I call this "using proper technique" as it applies to a powder measure.

PM, (powder measure) technique;
Like all mechanical machines (reloading presses and PM's) you need to use the same force and speed for every handle movement/throw.

Some PM's come with baffles, like a Dillon. They are part of a PM tune up if your PM didn't come with one.

You can buy them or make your own, but I consider them essential.

With extruded powder you "power thru" if the handle is resisting. It is cutting the powder kernel.

As in don't stop, keep going.

This doesn't happen with ball and flake powder.

For a mechanical (volume) PM to drop consistent throws the powder in the PM must be "settled". (This is the whole secret)

First note that this is for metal PM's as I have very little experience with plastic PM's.

So the following applies to Dillon, Hornady, Redding, Lyman, and RCBS PM's.



Start with pouring powder into PM to near the top of hopper. Note the powder level.

Now tap the side of the hopper in the middle with your finger  4-5 times.



Did you see the powder settle?   Normally  about a half inch of settle.

That is why you can't put powder into PM and start throwing accurate charges until 30-40 charges have been dropped, as that is the point that the powder has finally settled. So settle it when you start with your finger.

So drop a charge and weigh it.

After you have made whatever adjustment to the PM to drop more/less powder you need to settle the powder again.

Settle powder by throwing 3 charges in the pan (leave pan there so all 3 charges go into pan).

Empty pan into hopper.

Throw another charge and repeat; weigh, adjust PM, settle powder, and try again until powder charge is where you want it.

So every time you make an adjustment on the PM, settle the powder.

You will know when you "have good technique" when you can:

Throw ball powder exact.

Flake exact, but + or - .1 is pretty good with an untuned PM.

The above with stock unturned PM's.

When you tune your PM, you can throw extruded + or - .1 to .2 depending on the length and diameter of the kernels.

Link to tuning PM thread. https://www.ar15.com/forums/armory/Tuning-a-Uniflow-powder-measure/42-380281/
Old thread photobucket ate some of the pics.

After I have the PM to what I think is set, I throw 5 charges and weigh each one. If they are consistent, I start throwing charges.

edit to add pics.
edit to mention powder baffle, thank to the comments for pointing that out.

Saved

Your welcome.

Thanks guys, I forgot to mention a baffle. Edited first post and added info.

I have read posts about that, but never tried it.

I seldom use extruded powders that measure poorly.

I stick with the ones that meter good, like IMR 8208 XBR, Re-15, IMR 4227, ect.

The wax is the lube to let the powder flow freely.

Stop rust, I suppose so.

That is what this thread is about.

Using good technique, Unique will measure + or - .1gr.

No vibrator needed, but a baffle is.

Settle the powder, it's important.