didn't. I wouldn't have saved anything
This was a great video! Re-affirmed everything I knew and believed. I was given a brand new RCBS Charge Master several years ago and I have used it to load hunting rounds. I love it and its very accurate and as you point out 1-3/10 of a grain doesn't have a significant impact especially on large rifle cases.
I have been trying to find a digital powder scale that didn’t have dozens of 1 star reviews. Every single one of them including the $800+ are made in China and seem to bite the dust after a couple years of use. After watching this, Beam scales are clearly the way to go. Thanks for saving me $350
I’ve acquired quite a few of these scales and powder measures over the years by inheritance or buying reloading setups. Generally I use a automatic trickler for precision rifle loads, but I will always double check the load on a second scale.
I bought one back in 1972 also via the RCBS Ammo Crafter Kit..also the micrometer adjustable balance beam scale...while I was in the Army in Germany thru the post Rod and Gun club..still have both despite nany moves beginning in 1979 from NJ to FL
I picked up one of these early generation uniflow powder measures new old stock a few years ago, just got around to setting it up and using it for the first time, this detailed video helped me resolve a few of the teething problems I encountered, I will try and source a small measure & meter, I can see how this would be advantageous, thank you.
It was a great instructional video. I even got some new ideas out of it. I wasn't even aware they had different sized metering chambers for the powder throwers. That said, I absolutely hate my balance beam scale. Ironically because of some OCD tendencies. It's unpleasant for me to wait until the darn thing quits swinging and I don't have a steady hand. I do have to point out one error you made though saying a +/- .1 accuracy leads to a .3 grain difference. It's only a .2 grain spread because one of those charges(bullets) you had up there represents "zero" as in zero deviation. That said, while I prefer a digital scale, when I throw a charge that isn't exact, and I can shake the pan and remeasure a get it to the correct number, that's pretty much an indicator of the inherent inaccuracy of the digital scale. I rationalize it by thinking, "well if it was that close to the bubble that shaking the powder around the try got me to the exact number I'm looking for, then it was close enough." In essence I believe the +/- .1 gr is because it's rounding the .01 grain up or down depending on how close it is to .1th. I'm still sticking with the old skool powder thrower until the come up with something manual and better. And thanks for reminding me...I'm due to clean mine up. Thanks for the video and sharing your wisdom.
Love this guy's no nonsense approach. Blows all the BS surrounding reloading and shooting away. Clear, concise and right on point.
How wonderful. No fancy jargon; no fancy equipment. Easy to understand. Thank you.
This channel is the encyclopedia of reloading. Thank you sir!
I love that you have your Dymo label reminder on your scale. This shows that it doesn't matter how old your equipment is. If you take care of it, it will serve you well for many many years. Thank you for showing us that you don't need the latest equipment. We just need to respect the value of what we have.
He has reminders on everything lol it is hard to argue with your self and take short cuts when you leave your self reminders it makes me want to buy a label maker
I have a couple of tips for using a balance beam scale. Keep your balance inside a cabinet mounted at your normal line of sight when seated at your loading bench, which it appears you have. No parallax error, no bending over (a factor we figure out as we age). The cabinet keeps it dust free when not in use. And no battery issues or power cords cluttering up the bench. I use a lid stay so the balance cabinet door becomes my “balance table.” It sits in front of the cabinet so I don't have to reach inside or have the compartment constraints. I've also mounted a trickler pedestal and used magnets to add security to give me greater clearance between the trickler spout and the balance pan. Also, shallow “dimples” in the cabinet door/table will insure consistent location of the balance.
I really enjoy your vast practical knowledge.
Probably one of the premier channels to get honest info without a bunch of bs hype... love this channel!!
I’m looking for a complete non electrical process for reloading. I’m at the powder drop stage. I started watching this and thought we’ll I’ll never get through it. Man was I ever wrong. This by far the best presentation of manual powder drop I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much for all you do.
Also practice with your Lee powder dippers, they'll get you out of trouble.
If there's ever no power ( electric ) you will always have your beam scales, powder thrower and dippers .
Good luck my friend.
Your videos are one of my top sources of information for anything related to firearms. I really enjoy all of your videos and thank you for taking the time to share all of this information with us. I've been around guns most all of my life, been reloading for many, many years and yet the more I watch your videos the more I realize I don't know. The learning process never ends.
AMEN!
