Trouble with RCBS powder measure

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David4516

David4516

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So I got my new RCBS quick change powder measure in the mail yesterday. I got it to replace my Lee "perfect" measure (the Lee would have been perfect if it didn't leak powder all over the darn place). I was very eager to get the new powder measure assembled and try it out. Long story short, I think it's defective.

I can't get the cylinder (the large black one that the handle attaches to, not the inserts) to go inside the main measure housing. It appears that they are two different diameters, I think they were machined to the wrong size at the factory. I'm not sure what to do about it, ship it back to RCBS I guess...

I suppose I could be doing something wrong, but I'm following the provided instructions to the best of my knowledge:

http://www.rcbs.com/downloads/instructions/QC_Powder_Measure_Instructions.pdf

Has anybody else had a problem like this? I'm assuming that the cylinder should just slide in with little effort? Or is it supposed to be difficult?
 
The #4 QC Measuring Cylinder should slide right into #1 the main casting without a problem. While I would not totally rule it out I doubt RCBS shipped a mis matched casting and cylinder. The cylinder only goes in from one side. Traveling so I don't have my stuff here to look at or photograph.

Ron
 
Reloadron,

Thanks for including the part numbers yes you are correct I am trying to get part #4 to fit into #1 and it's just not happening. I've tired inserting it from either side, and still no luck. It is 100% possible that I'm just doing something wrong, as I think you're right about RCBS not letting a mis matched casting and cylinder get past QC...

I'll give RCBS a call tonight (hoping they'll still be open). I sent them an email already but they haven't responded to that yet...
 
Yeah, I would call RCBS. Like I mentioned, while unlikely I would not rule out mismatched parts and RCBS is great about problems like this.

Ron
 
I may be stating the obvious, but the tolerance between the drum and the body of the measure is quite small. Any mis-alignment while trying to insert the drum will cause it to jam and not slide into place.

Sometimes a little wiggling and careful insertion of the drum should get it in as long as the parts are made correctly.

A call to RCBS maybe in order though.
 
cfullgraf is exactly right. I bought the quick change conversion kit for my Uniflow and the cylinder to body fit is very precise. Once you hit the right alignment, it almost falls into place on its own, but it is touchy. The original cylinder is a precise fit as well.
 
Ok so far no reply from my email. I called several hours ago, they asked me what was wrong, and I explained. They said they'd have to ask a technician and call me back. I gave them my number but haven't heard back yet.

In the mean time, I decided to take some measurements. If I'm doing this right (hey I'm used to using my calipers for measuring C.O.L. not other stuff) my cylinder is 1.870 inches in diameter, but the measure body is only 1.860 in diameter. So it's literally too big to fit. See attached photos.
 

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RCBS called me back a couple hours ago. Said I'd need to send the whole thing back to them. I asked if they could give me a pre-paid shipping label, they said no. They had me read off the measurements I took with the calipers, then said they'd just send me replacement parts that were the right size and I could keep the old parts. We'll see how this goes, I suspect it will take a while for new parts to arrive, when I get them I'll post an update...
 
David4516, Your first post furnished a link for the powder measure. I liked the part about 'if you like this product tell your friends, if not tell us'.

F. Guffey
 
RCBS will make it right.

My Uniflow's translucent plastic powder hopper became opaque from powder etching after 25 years of use. I called RCBS and they sent me a new one for free. Had it in just a couple of days.
 
fguffey said:
David4516, Your first post furnished a link for the powder measure. I liked the part about 'if you like this product tell your friends, if not tell us'.

F. Guffey
Click to expand...
Maybe they should modify that to read "... tell us first...". ;)
 
I was going to suggest placing the drum (cylinder) in a freezer but 0.010+" is probably too much for that trick...
Click to expand...

There is a chance the new drum will not fit. I do not have the new powder measure, I have Uniflows and Little Dandies. I have at least 4 presses that use the Uniflow and I have acquired drums form gun shows etc.. I have drums for the Uniflow. The drums are not matched to the housing.

Then there is the measuring the inside diameter, when discussing the inside diameter of anything with RCBS (in the past) they always ask me how I measured the inside diameter. There is a wrong answer.

F. Guffey
 
Got the replacement part (the main body) and it appears to have solved my problem. Had to move the plastic "hopper" over, it's a little loose now but I think it will be ok. Am tempted to super-glue it in place...

Looking forward to trying this thing out now, will probably do some loading later tonight...

While I was disappointed that RCBS shipped something defective, I'm pleased with how they handled the situation. Their customer support is pretty good
 
Loaded 200 rounds of .380 ACP last night with the new measure and the "small" metering insert. It worked really well, no leaking like with the Lee, and it was pretty darn accurate too. Only had minor issues with it.

First, the powder is sticking to the inside of the hopper. I think it's a static problem. I am told that I can fix this with one of those anti static dryer sheets you use in the laundry, might have to give that a try.

Secondly, when you're done and you need to drain the remaining powder in the hopper, it's not easy. With the Lee, you just twist the entire hopper and it "shuts off" of the flow. The RCBS gives you a drain tube. The tube works fine once it's in place but getting it into place without spilling the powder is tough... I'm hoping that with practice this will get easier...
 
1 screw holds my Uniflow to the bench. When I want to empty it I remove the screw, turn the measure upside down and poor the powder back into the original container. Easy as it gets.
 
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