Introduction
A Basis for Precision
The artwork of reloading ammunition is a mix of precision, ardour, and a deep respect for the instruments and processes concerned. At its coronary heart lies the pursuit of accuracy, consistency, and, for a lot of, a big price financial savings over commercially obtainable rounds. Attaining these objectives requires meticulous consideration to element, and one of the crucial crucial facets of reloading is the exact measurement of powder costs. In the event you’re utilizing a MEC reloading press and the favored Alliant powders, understanding the MEC bushing chart is paramount. This text serves as your information to navigating this essential side of reloading, guaranteeing your reloads are as protected and dependable as potential.
The Position of MEC Presses
MEC reloading presses have earned a status for his or her ruggedness, dependability, and ease of use. They’re a staple in lots of reloading rooms, significantly amongst shotgun and metallic cartridge reloaders. The simplicity of their design, mixed with their sturdy development, makes them a favourite for reloaders of all expertise ranges. On the core of their operation is the power to persistently meter powder, and that is the place the MEC bushing chart comes into play.
Understanding the Chart’s Worth
The MEC bushing chart is a helpful useful resource, performing as a place to begin for figuring out the approximate quantity of powder allotted by a selected bushing measurement. By offering an inventory of bushing numbers alongside estimated powder costs, the chart helps you get near the specified load in your chosen powder and caliber. Nonetheless, it’s essential to know that the MEC bushing chart will not be an absolute assure. The precise powder cost can fluctuate primarily based on components resembling powder density, the kind of powder, and even environmental situations. That’s why the chart is a place to begin, and utilizing a scale is important. This isn’t a shortcut.
Article Objective and Scope
This information focuses on the synergy between MEC presses and Alliant powders. Alliant is a reputation synonymous with high quality and efficiency on this planet of propellants. From its traditional Crimson Dot to its cutting-edge Reloder collection, Alliant affords a complete vary of powders for a various array of reloading purposes. This text will give you the data essential to navigate the MEC bushing chart, serving to you to decide on the correct bushings, perceive powder costs, and reload safely and successfully with Alliant powders. You will need to emphasize that each reloader should begin by consulting revealed load knowledge. At all times confirm all costs with a digital scale earlier than beginning a reloading session.
Understanding How MEC Bushings Work
Volumetric Measurement Defined
MEC bushings function on the precept of volumetric measurement. They’re cylindrical inserts with a pre-determined inner quantity. As powder flows by way of the bushing, it fills the area, and when the press cycles, the bushing meters out that quantity of powder. The dimensions of the bushing, designated by a quantity, determines the quantity of powder allotted. A bigger bushing permits for a larger quantity and, consequently, a heavier cost, whereas a smaller bushing dispenses a smaller quantity.
Limitations of Quantity
Nonetheless, the reliance on quantity has its limitations. Powder, not like liquids, will not be a uniform substance. Its density can fluctuate relying on components such because the manufacturing course of, temperature, and even the settling of the powder. Due to this variability, the identical bushing measurement could dispense barely completely different weights of powder relying on the batch and kind. That is why it is essential to know that the MEC bushing chart supplies estimations, and the one solution to know the precise powder cost is to weigh it with a scale.
Bushing Numbering and Weight
MEC bushings are usually numbered, with larger numbers typically equivalent to bigger volumes and better powder costs. The exact relationship between the bushing quantity and the powder cost is exclusive to every powder and caliber. That’s why utilizing the MEC bushing chart as a place to begin and checking with a scale is so essential.
Alliant Powder: An Overview
The Significance of Alliant
Alliant Powder is a cornerstone within the reloading world, acknowledged for its big selection of high quality propellants. They produce powders appropriate for nearly each reloading utility, from small-caliber handgun masses to large-bore rifle cartridges and shotgun shells. Alliant’s dedication to innovation and efficiency has made it a favourite of reloaders searching for accuracy, reliability, and worth.
Powder Selection and Functions
Alliant affords many various powders, with every providing distinctive traits appropriate for various purposes. Alliant powders are recognized for his or her constant efficiency. Nonetheless, it is essential to do not forget that all powders are designed for particular makes use of and ought to be used solely as directed in load knowledge.
Security First
Earlier than reloading, make sure you test Alliant’s web site for present load knowledge. That is the definitive supply for protected and efficient reloading. Consulting different dependable sources like reloading manuals is important as effectively.