I realize that I am old school, when most of my equipment hails from the 70s when I started reloading. My Redding powder measure is probably late 50s or early 60s. If it ain't broke....don't fix it. I've owned just about every innovation that came along up to about 15 years ago when I decided I had enough toys. I sold off the Dillon progressives, all the duplicate O frames and kept an old Orange Crusher and a spar-t turret. The RCBS presses brought more money but didn't do anything the Lyman's won't. I'm down to about 75 die sets and 100 bullet molds and handles, 2 lubrisizers, one RCBS and one Saeco. One RCBS lead furnace. Maybe down to a ton of WW ingots. All this stuff is old and works perfectly. I'm 62 and no longer work perfectly! It'll be here doing fine when I'm long gone.
You got that part right on , i started reloading and casting bullets in 1964 and still do .. My equipment works perfect after all of these years ..well said
Only 62?... Just a pup... I have 15 years on you! :-D
@@KathrynLiz1 I first learned to reload in 1958 with my dad using Lyman 310 hand tool, really enjoyed that tool , just resizing but I was hooked. Soon as I finished high school In 1962 my first job I had i stated with a C press and beam scale , 2 ten pound pots for lead and Lyman bullet moulds and lubesizer... I was off at that point. Hollywood press soon followed along with a RCBS powder measure to replace the old Lyman #55... Since I have added dies along with the Redding 3BR measure and Redding scale.. I load 3 handgun and 4 rifle ctgs at this time.. Not certain what would be next for me. Have been thinking hard on the .260 Remington. But I lean more towards the Remington 6mm BR ctg.
Hey mister , do what you do, and keep doing what you do. We need men like you. Thanks.
I hope you guys can find a worthy family member or youth to appreciate and take care of that equipment when God calls you home. ♥️👍
If my grandpa was still alive, this is how he'd go about teaching me how to do something. I am really grateful for this. Better-trained people that are that way because of your willingness to share what you know is the hallmark of a good person. Thank you very much.
i wish my grandson was like you.....but he is not...one can only hope
Lmao
I really enjoy your down to earth approach to firearms, shooting and hunting. I visited New Hampshire and Maine and stood on top of Mount Washington. I was greatly impressed of the hidden beauty of your small state. There is no place quite like it anywhere. I spent four years attending night classes at The Pennsylvania Gunsmith School in the early eighties. Before that, I spent four years as an 0311 Marine and my last year on the rifle and pistol ranges. Pennsylvania deer hunting rules have made high magnification optics popular because some areas of the state require antler deer to have at least four points on one horn to be taken legally. This changes the idea of shooting running deer to zero in most hunting situations. It reduces wounding game and wild rapid shooting. The first day of deer season stopped sounding like World War Three. Once you learn to use high magnification variable scopes, they are quite easy to use. Metallic silhouette shooters use high magnification fixed power scopes shooting offhand with great success. There are always exceptions to the rules. No wood stock rifle I own has one drop of plastic bedding. True custom-made rifles shoot accurately without the need for it. No rifle made in The Pennsylvania Gunsmith School was permitted to have any and pass as a finished rifle project. I did make two rifles as extra credit using Sako actions and Brown Precision fiberglass raw stock blanks. They were the first two ever made by a student of the school. They all thought this would never catch on at the time. Boy, they missed that by a country mile. You can bed any rifle without using plastic if you know how. It only takes a little extra time to properly bed even a factory-stocked rifle 95% of the time. Composite molded stocks and carbon fiber or fiberglass stocks are two very different stock materials. Composite molded stocks are heavy and kick like a mule. Fiberglass stocks are light and absorb recoil better than any stock material known and that’s a fact. I grew up when the 35 Remington and the 300 Savage 99 ruled the deer woods. No one trusted scopes much because they fogged up. I hunted groundhogs with one old geezer that had a beautiful stocked 30/40 Crag action. He necked it down to 224 and let me tell you he laid low every groundhog he dropped the hammer on. I never saw him miss. He had an old K-8 Weaver and screwed on a new barrel on that thing at least three times I know of. He belonged to a groundhog-hunting club and all the groundhogs were kept and consumed at the awards banquette. They made burgers, meatloaf, chili, and fried groundhog. It was all mighty tasty. He seldom ever missed getting an award. That was long ago in Lancaster Pennsylvania. You need to come south and watch what goes on at this place at least once. The Original Pennsylvania 1000 Yard Benchrest Club, Inc. The Birthplace of Long Range Shooting God Bless…
You have a gift for making things very simple to understand. I was just looking into reloading and after this I’m definitely going to start.
I was looking at all the fancy stuff and at the cost upfront thinking “no way is this worth it”.
