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Problem with powder charge dispense

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  • kenpoace

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    Jan 17, 2013
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    I used to reload long time ago with the RCBS press and always been pretty accurate. I been using the LEE press starter kit.

    My issue is that the powder dump never stays the same. For example, I'll flip the handle a couple of times and weight the load at 5.5 grains. After 5 or 6 bullets the powder dump will change to 6.1 grains, I have to go back and readjust the charge and it repeats the cycle over. When I had the RCBS, I remember I never had this problem. I replaced the LEE smart powder with the Hornady powder and it still does it. I basically have to double check each bullet to make sure I do not go over the max charge listed in the book.

    I'm using A#5 for my powder.

    Any idea what is the cause of the problem? I also used the LEE scale but end up getting a electronic scale.
    Capitol Armory ad
     

    Deavis

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    Oct 20, 2011
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    When you say the Hornady powder, do you mean you switched to a Hornady powder measure?

    A couple of things that people generally try are as follows.

    1) Ground the powder measure
    2) Clean the measure inside and out with rubbing alcohol
    3) Discharge static by rubbing the entire measure with a *used* dryer sheet

    The only other thing i have personally experimented with and seen some results is adding a baffle, but your Hornady measure should already have one.
     

    kenpoace

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    Jan 17, 2013
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    When you say the Hornady powder, do you mean you switched to a Hornady powder measure?

    A couple of things that people generally try are as follows.

    1) Ground the powder measure
    2) Clean the measure inside and out with rubbing alcohol
    3) Discharge static by rubbing the entire measure with a *used* dryer sheet

    The only other thing i have personally experimented with and seen some results is adding a baffle, but your Hornady measure should already have one.

    Yes I meant hronday powder measure. I mount the powder measure on the press instead on the wood bench. Will that have anything to do with it?
     

    Dawico

    Uncoiled
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    Oct 15, 2009
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    Lampasas, Texas
    Have you cleaned your dispensers? Any oil on the tumbler will cause them to dump strange charges. Clean and dry is the way to go.

    You also will have better luck if you flip the handle the same way every time. I am usually a bit agressive but consistant.

    I have never used a Lee powder dispenser. I did have a Hornady dispenser on my LnL AP press. I ended up mounting my RCBS dispenser on there and had much more consistant charges. I tried the Hornady dispenser a couple different times but always ended up back with the RCBS on my press.
     

    kenpoace

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    Jan 17, 2013
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    Do I need this for the pistol?
    Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure Handgun Rotor Metering Assembly
     

    mantawolf

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    Oct 11, 2011
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    Lowry Crossing
    My Hornady is consistent. But you will want the handgun meter instead of the rifle meter. It has a smaller diameter plunger. If you are using the rifle meter to drop less than 10 grains, it will have a bit of variation.

    MAKE SURE TO READ DIRECTIONS ON TAKING THAT THING OUT! I screwed up two because I forgot how.
     

    kenpoace

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    Jan 17, 2013
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    ok. I took the powder apart and cleaned it with alcohol and blew it out, wipe it down with the dryer sheet. I put the mounting arm back on and noticed that the meter was hitting the mounting arm. I grind down the mounting arm so there is appox 1/16 in space between the metering arm and bracket. I am now getting better consisting numbers appox .1-.2 difference compared to .5 to 1.0. So I think the whole problem was the arm hitting the bracket, throwing off the numbers
     

    shortround

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    Jan 24, 2011
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    Personally, I don't care for powder measures affixed directly to a reloading press. My powder measures stand alone. Less possibility of shaking and powder upset or bridging.

    The RCBS powder measure works perfectly for ball powders, but tends to "cut" stick powders. The Lee powder measure feels "sloppy" but actually throws accurate charges to +/- .1 grain with stick powders.

    If I want a more accurate weight, I charge each case individually using a spoon, powder pan, and a scale, then dump the powder into the case through a powder funnel.

    The older I get, the slower I go while reloading.

    Good luck to you.
     

    noylj

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    Jun 18, 2011
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    arizona
    Hornady powder measures are among the MOST consistent.
    1) The measure comes with the large rifle rotor installed. Did you remove it and install the pistol rotor? You can't get consistency at 5.0gn with a huge shallow cavity that you get with the large rifle rotor. The industry gears everything, including almost all reloading knowledge, for rifles.
    2) Did you take the measure apart and clean all metal parts as directed? You must get rid of ALL anti-rust oils in measure--ALL.
    3) Static has never had any effect on thrown charges that I have ever seen. Kernels of powder stick to the hopper, but that has NO effect on the charge thrown. The rest of the measure is metal and I have never noticed static cling on metal.
    4) Did you run a hopper or two of graphitized powder through it first or simply jump right into trying to use the measure? Both the hopper and metal parts need a slight graphite coating. You can buy a jar of graphite powder and use that.
    5) When you add the powder, do you vibrate/shake the measure a bit to get the powder to settle or just jump into trying to load?
    6) Do you throw at least 10 charges before weighing a charge, thus giving the measure time to equilibrate after a change or just jump into trying to load.
    7) Unless there is damage to the measure, you aren't going to get better results with another measure--read the directions and follow them.
     

    Younggun

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    Jul 31, 2011
    53,606
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    hill co.
    I use a lee smart powder measure and found that I can get pretty consistent drops by being consistent myself.

    I also learned that I can avoid some of the trouble cause with bumping the bench between dropping loads by leaving the handle in the down position. That way if I bump the table powder can't settle is the measuring reservoir.

    It gives me very consistent drops that way, seems it should apply equally to other dispensers.
     

    noylj

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    Jun 18, 2011
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    arizona
    1) The powder measure comes with the rifle rotor and metering assembly. Have you installed the CORRECT rotor?
    2) Do you tighten the lock ring on the metering assembly or simply let it bounce around?
    3) Have you shaken the measure a bit to settle the powder and then throw at least 10 throws before even measuring the charge weight?
    4) Have you, as so many said, completely cleaned the measure and all parts? Best to clean with Hornady One-Shot Degreaser and Solid Lube spray. Allow parts to dry. Fill hopper with powdered graphite or graphitized powder and work a full hopper through the measure first.
    All of this is in the manual.
     
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