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09-11-2017, 07:50 AM
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To RCBS Uniflow users....
The Uniflow is one of the best things I've invested in. Question for users.
Do you use a baffle in the powder hopper? Is there any improvement. The reason I ask is that the opening to the measuring disc is pretty huge.
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Last edited by rwsmith; 09-11-2017 at 07:52 AM.
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09-11-2017, 08:37 AM
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I use the baffle in the powder hopper and it makes a big difference in the accuracy of your powder throws.
Without the baffle, you need to keep a consistent amount of powder in the hopper in order to get more uniform powder throws. Some recommend keeping it at least half full.
Evidently the weight of the powder has an effect on the accuracy of the powder throws coming out of the hopper.
With the baffle, there's always the same weight bearing down.
No matter if the hopper is half full or almost empty.
.
Last edited by JBnTx; 09-11-2017 at 08:39 AM.
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09-11-2017, 08:45 AM
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I agree with JBnTx. Made my baffle out of a piece of roof flashing
and a diagram I found on the internet.
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09-11-2017, 08:55 AM
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I use the baffle in my Uniflow. Before getting it, I was careful with the powder level but found consistent throws over a fairly wide fill range. The baffle is a real convenience. Makes the Uniflow into a true "fill and forget" measure.
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09-11-2017, 09:19 AM
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Finally made one for it.Prior to that,when using unique,I'd refill the hopper when it was down a third and it give it two taps with the handle up and again when it was down.With a baffle none of that is needed.Flashing or cardboard will work.
If your uniflow only came with one rotor,it's for rifle loads.
Last edited by arjay; 09-11-2017 at 09:56 AM.
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09-11-2017, 11:05 AM
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I have baffles in both my Uniflow measures.
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09-11-2017, 11:50 AM
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I've got a Uniflow with the large (rifle) rotor and I've not felt compelled to make/use a baffle. Throws for rifle as well as pistol (~4 gr) have been quite consistent. I try to keep it filled to a reasonably consistent level.
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09-11-2017, 11:51 AM
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I started using a baffle in mine awhile back and have noticed some improvement in consistency.
Regards,
Andy
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09-11-2017, 11:53 AM
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In a word - yes. Makes for much more uniformity in the loads. Set and forget, check every so often, however, I rarely find any difference from original setting.
Dave
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09-11-2017, 01:19 PM
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I use a baffle, powder measure weight and a micrometer adjustable rotor....makes the Uniflow just about the most accurate and versatile of all (4) of my powder measures with the Redding having a slight advantage on very small pistol charges.
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09-11-2017, 01:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by old&slow
I agree with JBnTx. Made my baffle out of a piece of roof flashing
and a diagram I found on the internet.
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My whole setup was purchased "used" and it was all RCBS equipment. The Uni-Flow was included.
Upon immediate research, I found the recommendation to use the baffle. Considering I didn't want to pay money for one, I also found the diagram online to make my own, and I also used a scrap piece of roof flashing/duct work flashing.
The baffle definitely helps with metering, as the weight of the powder affects it. By using the baffle, it keeps the powder uniform and metering perfect.
If I were you, I would make my own. Really simple. If you can't find the online diagram, I have it saved to my computer and can share the PDF with you.
My Uni-Flow is so accurate that I can load hundreds of rounds without checking the powder weight because it stays where set and consistently meters so well. I still check about every 50rds though, but every time it isn't needed.
Last edited by iPac; 09-11-2017 at 01:25 PM.
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09-11-2017, 02:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by iPac
My whole setup was purchased "used" and it was all RCBS equipment. The Uni-Flow was included.
Upon immediate research, I found the recommendation to use the baffle. Considering I didn't want to pay money for one, I also found the diagram online to make my own, and I also used a scrap piece of roof flashing/duct work flashing.
The baffle definitely helps with metering, as the weight of the powder affects it. By using the baffle, it keeps the powder uniform and metering perfect.
If I were you, I would make my own. Really simple. If you can't find the online diagram, I have it saved to my computer and can share the PDF with you.
My Uni-Flow is so accurate that I can load hundreds of rounds without checking the powder weight because it stays where set and consistently meters so well. I still check about every 50rds though, but every time it isn't needed.