Go for it. Get some basic gear and start 'rolling your own'... only way to go. If you shoot much the equipment will be paid for in a very short time and you ammo will be custom made for your guns. All you need is a simple press, balance scale, a trickler and some dies. This will let yo load world class ammo at about one third of the cost of half decent factory stuff, and probably still a lot cheaper than millsurp, if you shoot such a calibre.
You can get all the gear you need in the USA for under $200, and that will enable you to load ammunition that is the equal of any that you can buy at any a price.
Better ammo, and you are saving heaps of money...... Gotta be good!
THIS MADE ME SMILE! MOST...OF MY RELOADING EQUIPMENT IS... ANTIQUE ALSO... I DID PURCHASE ONE OF THE NEWER DIGITAL POWDER DISPENSER / SCALES ... BUT I USE MY BALANCE BEAM SCALE TO VERIFY THE CHARGE IT THROWS! THANK YOU SIR!
Your wisdom and years of learning are much appreciated! Thank you for all that you do. As a newby to reloading you have helped me understand, and learn so much.
MY Redding BR30 had gotten sticky over the years and after watching this video and cleaning/lubricating properly...it is slick and smooth and good as new - many thanks from an old infantryman.
Me too. I love my BR30!
You’re like my grandpa just a wealth of knowledge and I can’t get enough of thank you so much
If he still around spend some time with him, I’m sure he would enjoy it
Thank you for the information. You make it easy for a relatively new reloader to learn. I started reloading in my early 60's and I'm 67 now. Who says that you can't teach old dogs new tricks.
I can not believe how fast and simple it is to make the initial setting on the measure. For years I've wasted time with the try and turn method. Thank you sir. God bless.
I'm just getting into this stuff: It seem's so obvious after seeing it, and I'd like to think that I'd have caught it, but, if I'm honest with myself, like you, I'm pretty sure I'd have been wasting my time too with the
"try and turn"!
Spot on solution and comment. I have always wondered why RCBS has never published or made available a table of powders and setting per volume like for the Lee powder dippers. With the dippers, you chose your powder and then select the charge and appropriate CC dipper closest to your desired charge. Why can't or hasn't RCBS done the same thing for their Uniflow measures?
@@aolinger680 maybe it would reduce the number of gadgets they sell?
Thank you sir, I have been reloading since 1980 but still enjoy your reloading tutorials very much. Always receive a nugget or two. Thank you again! God Bless
GunBlue490- Thank you Sir for this great in depth video. About 3-months ago I purchased a used power measure exactly like the one you are demonstrating here and even though it was fairly accurate it just wasn't as consistent as I thought it could/should be. After watching this video and hearing you explain that the drum should be filling while in the upstroke (handle in the up position) I realized that the one I purchased had been set-up bassackwards. I changed it to operate the way you explained and it immediately started to become consistent with each throw. Without your video and excellent commentary I would have probably had to learn to live with the inconsistency that I was experiencing. Thanks again and God bless Sir.
Love your in depth videos on numerous subjects. Always a pleasure to watch you instruct or demonstrate.
Yup, I use a 1962 mfg Lyman #55 measure that I bought brand new, or a 1905 Ideal No.5 all cast iron unit. Both drop anything I put in 'em with uncanny accuracy. My scale is an ancient Redding No.1 scale complete with the oil dampening system. Reckon I'm not a modern reloader, but my old gear has served me well for decades.
This guy! I love hearing from experienced reloaders. Excellent presentation and even though the methods are "old skool" the data backs it up and the repeatability is demonstrated. I am new to reloading and my RCBS kit came with a similar powder measure and a balance beam scale. You see all the fancy electronic stuff and think you need it, i think this proves otherwise. Of course I also learned a few things, just like when I hang out with experienced machinists! 1 - powder has graphite in it; that's where its lubricity comes from. 2 - the method used to initially set the charge is brilliant and a huge time saver. 3 - no school like the old school. This convinces me I can accurately reload for my 6.5 CM without all the fancy gear for now at least. A lot of the reloading videos are hard to watch, younger guys with machine gun like delivery of the content but still ramble on for 2x the time!? This is clear, concise, well spoken and easily digestible. Even though my Grandpa was a big shooter/hunter (Jr. Olympic team for small bore) he was never into reloading. I wish I would have been exposed to it earlier in life and I hope to pass this onto my son (he is already interested). Thanks GunBlue490!
