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Now that I've got most of this process running, I'm trying to figure out where to set my Auto-Disk. I have the Deluxe Reloading Kit - the non-Classic turret setup, and I'm using it as a single-stage until I get the hang of things. All the cases are cleaned, decapped, resized and primed. Now for the powder:

I'm loading .45 ACP with 230 gr. FMJ.
Both Hodgdon and Lee say 4.2 grains of HP-38 is the starting load.
The Auto-Disk chart (which says that these are approximate capacities) says that cavity .37 will throw 4.0 grains, and cavity .40 will throw 4.3 grains.

I'm planning to throw 5 charges with each cavity, and then weigh them individually to see which is closest to 4.2 grains. Is this the proper procedure? Anything else you'd recommend? Max load is 5.3 grains, and I'm not planning on getting anywhere near that for a while, if ever.

Thanks!

Sounds like a good plan. I've found that the powder disks weigh out differently with different powders. The weight I get using flake powder like Titegroup is different that N340 which is more of a cylindrical cut. Definitelt take the time to weigh it all out and document it for future reference

I'll give it a go. Thanks.

Now, where is my pencil...

AndyC wrote:Definitely record, yes - and don't forget to weigh the charges every so often during a reloading-session, either.

I would also highly recommend ordering the Lee Adjustable Charge Bar (about $9) if you want precision - just remove the disk and use this puppy instead:

Thanks, Andy. I hadn't even thought of that item. Saw the pictures and descriptions, but it didn't pique my interest. Now, I may have to look a little more closely.

UpTheIrons wrote:

AndyC wrote:Definitely record, yes - and don't forget to weigh the charges every so often during a reloading-session, either.

I would also highly recommend ordering the Lee Adjustable Charge Bar (about $9) if you want precision - just remove the disk and use this puppy instead:

Thanks, Andy. I hadn't even thought of that item. Saw the pictures and descriptions, but it didn't pique my interest. Now, I may have to look a little more closely.

I was in the same mindset! Didn't have any idea how it worked. I might have to order one, now! Good Post Andy!

Definitely agree with Andy. The adjustable bar is much easier to use and get the charges you want than auto disk is.

I suggest dropping 10 loads and just throwing them back into the hopper every time you start loading. Then weigh the next load and periodically during session (I check every 25th load)

Whenever changing powder measure discs or settings I throw ten charges then throw ten more weighing all ten together and getting the average. I then weigh several individual charges to see how close to the average they are. If all checks out I start loading if there is more than 1% difference between actual and average I repeat the procedure.

Thanks for the hints on averaging, and on throwing out the first ten loads. That's where the most variance was coming in, so I'll do that from now on. Still, that adjustable charge bar should make it a little easier.

I use the charge bar and set the beam scale(rcbs502) on the charge I want and when you drop a charge,just drop it on the scale,You can see in just a sec where you stand if you need to go a hair more or less.Once you get the charge you want then write down the setting and keep your notes.Then you will know the next time if you change settings for some other load. sj