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Wow, that's just about unanimous. I'm getting one ASAP make it or buy it. Yes, I can accept a lot more variations in rifle loads and I never use max load in them. The big Lee Scoops work fine. But that low end between 1 and 20 grains is pretty critical for pistol.
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09-11-2017, 03:51 PM
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Quote:
rwsmith wrote:
Do you use a baffle in the powder hopper?
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No.
I keep the reservoir filled to a consistent level and tap the body of the measure on each throw to ensure settling.
For most loads, I throw light and trickle up to the desired weight so the repeatability of the measure is not critical. When I do throw rifle loads directly to the case and not the pan on the balance, they are generally +/- 0.1 grain when I randomly check-weigh the thrown charge to ensure it has remained consistent.
If you do think a baffle will be useful, try building one at home and see if it doesn't meet your needs before buying one.
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09-11-2017, 05:35 PM
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I have two of them and I don't use baffles.
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09-11-2017, 06:15 PM
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Yes, I use a baffle. The home-made type fashioned from an aluminum soda pop can.
Yes, it makes a difference...especially with difficult powders such as Unique and 700X.
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09-11-2017, 06:36 PM
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COMPLICATION!!!!
I hope we can solve this one. Uncle Nick's templates sez to use TWO baffles sometime. Does anybody have a need or see any reason for this?
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09-11-2017, 07:20 PM
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I load a lot of unique and Bullseye with just one and it works well
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09-11-2017, 08:12 PM
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Bought at baffle several years ago, installed it, and never looked back. The baffle ensures consistent pressure on the powder charge being thrown.
Good Luck with your reloading.
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09-11-2017, 08:26 PM
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I own a sheet metal shop, and still bought one anyway.
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09-12-2017, 12:46 AM
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A lot of people like the way the baffles help steady your powder
weight wise with a full or empty tube............
However I seldom have more than a 70% tube fill and lots of
times, I just have about a 33% fill for a small loading with just
one powder, with another powder up next.
Not saying that my RCBS is an older model but it is actually a ......
Red Pioneer and if it breaks, I will have to get parts from Hornady.
So I am one of the few that do not use a baffle......
even though they are only $9 at the Sportsmans whse.
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09-12-2017, 09:28 PM
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Baffle
I also tap the hopper with each throw. My weights are very consistent and I check weigh about every 25 rounds. Willyboy
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09-12-2017, 09:58 PM
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I too use a uniflow, but have never used a baffle. I keep the supply tube about 3/4 full all the time, even if just doing a few loads. Always tap between drops, and weigh about every five cartridges. Have never had any problems. Mine came with two rotors. Been using it for well over forty years?? Not quite sure when I bought it, but it has served me well over the years.
Best Regards, Les
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09-12-2017, 10:27 PM
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i don't use a baffle, but do use a long alu. funnel. with power in the funnel it keeps 2 inches of power on the rotor and makes it consistent and easy to dump to change power.
jim
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09-12-2017, 10:31 PM
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I'm baffled!
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09-12-2017, 10:51 PM
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I tap..
I may start tapping more but the consistency of some drops are a little too much out of range. This baffle thing may get that consistency up where I don't worry about it as much.
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09-12-2017, 11:52 PM
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One thing I forgot to mention in my reply above (where I said I don't use a baffle but seem to get very consistent throws).......
I do a very consistent double-tap. In fact, for every throw I do two double-taps - one double-tap when the powder is being dispensed into the case, and the other double-tap when the powder is settling from the hopper into the adjustable cylinder.
Maybe those taps on the measure are making it consistent even without a baffle.
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09-13-2017, 12:44 AM
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Not a uni-flow user, but the baffle helped a lot with my Hornady powder measure. I also found that lightly shaking or tapping the powder measure to compress the powder in the tube increased the accuracy of the powder throws.
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09-13-2017, 08:27 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rwsmith
I may start tapping more but the consistency of some drops are a little too much out of range. This baffle thing may get that consistency up where I don't worry about it as much.
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Mr. Smith,
As little expense as is involved(especially if you make one of course) I would encourage you to go ahead and try one and see if it helps you. I don't see any significant downside.
You mentioned earlier someone recommending two baffles -I've not heard of anyone doing that and it sounds extreme to me. But I have no experience with it of course.