MEC Bushing Chart Tables for Alliant Powders
*Bear in mind to at all times use this info as a information solely and to at all times confirm powder costs with a digital scale. By no means exceed the utmost load knowledge.*
Crimson Dot
Crimson Dot is a flexible, fast-burning powder, usually used for shotgun goal masses and a few lighter handgun masses. Its economical efficiency has made it a favourite amongst budget-conscious reloaders. Crimson Dot is understood for its cleanliness, good metering traits, and dependable ignition.
Appropriate Functions:
12-gauge and 20-gauge goal masses; some light-recoiling handgun masses (e.g., .45 ACP, 9mm Luger).
Desk:
(Bear in mind, these are estimates!)
| MEC Bushing Quantity | Estimated Powder Cost (grains) | Notes/Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 12.5 | Appropriate for a lot of 12-gauge goal masses. At all times confirm. |
| 21 | 13.0 | Monitor case fill in 12-gauge. |
| 22 | 13.5 | Verify for correct crimp and wad seating. |
| 23 | 14.0 | Begin low and work up rigorously. |
Necessary Reminder:
At all times confirm the powder cost with a digital scale!
Particular Issues:
Crimson Dot is a flake powder, so constant metering is essential. Guarantee your press is biking easily, and keep away from extreme static electrical energy, which might have an effect on powder stream. Crimson Dot additionally has a barely larger powder density and is understood to fluctuate from batch to batch, so checking with a scale is essential.
Distinctive
Distinctive is one other versatile powder, well-suited for each handgun and shotshell purposes. It’s recognized for its medium burn price, making it a sensible choice for a variety of calibers and cargo weights. Its all-around capabilities have made it a preferred alternative.
Appropriate Functions:
Handgun (e.g., .38 Particular, .357 Magnum, .45 ACP) and a few shotgun masses.
Desk:
(Bear in mind, these are estimates!)
| MEC Bushing Quantity | Estimated Powder Cost (grains) | Notes/Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | 11.5 | Verify your load knowledge! |
| 20 | 12.0 | Appropriate for a lot of 12-gauge goal masses. At all times confirm. |
| 21 | 12.5 | Monitor case fill in 12-gauge. |
| 22 | 13.0 | Verify for correct crimp and wad seating. |
| 23 | 13.5 | Begin low and work up rigorously. |
Necessary Reminder:
At all times confirm the powder cost with a digital scale!
Particular Issues:
Distinctive is a flake powder, so consistency in metering is essential. Common weighing is very essential to account for density variations.
Blue Dot
Blue Dot is a slower-burning powder usually utilized in magnum handgun masses and a few heavier shotshell masses. It supplies larger velocities and is understood for its good efficiency in these purposes.
Appropriate Functions:
Magnum handgun masses (e.g., .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .41 Magnum) and heavier shotshell masses.
Desk:
(Bear in mind, these are estimates!)
| MEC Bushing Quantity | Estimated Powder Cost (grains) | Notes/Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 19.5 | Seek the advice of present load knowledge, confirm with scale! |
| 29 | 20.0 | Work up rigorously, particularly in magnum masses. |
| 30 | 20.5 | Look ahead to stress indicators. |
Necessary Reminder:
At all times confirm the powder cost with a digital scale!
Particular Issues:
Blue Dot is a flexible powder, however it requires cautious consideration to load knowledge, as improper costs can result in extreme pressures. At all times begin with a lightweight load and work up cautiously.
Energy Pistol
Energy Pistol is a fast-burning, spherical powder designed primarily for high-performance handgun masses. It’s recognized for its clean-burning traits and excessive velocities.
Appropriate Functions:
Excessive-performance handgun masses (e.g., 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 ACP).
Desk:
(Bear in mind, these are estimates!)
| MEC Bushing Quantity | Estimated Powder Cost (grains) | Notes/Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 11.0 | Confirm all powder costs with a scale! |
| 21 | 11.5 | Be aware of case fill. |
| 22 | 12.0 | Comply with load knowledge intently. |
| 23 | 12.5 | Work up masses step by step. |
Necessary Reminder:
At all times confirm the powder cost with a digital scale!
Particular Issues:
Energy Pistol’s spherical form supplies wonderful metering traits. Nonetheless, it burns hotter than flake powders, so use the really helpful load knowledge to remain protected.
Reloder 7
Reloder 7 is a medium-burning powder superb for numerous rifle cartridges. It’s a sensible choice for cartridges just like the .223 Remington.
