Inconsistent powder drops with MEC
 

I have read previously posted comments regarding the need to increase bushing size in order to achieve the desired powder drop/weight listed in the charts. Those comments were helpful, which I've done. However, using the weight scale, I don't always get it to balance consistently. I've heard that there can be a static charge build up in the drop tube. So, I've used a dryer sheet to reduce static cling. It seems to work.

So, my question is do I need to "ground" my reloader and if so, how? Helpful comments would be appreciated. Thanks Jerry

I would certainly hope there be NO static electricity anywhere near my reloading equipment or my powder!!





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I have heard about the situation that Jerry mentions in the past. I seem to remember using dryer sheets in the past but don't remember why or what the result was. The "situation" may have been caused by low humidity???

A powder baffle will usually help.

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What do you consider "inconsistent powder drops"? A couple of tenth's of a grain + or - is no big deal. Load 10 dummy shells just like you were reloading real shells. Take them apart and record the weight of each powder drop. See if the average agrees with what you want to throw. How you operate and maintain the reloader has more of an affect on powder drop than moisture. That's assuming your room isn't extremely dry.

I'm with Chuck.

In my long-ago reloading life, the only problems I ever had with static charge was reloading 28 ga. with 800X powder. I 4X steel wool polished and charged the drop tube of my MEC progressive press with Motor Mica and ran a fine copper wire from a screw on the press up to an overhead metal ceiling hanger in the rafters of my gun room before I got satisfactory drops. I initially diagnosed the problem using Chuck's exact process, then repeated it after the modifications described above. I got good consistent drops afterwards.

Chuck is correct. MEC machines are sensitive, to use a phrase, to a consistent operation of the machine every time the handle is pulled especially pausing on the down stroke to allow for complete drops. The vibration is your friend.

I’ve always been one to fill the powder hopper whether on my MEC 9000’s or my P/W 800 Plus and then tap it several times to “settle” the powder. Learned a long time ago that the first few weightings to verify the powder bushing could be significantly heavier than those when the machine settled down to normal operation. That can drive you nuts when trying for an accurate average. Net, I’ll dump the first few drops back into the powder hopper and then weigh an average of at least 6 drops to check the charge for that bushing with that powder and lot.

Thank you all for your comments - very helpful. Jerry

I’m more of the , I get the bushing by the table that’s supposed to drop what I want and I load . I’m meticulous loading rifle cartridges not as much so with shotgun shells .

You would probably be surprised if you weighed your drops, especially from MEC bushings, they're notorious for drops different from those published on the charts.

I have weighed some in the past and you are correct . But it’s not just the Rube Goldberg MEC’s I saw the same thing with PW bushings in the 800C’s I used when I first started loading . But the bottom line is “usually” that small amount by charge isn’t going to make a difference . Now with that being said there’s nothing wrong with drop weigh drop weigh drop weigh I just don’t care to do that anymore . As I said before I still weigh rifle charges but generally I’ll never load more than twenty of a specific load at a sitting . Years past I went so far as weighing new empty rifle cases and segregate them by every five grains but that was far so called bench rifles . But to each his own , my intrest in getting to in depth anymore is leaving me from what it once was .

I know I will get some flak for this but the best investments I've ever made to upgrade my MEC's were the adjustable charge bars that were made in Canada. I got tired of messing with bushings a long time ago.

Powder baffles do help. I always throw about 5 or 6 "dry run" charges after filling the powder hopper. Then I'll weigh a couple just for my piece of mind. I am also in the habit of recording the powder charge weight and type on a small rolled paper and sticking it the hopper, easy to read and a safety check for interrupted loading sessions....dogs, wives, phone, or just ready to go sit down!