LNL powder measure inconsistant

[chevy bob]

Hello all,
While using my Hornady LNL press to reload 308 cases, I noticed that the powder measure was throwing very inconsistant charges.I'm shooting for 41.5 grains of IMR 4064 powder and I'm getting everything from 40.8 to 42 grains of powder.Now I realize that 4064 has the large cylinder-like kernels but shouldn't I be getting better results than this?Is this a problem with the powder measure or just that the powder is to coarse?I'm open to suggestions and welcome your input.

 

[cfullgraf]

With a drum style powder measure like the Hornady L-N-L, i find a powder baffle helps improve the consistency of thrown charges. Note, the peak of the baffle needs to be perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drum so that the openings in the baffle are not over the metering cavity.

I throw 20-25 charges from the measure before I even check a weight. I then work on setting the charge weight. I generally will throw a couple charges after any adjustment before checking the weight again.

If operating the powder measure for single stage loading, the key is to operate the measure the same way every time. Consistency of operation is the key.

If using the measure on a progressive press, consistency of operation still applies but I find the measure's charge weight needs to be verified and adjusted if necessary once the measure is installed on the press. (Note, I set the progressive powder measure up on a bench stand then transfer it to the progressive press).

Stick powders are more difficult to measure though.

Hope this helps.

 

[Blue68f100]

Stick powders are always a PITA when it comes to metering in rotary dispensers. Baffles help but still does not address the rotary actions trying to break the sticks/tubular powder up. I never load rifle in great volume so I weight every charge. I dump a few grains low and trickle up to what I want. When I do load in volume for 308W I use W748 Ball Powder. It's dead on every time.