This was a great tutorial. I have been having problems loading Cowboy loads in 357 brass. Your tutorials gave me insight into a bunch of problems. Thanks for your help. It is a rare kindness.
Use lee dippers much easier, no fail.
You certainly alleviated some doubt in my processes. I'm fairly new to reloading and have only loaded .45 and .308 as I use both calibers exclusively. You are brilliant and well studied fella. At 70 years old, i still enjoy learning new things and certainly enjoyed this vid. Thank you
LOL! I'm about a decade your senior. Don't forget: They used to call us "Young and Foolish". Now, they just don't call us "Young" anymore.
I've got an old RCBS 10-10 scale from 40+ years ago (1977?), and it's all I've ever wanted or needed. I have an electric for sorting cases and bullets. Thank you for educating the next generation so logically yet succinctly. I love your channel.
Most significant video (for me) you have posted. After watching several times, the realizations are so clear. I have since sold my E-droppers and configured an RCBS measure EXACTLY as you describe. After 15 years of reloading this call to common sense and practicality was enlightening. Now equipped with a small rotor its staggering how inherently accurate the RCBS powder drop is.....in superb time. THANK YOU!
You're welcome!
just excellent. it took me years to get there (i think, been too long now). if you're new, or been away for a long while. i'd recommend refreshing from the excellent loading manuals (yes, read several again). along with your excellent advice, get your mind into the swing of things totally when you reload. be confident, SOBER, and without distraction on a clean well thought out platform. don't, don't reload with another person talking to you. 100% of your attention is required, and you cannot be in a hurry. a thoughtful approach may save your life and prevent firearm damage.
I really like how you got the measure close by dropping a weighed charge into a empty measure and then adjusting the spindle, lightly pressing the powder against the cylinder wall. It never occurred to me to try that, thanks.
weigh every charge Luc!
Clay Cooper I do, I don’t take chances. I do like his trick though, gets me really close right away with only small adjustments needed
@@learningthehardwayalways185 yo get close enough then by using the scale you you trickle just enough to get the exact charge. I never through a rifle charge without measuring each and every charge.
That scale is not accurate!
@@Niels357 Elaborate.
You sir are a breath of fresh air. Amongst all the digital gadgets and toys they sell now I'm glad to see someone show how the basics still works. Thanks for the great video.
Voice of reason in a complicated world, glad Benny is doing well.
I have new found respect for the speed and accuracy of my rcbs powder measure, scale and powder trickler. Very impressed after cleaning and using your tip to set powder charge with adjustment of the plunger depth again the back wall of the housing, what a time saver! Anxiously awaiting your new 30/06 rifle reveal video, God Bless
You produce the best video's. You never assume the viewer knows what your explaining. You hit all the important points that a complete novice needs to know. I watched several video's seeking information on reloading. No one does this topic justice like your videos. Your my go to guy for all gun related content. Thank you very much. Hope you are well.
Gunblue490, I see those older arms and hands working the reloading levers and other tools. Keep doing what you do as long as you can. It gives me great elation to be able to soak up the knowledge and information that you pass to the world. Thanks. Just so you know, I'm not far behind you in age ,and thanks to my father and many people like you, I'm not far behind in my knowledge of firearms ,reloading, stock work, and other related topics. Being an author of a written book is great, but being able to see what you do, is wonderful. Thank you forever mister.
I never fail to learn something from your videos. I LOVE the reloading ones. I have been humbled by your depth of knowledge. I was convinced I knew everything about my powder measure - wrong....Thanks again.
My comment has nothing to do with this video but I'm writing this non the less. Your earlier video on self defense and shooting was priceless. I'm not sure, however, that you do know the culture. I'm almost 65 and your take has changed me with respect
as to how I act around people when it concerns firearms and shooting. Thank You so much for making it. Our lives are an open book.
You remind me of a guy in my gun club. He puts on reloading workshops several times a year. I'm still using a RCBS balance beam scale. It works, so I can't justify replacing it. I have rifles that are much older, 60 to 80 years old and they work too! I won't replace them either!
Good presentation.
I just stumbled across this Channel a few months ago and, all I can say is, this man is a National Treasure.
This is a masterclass on manual powder dropping. Very delightful video.
