Compressed Powder Loads

JD338 · Jun 7, 2008

Have you ever loaded a compressed powder charge that goes "crunch" when you seat the bullet? If you have, listen to this.

I have a Black & Decker Mouse sander. I removed the pad and use it to "settle" the powder in the case by placing the charged case against the base, index finger over the case mouth and turn on the Mouse of about 2-3 seconds. Carefully remove your index finger from the case mouth and you are ready to seat your bullet. The powder settles very nicely and eliminates the "crunch".

JD338

rick smith · Jun 7, 2008

Using a 6" drop tube will also help.Rick.

honkeetonkin · Jun 8, 2008

I get the crunching with my 358 win and 49 gr of IMR 4895 , just might have to try one of those tips- thanks guys

shrpshtrjoe · Jun 8, 2008

I use a drop tube but That sander is a good idea :grin:
Joe

bullet · Jun 8, 2008

That is a cool idea. I put my finger over the mouth of the case and lightly tap the base on a soft rubber pad and that works but the vibration you get from the sander would gently work them in place. Neat idea.

Powerstroke · Jun 8, 2008

JD,

I'd place that in the category of " Thinking outside the box" :grin:

I have that issue with my 7-08 & IMR-4350 to the point at times I have to leave the funnel on the case and shake / tap / hold my tounge just right to get the powder just even with the top of the case.

Awesome idea !

Guest · Jun 8, 2008

I've used a highly compressed load in a case or two (by the book, mind you) and had good results with swirling the powder through the funnel (you have to pour it off to one side and stick powder will do the rest) and then either putting a finger over the case-mouth or shallow seating a bullet, and tapping on my bench (I have a Hoppe's pad on the bench - I wouldn't tap live rounds on hard surfaces that way, just in case). This seems to work well. I'd never have thought to use a sander without the abrasive...maybe I'll mount my 1/4 sheet orbital upside down in a vise and go to town? :lol:

old #7 · Jun 8, 2008

I turn my "vibratory" case tumbler on, cover the mouth with my finger and touch the side of the case to the tumbler.

Powerstroke is spot on with the angle of the tounge.
I have the best of luck when I hold my tounge at the same angle as the shoulder