An interesting Mistake!

When starting a new reload; I always check the dosage at least 5 or 6 times to ensure that the dose is regular and at the correct quantity before starting. I made up 50 rounds and then did a dose check to finish, and found it had dropped from the normal 39,3 grains to 37,7 grains!! without any adjustment. I have never had this problem before as I always recheck the dose at the end of a session. Generally I drop in a load check every 15 to 20 cartridges. the reason for the difference I believe is the powder. I topped up the hopper with a new can of Tubal 3000, which should be identical. But it appears the "baguettes"or "rods" of powder are slightly longer (or maybe less broken up) than the last can. So when the new stuff came into the doser, the volume is similar but the weight is down due to more air gaps with the bigger powder rods of the new can. After resetting the weight, i had to weigh each round and pull the lsat half dozen which were light and re do them. But the whole batch will be for plinking and practice as there are surely a few that will be just off ideal weight. I suppose this the disadvantage of a rig for reloading. I will have to hand weigh my match rounds from now on!! The powder from the pulled rounds makes a nice roman candle

We live and learn.

 For info I use a Dillon 650; mainly because it's good for the .45 rounds as well. It has needed a few minor tweaks to get it to dose and load accurately; extra elastic on the doser slide, trim the spring for the detent ball under the plate,which was causing too much shake and spitting out a few grains, also reduce the free play in the plate to zero. If not there is a wider variation in OAL.

 

I'll get the Chrono out next wekend and test a few of these rounds, see where we are.