The question is how to use a trickler to individually load cases.

The loads will range from 3.1 gn to maybe 3.5 gn, and there will be a total of no more than 150 rds. Having never seen a tricker work, is it reasonable to load an entire 3 gn of powder with one or do they 'trickle' at far too low a rate to make that practical? Will I really want to load up to as close to 3 gn as possible then trickle the tenths?

This would be mainly a one-time exercise for data collection and amusement, not for routine loading. I've not reloaded at all before, and gather from research that the .1 gn difference is significant in a 3.x gn load of Clays in .45 ACP.

My purpose is specifically to see just how sensitive muzzle velocity and proper cycling of the gun are to the range of charges I've mentioned, so I'd like my 'experimental' charges to be fairly rather uniform--even if not precise. Bullet weight is 250 gn (cast).

A trickler is used to top off a load to a precise measurement. Normal use is to throw a certain charge with a powder measure or dipper that is slightly below the desired final weight. The charge is then carefully arrived at with the trickler dribbling the powder slowly into the scale's pan.

It would be possible to use the powder trickler from start to finish for small charge weights, but will be time consuming. As you indicate, you are going to try load development with small weights and move up in small increments. The trickler may well serve your purpose for this if the cartridge volume is low.

It depends on how much time you have on your hands. 3gr is probably not too tedious. I try to get as close as possible with my Lee dippers and then trickle the rest. The dippers are so cheap, i'd highly recommend a set.

Chris.

In my experience with most pistol powders you cen throw accurate amounts from a good powder measure.Unless you just can't get good enough results from your powder measure dispensing from a trickler would work ok but as previuosly mentioned it will be time consuming.With practice you can get very accurate and consistant results with a dipper also.I would get as close as possible with the measure and balance the scale with the trickler.I do most rifle loads in just that manner even though my Grandpa said it was a waste of time over 40 yeras ago when I started reloading.He threw his loads right from the measure and was good with that just as most benchrest shooters do today.

Certainly won't hurt.

But like most of us, will probably find that it doesn't help a measuable amount either. Small changes in case volume, bullet bases, bullet weight, etc. are probably worth more but at least powder charge is controlable and it certainly doesn't hurt accuracy to make them uniform.

With some practice, can improve the consistency from the measure. think consistent, give it firm smooth motions, with firm contact at the stops. (thinking tradtionail RCBS or LYMAN measure here). Smooth swing up..clink of contact...slight pause...smooth down swing..clink of contact.


Anyway, to set up to hand trickle. Measure 10 or 12 tosses. Find the best and worst. Set the measure so the heaviest is clowse to or just under your desired weight. Then trickle in whatever is needed on each charge to get you up to your exact charge.

Back in the old-old days, would just use a bic pen barrel (the old cheap clear 19 cent Bic pens). Fill the empty pen barrel 1/2 full of powder, tip it towards the pan, and kind of rotate it and tap it with your index finger...like sprinkling salt.

I usually do the Lee dipper method. Pick one that holds just a little less than what you need, then trickle in the rest. You can also use a dispenser set to throw just a little less than you need as mentioned above.

For pistol charges I measure individually to find a load, then once I find one I use the Lee auto disk dispenser for loading bulk on my turret press. I only measure individual loads for my 30-06 and 22-250.

Ditto on the Lee dippers. Especially with powders that don't meter easily. For moderate pistol loads with easily metered powders, I don't bother with a trickler.

Okay, thanks. Got the dippers on order.

Yeah, the idea of trickling to an 'exact' charge was only to collect velocity vs. charge data. Plan is to then select the lowest charge that reliably runs the gun. Accuracy of the 'production' loads isn't much of a concern, as this is an IDPA application. Again, it's more for the fun of data collection than anything else.

Looks like it will be a two-step process for these test loads, then I'll just use the powder measure for running the final chosen routine loads. Thanks for all the tips, especially when it comes to establishing a repeatable pattern with the powder dispenser.

I use a powder trickler and three scales to trickle every charge in rifle or handgun cartridges that I reload. It takes time, but I have lots of that. All the best...
Gil

When I started handloading,I HAD to have a trickler.I used t faithfully,the first few years;only occasionally,the next few years,and never for the last 30 years.
Yes;you do a better job with the trickler
But,not shooting better enough to justify the exira work.My powder measures meter fine grain powders to my satisfaction,and the IMR long grain powders are tolerant of tiny differences in the powder charge..
Buythe trickler;use it,and then compare groups with straight from the powder measure loads.
Frank

"Buythe trickler;use it,and then compare groups with straight from the powder measure loads."

Ditto. You will find VERY little difference on a target, speeds on a chronograph will vary and overlap a lot too.

Just curious.The 250 gr cast sounds like a 45 Colt bullet,while the 230 gr round nose is the standard heavy bullet fo the 45 ACP.I have been as low as 3.1 grains of Clays,230 gr LRN in a 1911 with no malfunctions.I normally shoot 3.7 gr with the same bullet for IDPA in the 1911 PARA p13,and a 625 S&W.
The lee scoops and a trickler will work fine,if you don't already have a powder measure.Most powder measures will throw consistant charges for short range pistol work.(under 50yds)

Joe O

I predict that what you'll find is that you can't differentiate among the various charge weights, except at the extremes.

Chronograph ten shots each at 3.1, 3.2 3.3 etc and you'll get ten different velocity readings with each charge. The spreads will all overlap except for the fastest and slowest of each. While the general trend will be upward with each increment, the extreme spread of each test group will overlap with that of the next two loads above and below.

In short, it will be statistically meaningless. Why? Because there are enough other variations involved to mask the powder charge change.

My other prediction? Your hand will fall off before you trickle that many charges!

Trickler was sent back to Midway after attempting to use it once or twice. Far too time-consuming and tedious, and basically a mess anyway. For my kind of shooting (IDPA/USPSA) there is very little about the load in the first place that has much impact on the shooting.