380 brass too short to activate Hornady Powder Measure on LNL-AP

[IMtheNRA]

I set up my LNL-AP to reload 380 for the first time, and found that 380 brass is too short to fully activate the powder measure. I screwed the measure adapter (aka lower assembly, aka powder die) all the way into the die bushing, until the adapter contacted the shell plate, but that was still not low enough to active the measure all the way.

The only other adjustment available to me was to move the upper bracket up on the threaded portion of the powder measure, but that would mean that I'll have to readjust my entire collection of caliber-specific measure adapters (aka powder dies). Not a project I want to take on.

So, I ended up unscrewing the drop tube a couple of turns. It worked, and I get full powder measure activation when I run .380 brass into it.

I'm wondering if this is a good long term solution to my problem of reloading .380 ammo or whether there is a more elegant solution. Like a longer drop tube or a longer pistol powder sleeve, for example.

 

[BluewaterLa]

I don't use powder dies but I use a longer powder sleeve insert without any issues.

 

[cfullgraf]

I would think unscrewing the drop tube from the measure would not be a good long term solution although it does tell you what is needed. For one, it may move during operation as it is no longer "locked" in position. Also, there is a potential that powder may collect in the space on top of the drop tube, spilling occasionally and upsetting the powder charge weight.

Look for some washers where the outside diameter is correct to fit in the powder drop die, about 5/8" diameter and whose inner hole is larger than the discharge hole in the drop tube.

The inside diameter could be made larger with a Dremel tool or hand file.

Depending upon the tools, or friends with tools, that you have available, there are several permutations on this spacer theme that could be done.

Hope this helps.

 

[mstreddy]

OP, are you using Hornady's PTX drop tubes?
If not, are you using the correct inner drop tube? The pistol one is the longer one. I'll measure mine so you can compare. My press and powder measure are set for 380 right now.

 

[mstreddy]

Here is what my set up looks like for 380. Using the long drop tube insert and the pistol insert. I am NOT using the PTX at this time.

The pistol insert measures 1.62" high.
Hope this helps.

 

[IMtheNRA]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

Yes, I use the pistol powder sleeve - the longest in the kit. I do not use a PTX.

Cfullgraff - you echoed my main concern - the shoulder created by partly unscrewing the drop tube will provide a shelf where powder could build up. I am afraid this buildup will occasionally collapse, causing overcharged cases.

I like your idea of finding some washers to use as spacers between the drop tube and the measure.

 

[mstreddy]

OP, can you post a pic of your current setup? The drop tube should not need to be backed off. The powder die shouldn't have to be screwed in all the way either. And the pistol insert should work. I know - lot's of shoulds there, but mine is working without any issues.
Maybe something is binding inside the powder die?