Hornady powder measure on a Lee turret

[RealGun]

I successfully put a Hornady case-activated powder measure on a Lee turret. I had previously presumed that it would not rotate well or would be too expansive to fit in the turret cluster of dies. I did have to remove the dies until the powder measure space was established, then able to swing it out of the way to reinstall the dies.

The reason I did this was because the Lee powder measure was not doing well with the high volumetric measure of Trailboss for 45 Colt. I couldn't get consistent drops, trying to get the max 5.8 gr load.

Getting the powder measure to swing past the primer feed was a close fit adjustment, but it all works. What is no longer there is the spring tension one feels when activating the Lee powder drop. I also have little tension at the powder measure because I am expanding on a separate die. I do use the Hornady PTX but only enough to inject powder with less spillage yet without enough engagement to bell the case.

That's my story, if anyone would like to know.

p.s. the measure is using a regular rotor and a standard metering insert. While the grain measuring range of the pistol metering insert should have worked for 5.8 gr, it couldn't get close to the cc volume needed to achieve the fluffy Trailboss load.

 

[Artofgolf]

It's interesting, as I've been thinking the same for a Redding PM. Any chance for some pix?

 

[egd]

I used this product to adapt my RCBS uniflow to the top of the powder thru expander die. Works perfectly.
http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1370

 

[scythefwd]

I use a dillon pm on my lee classic cast.. just a 15 dollar die, their expander, and bam, direct bolt on fit.

 

[David4516]

egd, I use their Lee powder measure adapter for the "perfect" powder measure.

http://store.gun-guides.com/The-Perfect-Handgun-Adapter-for-LEE-Perfect-Powder-Measures_p_41.html

Works great. I even use it on rifle cartridges in conjunction with this:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/792057/lee-auto-disk-rifle-powder-charging-die-22-to-30-calibers

 

[egd]

Yep, same basic product. One fits the Lee PPM, the other will fit any standard thread measure (can't remember the exact thread size at the moment).

 

[oldreloader]

I use the same item as David and edg. Works great

 

[hAkron]

I use a Hornady powder measure on my Dillon 650. It works great, but I do have to position it properly so that the case activated linkage doesn't bump into anything.

 

[Potatohead]

If ever their was a post that needed pics, I'd say this is it.

 

[RealGun]

This is the case activated Hornady Lnl powder measure on the Lee turret with RCBS 45 Colt Cowboy dies. The powder measure is using the Hornady lower assembly rather than the Lee powder die, since the Hornady lower assy is needed for the case-activation mechanism.

 

[[email protected]]

I dont know if it is a common problem on the Hornady powder measures, but the hopper came un-glued from my measure. It would be sad to see a hopper full of powder wasted it it came off while the turret rotated.

 

[2011redrider]

Hornady Powder Measure

I don't believe they are glued, they are just pre pressed in, at least the two that I have are that way. I have seen some that drill and tap the metal body and use short set screws to hold the tube in place.

 

[RealGun]

It's not a rough ride, if that is what you are imagining...certainly not at the very deliberate pace I use.

 

[Potatohead]

Nice. Thx for the pics

 

[Artofgolf]

Yes, the pics make all the difference ~ thanks for posting

Question: Have you noticed any powder-bridging issues with the long drop distance?

 

[RealGun]

The drop distance is no longer than it needs to be for the case-activation mechanism to clear the other dies. 'Not sure other brands would be different, but the Lee is a tighter turret cluster. I am not aware of any inconsistency in powder drops. The hopper has a baffle in the bottom. Note that the Hornady is being used because the Lee was being pushed to its limit to produce a consistent load of a big charge of Trailboss. That powder is just not a problem with clogging. Now read on about my experience with very tiny charges, LESS THAN the Lee measure could support.

 

[RealGun]

Today I went in the opposite direction with needing something other than a Lee powder drop on my turret. In loading my first 32 H&R Magnum, the required charge was less than the minimum for the Lee equipment. I had another spare Hornady powder measure equipped with the pistol rotor and pistol metering insert for small charges. I was able to dial in the 3.5 gr of AA#5 and have some adjustment left to get down to the 1-2 grain loads I will need for 32 S&W Long, when my brass and bullets arrive during this coming week.

 

[Artofgolf]

Pardon my ignorance about Hornady PM's, but is that actuator linkage stock for the Hornady or did you modify it?
I was curious about the look from the other side

 

[Rule3]

I notice no LEE primer on the press but still the bracket. Will the LEE safety prime still be able to be used.? Will the powder measure clear it when it spins around?

I was thinking of adapting my RCBS measure to the turret but like to prime on the press.

Thanks

 

[RealGun]

The powder measure is all stock.

I prime on the press and did notice that I took the picture without the clutter of the primer business. The primer feed clears just barely after trial and error positioning. Shorter cases will draw the measure assembly lower and create more interference, as I experienced on 32 H&R. The picture is of the 45 Colt setup.

I need the powder measure for 32 S&W Long and am worried about whether it all will work. Worst case, I will prime off the press, because I only own 100 pieces of brass for the little guys.

 

[egd]

Rule3, see my post #3 above. Yes I do use the safety prime. You have to play with the positioning on initial set-up, but it all works fine together.

 

[Rule3]

^^^^^

Thanks, will have to get the adapter.