Hornady LnL Powder Drop Drain Insert

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markr6754

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I love this hobby. It seems I discover a new labor saving device every couple of months. Since my first loading session I’ve been emptying my powder drop after every session. It is a bit of a pain to remove the drop to slowly pour from the tube back into the powder bottle...praying that I don’t spill powder everywhere (only twice).

Who knew that there was a simple tube that took the place of the metering insert? I picked one up on sale from Amazon and had a chance to empty my powder drop both ways.

Wow! I’ll tell you what, the only time my powder drop is leaving the stand in the future is for cleaning. It’s not only neater...not a grain spilled...but it’s also much faster, as I don’t have to pour the powder out slowly. What a sweet find. And how sad that Hornady doesn’t pack one of these babies with every press kit.
 
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I use a funnel both to fill the powder tube and to empty it back into the powder container.

I had, or maybe still do, the powder drop insert but just never liked doing it that way. Each to his own.
 
I just pop it off the press and dump it out. Sometimes it needs brushing as well, depending on the powder, so draining it wouldn't work. Some powders a drain would work great.
 
I got one of the dump tubes when I first got my L-N-L progressive press. I tried it a couple times but I found it easier and quicker to remove the return spring, unhook the actuating arm and pull the powder measure from the press. I leave the lower portion of the powder die installed in the press. Then I dump the powder measure back into the original powder jug.

Another issue with the dump tube, you have to make sure the metering drum is in the correct position else you will dump powder on the ground when you remove the metering unit.

But, try it, you might like it.
 
Just FYI, make sure you DO empty your powder drop after every session... I was in a hurry (call me anything you want, but don't call me late for dinner!) and left powder in the tube for 3 days... it etched the tube. High nitro content, as I understand it.

I'm in the spin-off camp... doesn't take me any time at all...
 
It’s not only neater...not a grain spilled...but it’s also much faster, as I don’t have to pour the powder out slowly. What a sweet find. And how sad that Hornady doesn’t pack one of these babies with every press kit.
I'll bet part of the reason is that most folks prefer to detach the powder measure from the press/stand....after all, that is the purpose of the LNL Bushing System...and pour the powder from the measure back into the bottle.

To prevent spills without slowing down your pour, all you need to use is a plastic funnel...I got mine, a four piece set, at the 99Cent store. I use the same funnel to fill the powder measure and for transferring powder from 8lb jugs into handier 1lb bottles
 
Just FYI, make sure you DO empty your powder drop after every session... I was in a hurry (call me anything you want, but don't call me late for dinner!) and left powder in the tube for 3 days... it etched the tube. High nitro content, as I understand it.

The hopper will also tend to get loose in the housing...it is just a press fit...and can become dislodged and spill powder all over your bench.

The solution I found for the above is a Pyrex powder hopper available from Dram Worx
https://dramworx.com/products/hornady/

It comes with a metal base the screws into the powder measure base which includes a fixed baffle. It also has an O-ring cap to top it off. It comes in two sizes, Standard (same as OEM) and Medium (30% more)
 
The hopper will also tend to get loose in the housing...it is just a press fit...and can become dislodged and spill powder all over your bench.

The solution I found for the above is a Pyrex powder hopper available from Dram Worx
https://dramworx.com/products/hornady/

It comes with a metal base the screws into the powder measure base which includes a fixed baffle. It also has an O-ring cap to top it off. It comes in two sizes, Standard (same as OEM) and Medium (30% more)
I went with a low tech solution. I hadn’t run into any issues, but read multiple posts about the press fit hopper coming loose. I put a collar of Scotch tape around the bottom of the hopper, then pressed it back in. It’s only been 17 months, but my hopper hasn’t budged.
 
I have the dump tube but prefer to remove the dispenser and pour the powder back in to the original container. If your going to use the tube, cut yourself a block of wood to lock it up ( in dispense position) so if something slips you don't make a mess. The wood will set between the 2 clamp plates. Then once you have the tube in place remover the wood.
 
It is a bit of a pain to remove the drop to slowly pour from the tube back into the powder bottle...praying that I don’t spill powder everywhere

About 30 years ago, I too had the same problem. I found that taking a sheet of paper and rolling it into a cone to form a funnel was a quick and easy solution. Still do it to this day.
 
I didn't think I could live without a drain tube when I first got my RCBS quick change cylinder. I think I used it 3 or 4 times before I went back to removing the powder drop and dumping it back in the can with a funnel. ymmv
 
...If your going to use the tube, cut yourself a block of wood to lock it up ( in dispense position) so if something slips you don't make a mess.

This is a pretty handy invention for sure. Very easy to use when changing products. Like Blue68f100 suggests successful use is entirely based on user technique. It takes too many hands to hold the insert in the upward position, then swap the insert with the funnel, and then get an open jug of powder under it when you let go. Don't ask me how I know this. :)

Don't forget that you will have a charge in the insert when you tip it up to make the change.

.40
 
after all, that is the purpose of the LNL Bushing System

My Hornady press is pre-LNL... don't know nothin' about no bushings. I think it's 8 spins off the riser and off it comes.

Truth be told, the LNL funnel is probably a handy little device... I don't have one, so I don't know what I'm missing. :)
 
About 30 years ago, I too had the same problem. I found that taking a sheet of paper and rolling it into a cone to form a funnel was a quick and easy solution. Still do it to this day.

That's old school, I have poured oil into vehicles with paper funnels. :)

I do not remember when I learned about making a funnel from a sheet of paper, but it was a long time ago, maybe when LBJ was in the Whitehouse. I use it once in a while when I do not have another alternative.

It is a good piece of knowledge to have in the back of one's mind.
 
It’s been many decades now but one time I went with a friends family to a remote park for the day and when it came around to lunch time it was realized that no cups existed and the drinks were in a pitcher vs individual servings like these days.

I asked if they had any paper because I had just learned how to make a cup from a sheet of paper, don’t remember exactly when now but it was elementary school.

Pretty close to this IIRC.

 
If you don't have the LnL bushing model, just do as cfullgraf mentioned and the remove the return spring, loosen the 1 knurled screw that holds the linkage lever and the whole top assembly comes right off.
Used a paper funnel many times trying to get ATF fluid down that narrow dipstick tube at night when running low. . Used the dipstick itself also!
I personally prefer removing the thrower and dumping due to static and powder sticking down inside. Usually a couple hits on the cast body with a large screw driver handle knocks it loose. But I can visually check with the measurer removed.
As for cheap funnels... A pocket knife and 12,16, 20 oz, or 2 liter plastic bottles with the tops cut off and inverted work really well. Adjust the cut ring to suite your needs. Really cheap also!

Steve
 
I 3D printed one...took prob less than 15 minutes to design up. Works like a charm. With it being plastic, I can swap out the normal insert and place in the discharge tube, then just let it hang (pointing up) with the charge handle as counterweight to keep it in place....get ready with the powder jug and then rotate to discharge. So much easier than picking up the entire assembly...
 
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