rcbs uniflow and hornaday CAPD

[cajun48]

I have a 4 hole lee classic turret and just getting started loading rifle (270 winchester). Saw the post from Dave about using the uniflow with the hornaday linkage to make it a capd. Looking thru the catalogs it lists the CAPD (hrn050073) and a CAPD lower unit (hrn050074). My question is, is the lower unit a requirement and if it is how does it go together?

 

[hAkron]

I have the RCBS case activated linkage for my Uniflow. Have you considered using that?

 

[cajun48]

hAckron, sure did, but it's almost $30 more than the hornaday. Could put it on my Christmas list but . . . . I'd still have to pop for it! lol

 

[hAkron]

The attachment points of the two measures are so different that I think it would be frustrating to try to adapt one to the other's linkage.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have a 4 hole lee classic turret and just getting started loading rifle (270 winchester). Saw the post from Dave about using the uniflow with the hornaday linkage to make it a capd. Looking thru the catalogs it lists the CAPD (hrn050073) and a CAPD lower unit (hrn050074). My question is, is the lower unit a requirement and if it is how does it go together?

The Hornady Case Activated Linkage kit will work with an RCBS Uniflow powder measure. The Hornady drop tube has the same threads as the drop tube on the Uniflow and the linkage bracket attaches to the Uniflow in the threaded area on the powder measure body. Except for using simple hand tools to screw parts on the Uniflow, no special modifications required.

Ah, on second thought, the lever arm that rotates the metering drum may need some adjustment. I did not look at that just now. But the holes in the arm may match the screw holes in the Uniflow drum. Also, you may need to go to the hardware store and get some extra screws for the drum, maybe not.

I am pretty sure the Hornady kit (#050073) comes with one powder drop die (#050074) so for starters, you would not need to buy another powder drop die. The picture on Midway's web site shows the drop die included.

Extra powder drop dies are handy if you change cartridges on your press frequently. You adjust the additional die for each cartridge. Then you do not have to re-adjust the die. The position of the powder drop die is critical for the proper operation of the powder measure and it is dependent on the length of the case.

Instructions should come with the Hornady kit, if I remember. I bought one to mount a Redding 10-X powder measure on my Hornady progressive press. If not, you should be able to get the information out of Hornady.

Hope this helps.

 

[hAkron]

If you can get it to work, and it sounds like it is doable, you should order one of these bad boys http://www.powderfunnels.com/. It's a universal expander insert you can put in the die part of the linkage so you can expand and charge in 1 step. It avoid time consuming adjustments, I would get 1 of the quick change Hornady Powder Dies (lower part of the linkage) for every caliber you load. Set it once.

 

[cajun48]

hAkron, 270 winchester will be the only rifle round I'll be loading. But if I do ever load additional sizes I'll follow your recommendation. As the old saying goes " born tired, never completely rested (lazy)!! Already have 4 hole turrets set up for .45acp and .38spcl which are the only handgun rounds I load.
Do have another question concerning powder. Which would be better for the 270, H4350 or H4831 (either regular cut or short cut)? Will be paired with a Hornaday 130gr SP.

aj b

 

[cfullgraf]

If you can get it to work, and it sounds like it is doable, you should order one of these bad boys http://www.powderfunnels.com/.

This universal expander is real slick for use with handgun cartridges. It will be too long for 270 Winchester. You will run out of adjustment in the powder drop die.

Also, you do not need to flare the neck of your 270 Win case.

The Hornady kit should come with a short drop tube that will work great with the 270 Win.

 

[BYJO4]

Since the Hornady powder measure is excellent in my opinion, I would just buy the Hornady unit.

 

[cajun48]

cfullgraf, thanks for clarifying about the universal expander (hAkron thanks for mentioning it, had never heard of one).
byj04, the uniflow came as a package deal (including the bar scale) for the best price ever (FREE)! The guy that gave it to me knew I was just getting into reloading and wanted to help out!

 

[BYJO4]

Always good to get something free. The RCBS Uniflow is a great powder measure. I have one along with the Hornady. The Hornady leakage will work with the RCBS.

 

[cfullgraf]

cfullgraf, thanks for clarifying about the universal expander

Your welcome. I hopes it helps.

 

[hAkron]

I have both and I laid them side by side. I now think it would probably work. Does Hornady sell the whole case activated linkage?

 

[hAkron]

On 2nd thought, the drop tube might not work. I think there is $10 difference between the two kits

 

[cfullgraf]

I have both and I laid them side by side. I now think it would probably work. Does Hornady sell the whole case activated linkage?

See the attached link. The pix shows what is included in the Hornady kit.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/591344/hornady-case-activated-powder-drop

The threads in the bottom of the Uniflow and the Hornady L-N-L are the same. The drop tubes will interchange between the two.

The only issue might be the length of the tube above the threads. They are a bit different between the two brands. It may not make a difference. One would have to disassemble the powder measures and look to see.

 

[hAkron]

If I have a chance today I'll take a look at both drop tubes.

 

[hAkron]

Hornady



RCBS



Reverse side of both



Lowers removed


Drop Tubes side by side


Lowers will swap (if you are just looking to take advantage of the quick change powder die)



Attachment points for the linkage at the drum are the same on both



The part that attaches to each drum is the same


Everything seemed to work, except for the link between the drum attachment piece and the pivot on the linkage. Somebody with more patience than me may have been able to move the collar that attaches the linkage to the powder measure into a different position to allow full range of motion....I might go back down to the basement and tinker a bit more...

 

[cajun48]

hAkron and cfullgraf, between the both of you I feel certain I'll be able to figure out the mounting (once the parts arrive) and be up and running in no time. hAkron thanks for taking the extra time to post all the pictures, nothing short of fantastic. Being able to see how it goes together will make it that much simplier when the time comes.
Question on the powder! I understand that the H4831SC meters better than the regular H4831. Would the uniflow have any problem metering either of the 2? The shops around here all have H4831 in stock and would have to order the SC version. Should I wait for the SC to be ordered in or just use the regular H4831?
aj b

 

[cfullgraf]

Everything seemed to work, except for the link between the drum attachment piece and the pivot on the linkage. Somebody with more patience than me may have been able to move the collar that attaches the linkage to the powder measure into a different position to allow full range of motion....I might go back down to the basement and tinker a bit more...

If you are referencing the top collar on the powder measure, on the Hornady the collar is a split collar and it is easy to position as required.

The two button head cap screws on the back side of the collar clamp the collar to the measure. They do not show in the photograph.

Just loosen the screws with the appropriate hex wrench (aka Allen wrench) and the collar will move.

I am not sure of the RCBS collar as I have not seen their system i person.

 

[hAkron]

If you are referencing the top collar on the powder measure, on the Hornady the collar is a split collar and it is easy to position as required.

The two button head cap screws on the back side of the collar clamp the collar to the measure. They do not show in the photograph.

Just loosen the screws with the appropriate hex wrench (aka Allen wrench) and the collar will move.

I am not sure of the RCBS collar as I have not seen their system i person.

Right, exactly, the proper position to allow the pivot arm on the drum to be moved properly is going to need to be worked out, but I don't think it will be impossible. It really looks like it was the same person who developed both systems.