New to reloading, need help with powder measuring

[Rex B]

Trying to load some 38spl plinking/target loads
I have the brass cleaned, primed.
Bullets are 38 Caliber 158 Grain SWC Hi-Tech coated from Hoosier Bullets
I am going to use Hogdon TiteGroup

So, the Lee die set came with a .5cc dipper measure.
The recommended load is 4.1-5.0 gr.

One is volume, the other weight.
How do I determine how to measure the powder?

I do have a digital powder scale.

what am I missing?

 

[HarpHack]

I assume you are using the data table in the Lee die instructions. No problem there, and the dipper is a fine way to go for that cartridge. That data table has separate columns for grains if you want to weigh, or the indicated dipper scooped to level will yield the same safe !oad.

I suggest charging an entire batch at a time and then check the charge levels in the loading block with a flashlight to be extra safe before seating.

Glad you asked - I have a full set of lee dippers which I use often, but you definitely have to be comparing apples to apples and using Lee data.

Enjoy the shooting!

Dean in Arkansas

 

[teletech]

pour some powder in a shot-glass sized container.
pull the dipper through the powder once and dump on the scale, see what it weighs. Practice your dip until it's nice and consistent at which point you can start pouring directly into cases.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

You are not missing anything.

Those are the two ways to measure powder. First (easiest) suggestion, use the scoop and weigh the what the volume is. Keep your stroke even and do the same thing every time. (Do not vibrate, tap or push down the dome off powder on top, I use a popsicle stick to brush it aside. Most people put powder and a smaller container, like a tea or coffee cup. NO SMOKEING!

If that is what you want or at least close to it, start loading.

I started with the Lee Loader Kit for 303 British and found that consistency is the key to good ammo!

The next cheapest route is to trickle some powder and weigh each charge. Can be extremely accurate & extremely time consuming. You should have a tiny bowl and a funnel to help with this. I load all my 1000 yard target ammo this way!

Next is the $100,000 question: Do You want a powder measure? (I think you do.) Which one? The truth you will only get what you pay for! Lee Powder measurers are famous for being inaccurate, and temperamental! (I have stayed away and never used one of that brand) Over the last 44 years I keep coming back to the tried-and-true Lyman 55. Based on a design over 115 years ago, it works and keeps working. Lyman has discontinued these, but New old stock is still around there is a replacement product too or find one at a gun show. I am currently using a Black Powder variant, (cost more & holds more) I have had several others RCBS, Hornady and others The have fixed chamber and adjustable chamber designs, I believe you get the best use from adjustable systems (cost more, don't have to buy additional chambers for different loads)

Some people go for automated digital powder scale/dispensers, some are powder type sensitive, all cost big money, all are relatively slow!

That is the quick and dirty.

The most important things are: 1) SAFETY<SAFETY<SAFETY! ,2) Have fun, 3) Load lots/shoot lots!

Ivan

 

[Sevens]

How did you acquire the 0,5cc Lee Dipper?

If it came with your die set then your die set instructions should suggest the charge weight of Titegroup that dipper will hold.

If you got the dipper by purchasing a full set of Lee dippers then it should have come with a sliding decoder card that should tell you what to expect.

Be forewarned that Titegroup is (in my opinion) horrendous for .38 Special for one reason only — it burns freakishly hot. A couple 12-18 rounds and the cylinder gets scorchingly hot to the touch. I use my share if Titegroup but at my bench it is BANNNED in .38 Special.

 

[Rex B]

The Lee loading Data Chart that came with the new die set has no load info for TiteGroup.
OK, so I weighed a dipper-full (leveled) and got 5.4 grains on the scale.
I understand different powder take different charge volume, and Titegroup is a fine grain powder. Is this a safe charge?

I do have a powder measure, and yes it's a Lee. In the instructions it says to run a full hopper of powder through to coat the internals and make the results consistent. I'll test it.

If I decide to use the powder measure, the output tube is larger than the case.
Do you use a funnel?
My Lee dies allow charging through the flaring die. This seems ideal, especially if I could mount the powder measure over the die. I don't see an easy way to do that without some fabrication.

 

[lppd4]

Do yourself a favor and use the powder measure. I decap and size, bell the case mouth (all of them) and individually charge them place a bullet on my case mouth seat and crimp the bullet. I have found my powder measure to be very consistent with powders like Titegroup. When loading a moderate charge I dont weigh many throws. I get it set and go to town with a 1 in 100 powder check and I have never found it off enough to feel the need to make an adjustment

 

[tlawler]

I agree with Sevens, titegroup is not a good powder for .38 special or even a good powder to start out reloading with. Too much room for error. Do you have any good reloading manuals? If not, pick up Modern Reloading by Richard Lee or Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading and read it thoroughly. You also need a good balance beam scale like a RCBS 5-10 or equivalent. Do Not rely solely on an electronic scale.

 

[Rex B]

I went to Hogdon's site to get reloading data.
I can't get their drop-down box for caliber and bullet weight to work.

shootersreference.com shows this


158 gr Lead LSWC
Titegroup (Hodgdon)
Powder: start 3.2 gr max 3.8 gr
Vel.:815-920
Press.:11,500-15,400

If I'm doing this right, that dipper looks like an overcharge.

