Cause of semi auto not cycling?

[ChasMack]

Thanks for the info! Helps a lot. I did as the manual said as far as using the dipper...letting the powder flow in and not to scoop it, scrape off the top to even it. But I was looking through the Lee Manual again, the 2nd edition and in the chart for 9mm it says the starting charge is 4.2 of IMR 700X, 115gr fmj, max is 4.7. Using the .05cc dipper going by the chart you should get 4.2 with 700X. But in the back of the manual it gives the dipper capacity for 700X, using the .05 dipper as 3.7gr. Sort of a discrepency there it seems. Maybe I will get another manual when I get my scales.

 

[Sunray]

Hi. Throw the scoop away and use a scale(a $10 scale will do if it's calibrated for Avoirdupois grains.). Aside from cc's being a unit of measure by volume, they are never used in reloading. (I'll never understand why Lee continues to use scoops calibrated in CC's. Must have gotten a deal on 'em.) BP is loaded by volume. Smokeless is not. EVER.
The scoops can vary the powder charge plus or minus a full grain too. Means your max load can be over by a full grain.
NO grams either.
Anyway, 4.2 should cycle your pistols, if they have a factory return spring. Mind you, it's not unusual for any pistol to just not like a particular powder. 700X is creating just 31,900 PSI with a max load. Change powders is the easiest thing to do, first.

 

[Edcnh]

As many have already said you need to use a scale. When developing a load I use a Lee Dipper and put the powder in my scale pan. I have found the dipper is definitely not very accurate.

 

[Jlr2267]

In my experience, the dippers are *always* light of what the table says, and the bulkier the powder, the larger the discrepancy...up to 20% light in some cases.

Once you figure out the right dipper/powder combination (using a scale), the dippers can be consistent with a little practice.

 

[Lost Sheep]

BP is loaded by volume. Smokeless is not. EVER.

I beg to differ, Sunray, respectfully. Smokeless ammunition is almost always loaded by volume. Visit any commercial ammunition producer, from Remington and Winchester down to your local remanufacturer. In almost every case, propellant charges are dropped by automated machines from some type of volumetric dispenser.

Now, I grant you that these volumetric dispensers/measures are ALWAYS set and verified by weight (see my earler posts), but in OPERATION, volume rules for production of large quantities of cartridges.

As far as CCs (cubic centimeters) vs cubic inches, I could care less what is stamped on the handle of the dipper.

Lost Sheep

 

[oneounceload]

I'll disagree as well. It is a volume dump based on a set volume equaling a certain weight, which is why various lots are blended to get certain results and then the dump volume is set

 

[dwhite]

Get a scale. Load some rounds weighing your charges
and find a load you like.

File a spent case down until it holds the volume of powder
you need. Super-Glue a bamboo skewer to the groove in
the case. You now have an accurate measure for
throwing charges.

I've made many this way. I mark them and catalog them
listing what weights of what powders they hold.

Works for me.

All the Best,
D. White

 

[Walkalong]

I agree with Lost Sheep and oneounceload. After verifying the average weight dropped by a certain volume of a certain powder, it is dropped by volume when we load, except for the folks who drop it and then trickle it to an exact weight each time, whether with an old mechanical trickler or the fancy new automated ones with scales built in.

Dippers work fine (And are volumetric by nature), but as posted, the charts for them are only a guide and you must verify what weight range it drops of any certain powder.

Live and learn I guess......................... Just measured and it comes to 4.0 gr.

Bingo! We have a winner.

If you cannot find a dipper size that throws what you want, you can make your own dippers from cases. Plenty of folks here who have.

One I made.

 

[oneounceload]

The ONLY issue I see with homemade dippers is the possibility (remotely, yes, but still a possibility) that a different lot might not weigh the same

 

[Walkalong]

As with any dippers, you must verify the potential new weight with any lot change.

 

[tcoz]

Just a word of advice. Don't ever trust a volumetric powder measure without double-checking by weighing a representative sample of charges. I use the Lee Pro-Auto disk and weigh every fifth charge just to be sure.

 

[mboylan]

You are reloading without a scale and lucky to be in one piece. Stop! Read a couple reloading manuals a few times. Buy the correct gear including a scale and calipers. Seating depth influences pressure, OAL matters. With some fast powders the difference between a good load and a mangled face and hands is just a few tenths of a grain. Weigh your charges carefully.

 

[gamestalker]

I'm on the same page as others here, in that, something that measures in volume is just fine, provided, and a big emphases on provided, that you check the charges that volume measuring device is checked against a scale. I don't often charge by any means other than a scale, but that's just a personal preference.

GS

 

[tcoz]

I should have added to my above post that even though I use the Lee powder measure which is volumetric, my Christmas gift to myself is going to be a Chargemaster 1500. I'll feel much more comfortable, especially when working with near max charges.