In the quest for a perfect load I finally decided to buy and test a few powder funnels. Up to now I poured directly from my scale pan through a very high tech funnel I made by rolling up a scrap of paper. This method worked very well for some powders, but not for others.
On a recent trip to Maine I stopped into Kittery Trading Post and bought one of each funnels they had in stock. Here’s the contenders in no particular order:
RCBS Powder Funnel .17 – .20 $6.99
Lyman Powder Pal Universial Funnel Pan $6.99
Hornady Powder Funnel 22-45 Caliber $3.99 (MTM is stamped on top)
The test was fairly easy, pour a measured amount of powder through each funnel and see what happens. I sat the funnels in a small glass to capture the powder as it passed through and photographed the results. In this test I was using Power Pistol powder.
Here’s a photo of all three. Right to left, RCBS, Lyman and Hornady.
First up was RCBS. This is what’s left in the funnel after the initial pour.
This is what’s left after I tapped the funnel against the handle of my press five times. Clearly these some static build up.
Next up was the Lyman. This one showed the most promising at least from a marketing stand point. What could be easier that placing this on your electronic scale, measuring out a load and dispensing it. However, measuring out is easy, dispensing is a whole other matter. This is what’s left in the funnel after the initial pour.
This is what’s left after I tapped the funnel against the handle of my press five times. Again these is some static build up.
Last up was the Hornady. As it turned out I did save the best for last. This is what’s left after the initial pour……..nothing! (The shadow in the funnel is just a pattern on the glass)
As far as I’m concerned this is the winner by a long shot, no pun intended. No matter how much or at what rate I poured every single grain fell right through the funnel. Hope this helps and good luck finding the holy grail of reloads.
alan j quinn 