Best wishes in your decision and with your loading!
Andy
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09-13-2017, 09:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by otisrush
One thing I forgot to mention in my reply above (where I said I don't use a baffle but seem to get very consistent throws).......
I do a very consistent double-tap. In fact, for every throw I do two double-taps - one double-tap when the powder is being dispensed into the case, and the other double-tap when the powder is settling from the hopper into the adjustable cylinder.
Maybe those taps on the measure are making it consistent even without a baffle.
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I also didn't mention something similar to this, but I do it with baffle use. When using the baffle, it will rest near the bottom of the tube on the metal rim that exists. When you first dump powder down into the hopper, it will naturally fill up above the baffle. So in order to get a natural flow of powder underneath the baffle, I take a screw driver or other tool and lightly tap the hopper to facilitate powder flow past the baffle. After a few seconds, the powder is properly dispersed and will remain that way until you finish, as long as you don't let the powder run empty.
However, when I'm actively throwing charges, I operate the Uni-Flow handle in a way that naturally "taps" the unit each time I throw a charge. When you raise the handle, do it with speed so when it reaches the top it hits with a tap, then when you lower the handle do the same and end the motion with a solid tap at the bottom stop. So raise up tap, then lower down tap, tap up and tap down. The Uni-Flow unit is sturdy metal and it doesn't hurt it to work the handle like that. This always keeps the powder evenly dispersed, assures an accurate charge, and how I can "set it and forget it". This is with a baffle though.
I tried using the Uni-Flow without a baffle and I definitely noticed charge variations depending on how full the hopper was. The weight does matter, but I'm sure the powder type matters too and that may be how some get good results without a baffle. In my experience though, charges vary without a baffle.
Here is pics of the diagram I had. Very simple to make.
baffle 1.jpg
baffle 2.jpg
Last edited by iPac; 09-13-2017 at 11:36 AM.
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09-19-2017, 07:30 PM
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I bought a Uniflow a very long time ago for the sole purpose of high volume .223 loading. After experiencing really wierd variations in charge weight, I discovered that there was excessive clearance between the charge hole and the adjustment plug. After making a much closer fitting cap for the plug, things got better. I bought other measures to do other things and kept the Uniflow for one powder charge ONLY! Too much trouble to re-adjust.
I've since discovered that the volume also produces usable charge weights of other powders for other loads. It's still too much trouble to re-adjust, but the consistency has been very good since the modification.
One thing I've always done to produce uniform charges is after throwing a charge, I lift the charge handle about 1/8-1/4 travel up and tap it down against the travel stop 3 times to settle the powder and dislodge any hanging powder.
Same principle as the tapper Lyman puts on their measures. I much prefer the Lyman.
Last edited by WR Moore; 09-19-2017 at 07:34 PM.
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09-20-2017, 04:02 AM
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Hello and thanks for a lot of interesting answers. I used to work with my 2 Uniflow powder measures before I started with Dillon. I found that apart from using the buffer, it is more important to make every stroke of the handle the same way and with the same amount of energy. This way the powder is thrown very exactly. YOu may have a problem with the long and sticky powders because you have to break the powder sticks when lowering the handle. When using these powders I use one tap up to fill the drum and two taps to empty it. This worked fine for me.
If you are working with charges like IMR 4350 for the 30-06 you need to do that. Owever, a guy fromtour German proof house mentioned to me that it is much more important to have an even bullet pull i.e. you should have the same lot of brass. Test they made for me showed that when using loads of appr. 56 grains of 4350 a diffence of 1 grain made NO difference in speed or pressure and the results were perfect. But using mixed brass of different neck tension made it worse. Pressure and speed were erratic. So make up your mind what is best.
Regards
Rainer
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09-21-2017, 01:39 AM
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The RCBS Uniflow is a very good powder measure.
The BEST powder measure I have ever used is the charge bar on a Lee Load-All shotgun reloader. Before I could afford a Uniflow, I discovered the charge bar could dispense consistent loads of powder provided you tapped the front of the unit rather forcefully.
With the right bushing that Load-All would dispense 20.3 grains of IMR-4198 time after time after time (at the time that was a below Maximum load per Hornady #4) but today it would be above maximum.
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