Quick Tip: "Weighing" vs "Throwing" Powder Charges

Published on February 24, 2021
Duration: 1:57

Steve from Brownells explains the difference between weighing and throwing powder charges for reloading. For high-volume practice loads, throwing charges with a powder measure is efficient, but weighing every 10th or 20th round is recommended to ensure consistency. For maximum pressure loads or precision shooting, especially with cartridges like the 300 Ultra Mag, weighing every single charge to within a tenth of a grain is crucial. For lower-pressure pistol rounds like 38 Special wadcutters, occasional weighing is sufficient to check powder measure adjustment.

Quick Summary

For reloading, weigh every powder charge for maximum pressure or precision loads to ensure safety and accuracy. For high-volume practice loads, throwing charges with a powder measure is efficient, but weigh every 10th or 20th round to verify consistency. Precision shooting often requires charges within a tenth of a grain.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction
  2. 00:08Weighing vs. Throwing Powder
  3. 00:16Throwing Charges for Practice Loads
  4. 00:349mm Reloading Considerations
  5. 00:41Weighing for Max Pressure Loads
  6. 00:56Precision Shooting Requirements
  7. 01:0138 Special Wadcutters
  8. 01:08Max Loads: Pistol vs. Rifle
  9. 01:16Pistol Load Flexibility
  10. 01:30Summary: When to Weigh or Throw
  11. 01:44Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I weigh my powder charges when reloading?

You should weigh every powder charge for maximum pressure loads or precision shooting applications. This ensures critical accuracy and safety, especially with high-performance cartridges. For less demanding loads, occasional checks are sufficient.

Is it okay to throw powder charges for practice loads?

Yes, for high-volume practice loads, throwing powder charges with a powder measure is efficient. However, it's recommended to weigh every 10th or 20th round to ensure your powder measure remains consistent and within acceptable tolerances.

What is the difference between weighing and throwing powder charges?

Weighing charges means using a scale to measure the exact weight of powder for each cartridge, ensuring maximum precision. Throwing charges uses a powder measure to dispense a volume of powder, which is faster but less precise, suitable for practice loads.

How precise do powder charges need to be for precision shooting?

For precision shooting, especially at longer ranges, powder charges often need to be within a tenth of a grain. Even this small variation can impact accuracy, so meticulous weighing is crucial for competitive and long-range applications.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Brownells, Inc.

View all →