Appropriate Functions:
Rifle cartridges, such because the .223 Remington
Desk:
(Bear in mind, these are estimates!)
| MEC Bushing Quantity | Estimated Powder Cost (grains) | Notes/Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 21.0 | Seek the advice of present load knowledge, confirm with scale! |
| 29 | 21.5 | Work up rigorously. |
| 30 | 22.0 | Look ahead to stress indicators. |
Necessary Reminder:
At all times confirm the powder cost with a digital scale!
Particular Issues:
Reloder 7 is a medium-burning powder so it is essential to observe revealed load knowledge.
Reloder 15
Reloder 15 is a medium-slow burning powder that excels in a wide range of rifle calibers, particularly .308 Winchester.
Appropriate Functions:
Rifle cartridges, such because the .308 Winchester.
Desk:
(Bear in mind, these are estimates!)
| MEC Bushing Quantity | Estimated Powder Cost (grains) | Notes/Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 30.5 | Seek the advice of present load knowledge, confirm with scale! |
| 31 | 31.0 | Work up rigorously. |
| 32 | 31.5 | Look ahead to stress indicators. |
Necessary Reminder:
At all times confirm the powder cost with a digital scale!
Particular Issues:
Reloder 15 is a medium-slow burning powder so it is essential to observe revealed load knowledge.
Metal
Metal powder, particularly designed for high-performance shotshell masses, is understood for its effectivity and excessive velocities.
Appropriate Functions:
Excessive-performance shotshell masses, significantly metal shot masses.
Desk:
(Bear in mind, these are estimates!)
| MEC Bushing Quantity | Estimated Powder Cost (grains) | Notes/Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | 33.0 | Seek the advice of present load knowledge, confirm with scale! |
| 28 | 34.0 | Work up rigorously. |
| 29 | 35.0 | Look ahead to stress indicators. |
Necessary Reminder:
At all times confirm the powder cost with a digital scale!
Particular Issues:
Metal powder ought to be used for shotshells. Metal powder has particular burn traits so following load knowledge is crucial for protected reloading.
Utilizing the MEC Bushing Chart and Reloading Safely
Step-by-Step Steering
Utilizing the MEC bushing chart accurately entails a number of steps. First, choose a bushing that, in line with the chart, will dispense an estimated powder cost near what your load knowledge recommends. Set up the bushing in your MEC press. Subsequent, cycle the press and weigh the powder cost from the bushing on a digital scale. This preliminary weight is essential. Modify the bushing if essential, or choose a unique bushing to realize the specified cost, weighing every time.
Emphasis on Security
Guarantee you’re at all times working from revealed load knowledge and dealing up your masses slowly. Begin with the minimal really helpful powder cost and step by step improve it, weighing every cost. Look ahead to indicators of extreme stress resembling flattened primers or tough extraction. Ensure to test the reloaded rounds for correct seating and crimp, and by no means double-charge a case. It is a critical security violation.
Required Gear
Reloading requires the proper tools, together with a digital scale, security glasses, and appropriate workspace. A reloading bench with ample area for provides and tools is important.
Troubleshooting
Addressing Inconsistency
Powder cost inconsistency may be irritating. A number of components may cause these issues. Powder bridging, the place powder clumps or hangs up within the bushing, can result in inconsistent costs. Static electrical energy may cause powder to cling to the bushing, additional affecting the quantity metered. Put on and tear on the bushing can have an effect on its metering talents.
Options and Preventative Measures
The primary answer is to make sure the press is ready up accurately and dealing easily. Verify for any obstructions within the bushing. Utilizing a powder baffle can generally assist, by making a extra uniform stream.
Exterior Components
Temperature and humidity may affect powder costs. In excessive temperatures, powder density could fluctuate. It’s a good suggestion to reload when temperatures and humidity are secure.
Conclusion
Recap of Key Factors
Utilizing the MEC bushing chart is an integral side of utilizing Alliant powders. Whereas it supplies a helpful start line, at all times do not forget that it’s a information, not a assure. At all times confirm all powder costs with a digital scale earlier than reloading.
Significance of Secure Practices
Reloading is a rewarding pursuit. By following these tips, you may reload Alliant powders safely and precisely, attaining constant efficiency with each spherical. At all times prioritize security and cling to revealed load knowledge. Reload safely, and benefit from the precision and satisfaction that comes with reloading your personal ammunition.
Disclaimer
Important Warnings
This text supplies normal info and is meant for instructional functions solely. The knowledge offered right here will not be an alternative choice to skilled instruction or steering. At all times confirm all load knowledge with revealed manuals and dependable sources. The creator will not be accountable for any accidents, damages, or penalties ensuing from reloading. At all times train excessive warning and observe all security precautions when reloading ammunition. Use this info at your personal danger.
