Powder Baffle ?

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Sapper771

Sapper771

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Hello all,

I use a Hornady LnL AP press to load my pistol ammo. I recently assisted a friend in assembling his Hornady LnL press. I noticed that his powder measure came with a powder baffle (round metal disc that is bent in the middle) that is suppose to sit in the powder resevoir. My LnL did not come with a powder baffle. While at an area Gander Mountain, I saw that they had some for $10 a piece.

I have used the search function and found a template where I can make my own, which seems more economical.

My question is : Are they worth it ? Does the baffle make the powder charges more consistent over not using the baffle ?

My friend says that his charge to charge consistency (with the baffle) is dead on using Red Dot. I have been reloading for about a year and a half now without the baffle. My charges are not perfect, but they normally stay with in +/- 0.2 of a grain.

Thanks in advance.
 
I bought mine about 18 months ago; didn't have a baffle.

I've never needed one; the powders I've used have been just dead on (WST, W231).

What I've found w/ the powder measure is that if I tap the metal base just under the powder hopper with the large allen wrench used to tighten the shellplate bolt, I settle the powder and it takes very few initial drops to get the loads to settle down.

I suspect a baffle may be more important with other types of powders than the ones I use, but I've found no need.
 
My question is : Are they worth it ? Does the baffle make the powder charges more consistent over not using the baffle ?
Click to expand...

I think it does.

I have this old Bonanza powder measure and found that powder charges varied more with the Baffle out then with the baffle in. Thrown powder charges vary based on the height of the powder column. The baffle helps reduce the variation but does not eliminate it.

If you notice, the powder column is very high with this powder measure. I think the short columns on the Lyman, or my Redding, is a reaction to complaints from reloaders who noticed just how much throw weights change as powder height changed.



Bonanzapowdermeasure.jpg
 
The baffle is intended to maintain a constant head of powder by volume over the metering chamber.

One of the more unique powder measures is the Belding&Mull. This measure has a sliding chamber that only allowed a limited volume in the chamber. When actuated the sliding chamber’s movement cut of flow from the main hopper and dispensed powder into a preset measuring tube. The measuring tube containing the powder charge was withdrawn from the measure and the powder charge was dispensed into the cartridge case. Sounds a bit complicated but it isn’t. One of the most accurate measures for use with IMR powders in rifles. :)

The baffle mentioned at MRSP selling price is a bit much at $10.00 in consideration that the manufacturing cost was less than a dollar. :what:
 
Last edited:
Use the baffle.
Just make one out of an aluminum pop can using the templates you found on-line.

At the very least, it can't hurt anything.
At the best, it will improve accuracy of powder charges.

PS: I imagine if you called Hornady and whined loud enough, they would send you one free of charge.

rc
 
Yea, call Hornady and they will send you one. They do make a difference, especially if you start with a full hopper and let it run way down. Even if you keep it topped off, using a baffle is better. Easy to test. I firmly believe in them after doing some testing.
 
rcmodel said:
Use the baffle.
Just make one out of an aluminum pop can using the templates you found on-line.

At the very least, it can't hurt anything.
At the best, it will improve accuracy of powder charges.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't give a blanket recommendation. I know of at least one case where adding a baffle caused the powder weight SD to increase by 16% -- using a baffle was less accurate in that case.

The raw data is posted at Baffle or not for Pro Auto Disk Power Measure

There are other cases, such as the long powder tubes noted above where it may help.

I think the best bet for anyone considering a baffle is to test a significant sample size with and without the baffle for your powder on your measure.

I do know the LASC tested numerous powder measures and baffles and concluded that baffles did not improve accuracy. Article at: Chapter 6.4 Powders And Powder Measures
 
At the very least, it can't hurt anything.
At the best, it will improve accuracy of powder charges.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't give a blanket recommendation.
Click to expand...

I this case, I would give the same statement. In fact I did test it on my LNL (that didn't come with one). It makes perfect sense if you actually think about gravity and 1/2# of head pushing down on the powder drums chamber with a full hopper. Unless I'm missing something in physics where gunpowder is exempt from gravity...

RCBS makes two size baffles for $7-8. Just buy the closest size and bend to desired press fit. Or if your really cheap (like me) http://www.ray-vin.com/tech/hack/baffle.pdf Sized to fit my LNL before I glued and cut from aluminum.

Justin
 
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