Clays And Metering On A Dillon Press

[alzo]

So many of the users of this forum advocate using Hodgdon Clays. However, I have seen several users mention significant problems with consistent metering of Clays on their progressive presses. So what's the scoop ? Does Clays meter well on say, a Dillon press, or is it problematic in that regard ?

Edited October 11, 2006 by alzo

[JD45]

My scale tells me that Clays is metering as good as Titegroup, and sometimes better. The press is a Square Deal B.

[DougCarden]

CLAYS works well until you go below 3.0 grains, as it can bridge in the powder measure. You may see a .01-.02 variance when you start, but check it when you have cases in all the stations and you should be just fine.

DougC

[XD Niner]

I have had 0.1 gr variations on my XL650 but after a few rounds it seems to be pretty consistent. A variation of 0.2 gr is about as much as I've seen and then only if I've had some type of interruption in the loading process.

Edited October 11, 2006 by XD Niner

[kevin c]

Clays is a light, low density flake powder, so it can bridge (clog) in the funnel and drop a light charge, then perhaps a heavy one right after, and may pack differently in the powder bar opening depending on how much settling occurs as the press vibrates through the reloading cycle.

Consistent press operation, the same on each and every stroke, helps. I personally think that a little bit of consistent vibration may also help "shake down" the bridging, and may also make settling a consistent charge into the charge bar better.

[HSMITH]

I run my 550's like I am mad and Clays meters to within a tenth every time on time loading progressively. I have thrown down to 2.5 grains for some light 38's and 9mm stuff without a problem, they were all right where they should be.

The Dillon measure really is good, it will handle just about anything you put in it and meter it very consistently.

[epj]

I recently checked my Dillon 550 by throwing 10 charges of 4 gr of Clays. The 10 charges weighed 39.9 grains. On the AVERAGE, it is very accurate and consistant.

[FTDR]

never had a problem with a Dillon 550, and get a sd around 9

[Merlin Orr]

I run my 550's like I am mad and Clays meters to within a tenth every time on time loading progressively. I have thrown down to 2.5 grains for some light 38's and 9mm stuff without a problem, they were all right where they should be.

The Dillon measure really is good, it will handle just about anything you put in it and meter it very consistently.

I agree with Mr. Smith.. I also think that if you run a press with "abandon" it might actually be more consistent due to the vibration actually preventing powder bridging and ensuring a good and constant powder flow and drop.

[Run n Gun]

I just loaded 2500 rounds of 45 with Clays and I thought about this thread, so I checked the powder weight every 2-300 rounds. 4.0 grains, on the nose, EVERY time. BTW, I load with a 650.

Ed

[Carmoney]

drop a light charge,

then perhaps a heavy one right after

In theory, it might be possible for the measure to throw a light charge for various reasons, but I don't think there's any way it could throw a heavy charge. A powder measure meters powder by volume.

[SiG Lady]

Every time I check the weight on the random load or two, it's always right-on. Use Clays at about 3.5gr per load. Works fine for me on the SDB. Has been that way ever since I set it up about three years ago. Rounds at firing FEEL consistent as hell, too. No discrepancies.

[Aircooled6racer]

Hello: On my SDB it meters very well. I check my loads more often than most about every 50 or so. It slows me down a bit but I have fun reloading. I also think the slight jarring of the press may help with the metering. Hope this helps. Thanks Eric