Powder measure throwing inconsistent charges
My Hornady Lock-N-Load is throwing charges that vary by +/- 0.5gr for 5.56 NATO. Using Alliant powder which is flake.
Is this normal?. What do you guys use for consistent charges?
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That's pretty normal for flake powders tbh. I switched to ball powder for my .223 loads and get much more consistent throws. When I'm loading hunting rounds for my .308 I always trickle up to exact weight anyway - too much at stake to trust just the measure.
Yeah that variance is typical with flake powders, especially Alliant stuff. The flakes don't meter as consistently as ball or stick powders. For precision loads I use a ChargeMaster 1500 - throws within 0.1gr every time. For bulk plinking ammo the Hornady is fine, just accept the variance or switch to something like CFE 223 which meters much better.
Wait, is 0.5gr variance bad? I'm still using my Lee single stage and weighing every charge... takes forever but I figured that was just how it's done. Should I be looking at upgrading to a powder measure?
I had the same issue with my Lock-N-Load. Ended up getting an RCBS ChargeMaster Lite and haven't looked back. Takes longer but the consistency is worth it when you're loading match ammo. For blasting ammo the variance you're seeing won't matter much.
That's a steal at that price honestly. I paid way more for mine.
I'm in the same boat. Let me know what you end up going with.
I had the opposite experience honestly. But everyone's different I guess.
My two cents — don't overthink it. Just get what feels right in your hand and train with it.