Powder weight discrepancies

Getting started in reloading .45ACP on a Hornady LnL AP and I'm having inconsistent readings on my GemPro 250 scale.

I have leveled it and calibrated it according to the instructions. I let it warm up, and before actually making a round, I weigh several powder loads in a row. I get a variation of 4.1 - 4.25.

What is an acceptable difference? I have even repeatedly weighed the same empty casing and gotten a small difference in weight. -+.02

Thanks!

Val

are you getting variations using your calibrated check weight???

if not, it's not uncommon to get variations in powder drops from most measures.

If your not loading for 1000 yd precision, I wouldn't sweat the small stuff....

+1.

You’re seeing normal weight variation.  For the case weight, the scale has a resolution of +- .02 grains.  So a variance of that likely indicates a different placement.

Just verify the loads with a known good beam scale to see where your issue is

Greetings,

The scale may be functioning correctly.

What method are you using to dispense the powder?

i.e. Progressive style loader; or, a one-at-a-time powder measure, like an RCBS or Redding device.

Cheers,

Dave

Last, some flake powders do not meter well. The small kernel powders generally meter best. (Bullseye, VV N310, 231, WST, to name a few.

Cheers,

Dave

I'm using a Hornady Lock n Load AP press with a PTX expander with VV N310 powder.

So maybe it's just not that big a deal. I just like to be precise - I just don't want to blow myself up.... 

Thanks!

Val

It takes more powder charge to blow your face off.

Only .15 grains of total deviation?  That's really good...
I'm getting .3 grains deviation out of my Dillon measure with N310, which is acceptable for sustained fire targets.

As wobbly said, I wouldn't worry about the .02. That is the resolution of the scale. But I personally feel that .15 and .3 are extreme deviations. I normally have a varience of less than .05. I only use n310 for 32 acp. My load is only 1.5 gr. 10% variance would not be ideal. Do you have access to a beam scale that you can manually check varience of the powder measure?

If the LNL powder measure is new make sure you have cleaned it well.  After cleaning wait for static charges to disipate. With it being winter time  you could have static changes built up anyway.  Rub down the powder measure with a dryer sheet to remove.

Electronic scales are susceptible to neon lighting(my bud hung a beer sign near his bench and it threw his scale off) and florescent lighting.  They can also be effected by freezer and refrigerators if very close. If you are getting different readings with your check weight then one of the above or airflow may be influencing it.

I use a LNL AP and the Gempro 250 and my drops vary about .02 which is basically nothing for pistol. 
 Good luck!