Problem with Varget powder in Hornady LNL

[pacpiper]

New to reloading and it's going painfully slow.

I picked a 55g Bullet and started with Varget powder for my 1st set of 50 reloads of .223.

Unfortunately I keep getting a crunch and resistance when the rotor is about halfway up. If I back off a bit and try again it will eventually go up but sometimes it ends up crushing the mouth inward and the powder just pours out onto the shellplate.

This pretty much happens with (almost) each load and I'm getting inconsistent loads to ranging from 24.9 to 25.5 when it happens so it's not something I can just "live with"

I read that Varget can pose problems with the Hornady powder drops.

I have degreased twice but also read that priming with a bit of powdered graphite may help. Not sure how that could completely cure the issue but I'm game for anything.

The rotor moves freely without powder in the bin and I see no damage, burs, etc...

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I will certainly call Hornady tomorrow too.

Thanks!

 

[bluetopper]

Is this your first caliber to try on your LNL?

I recommend loading a pistol caliber or two to learn on before trying a rifle caliber.........if possible.

 

[pacpiper]

I'm actually waiting on my 40S&W dies and I'll be good to go on them but this powder issue is killing me and I'd like to get it settled.

 

[cfullgraf]

Unfortunately I keep getting a crunch and resistance when the rotor is about halfway up. If I back off a bit and try again it will eventually go up but sometimes it ends up crushing the mouth inward and the powder just pours out onto the shellplate.

This pretty much happens with (almost) each load and I'm getting inconsistent loads to ranging from 24.9 to 25.5 when it happens so it's not something I can just "live with"

With a drum style powder measure and a stick powder like Varget you will get this "crunching" action when dispensing powder. You are cutting a kernal or two of powder as the metering chamber passes the end of the powder hopper.

You just need to pass through the resistance.

The worse thing you can do is back off the press then raise the handle again. This will cause the wide variation in powder charges you are seeing. And, if you get in the habit of stopping mid stroke, it will cause you big problems later with cartridges that you could double charge.

With a drum measure, consistency in operation is one of the keys to minimizing variable powder charges.

Powders such as W748 and Accurate 2230 and others will meter more easily as they are a ball style powder. Many consider Varget one of the best powders for 223 Remington.

Hope this helps.

 

[mc223]

I use a "Dithering" Shaker on my powder measure. Keeps Varget flowing smooth and consistant.

dith·er (dr)
n.
A state of indecisive agitation.
intr.v. dith·ered, dith·er·ing, dith·ers

 

[bluetopper]

Yes, go all the way down and all the way up in one motion by all means. Big problems occur if you don't.

 

[BYJO4]

Your powder measure came with both large and small powder assemblies. Make sure you are using the large one for this load.

 

[winchester1886]

I use a Hornady powder dump and Varget powder it will sometime cut a kernel of powder.Jut raise the handle in one motion and don't stop till your at the top of the stroke.My measure will vary 1/10th of a gr.I weight about every 10th round.

 

[pacpiper]

I use a Hornady powder dump and Varget powder it will sometime cut a kernel of powder.Jut raise the handle in one motion and don't stop till your at the top of the stroke.My measure will vary 1/10th of a gr.I weight about every 10th round.

Unfortunately the problem is that you sometimes have to press a little too hard and the case ends up crushing/turning in the case mouth thereby making the rest of the powder to end up on the shellplate.

Thanks for the advice on not backing off a bit!!!

 

[Branden967]

Call Hornady. I just got off the phone with them. They are a great resource. Are you sure you are using the correct meter. Mine came with two. Use the larger of the two.

 

[Canuck-IL]

I had the same problem plus the occ complete powder bridge ... simple solution was to use RL-15 - same performance (heavy bullets, try H335 for lighter ones), great metering in the L'n'L.
/Bryan

 

[pacpiper]

I spoke to Hornady and the problem was resolved in an expeditious and professional manner. Always a pleasure to deal with their customer service.

Lets just say that it is a known issue with extruded powders and not my "technique"..........thankfully

 

[Seedtick]

I spoke to Hornady and the problem was resolved in an expeditious and professional manner. Always a pleasure to deal with their customer service.

What's the fix?

Don't just leave us hanging like like this.....

Seedtick

 

[grubbylabs]

^^^^Ya what He said^^^^

 

[pacpiper]

Send me a PM if you REALLY need to know

 

[Seedtick]

Send me a PM if you REALLY need to know

PM on the way.

Seedtick

 

[Brian10]

None of the drum measures really likes Varget. It's just a trait of the long stick powders.

 

[Fmjblack]

Send me a PM if you REALLY need to know

I also sent you a PM regarding this as I recently had the exact same problems using IMR 4198. Thanks!

 

[nofishbob]

Why is it such a secret?:banghead:

Just post the solution!

Bob

 

[Branden967]

I wanna know too...........