Powder Measurement with a MEC
 

Quick question. I reloaded some 12 ga. target loads utilizing an Alliant powder published recipe with Red Dot. I cross referenced the MEC bushing chart on which bushing to use for the correct grains. I checked each of the first several shells utilizing a properly zeroed beam scale and each powder charge measured almost two grains lower than what it should have been. Do ya’ll find that you have to increase the size of your bushings to get a proper throw of powder? I had to increase the bushing size by three (30 - 33) to get close to the correct grains of powder thrown. Thanx

That is common with the MEC chart. I find the same 1 to 2 bushings larger. Some powders and some lots are are + or -.

Brett,
I find the charts to be short on both powder and shot charges. Either use an adjustable bar or change bushings. Shot bars may show 1 1/8 ounces but drop 1 1/16 ounces. Powder is almost always short, but a powder baffle helps make whatever it is consistent for me. They make them short for law suit reasons is what I believe.

Brett like you I always get the scale out and weigh several powder drops before I start loading a new recipe. I think the charts get you close but more times than not it's not the exact bushing for any given recipe in my experience also.

Jerry I've never used a baffle. Do you believe they yield more consistent drops?

Brett,

I have also found that a powder bushing I use on a MEC single stage loader, Sizemaster specifically, will drop a little lighter on my MEC progressive 8567 Grabber.

All,
Thanks for the follow up. Very helpful. Lesson learned is to weigh your powder drop and adjust accordingly. I just got some additional bushings so I’ll have the ability to adjust to get the proper weight/grains of powder. I have not weighed my shot drop but will do that as well. Thanks again!

I also use baffles on all my MEC 9000's and found them to give a consistent drop. The bushings drove me crazy so I went with the adjustable charge bars. I know a lot of people don't like them but once you learn how to use them you'll ask yourself why MEC didn't supply them from the start.

As you use the MEC 9000 the compression of the powder caused by the vibration of using it seems to cause an increase of the weight of the drop. After running about ten loads, check your weights again.

Thanks for proving the point on using baffles Milt.