Redding Powder Measure & Unique

forestswin

forestswin

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VERIFY THEN TRUST


Using the Redding Competition 10X Model, I tested Unique throwing 5.0 grain loads.

10 throws weighed 50.15* grains giving an average of just under 5.02 grains

10 individual throws each weighed the following:
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.05
5.05
4.95
5.0
5.0
5.05

*OHAUS 1010 Scale micrometer poise has a good distance between tenths lines - I call halfway a "half of a tenth"

I went through this same procedure several times Friday night and some yesterday to get the Pistol Meter settings for Unique. After loading the rounds - I emptied out the hopper, put everything away. I got everything all set up again tonight - only this time I used the meter setting on the Redding and then performed the above test - just to check it out again.

who says Unique doesn't measure well??:confused:

I also went through this for 2400 a little while ago - same spot-on results.:D


Shooting some rounds with the 5.0 grain Unique load tomorrow - if I get the same good groups from this load - I think I'll trust the Redding.
 
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I believe key factors in consistent measuring is to have a baffle in the measure and to operate the measure in the same manner every time.
 
I love mine and have yet to find something it will not measure well. Even 800X -- Just wouldn't be with out it, especially for lighter loads such as 32 S&W Long. :)
 
I've wondered the same thing about the complaints on Unique not metering well. My RCBS Uniflow throws very consistent charges of Unique for pistol charges. I don't use a baffle in mine, but then again I might only load 100-150 rounds in a session--then I empty the powder back into the jug. Maybe if you threw larger charges of Unique (rifle rounds), you would see a greater variance. I use a Harrell's Precision for my rifle loading, but I've never tried Unique in it.
 
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Warren I have been reading the complaints about metering Unique since I started reloading and have come to this forum. Figured I'd just document what I've experienced.

rck - yeah I agree - the instructions that come with the Reading say put the baffle in and operate the measure with a consistent motion - I do - it works - so I just don't get the problems

JR - it was posts like what you just said helped me choose the Redding 10x

novalty - I'm getting set-up for reloading rifles - (got dies, cases & bullets so far). I looked at the Harrells and was impressed when I picked the Redding for pistol rounds - I will look at them again when I get a measure for larger charge weights

Big Fred - yes, I'm new to the Redding - loving it so far

I addition to the original post - I've been throwing the charge from a measure into the scale pan and checking every charge for about a year now. No rush and no large quantities. First it was a Lee Powder measure - now just recently - its the Redding.

Now I have the confidence and trust with the Redding, I'm going to move the measure to a better location- down to the main loading bench - to stand alone and also pack up the trickler.

I'm no expert - but as a review of equipment - I highly recommend this OHAUS 1010 scale / Redding Competition 10X Powder Measure combination.

I hope this helps some reloaders.

REMEMBER OUR DEAD TODAY AND ALWAYS! US ARMY, US NAVY, US AIR FORCE, US MARINES & COAST GUARD
 
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I swore off the "flaming dirt" powder ,but ran into a deal on 800x (which is about the same flake size) & finally put a baffle in a measure ,it made it alot more consistent.

The trick to large flaked powder is to keep it from compacting upon itself & loose enuff to flow !
 
One of the biggest problems in inconsistent drops has nothing to do with the measuring of the powder. The hole in the funnel part that screws into the measure on most of the manual measures is made so that a 22 cal case will not enter. Larger flake powders and long stick powders will sometimes bridge in the small hole and cause a short drop and then the next will get the remaining powder plus a normal charge. This is a common problem with shotgun loaders and powders like red dot, unique ect. The answer. buy several of the screw in ends and open the feed in each as large as possible for the caliber being loaded. Or only load fine grain ball powder.
Chip King
 
I never had an issue using corn flake powders (AKA Unique) with my old RCBS thrower. I found that it meters the best when the hopper is kept 1/2 full or higher.
 
Chip
a 22 case will go up into the funnel hole of this measure - just barely though

from that hole - it does taper out as it goes up
DSC01651_zps3f31f47d.jpg


it seems on the Redding, this funnel is glued or somehow permanently attached- I don't see any screw in ends for order on Redding's site

but I've been testing this measure and have not had any bridging at all - so far - it may be an issue with other measures or other powders that I haven't tested - or when the humidity goes up

I'll keep an eye out for that condition - thanks for the heads-up
 
New equipment, boy oh boy oh boy.................

Looks just like my very old Red Pacific.

You might take it apart every year or two then check for rust on the inside of the unit and lightly oil for supper smooth action, if needed............if you are in an area that might have moisture.

I use the "Tap" method and do not have problems in my powder drops, but 2400 is almost as fine as Bullseye and should fly through with ease. Only pistol powder that gave +/- drops for me was imr 800-x........... but I always look into the loaded cases in my loading block, EVERY TIME to see whats up. Not that I can see .2 grs difference, but because..........

Have fun with the new toy.
 
As noted above, Unique,2400 and 296 for years no problems for .38's,357's,.41 and .44 Mag, don't even buy other powders, but I did recenty try a can of Herco, it was all I could find.
 
Reddings are my favorite measures. I have four, the newest of which is about twenty years old. I use a standard, a Competition BR-30, and two Match Grades. I use one of the Match Grades with the pistol metering chamber for handgun ammo. With or without the baffle it's never been particularly accurate when throwing Unique.
 
A GOOD MEASURE & OTHER NOTES

I will not say it is required, but I always keep my hopper at least 1/2 full --

Another note:

I don't use oil around any powder or primers. I have a tube of WHITE GREASE-- as used around food preparation equipment, no contaminants, this includes my RCBS Universal Primer blades as well. Why take a chance. Needless to say, use is VERY thin, but that is all it takes. Never a problem yet. :) JMHO
 
Unique is my go-to powder for most of my pistol loading.

The only thing extra I do with my Redding BR-3 is a double-tap when filling the cavity in the powder measure. I get very consistent throws this way, using the small (pistol) drum in the BR-3.
 
just started reloading 45 acp, and would love to add my input on measuring loads, but I cant get any powder, anywhere.

Wow I thought just buying ammo at a good price was tough, now I cant even find ammo. It will get better.

Rats

Chuck
 
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OK I stand corrected. This could be either a major score or a big white elephant.

I got some IMR 700X to load .45 acp rounds!

Since the hazmat charge is the same for 1 lb or bigger, I got 8#!

Chuck
 
Unique

I use a RCBS uniflow and usually load 50 rounds at a time. Every time I have checked for uniformity with Unique it varied approx .2 tenths. I use it in .357, .44, and 45 colt. It doesn't seem to affect my 25 yd groups. [maybe if I used a mechanical pistol rest there would be a difference]
 
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