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BP Shotshell Question Anyone use a powder baffle (or a bottle with built-in baffle) on a Mec??


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Posted

BP Shotshell Question: Anyone use a powder baffle (or a bottle with built-in baffle) on a Mec??

 

I've reloaded thousands of BP shotshells & never used a powder baffle & all is well.

BUT... would there be a benefit (or detriment)  to using a baffle or bottle with a built-in baffle?

 

Anyone out there using ( or tried) one with BP?

Posted

No.  Although, now that I load my BP shotshells on a 336, I have the baffle in place.  I haven't noticed any difference in finished shells.  I suspect that a baffle would be hard to get inside a MEC bottle!  😁 

Posted (edited)

I tried one w/ APP and found it to be a PITA as the powder would bridge. For those who don’t know how a MEC powder baffle attaches - see below. The powder reservoir screws into it(the gray gadget) and then it all screws into the press.  So you don’t get confused, this pix is taken from the back of the press.IMG_4958.thumb.jpeg.7be9176f18872cc43161e7a05a9f0358.jpeg

Edited by Too Tall Bob
  • Like 1
Posted

BP is larger grain size than smokeless, and tends to resist packing.  Besides, a shotshell has pretty stable ballistics even with varying amounts of powder in the shell.

 

A baffle will just be a hindrance, even IF you can get the powder to run through it easily.  

 

I've never used one loading BP shotshells.  GJ

  • Like 2
Posted (edited)

I use a Lee dipper to charge my BP shotgun shells....I've had problems trying to load the powder directly from the Lee powder bottle.  I've used Triple 7 and APP and both tend to bridge.  Borrowing a line from Jerry Clower, I like my BP shotgun shells like I like my chitlins, hand slung and stump whipped. 🤣

 

Kajun

Edited by Krazy Kajun
  • Haha 1
Posted

 

The powder baffles I have for my MEC were made by Pattern Control (PC) many many years ago. Multi-Scale made a metal version. PC on the Left and Multi-Scale on the right.

 

image.png.a980c0c4e2474de0b973e6bf9b1a434c.png      image.png.f66fb54ef8d9ed3c9af943739b047c37.png

 

The narrower part at the bottom is spring loaded and sits directly on the charge bar.  It provides an excellent seal even with flake powders.  I have used the PC version with both ffg and fffg grades of real BP. Also used it with 2F and 3F App with no issues. 

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Posted

Nope, I've never used a baffle when loading BP, although I use a Lyman 505 to charge my ammo and shotshells.  I agree that using a baffle for BP loading is a PITA.

Posted
19 hours ago, Earl Brasse, SASS #3562 said:

BP Shotshell Question: Anyone use a powder baffle (or a bottle with built-in baffle) on a Mec??

 

I've reloaded thousands of BP shotshells & never used a powder baffle & all is well.

BUT... would there be a benefit (or detriment)  to using a baffle or bottle with a built-in baffle?

 

Anyone out there using ( or tried) one with BP?

I don't think you can get a baffle in a MEC bottle, LOL. Never saw anyone make an aftermarket. Only powder measures I have that use baffles are the ones came on the 650, the RCBS Grand. I still use my old Redding measure, doesn't have a baffle. Loaded tens of thousands of rounds with that over the years, no issues.

 

The only thing a baffle "solves" is the powder drop is dependent on the pressure exerted by what's in the hopper. Full hopper=slightly heavier powder charge compared to when the hopper is almost empty. Equals a more consistent drop. Not aware of any articles on the subject with specific data.

Posted

Yes, not looking or thinking about putting a baffle "in" a Mec bottle.

 

Sedalia Dave, I have a metal baffle like that that I could use for smokeless (if I ever load any).

 

I have a really heavy duty made bottle made of hard plastic (no name on it).

It has a black screw in up to the straight part of the bottle, then clear, then a black top end with a red "plug" cap like a Mec bottle, the baffle if fixed inside.

The bottle is glued together & the baffle is fixed in also so there is no removing it.

Looks to be really high quality, I it bought years ago.

 

I really just want to use the bottle as it is super-duty, but don't want the baffle to cause heartburn.

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)

Several PETE bottles have threads that fit a MEC measure assembly.  1 liter soda bottles work well, I hear.  The bottle has to be put on and taken off with measure assy tipped back.

 

It would be worth buying a new MEC bottle JUST to use with black powder (or sub) so as to make possible switching from black to smokeless quick and easy.  Without having to wash out the BP salts.

 

Then you could save the baffle-attached bottle for smokeless.

 

good luck, GJ

Edited by Garrison Joe, SASS #60708
Posted

I use the baffles shown above for the shot only. The red plastic one sucked, the metal one works fine. Once in a blue moon the shot bridges, don't seem to have issues with powder. I use a separate measure for BP and the put the shell back in the Grabber rather than readjusting for limited amounts of BP shells I make.

Posted

I use a baffle when loading smokeless on the MEC 9000

I do not use a baffle when loading Black (APP) on my MEC 600 JR. 

Posted
17 hours ago, Jefro, SASS#69420 said:

Yes I have used the metal one with real BP 2f on  MEC Grabber. Never a problem in umpteen years. Good Luck:)

 

I have had this one on a 600 Jr. for several years. Don't use it much anymore because I have slowed down. It works very well.

Lucky :D

20241217_1322552.thumb.jpg.d2a1bd9b7349f0b62cefafae6c88e9b9.jpg

  • Like 1
Posted
6 hours ago, Lucky R. K. said:

20241217_1322552.thumb.jpg.d2a1bd9b7349f0b62cefafae6c88e9b9.jpg

That looks difficult to fill. ;)

Posted

Not really. Just tilt the charge bar back toward the wall and unscrew the bottle.

Lucky :D

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