Thanks for the tip on how to set up a charge weight in that powder measure by measuring out the charge on the scale first, then using that to set the micrometer depth. One question though - - WHERE WERE YOU THIRTY YEARS AGO WHEN I FIRST STARTED??? Great video, many thanks for sharing!
hey, you bought yours in '72 i bought mine in '73 both still serving me very well despite a run in with some rust due to a leaking roof and flooded basement. with a little TLC they are working at full efficiency, i have been throwing loads for 3 different handguns as well as 2 different rifles, with care and a mind toward safety they have never thrown an incorrect load we also use the measure to make salutes in paper tubes to chase off the birds and sometimes the feral pigs that wander around these parts.
great video, keep up the great work.. stay safe.
Been reloading for 20 yrs and I picked up a couple good hints. Thanks for the math at the and! I've always trickled up every charge while holding my breath, but now I may get away from that for a lot of my shooting. Also like the still air pocket for your scale... Perfect solution! Up high and out of the breath zone! 👍 👍 Gonna have to make myself a pocket shelf like that!
I have the utmost respect for your knowledge. To me; a huge part of the joy of reloading is doing it without the dependency of any electronics. It’s the best way.
After watching this, I'm going out tomorrow and replacing the balance beam and powder measure from my old Lee anniversary kit, and upgrading to something a bit better built. Definitely getting a trickler as well.
Thanks for going through all the effort to make these videos!
Always something new to learn. I love the idea of halving the charge and double charging the case. I’m going to implement that for my .300 Blackout loads.
Just be sure to pay attention and make sure you double throw. An accidental half charge could be very dangerous.
@@tommoss2005, Absolutely, "Boom!" and/or "Oops" are not our favorite word or sound.
Fantastic! You have taught me a lot and very well explained.. Thank you again. Health to Benny and all..
Added: Since this is mostly a hobby that does include a small, but real possibility of self-defense purpose, I too only load the slow way. Individual steps, with a high standard of quality control, in which the QC takes more time than the actual production time. This is a craft, it is good for the mind to just take it easy and enjoy the process. In the end run, you can be very confident that your stuff is as good or maybe better than anything you can buy from the store. For example, if the brass has any markings, it goes back in the tumbler. When done, it all looks new, and there is no oxidation to cause premature aging of your stored ammo.
Good data.... I have always used a Lyman balance beam scale and viewed the digital ones with some suspicion (and I used to be a programmer!). When I have checked digitals against my Lyman (which has zero error in repeatability) the digitals are always inferior. I would rate the digitals as 'accurate enough'.
As for powder measures, the ones i have used are surprisingly accurate, even those little Lee automatic ones that sit in a die station and are worked by the case as it ascends for neck flaring. They seem to throw within 1/10th of a grain consistently, even with single digit charges for pistol roundd.... More than good enough for all pistol work and most rifles too, and they keep that accuracy over long use. They cost very little too... amazing.
Your video confirms my own experience over many years (started handloading 50 years ago), and it's nice to see a video that shows it.
Unrelated to this video: I was starting to remove some spacers from the butpad of my Steyr Scout and was having some difficulty. I was about to search on TH-cam for a solution when I heard a voice in my head say "read your owners manual, nobody know more about your firearm than the manufacturer".
Thanks for all of the great advice you've been giving. God bless.
I started handloading years ago with my dad we shot and hunted together since I was a youngster some 50 plus years ago with the same style equipment some even the same love his knowledge on gunsmithing and really appreciate him sharing for free all this wisdom he has acquired over his lifetime thank-you sir for everything
What a pleasant, non screaming, clear and informative video and of pretty good quality. . I am planning to start reloading and enjoyed your detailed aproach. Greetings from The Netherlands.
Straight talk, no nonsense. I'll take wisdom over smarts any day. This man is a pro and delivers content logically, accurately, and backs it up with facts. Bravo!
When I reload rifle, I always charge into a pan and then trickle. It takes time but I think it makes a difference. Thank you for providing your videos with so much education and experience. I’ve only been reloading about 2 years but I’ve gotten more and more into it. Trying different powders and bullets/weights for shooting
I encourage you to try just charging without trickling to see what happens. I think you will be pleasantly surprised and it will give you perspective on things. Unless you're shooting at ranges beyond 600 yards, and you have very difficult powders, there's little advantage.
One has to “enjoy” the detail - and develops observations and insight to get consistency.
The gun shoots way better than me and the quality of the components ( cases, powder, primers and BULLETS ) helps for great down range result !
Once happened to weight LEAD PROJECTILES (i.e. WADE CUTTERS ) 148grn, an old standard target bullet !
Took a while for the light to illuminate in the skull - a range betwixt 144 to 152 grains !!! turned out .000s of an inch in length - SO, set a light one, a dead on one and a heavy one on the bench and you can sort QUICKLY by comparison and the down range result was sure worth the little effort.
