Hornady Case Activated P.D. to Bench-top

[VrockTDSaz]

Ok, this is tricky to explain. I am wondering if it is possible to convert the Hornady LnL Case Activated Powder Drop (CAPD) to work like the Hornady LnL Powder Measure. I want to be able to use my Case Activated Drop as Powder Measure that is not dependent on being hooked up to a press. Basically, I want to be able to use the CAPD as a bench-top measure. I don't want to do any permanent changes because I need to be able to switch it back and forth.

I was thinking I could replace the linkage with the handle assembly from the Powder Measure. And then replace the Quick Chang Powder Dies and PTX with the appropriate drop tube, mounting bracket and lock ring.

 

[cfullgraf]

Comments deleted, had it backwards.Oops

 

[Blue68f100]

No reason what your describe will not work. The body is the same, only the linkage is different ( handle vs case activated). You will need the drop tube changed so it fits the size of the brass your running.

 

[[email protected]]

All you need is the handle and the powder funnel that screws into the bottom where the drop tubes screw into. Just undo the linkages and the spring, then unscrew the drop tube. Attach the handle and powder funne. I use my cheap lee c frame press when I do mine. It doesnt have the clearence but I paid 30.00 on a press instead of a powder measure stand.

 

[VrockTDSaz]

Thanks, I'll price out the parts and see if it's worth it.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

There's not much to price out if you're handy. You can make your own stand and handle with some basic materials and tool. The only other parts you really need are the drop tubes. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/88...oad-powder-measure-replacment-drop-tube-large
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/64...oad-powder-measure-replacment-drop-tube-small
I'm pretty sure you can use RCBS Quick Change drop tubes too, if you buy the adapter. http://www.midwayusa.com/find?sortb...&newcategorydimensionid=11908&searchscope=all

 

[RealGun]

Just buy a $30 single staqe from Lee. You will need a PTX and the PTX adjuster, if wanting to expand at the same time.

because I need to be able to switch it back and forth.

That suggests that you might want to get a Hornady Lnl or Lee Breechlock, so you can use the quick release adapters and switch without the clumsy unscrewing of dies with the powder measure attached.

 

[cfullgraf]

OK, I will try this again.

As mentioned, you can switch the Hornady powder measure back and forth with a couple of changes.

Removing the linkage and changing the handle are the easy parts.

You probably do not want to remove the Case Activated part that clamps to the measure body only because you would lose your case activated setting and have to spend time futzing with it to get the proper setting back.

But, it can be set up so that there are several 7/8'-14 threads on the measure below the clamp that can be screwed into a press or powder measure stand. The down side is there may only a few threads available below the clamp. Read on.

The Case Activated drop tube needs to be removed and replaced with a drop tube for powder dispensing. I am sure Horandy has one or two that would work. The RCBS units mentioned above should work in the measure. The issue may be that they may not extend adequately beyond the mount to be truly useful. But, the tubes may be long enough to work just fine.

Sinclair International makes extended drop tubes for the RCBS Uniflow that should screw into the Hornady. I have one of these on my manual Uniflow and it works quite well.

The adapter may not fit up in the 7/8-14 hole in the press or powder measure stand.

The Case Activated Powder System may be able to be adjusted up on the powder measure that leaves enough room at the bottom for the available drop tubes to work.

A custom powder measure stand could be fabricated , or purchased, that is thinner than a press or powder measure stand mount. I have an RCBS powder measure mount plate from back in the 1980s that is only about 1/8" thick. I have a Hornady L-N-L and an RCBS Uniflow progressive measures plus a modified for progressive Redding 10-X that would work with this plate and not have to adjust the clamp on the powder measure.

 

[RealGun]

I don't think we're all discussing the same contraption.

Do you want the measure to be case-activated or not?...because if you do, the whole powder measure will pop right off the LnL AP and onto a single stage with a like quick-change adapter, not necessarily Hornady (Lee, for example).

Otherwise, there are common parts with the Hornady powder measure, especially the rotor and hopper, and I would expect you should be able to order the other parts. See Hornady Bench Rest Powder Measure

 

[KansasSasquatch]

I read it as the OP has this http://www.hornady.com/store/Case-Activated-Powder-Drop-1-Each/ but want to be able to set it up like this http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Load-Powder-Measure-1-Each/

 

[VrockTDSaz]

Have a Lee challenger single stage press that I can use if necessary. However, Kansas has it correct. I want to be able to switch back and forth between case activated and non case activated.