Lee Auto Disk powder measure issue

[Publius1688]

My Lee auto disk has developed an annoying foible.
When I raise up the case into the expanding/charging die, the powder flows in fine. However, I have to hold my hand on the top of the hopper and press down in order for the system to fully reset. If I don't, the disk/hopper doesn't go all the way back in the channel, and this doesn't allow a full charge. I thought this was an issue with the spring being weak, but this doesn't appear to be the case. I've disassembled and resassembled the parts with no clues given.
Has anyone else ran into this? I'd like to fix it myself if at all possible.
thanks.

 

[rbernie]

Is this a Pro or a regular model? If it's a Pro, check the elastomeric/rubberythingee wiper at the bottom of the powder hopper for deformation. If it's a regular version, look at the plastic at the bottom of the hopper to see how scored it is from powder granules.

My regular AutoDisk scored pretty badly on the bottom when I was heavily using ball powders, and I had to dress it several times with 600-grit sandpaper before I moved up to the Pro version (for other reasons).

 

[jfh]

rbernie pretty well nailed the issue--it's that hopper bottom--either the wiper is worn or the hopper base is scored. The related issue is how worn is the disk / bar, and how tightly you have the hopper screwed down.

First try cleaning and adjusting the hopper screws. If making them less tight results in smooth operation but leakage, then plan on a new wiper, disk, or hopper and trouble-shoot for that.

Jim H.

 

[The Bushmaster]

What rbernie said and you are fouling on powder that has leaked between the disk and the hopper...

Place the sand paper on a flat surface and run the hopper over it until it is smooth again. Be sure to keep the hopper level.

 

[RealGun]

I use Remington DriLube spray on the metal base (while disassembled). It evaporates and leaves a Teflon film.

If I experienced what you describe, I would be looking to snug down the fit of the hopper but would first clean out bound up areas between parts.

If you have an air compressor, give the metal base a strong shot with the disk in both forward and retracted positions.

If you strip out threads from the plastic hopper, a drop or two of Krazy Glue, once dried, will add enough material to create a tight screw fit again. I find that with the Adjustable Charge Bar in lieu of disks, I never have to take the thing apart, assuming use on only pistol ammo that can use a single layer disk or equivalent (ACB).

p.s. I see a number of replies came in under mine, so I am out of sync with the flow here.

 

[ljnowell]

I'm pretty sure this isnt your problem, as what the solution was, but I feel compelled to offer it because I love my Autodisk measure.

I have at times had issues with my disks(Or charge bar, get one if you dont have it, its amazing)not fully returning. I figued out what it was real quick though, as I loosened the screws on the hopper a little itty bitty bit and it sprung free and worked great. It doesnt seem this is your problem exactly, but maybe take a look at it to see. It just seems odd that it stops against spring pressure, and releases when you push down on the hopper, thereby adding more pressure to keep it from returning.

BTW, did I mention how much I like the charge bar Seriously, I can drop as little as 2.5gr accurately and repeatably(if thats a real word). You also never need to take the hopper off again.

 

[Publius1688]

Ahh======I'll bet I've got the hopper too tight. Will check it tonight. And a charge bar is on the way! thanks