Love learning the technique that you use and setting the powder charge. The only the only question I have, is 29.9 to 30.1 is a 2/10 difference not a 3/10 difference, but you maybe just observing that there are three points of differential in that span. The Cutting of the IMR powders however was one of the reasons why they came out with the short IMR powders that would meter better in such devices. As for pistols, I had a lot of success using the RCBS little Dandy measure. It would throw a consistent charge 3.8 grains of 231 every single time. I believe it was 1984-85 that they upped the max charge for the 380 from 3.2 grains up to 4.0 grains. I rather large change. But my Walther PPKs loved that load of 3.8. It was a completely different animal to shoot. And blazingly accurate for what it was.
Fantastic! I'm new to reloading and this kind of information is invaluable. Math doesn't lie and you can't beat experience! I'll be rethinking my shopping list. Thank you.
I also use a redding powder measure-thrower bought around 1970. Still works great.
Been loading over 25 years. That trick to initially set your measure is awesome. Will add that to my process. Thanks!
I have the same equipment that i’ve been using it for the last 35 years and is more than enough fo me. I don’t trust electronic equipments. Excellent reasoning & logic on measuring error. Thanks.
This guy is so intelligent and teaches me so much, he’s also quick witted and funny.
Thanks, W.
This video has just saved me countless hours on the bench and so much questioning at the range. I really appreciate your work Gunblue!
I find where the speed of the electronic dispenser comes in is that I can seat bullets while my chargemaster is throwing the next charge. I always find myself reverting back to throwing the charge and then trickling up, but sometimes it's nice to let the machine do the work. Comparing charges back and forth between the chargemaster, my ohaus 5-0-5, and the newer RCBS M1000, it's always spot on. Very rarely the charge it throws is 1/10th higher than I'd like. The electronic dispenser allows me to reduce my level of fatigue at the bench, which is critical when loading large batches for a competition. For things like 223, I revert back to ball powders and load in large batches with the charge thrower. To each his own. Great video!
Exactly my experience since the early 80's with the same kit. Just added the micro adjuster to make MY reading of the scale easier. Well presented and all the information to settle doubts or start a beginner. 👍
Excellent information and right on. I've been loading since I was 13 years old, 60 years ago. I could buy IMR4831 for $1.75 a pound back then. Everything in this video is correct and accurate. Great job.
I have bought some of the newer stuff...like from the 70's-80's, these auto powder stations and they are nice for pistol rounds.
When shooting rifle rounds, you are a 100%!
If these young people will learn the craft, they can load accurate ammo.
I remember back in the day, when I shot a 5 shot group, thru three holes in sniper school.
With a little time, I was able to hand load ammo that would duplicate that accuracy!
Take Care Buddy and Spread the word! John
I like the height of your scale. I copied it by building a shelf that holds my scale up to eye height, and am now using a trickler.
I also took my charge drop apart and cleaned it. Works like new now.
And... you appear to know your way around a spreadsheet!
Thank you for your time and experience, I've always liked doing things by hand as much as possible including loading my own ammo. There's always been something in the back of my mind when it comes to relying on electronics and batteries.
I am kind of a vintage reloading equipment junkie. I have an old Redding measure, a Lyman 55, a Belding and Mull and a Lee. Here is the kicker, they all perform very close to the same as far as accuracy. I tested them. But the one I use the most is the cheap Lee. It does anything the others will, operation is smoother AND it handles large stick powder the best! It also has a neat feature that allows you to remove the hopper and easily put left over powder back into the can. So for newcomers to the hobby who want to save a couple bucks, there you go. Just get a cheap Lee measure and spend more on powder and bullets. Thanks again for your informative Videos!
I have all the items you suggest and have never used them.
I have always used electronic digital scales and everything you've said is correct.
Now I understand better and will use the older system from now on thanks.
I got the small drum for my RCBS uniflow, based on your recommendation, and it appears to be throwing charges more accurately, Thanks!
You have uncannily impeccable timing as I was finishing watching reviews (and checked prices) on automated droppers while your video was posted... Good signs indeed. I appreciate the grounding.
Bout to make me cry. It's what my Grandfather used and now it's mine .. sitting in the gun room dusty, Time I get it off the shelf and Use it. Thanks 👍
Nothing wrong with old school tools. They are solid, accurate and dependable. I have RCBS 505 scale that I bought back in 1992 and Hornady manual powder dispenser and I work just fine and makes my handloading very accurate. Good video, thank you.
