Lee Loader

I noticed in a Youtube video that the guy, when he raised the charging handle, he gently rapped it twice at the top position. And when he dumped the charge, he did the same thing. Is this a goid habit to get into? Thanks

sometimes with certain powders a little help is needed so that the correct amount of drop is made.
others do it out of habit. Try it both ways and see if either helps in getting the correct charge.

I agree with Poppop. Whatever you decide to do, do it the same each time.

There are a few variables which can cause inconsistency with each of the 9 different PMs I've used.

New outta the box or used they all needed to be disassembled, clean and graphite lubed.
When setting up a new PM it is fundamental to mount it securely so there is no flexing during it operation. The PPM's stand may flex a little but cone tension should be adjusted to reduce this to a minimum.
Running at least a few hoppers full of different types of powders, stick, flake and ball, to see, feel and hear how it operates. This is how you find a consistent method of working it to get consistent measurements. It will teach you what you need to know. Also if it is or isn't going to be viable for a specific powder.
No PM is perfect for every type of powder, but the PPM and its progeny are dang close.

If using the PPM with fine ball powder it may be necessary to lap the cones with a valve grinding compound to prevent leaking powder. But that's a different subject.

Tapping, bumping, vibrators,etc., are all trying for the same thing; consistent powder charges. By bumping or tapping the measure the user is "settling" the powder in the hopper and the charging cavity. Removing air spaces, bridges, or "clumps" will allow the powder to settle in the cavity more consistently...

Or so I figger...

mikld wrote:
Or so I figger...

Ditto for everything I've ever posted.

daboone wrote:

mikld wrote:
Or so I figger...

Ditto for everything I've ever posted.

I've often thought about adding "My best guess is..."