Looking for slimmer powder measure

[rdtompki]

I have a Hornady LNL AP press with Hornady powder measure, micrometer and PTX. This unit is very reliable and accurate, but I now have a Mr. BF and I'm dealing with interference either with the primer feed tube or the bullet feeder die. Currently have my RCBS lockout die installed so the powder measure linkage is rubbing on the primer feed tube. A slightly slimmer unit would rectify this issues, but I don't have an stores nearby that sell reloading equipment.

Anyone know if one of the other popular units would be smaller than the Hornady? FWIW, I'm only loading 9mm at this time and pretty soft loads at that so I need a micrometer measure that's reliable at sub-4 grains.

My only other option is to drop the lock-out die, move the powder measure next to the BF die and deal with that interference.
Thanks,
Rick

 

[cfullgraf]

...so I need a micrometer measure that's reliable at sub-4 grains.

The micrometer adjuster does not make the powder measure any more accurate or reliable. It does make it easy to reset the measure to a different powder charge, particularly if you have recorded a previous setting.

The Hornady L-N-L powder measure has replaceable powder metering units. You can have one set for each powder charge you throw. It is easy to make minor adjustments if needed. These units are a bit shorter than the micrometer metering unit.

I assume you have rotated the measure all around to see if you can find a "sweet spot" where interference does not happen. Except for convenience, the powder measure does not have to face the operator.

You may be able take a spacer and put it on top of the PTX, below the powder measure drop tube in the powder drop die. This would raise the powder measure a little which might give you the clearance needed. The short rifle bushing may work. A cylindrical bushing would not be difficult to make. You may find a bushing in the hardware store fastener section that just needs some shortening with a hack saw.

I think the Redding 10-X is a bit smaller in diameter than the L-N-L, but not by much. The micrometer adjuster head is also a bit shorter as well.

But, some folks feel the Redding measures are too expensive and there is a bit more modification required to make it work on the L-N-L case activated powder system. Not difficult unless you are not comfortable working with a tap.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Personally, I'd drop the Lock-out die.

Depending on the powder you're loading, the 9mm case should be short enough that you should be able to look into the case to check the level of the powder column, during the half-rotation, before the bullet is dropped onto the case.

...or you could seat and crimp in the same die

...or you can preprocess your cases... size, deprime, prime, and expand...and just remove the primer tube when loading.

Charge at Station 1
Check at 2
Mr BF at 3
Seat at 4
Crimp at 5

 

[rdtompki]

I'm loading 4K rounds/month so pre-processing is something I'd really like to avoid. I agree that the lockout die isn't necessary; I just had a spare station since I didn't want the bullet feeder next to the powder measure. I'm going with the lesser of two evils:
1)size/decap
2)empty
3)powder/PTX
4)BF
5)seat/taper crimp
I can almost eliminate the rub between the powder measure and the BF and with that station setup I've got an excellent view of the powder level.

Regarding use of the micrometer - it's not accurate as such, but is repeatable in my experience which is all I'm really looking for.
Rick

 

[9mmepiphany]

OK, I just went into the garage to check my LNL.

I can get the powder measure to clear the primer shield if I install it with the insert facing inward (about 7 o'clock position)

Can't comment on the micrometer insert as I use a different one for each caliber that I load for...9mm, .38, .40...after I've found a favored load

 

[rdtompki]

I do have the powder measure in the right orientation with just a slight rub. "Upon closer Inspection" last night I determined that the shoulder bolt on the link between the die and measure had loosened which was causing the linkage to bind.

I'm leaving the powder measure in station 2 and the BF in station 4. I'd love to have the BF in station 3 so I could go back to separate seat and crimp die, but for two issues: I can't completely eliminate the occasional bullet dump when the feeder die hangs slightly on the powder measure and more important that setup doesn't provide the view of the powder level that I want. So I've got a spare station (3); might as well use the lock-out die in that case.