I went the digital route and after a series of frustrating hiccups I went back to this equipment. It is versatile enough to do some very difficult powders used for shotshell reloading with very accurate results and very repeatable. I have to say you are 100% correct, there is no need for the digital stuff and there is no need, when reloading, for speed. Accuracy is the only essential. If you are not patient enough to take time to reload then don’t.
A man after my own heart! I still have (and use) my Ohaus 1005 balance beam scale and Redding #3 powder dispenser that my Dad bought me over 50 years ago. In recent years I have dabbled in the electronic scales and dispensers on the market, and have pretty much sold or traded them all off. They are just not as reliable nor accurate as the mechanical tools. I still have one Dillon D-Terminator electronic scale that consistently weighs at least 5 grains on the heavy side, and it will not calibrate to zero. Electronic scales have the supposed attraction of speed, accuracy and convenience, and I have found they deliver on none of these.
You make incredible sense, a simple solution for anyone wasting time achieving nothing!
Outstanding video, sir. The technique of filling the drum with a known amount of powder to register the charge is great. Thanks for your obvious knowledge of the subject.
He just rumbles along with the confidence that practice faith and his years have created. I picked yup a couple of things to be done next time i get the powder thing out.
Thankyou
Thank you for this superb lesson in the basics of using these tools. When I began reloading, I had very little money to spare for fancy equipment. So, I attended estate auctions, and acquired some very high quality equipment that was not "newest of the new" but that was superbly accurate, repeatable and reliable. And I've never had occasion to regret the fact that circumstances led me down that road. Reloading is something that is (or can be) fun and relaxing, in and of itself. Having good tools make that experience much more enjoyable, even if they are not computer -driven!
My maxim... IF IT HAS TITS, TIRES, OR CHIPS, YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TROUBLES WITH IT!!
@@gunwrites6222, Especially if the Chippy's "Poppa Was A Rolling Stone".
Thank you for your videos, just loaded up .223 for the first time with help from your advice.
I have loaded tens of thousands of pistol rounds but rifle was a bit intimidating.
Also, thank you very much for cutting the fluff, the reloading industry likes to scare you into spending the most money possible.
Fantastic! The best i have seen so far. Finally i think i have my own opinion on accuracy. 0.1 grains does not matter. Period. And for hunting, i dont think 0.2 grains more or less will matter. Very well explained, thank you very much! I have been thinking about start reloading for years now, but it always seem to end up with hundrads of dollars in equipment, but it looks a lot more possible now!
Hi I have the same kind powder dispenser as yours and balance beam scale, but my scale is made by RCBS all bought in 1975 .I have loaded 1000's of loads no complaints.
Back in the mid '70s, I bought a reloading kit from Herter's. The scale was near worthless, replaced with an RCBS 505 scale, but I still use the powder dropper and case trimmer. The dropper isn't as accurately adjusted as most, taking a bit of trial and error to set a load, but it is very consistent once set. The case trimmer non-replaceable blades finally dulled, and it's been relegated to neck trimmer duty, a Hornady case trimmer taking over. I still use the old "Model 3" single-stage Herter's press for all my reloading, although a Lee hand press does most of my handgun case prep these days.
I bought my RCBS UniFlow in 1972 and it is still 100% and using it on my bench yet!!... Has Red Label maker tape on it too. !! But I learned something new today, Drop a measured charge in and then screw the piston gently down on it to the back wall..... I'll try that next... Thanks....
Sir it's a joy watching all your videos. Thank you. Bill J.
Using Hornady progressive. My pistol shells ±1g is okay, defensive rounds for practice and 4 Inch group shot fast at 30 feet.
My rifles the accuracy is ±0.2g when I have the temperature at 68℉. I fill and weigh every fifth brass, if within ± 0.2g I continue. With the 338LM I fill and weigh each individually. I expect a less than 1" group at 1/4 mile and it is the only way I can come close to guaranteeing that. With my elderly muscles, lungs and heart it is hard to hold steady, I use my limbs not bench rests.
New to your channel. I'm 70, old school in many ways. My powder measure is an old Lyman, from the 70s, with the "knocker". My scale is the RCBS version of yours, RCBS trickler. By the way, I've filled the base of both with epoxy and lead shot. It immobilizes the scale, making it more repeatable.
