Another Dang Question…

[Izaak Walton]

Has anyone had problems with the Perfect Powder Measure on the Lee Load-Master press?
I’m asking because when loading .223 with my other measure sometimes the powder (stick) gets stopped up in the tube. When I remove the case all that powder ends up where ever it happens to land.
I have no problems with .308 or larger neck cases. The .223 seems just small enough to not accept the stick powder.
Thanks folks

 

[dagger dog]

Bridging can and does occur in just about any brand powder measure, not just your Lee. The only way I can keep the powder from bridging when loading 22 Hornet or .223 Rem., is the forcefull return tap or knock of the handle against the body of the dispenser. I load with the older RCBS rockchucker and their powder dispenser.

Preventing bridging may be hard to stop with a progressive press but you could give the body of the press a good thunk with a soft but heavy object, before you go to the next station. A medium size rubber mallet would work well.

You could try a different powder a "short cut" or ball powder would make the problem go away, but if that pet load is stick powder, you may just have to live with it.

 

[243winxb]

Make sure all lube is out of the case neck first, then try slowing the speed that your working the measure handle at. Think this way, you have a cup of water to pour into a funnel, if you pour to fast it dont work. I use IMR 4198 or 4895 in a different make measure with never a bridge loading 223.

 

[TooTaxed]

I use 25-gr IMR4895 for .223 Win with no problems...but you can always switch to a finer grain, more free-flowing powder.

 

[243winxb]

Or put a powder funnel inbetween the case and measure. This lets the powder from the measure free fall into the funnel and into the case. Single stage press loading.