 

[HarpHack]

My original reply assumed you were working with one of the conservative and reliable recipes from the die instructions. With your new info I absolutely second the vote for a good manual.There is no getting around studying the chapters up front until it all makes good sense, and only then moving on to the data tables and pulling the handle. The Lyman manual is a fine choice.

Dean

 

[mikerjf]

An inexpensive manual that covers a lot of different handgun calibers and powders is Lyman's Pistol & Revolver Handbook, 3rd Edition.

In the 38 Special data, they have Titegroup recipes for bullets in your weight range with various *max* charges from 3.3g to 3.6g. So yes, your 4 to 5 grain idea is definitely too much.

You did the right thing, you asked before trying!

I remember finding the Lee 0.5cc scoop frustrating. Bullseye is a popular powder for 38 Special and the 0.3cc scoop works well for that. Scoop sets are cheap, but you do need a way to weigh the results as you learn to consistently scoop.

 

[Rex B]

Reloading book

I have a perfectly good Lyman Reloading Handbook - 46th edition, 1982 !
Yeah, maybe I'll order a new one.
I do have a 2008 Hogdon Annual. It shows 3.2 gr

When I bought powder at Cabelas I asked for Bullseye, which seemed to be the go-to for the calibers I wanted to load. Cabelas has not had any Bullseye in months. They recommended TiteGroup as being the nearest equivalent, so I bought 2 lbs..

My 380 die set has a .3cc scoop. I'll see what that measures.

I want to use the powder drop measure if possible. I did download the instruction sheet, which just led to the initial confusion: CC vs Grains vs grams. It uses both terms in different places, with no apparent correlation.

The TiteGroup can recommends 3.8 grains for 38spl/158gr lead SWC
The powder measure is graduated in CCs.
Is there not some sort of conversion factor ?

 

[tlawler]

There is no conversion between volume and weight because 1cc of one powder will weigh differently than another powder. With the scoops, you need the Lee information that is in the die instructions. I’ve never used the scoops, so I can’t give you much information on using them other than don’t confuse volume and weight. I weigh everything. I’ll use my Dillon electronic to get my powder measure close to where I need to be when changing calibers or bullet weights, but I always double and triple check with the balance beam. Titegroup is a very unforgiving powder to work with.

 

[Rex B]

re-do

OK, let's start over. If I came in here and said I'm a greenhorn and I want to reload some 38 spl. I see the wisdom of using a high-volume powder to reduce or eliminate the chance of a 2X charge. I would also like something that is on the slow end of the burn rate. This is plinker ammo and I'm getting recoil-sensitive.
What would you guys recommend for a powder that a rookie won't loose a finger or two over?

 

[AlHunt]

shootersreference.com shows this


158 gr Lead LSWC
Titegroup (Hodgdon)
Powder: start xxx gr max xxx gr
Vel.:815-920
Press.:11,500-15,400

If I'm doing this right, that dipper looks like an overcharge.

Alarm bells are going off and red lights are flashing. Please ignore any data that doesn't come from the powder manufacturer, bullet manufacturer or other verified reliable source. Lee data would be considered reliable.

Also, very importantly, cross check the data against a couple of reliable sources because sometimes even reliable sources have typos and errors.

At this early stage of your reloading career, good habits are crucial. I'm glad you're proceeding with caution and asking questions.

 

[AlHunt]

Accurate 5 might be in a range to consider, then.

 

[Dvus]

I used the Lee scoops for years when I started reloading. When I got my first adjustable powder measure and scale, it was like going from a rusty old bicycle to a Goldwing. Both will get you there, but one you will actually enjoy.

 

[1sailor]

I have used Titegroup for years in several pistol calibers and have loaded literally tens of thousands of rounds with it. It is my go to powder. Having said that, it is one powder I would use by weight rather than relying on a scoop. The difference between a beginning charge and a max charge can be as little as a few tenths. I have always found Titegroup to be an excellent powder for light to medium loads.

 

[Rex B]

I spent about an hour running a hopper of powder through my Lee powder measure. Lots of variation in qty. I took it apart to see if there was a clog. The threaded stem was difficult to turn to the point I was afraid it would twist in two. Not sure if this unit is salvageable. I have it soaking in the ultrasonic now.
I'm not opposed to buying a new one - once. What is out there that will measure a wide range of loads and powders accurately, and will also be adaptable to a progressive or turret press if I upgrade later?

My digital powder scale is a disappointment. I cannot tell what the unit of measure is because the abbreviation (gr) is so small you can't read it with a strong light and magnification. To check that, I weigh a 71gr bullet. If the scale shows about ~71 grains then I figure I'm on the right mode.
So I also need an accurate scale - digital or balance beam. Recommendations?

New reloading manual.
I have money to spend. What else do I need?

 

[Rex B]

I have used Titegroup for years in several pistol calibers and have loaded literally tens of thousands of rounds with it. It is my go to powder. Having said that, it is one powder I would use by weight rather than relying on a scoop. The difference between a beginning charge and a max charge can be as little as a few tenths. I have always found Titegroup to be an excellent powder for light to medium loads.

Weigh each (tiny) charge? Sounds a bit tedious for 100 or so rounds.
I was hoping to be one of you guys that knocks out 500 rounds while you watch TV