Thanks for a good video. I've been lucky enough to inherit a variety of powder measures and scales over the years. The thing is that I've stuck with the same scale and measure that I've used since I started reloading in 1986. What I've found FOR ME is that I've learned how to be consistent in my throw technique with that particular measure. The scale I use all the time is also a 505 and it's spooky accurate while being more than fast enough to settle.
I'm glad I live in a time when I can watch guys like you and take notes on advice given .I have not done a bunch of loading .I make short 12ga shells for my older shot guns but I do not reload my rifle rounds yet . However I have ben looking into it for 5 years now and I think I know what I want to buy this year .the accurate measure of powder is important to me I want to work today consistency and accurate load data . So far I have a few thousand primers and many pounds of brass thankfully lots of new shooters out their and thay seem to leave thair brass I have not seen brass left in the woods like this in over 10 years .thanks for all the vids
i recently found out my powder measurements were varying up to +/- 0.1 grains. I did wonder how much of an issue that was, and thanks to you i now know it does matter for F class when my rifle shoots 0.35moa, and my vertical spread is anywhere up to 0.2moa out to 1000m. X ring is half moa, so combined, im likely losing valuable X scores.
your video also showed me that my hunting loads are way over engineered and i can easily spend 1/10th of the time reloading those in future.
Thank you very much :)
My dad recently passed away and left a TON of reloading. He wasnt much in the way of teaching so I am trying to keep it going. He had one of these, several scales just like youve got. Will be giving it a go here soon hopefully. Thanks for the video.
That method of setting the powder measure charge weight is brilliant. I will try this with my next precision rifle loads. 👍 Thank you
I agree with everything. The only thing that I have found to do better than your method, in us to double pump at the top and bottom of the stroke. It knocked loose in the granules that may be hiding in because you’re filling the reservoir the second bump settles it income tax it more uniform within just a single presence. Thanks for all you do. Love your channel.
One thing to note is that a 0.1 grain difference in a 223 load has more effect than a 0.1 grain difference in a 300 Win Mag, so load big cartridges :p
I've been reloading for 30+ years and i still pick up little tidbit, and that is also part of the interest for me. i was also looking for a good digital scale and what you said is why i didn't. I wouldn't have saved anything
This was a great video! Re-affirmed everything I knew and believed. I was given a brand new RCBS Charge Master several years ago and I have used it to load hunting rounds. I love it and its very accurate and as you point out 1-3/10 of a grain doesn't have a significant impact especially on large rifle cases.
I have been trying to find a digital powder scale that didn’t have dozens of 1 star reviews. Every single one of them including the $800+ are made in China and seem to bite the dust after a couple years of use. After watching this, Beam scales are clearly the way to go. Thanks for saving me $350
I’ve acquired quite a few of these scales and powder measures over the years by inheritance or buying reloading setups. Generally I use a automatic trickler for precision rifle loads, but I will always double check the load on a second scale.
Very, Very informative. You put a lot of work into your videos just to help people out. Thank you!!
I bought one back in 1972 also via the RCBS Ammo Crafter Kit..also the micrometer adjustable balance beam scale...while I was in the Army in Germany thru the post Rod and Gun club..still have both despite nany moves beginning in 1979 from NJ to FL
I picked up one of these early generation uniflow powder measures new old stock a few years ago, just got around to setting it up and using it for the first time, this detailed video helped me resolve a few of the teething problems I encountered, I will try and source a small measure & meter, I can see how this would be advantageous, thank you.
Great video, easy to understand, very thorough. Thanks from a reloading newbie
It was a great instructional video. I even got some new ideas out of it. I wasn't even aware they had different sized metering chambers for the powder throwers. That said, I absolutely hate my balance beam scale. Ironically because of some OCD tendencies. It's unpleasant for me to wait until the darn thing quits swinging and I don't have a steady hand. I do have to point out one error you made though saying a +/- .1 accuracy leads to a .3 grain difference. It's only a .2 grain spread because one of those charges(bullets) you had up there represents "zero" as in zero deviation.
That said, while I prefer a digital scale, when I throw a charge that isn't exact, and I can shake the pan and remeasure a get it to the correct number, that's pretty much an indicator of the inherent inaccuracy of the digital scale. I rationalize it by thinking, "well if it was that close to the bubble that shaking the powder around the try got me to the exact number I'm looking for, then it was close enough." In essence I believe the +/- .1 gr is because it's rounding the .01 grain up or down depending on how close it is to .1th.
I'm still sticking with the old skool powder thrower until the come up with something manual and better.
And thanks for reminding me...I'm due to clean mine up. Thanks for the video and sharing your wisdom.