Hornady progressive powder issue

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rmwood

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I have a new Hornady LNL AP press and love it. I am experiencing an issue with consistent powder charges though. I've been loading a bunch of 9mm with 5.3g Unique. Every 10-12 rounds I am getting a half powder charge. I have done everything I can think of so far, the stoke is consistent, case length is consistent... Anyone else have this experience?

Thank!
 
Did you clean the ENTIRE thing with brake cleaner or similar solvent based cleaner. The anti-rust stuff they ship those with is like tar. If you did clean it and you're still having problems you may want to hit it with some powdered graphite and make sure the tapered sleeve isn't in there upside down. I love the powder dispenser on my L-N-L.
 
The main thing with the Hornady measure and others of similar type is to use the pistol metering rotor and insert for charges under 10grs. The only exception is Trail Boss which is so bulky it has the volume of ordinary powders at 4 times its weight.

If you are using the proper metering insert then as mentioned in the previous post try cleaning all the surfaces where the powder flows through from the powder measure base to the drop tube.
 
Another suggestion if it is a new powder measure is to run a whole hopperfull of powder through it first. This will coat the internals of the measure with graphite that it will pick up from the powder and eliminate the sticking of the parts that can cause fluctuating powder throws.

Bill
 
Full rotation?

If it's clean. And, if you have the pistol measure installed. You might also check to be sure the powder measure arm is making a full rotation.

Hope this helps.
Scott
 
The other thing is to make sure the linkages aren't binding.

I had that problem a while ago--I'd screwed up something, bent the arm that drives the measure. I replaced it, but I didn't ensure everything was running smoothly before I started. The arm would bind on the return, so the rotor wouldn't be open to the powder reservoir. This resulted in squib loads. I readjusted it (hadn't fully seated the arm) and that was that.
 
Powder bridging.

Use the correct rotor, the small diameter is very important for pistol weight loads.
 
you did install the baffle in the hopper, right? it's not explicitly covered in the instructions so you may have missed it.
 
I had variations of 0.6 grains and decided that I should re-read the instructions again. I missed the part about cleaning the rotor with a solvent to get out the oil. When I opened it up, there were grains of powder sticking to the sides where the oil is. Once I cleaned that up, the consistency got much better.
 
Thanks for all of the replies everyone!

I did clean the rotor well when I bought it. I totally disassembled and cleaned it with brake cleaner.

I also do have the correct metering insert installed, small one. The baffle is installed correctly, pointed up.

I am still at a loss, mechanically the measure seems to be working perfectly, same every time.
 
Hey rmwood,

It sounds like you did a lot of the stuff correctly, but I would like to repeat what pcwirepro said earlier, "...make sure the tapered sleeve isn't in there upside down." I have seen quite a number of folks get one of the adjustment sleeves in with the wrong side up, and powder will hang up on one charge and overcharge the next.

My LNL is a really old one from 1997, but the powder measure works like a charm on ball and flake powders. When it comes to extruded powders, I simply do not use them in the LNL - I only use them in single stage loading.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile
 
Is it adjusted deep enough in the L-N-L bushing that the adjuster barrel cycles all the way to the top of the cylinder? Is the return spring attached?
 
What baffle are you guys talking about?

I don't remember there being anything like that in my LNL kit. And I don't remember having any parts left over.....
 
My LnL didn't come with a baffle. Had it about 4-5 years now. Fortunately, my powder meters pretty consistently. It doesn't like the extruded powders though.
 
I bought mine early last year and did not receive a baffle. What exactly is it's function?

I read somewhere where someone attached a small aquarium pump to the powder measure in order to vibrate it and keep the powder flowing smoothly. Has anyone tried this and is it necessary??
 
I've been loading a bunch of 9mm with 5.3g Unique. Every 10-12 rounds I am getting a half powder charge.
Click to expand...
Unique doesn't play nice with some powder dispensers. Try WSF powder in your 9mm.
 
I also did not receive a baffle. My LnL was purchase last year. My powder throw is decently consistent. I don't think it will ever be perfect though.

I have seen the aquarium pump thing on the net, haven't tried it though.
 
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