Comments on: How Case Filling Method Can Alter Powder Column Height

By: Alan Fraser

Alan Fraser — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 09:03:04 +0000

My results using a drop tube have not been convincing. But I have had success simply by filling very slowly directly from the pan. Did you try a “Very slow drop with funnel only” Boyd?

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 01:51:02 +0000

When you test for affects of relative load density(what we’re talking about here), be sure to charge cases matched in H20 capacity.
You might also test with a cartridge that’s affected by load density(not a 6PPC). This would be a larger cartridge running rational pressure loads.

By: Snert

Snert — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:36:14 +0000

ML McPherson did an article regarding this in PS years ago. A swirl charge (if I recall rightly) allowed for charges that were more consistent. Worth a revisit.

By: Steve Urban

Steve Urban — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:44:45 +0000

I use a banknote vibrator. Its the same size as a cartridge case block and has a variable speed. It worked quite well with VV N550 in a 223 case and a 80gr JLK @ 100% of case capacity.

By: Guy

Guy — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:17:27 +0000

I known German Salazar would put a loading block of charged cases on the top of his tumbler and vibrate them down that way.

By: Benny

Benny — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:46:26 +0000

@queen_stick I was just thinking (or over thinking)of the effects of powder granules being broken and having an effect on the external retardant coating doing its job and also having an effect on the powder column being different (and maybe burn rate efficiency)for each shot with round 1 being compressed and by round 5 the powder column is loose and towards the bottom side, although I doubt it will be drastic it may change a 10 shot ES from single digit to something in the teens.

By: Boyd Allen

Boyd Allen — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:10:02 +0000

In order to use a load, you have to be able to fit the powder in the case in such a way that there is room to seat the bullet. In the example where I dumped the charge into the funnel, with no attempt to slow the filling of the case, not only was there no room to seat a bullet, (since the powder was above the top of the neck), 15 granules of powder fell onto the paper that the case was in the center of when the funnel was removed from the case neck. This is more than a compressed load. Dumping it in, it is impossible.

By: queen_stick

queen_stick — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:42:53 +0000

I can see how this would help with compressed loads, but…

I’m not sure I understand how any of these techniques would achieve greater or worse accuracy? After all, you lay the case on the side when it’s chambered…

By: Taildrag15X

Taildrag15X — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:49:00 +0000

I’m thinking that it will settle some in the case between the powder loading, bullet seating and checking/inspection process. For me the 20 + mile truck/car ride to the range will cause more than just the powder to settle.

Interesting info for those that may get to load at a indoor/outdoor range, chamber and shoot.

By: Benny

Benny — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:17:47 +0000

I could see this having a positive effect on benchrest but wonder if it would have any effect (perhaps negative)on XTC mag fed rifles where recoil would be put on each round differently, ie; the 5th round in the mag would take 4 recoils, the 4th would take 3 recoils . . .and the 1st round would take no recoil. Just a thought.