Powder dropper crushing stick powder?

[Jessesky]

Hi guys,

I’m reloading 45-70 with my LNL. I am using 31gr of IMR4198 and a 405gr hi-tek coated bullet, my favorite load. This is however the first time loading it on the LNL.

On the stroke of the lever, the case pushes up on the powder drop tube to turn the rotor and drop the charge. Sometimes the stick powder gets ‘stuck’ between the reservoir and the rotor as it closes off from the reservoir for the charge to drop. The only way past this is the rotor literally shears the powder in two in a pretty violent and not smooth fashion. It takes a lot of force! Enough to dent a case mouth.

Any tips?

 

[cougar1717]

This isn't meant to be rude, but progressive presses don't like extruded powder. Even a standard RCBS Uniflow will cut extruded powder, needing significant force to drop a charge. Many progressive users choose ball powder for this reason.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Switch to an appropriate ball or shorter grain extruded powder.
I don't measure extruded powder in a volumetric because it goes crunch nearly every time.

 

[jmorris]

I am one of those guys that bought my first LNL because of all the reviews telling how great it was with extruded powders.

Sadly my experience was like yours.

Tips? Enjoy the crunch, trickle or switch powders.

 

[Skgreen]

Not really a 'good' thing to grind stick powder with your LNL AP. Even if it doesn't crush cases, the PD linkage can see quite a bit of force.

Over time, that force can 'loosen up' yer linkage a bit,,, (Haven't broke mine, but it's definitely looser than when I bought it!)

For 'mass production', I don't use stick.

For 'finer work', I have use digital dispenser. If using the LNL AP and the dispenser, I'll remove the PD and utilize a 'Powder funnel die':

https://www.amazon.com/Hornady-095360-Lock-N-Load-Powder-Accessory/dp/B01N38ENKO

 

[forty_caliber]

IMR4895 doesn't do well in the LNL Powder Measure and I get the same crunchiness and need for increased force as described by the OP. Varget one the other hand works quite well. Both are stick powders. I think the difference has to do with the hardness and perhaps length (Varget is shorter than IMR4895) of the individual sticks.

.40

 

[murf]

can you switch to hogdon 4198sc? a shortcut powder may not stick. note: this powder is not interchangeable with imr 4198, you would have to work up a new load.

luck,

murf

 

[Kaldor]

Not really a 'good' thing to grind stick powder with your LNL AP. Even if it doesn't crush cases, the PD linkage can see quite a bit of force.

Over time, that force can 'loosen up' yer linkage a bit,,, (Haven't broke mine, but it's definitely looser than when I bought it!)

For 'mass production', I don't use stick.

For 'finer work', I have use digital dispenser. If using the LNL AP and the dispenser, I'll remove the PD and utilize a 'Powder funnel die':

https://www.amazon.com/Hornady-095360-Lock-N-Load-Powder-Accessory/dp/B01N38ENKO

I have on of these that I use in conjunction with my CM1500. Works pretty good and allows for decent production levels. If I had a second CM1500,, I could speed this process up quite a bit as I would have a charge ready to pour at all times.

 

[Skgreen]

/\ /\ /\
I'll do that sometimes, and other times I'll go 'full-on' RCBS RockChucker.

I'm tickled to have the different options as each has an appeal of it's own!!!

 

[nettlle]

There may be worse stick powders than IMR4198 when it comes to metering through a powder dispenser but I doubt there are very many.

 

[Jessesky]

Thanks for the replies guys. My expanding die has a powder funnel, I’ll use this from now on for 4198

 

[R44 flyer]

Try a lee auto drum it has rubber wiper and works great with stick powders

 

[Laphroaig]

There may be worse stick powders than IMR4198 when it comes to metering through a powder dispenser but I doubt there are very many.

Yes, 4198 kernels are long and skinny. They do not do well in rotary type measures. I load a fair amount of IMR4198 and have been using an ancient Belding and Mull Visible measure. It's a much better system for big extruded powders.

can you switch to hogdon 4198sc? a shortcut powder may not stick. note: this powder is not interchangeable with imr 4198, you would have to work up a new load.

I don't think that there is a 4198sc. But I agree that the H4198 is more different than the burn rate charts would have you believe. Slower IMO.

MR4895 doesn't do well in the LNL Powder Measure and I get the same crunchiness and need for increased force as described by the OP. Varget one the other hand works quite well.

This has been my experience as well, even though I have thrown alot of IMR4895 charges. Varget is a little bit smoother, for some reason.