Reloading Equipment V (Powder Handling)
Scale
An accurate scale is an absolute necessity for reloading. A scale is primarily used to weigh a powder charge before it is poured into a case. Even when a powder measure is used to meter out powder, a scale is necessary for initially setting up the powder measure to meter out the desired charge as well as for periodically check-weighing a charge thrown from the powder measure to confirm that it is still metering properly. A scale can also be used to weigh bullets or brass when sorting components for uniformity. For a very high degree of accuracy, many reloaders will individually weigh each powder charge when loading rifle cartridges. This is the only way to be absolutely sure of loading the exact same powder charge in each cartridge. Individually weighing charges is also advised when loading at or near maximum load levels where even a small degree of overcharging could result in a high pressure situation.
The two main types of scales are mechanical and digital. Mechanical scales use a balancing beam and movable counterpoises to weigh items placed in a hanging pan. Digital scales are typically flat and have a digital read out which displays the weight of anything placed on the scale. Digital scales are somewhat faster to use, but their accuracy can be affected by a variety of factors such as low batteries or close proximity to other electronic devices. Mechanical scales are slightly slower to use, but their simplicity makes them less susceptible to interference from outside sources. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages, so the choice of which to use comes down to personal preference. All scales must be zeroed before using, and should be checked for accuracy periodically by the use of a check weight. Whichever type of scale is used, it must be used on a flat, level surface to ensure consistent, accurate measurements. Reloading scales are so sensitive they can be affected by drafts and air movement, so they should be used in an area away from air vents or other sources of air flow.
Powder Measure
A powder measure is not a necessity for reloading, but it can certainly speed up the process. A powder measure dispenses powder charges that have been measured by volume by means of an adjustable metering chamber. Measuring powder by volume isn’t quite as accurate as measuring by weight on a scale, but it can be very close. In fact, once they are properly set up, high quality powder measures can repeatedly throw consistent powder charges again and again. The accuracy of powder measures is affected by the consistency of their use, so a consistent motion when operating the measure is critical for consistent results. Powder type can also affect the operation and consistency of a powder measure. Ball powders typically meter much more easily than stick powders simply due to the shape of their granules.
A powder measure and scale work together as a team and while a scale can be used without a measure, a measure cannot be set up without a scale. A scale is necessary to verify the weight of powder being metered out by the powder measure. Once the measure is set up, the scale is still used to periodically verify that a consistent weight of powder is being thrown by the measure.
The powder measure is also very useful when every charge is being weighed. For this, the measure is set up to throw a charge just slightly below the desired weight, then a trickler is used to bring the charge up to the desired weight on the scale. The powder measure speeds up this process by getting the charge close to the correct weight before being placed on the scale. A powder measure isn’t necessary for weighing charges, but it can really speed things along.
Powder Trickler
A Trickler adds powder to the scale a few granules at a time.
A powder trickler is a simple device that allows you to add powder to your scale pan one or two granules at a time by simply turning a knob. Tricklers consist of a small hopper with an internally threaded tube running through the bottom of the hopper. The tube extends out either side of the hopper and is open on one end. The tube also has a hole in it so that powder can flow from the hopper into the tube. As the tube is turned, the threads inside move powder down its length and out the end very slowly. This tool allows you to slowly add very small amounts of powder to the pan on the scale when bringing a charge up to the desired weight. A trickler is a very handy tool as it is all but impossible to add such tiny amounts of powder any other way. The way in which the trickler adds powder so slowly makes it very controlled and easy to add just enough powder to the pan without adding too much.
Powder Funnel
Even large caliber case mouths are relatively small, so a powder funnel is absolutely essential for pouring powder into cases. Most powder funnels are made out of plastic and are designed to accommodate a range of calibers. The funnel actually sits over the outside of the case mouth and has small steps cut into it to fit various common calibers. When purchasing a powder funnel, be sure that the caliber you intend to load is included in the range of the funnel you are going to buy. Caliber specific funnels are also available for those who load a large number of the same caliber, or simply desire the enhanced stability of a caliber specific funnel. A funnel isn’t necessary for charging cases directly from a powder measure, but it is essential for filling cases from the pan of your scale.
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