Advice on Powder Throwers for speeding up reloading

[DRN]

Im hoping to speed up my reloading and the bit I find tedious and time consuming is the powder measuring stage. Currently scoop and trickle the remainder.
I have no experience of powder throwers but was thinking that they would reduce the time involved considerably. I don't have enough cash to buy a electronic thrower/scale.

Powders I use are Varget, Vhit N140, N150 and Benchmark.

My questions are:

Is there a super reliable one that you can throw the same weight charge time after time with the above powders?

The Lee powder measures are very reasonably priced would I be better buying 2 or 3 Lee Perfect powder measures and having them set for individual loads rather than a more expensive make and fiddling about each time I throw a different charge?

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks

 

[phaedra]

If you already trickle I assume you have a decent set of scales? if you do, something like an RCBS, then look at a Target Master from forum member 1066 on here.

It's basically an auto-trickler system, very accurate and reasonably priced.

http://www.targetmasteruk.com/

The Stalking Directory

 

[NigelM]

I throw half a grain below charge weight and trickle to weight on a Gempro 250. Very accurate and very quick. Charge weight is +/- 0.02 grains and funnily enough since I started doing this my SD's have shrunk to single digit. My thrower is an RCBS and is reasonably accurate. Don't see why you would need more than one. A can of spray air ensures it's clean every time it's used.

 

[AndrewS]

If you already trickle I assume you have a decent set of scales? if you do, something like an RCBS, then look at a Target Master from forum member 1066 on here.

It's basically an auto-trickler system, very accurate and reasonably priced.

http://www.targetmasteruk.com/

The Stalking Directory

+1

If you don't fancy the Targetmaster, consider a RCBS Uniflow powder measure with a micrometer adjuster. Probably quicker than a Targetmaster?

 

[scotch_egg]

I use a Harrells powder thrower. It is so consistent I don't weigh every charge. My old 6mmbr would consistently shoot groups in .3's which admittedly is easy for the cartridge.

I use it for several different cartridges and just note the numbers on the drum. I check the first 10 charges through it when swapping over for safety. But to be honest it's perfect every time.

However they are very expensive, mine cost more than the second hand Lyman DPS electronic dispenser I also have. But to say it's fast is an understatement. I did 50 rounds of .308 set in a reloading tray in less than 2 minutes. I used them in competition out to 600 yards on Huns head targets which are pretty small at that distance.

I am lead to believe the lee are good and I need to buy a thrower for my father but he doesn't want to spend Harrell money so will be following this topic.

 

[Alantoo]

I guess it depends on why you are reloading, and how tolerant your load and barrel are....powder weight is one of the things I can control precisely so I spend a long time doing that.

The Lee powder measure I have does very well with the powders I have used. IMR4895 and N135 and H335. Obviously any thrower will be able to meter the finer granule powder like H335 better than the larger like IMR4895.

I always throw a few mg under weight and trickle up. The Lee Perfect Powder Measure seems to throw the above powders to within 3 or 4mg which is around 0.05grains. Though I have only noticed that in passing rather than ever checking it properly.

Alan

 

[Muir]

I use a Harrells powder thrower. It is so consistent I don't weigh every charge. My old 6mmbr would consistently shoot groups in .3's which admittedly is easy for the cartridge.

I use it for several different cartridges and just note the numbers on the drum. I check the first 10 charges through it when swapping over for safety. But to be honest it's perfect every time.

However they are very expensive, mine cost more than the second hand Lyman DPS electronic dispenser I also have. But to say it's fast is an understatement. I did 50 rounds of .308 set in a reloading tray in less than 2 minutes. I used them in competition out to 600 yards on Huns head targets which are pretty small at that distance.

I am lead to believe the lee are good and I need to buy a thrower for my father but he doesn't want to spend Harrell money so will be following this topic.

This. A good measure like a Harrell or a Jones Precision will throw charges so accurately that weighing isn't usually necessary. Last time at my 223 I charged 100 cases in just a few minutes.
Alantoo is right when saying that it depends on the cartridge and the powder.~Muir

 

[DRN]

I should have said I use a Lyman scale.
Thanks for the replies.
I will have a look at the target master.

 

[takbok]

I like the Lee perfect powder measure. It works well.

 

[bb2]

I had a Lee perfect powder measure and found it far from perfect. I got hold of a second hand RCBS Uniflow powder measure, which is much better and accurate. Would recommend one.

I am more than happy with Lee products otherwise.

 

[Selous]

I like the Lee perfect powder measure. It works well.

there is a video on the targetmaster on YouTube by 1967 Spud . Great bit of kit.!

 

[Cyres]

I just use a standard Lee powder thrower which came with my anniversary set. Its fine and excellent with varget. I now weigh 1:10 just for reassurance but it is very consistent.

D

 

[25 Sharps]

I use a lee thrower throw .2-.3 gr short then trickle with the target master, seat the previous bullet whilst the trickling is going on, this is a very quick once you get into a rythm 50 rounds in under 30 min's from prepped brass. That said if its a powder that throws well from the thrower such as TAC i just throw all charges checking every 10th for weight.

 

[Cooter]

I just use a standard Lee powder thrower which came with my anniversary set. Its fine and excellent with varget. I now weigh 1:10 just for reassurance but it is very consistent.

D

I use a lee thrower throw .2-.3 gr short then trickle with the target master, seat the previous bullet whilst the trickling is going on, this is a very quick once you get into a rythm 50 rounds in under 30 min's from prepped brass. That said if its a powder that throws well from the thrower such as TAC i just throw all charges checking every 10th for weight.

I have an RCBS Chargemaster and a Lee Perfect Powder measure.
Far faster with the Lee thrower and trickle, even with extruded (Vhit) powders.

 

[nun_hunter]

Wth spherical powders like CFE223 and Ramshot exterminator I found the Lee thrower boringly accurate and rarely needed to check the weights once if was set up. With extruded powders I find it more fussy and requires an under charge and then trickle to top up.

I throw a charge, trickle and then tip into the case then I throw another and while that one is settling I seat the bullet. This routine works for me and speeds things up.

 

[Klenchblaize]

This. A good measure like a Harrell or a Jones Precision will throw charges so accurately that weighing isn't usually necessary. Last time at my 223 I charged 100 cases in just a few minutes.
Alantoo is right when saying that it depends on the cartridge and the powder.~Muir

Whenever you find one for $50 in some backyard sale be sure to PM me please!

Cheers

K

 

[bluesako]

+1 what muir said, Harrell or jones precision, all the way you can load 100 cases with powder in minutes. dave.

 

[Biathlonjimmy]

I use a lee thrower throw .2-.3 gr short then trickle with the target master, seat the previous bullet whilst the trickling is going on, this is a very quick once you get into a rythm 50 rounds in under 30 min's from prepped brass. That said if its a powder that throws well from the thrower such as TAC i just throw all charges checking every 10th for weight.

+1 on this.

Once it is set up and you get the sequence down you ca run through 100 rounds fairly quickly.

It feels odd at first but here's my routine: load the pan from the thrower, set on the scales, let the targetmaster do its thing, pour the charge into the primed case then load the pan again, set on the scales and start the targetmaster, once you've pressed the button you the have enough time to seat the bullet in the previously charged case, and so the cycle continues.

 

[25 Sharps]

Exactly what I do

 

[Muir]

Whenever you find one for $50 in some backyard sale be sure to PM me please!

Cheers

K

I'll gift wrap it and mail it to you free of charge. My solemn promise.~Muir