inconsistant powder drops

[kkingsly]

i am new to reloading im using a lee pro 1000 set up for 9mm i have only made like 500 rounds so far but my total weights at the end are all over the place. i have pulled a couple bullets and found my powder was diff up to .5 of a grain any ideas ?

[462]

I don't use a Pro 1000, nor load for 9 mm, but experience says your problem is at least three-fold:
1. Powder measures have an inherent +/- tolerance.
2. Powders can and do "bridge", some more than others.
3. Inconsistant movement of the press/powder measure handle will result in inconsistant results.

Add up those factors and it's not inconcievable that you can be off by .5 grain.

[D Crockett]

many years ago when I started to reload I had this very same problem. my answer to this problem was to get a good electronical scale and weigh each and every load. I will probly get some flack over this but I can say my loads are consistant . not saying you should do this but it works for me so I have stuck to loading that way for years.

[Kydaddy]

Agreed. I use an rcbs powder dispenser/scale. Best thing ever. Of course before I got it, I I'd very charge (pistol included) on my balance beam scale.

I knw it's overkill but makes me happy :)

[C.F.Plinker]

What powder are you using?

[gunoil]

#2 pencil on anything near or @ the powder. All those pieces. Up ,down, under, sideways, in, outside. Black or shiny.

[kkingsly]

i am using accurate # 5 did the pencil trick but i think i made a rookie mistake my theory was that i would crank out some rounds and weigh them afterwards well turns out that my 124 grain cast bullets that i bought from a buddy dont all weigh the same sometimes up to 1.2 grains off that mixed with the problems listed equals im an idiot thanks for your help im a newbie only been reloading a short time i like to learn things the hard way

[brassrat]

Well, learning things the hard way, is reloading rule #1. Enjoy the ride !

[o6Patient]

.5 gr differential in a small case such as the 9mm would be unacceptable to me,
I would try a different powder, different measure.. or both. (Run a whole hopper full
of graphite through the measure and check again..??:Fire: