Hornady Single Stage Powder Dispenser Variances

[TomJ]

I started reloading a number of months ago using Hornady's single stage Lock and Load Classic kit. I used a scale to measure the powder for each case, doing one at a time. A couple of weeks ago I started using Hornady's powder measure and have noticed 2 variances. The first is in each charge, with each one varying by .1 to .2 grains, above or below the charge I'm looking for. Since I tend to load a little light, it's not that much of a concern, but I'm wondering if that's to be expected. The second variance is a bigger concern, and it's that the charges slowly increase as the powder in the dispenser decreases. By way of example, last week I charged 100 cases using 5.9 grains of HP 38. By the time I finished, the charges measured 6.5 grains. I started over, measuring the charges every few cases. I wound up having to adjust the dispenser every 5 to 10 cases to stay at 5.9 grains. I'm at a loss as to why it's doing this, and any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Steve C]

I have 2 LNL powder measures, one set up on my LNLAP loader and one set up on a bench mount for loading on my single stage. Accuracy of throws is very good and usually no measurable variation. I always throw a few, weigh and drop the powder back in the hopper when starting to load a batch or when putting powder in an empty hopper just to settle the powder. Once settled the measures throws very accurately but I still weight every 10th or so throw on the progressive and on the loading block using the single stage to ensure consistency.

It is important for good measurements to use the proper charge tube. If you are throwing handgun charges of less than or equal to 10 grs you need to use the smaller pistol tube. You can use the standard tube for throws greater than 10 grs or if loading Trail Boss which is a very bulky powder and takes up a lot of volume per charge, volumes that equal or exceed 11 grs of conventional powders. The standard tube will give inconsistent measurements with high density low volume powders. It also doesn't produce consistent results with typical pistol loads until you get into the slow powders and magnum cartridges using charges of 11grs or more.

 

[morcey2]

For the first item, make sure that you're throwing the exact same way every time. Try to use the same motion and speed for each motion of the handle.

For the gradually-increasing charge-weight, get a baffle. I made a baffle for my Lee PPM and it made it much more consistent from full to empty. I was throwing stick powder for rifle cartridges, mostly IMR4064. It took it from +-0.5 gr to +-0.1gr variance. That's with one of the worst powders I've ever used in a measure.

I'm not familiar with the L-n-L kit, but if it comes with an electronic scale, verify the charges with check weights if you can. I had an electronic scale decide to die a slow and painful death and it did exactly what you're describing, but much faster. I still use an electronic scale, but I verify things with check weights and a Lee balance scale.

Matt

 

[Reloadron]

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure is like any volume micrometer adjusted powder measure. Generally they tend to drop more powder when the hopper is full because the weight of the column of powder is pushing down. Strange you see the opposite. I use a RCBS but the principal is the same. If you plan to load mostly pistol or handgun in general they make different micrometers:
Micrometer Rifle Lock-N-Load Powder Measure for throwing larger charges.
Pistol Micrometer For New Rotor for throwing smaller charges.

Most units ship with the large micrometer or rotor but I can't speak for Hornady and don't know what you have. With powder throws like this design all we care about is repeatability and normally I will throw maybe 10 charges then get a charge weight. I do that until I get my desired weight. It is important to apply the same force the same way with each pull of the handle. No shake or tapping just consistent pulls on the handle. Finally different powders will meter differently. For example Ball Powder verse Stick Powder. The stick powders will usually not want to meter as well and you will get a "crunchy" feel as the measure cuts the sticks of powder. Powders like for example IMR 4895. You won't see this as much with handgun loads. Keeping the throws uniform is a matter of developing a good repeatable technique. For some powders +/- 0.1 grain is to be expected. Most reloaders will weigh for example every 10th drop.

Ron

 

[Village]

I also have the LnL Classic kit.

As someone said, the digital scale which comes with the kit will "warm up" after a few minutes and will need to tare out again with the reference weight, at least in my experience. For example: with the powder pan removed the scale first reads -111.3gr. Ten minutes later it reads -111.5gr.

Echoing another poster, you should get the pistol powder plug and cylinder. It's more accurate for those light loads.

The last tip which I received from this forum: degrease all the metal surfaces of the powder measure body and cylinder and plug and then buff it out with a coat of Minwax furniture wax! I quickly had more consistent charges after waxing. It prevents rust and static electricity buildup, the latter which causes grains to cling to inside the dispenser mouth and throw off your charges.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sbwaters]

My classic kit came with a baffle. Be sure it is seated all the way down.

Also, I was advised to keep the powder at least 1/2 to 1/3 full and pull with the same motion.

You didn’t say, or I missed, what powder you were using. Flake powders are flaky. I use TIteGroup and it meters generally, + or - .1 gr.

I purchased a more accurate GemPro 250 scale to keep it within .05 gr.