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7/9/2008 4:46:06 PM EDT
Anyone had a problem with this measure not throwing extruded powder accurately??

I have a new one and am trying to throw Varget but am getting a variation of 2 grains...

Is this measure made for pistol powder or what....thoughts appreciated...

Hank
7/9/2008 7:37:28 PM EDT
[#1]
Most powder measures choke to some extent on extruded powders, but the variance you are getting is excessive.

Are you using the proper drum and insert?
7/9/2008 7:46:48 PM EDT
[#2]
i had a little variant at first with mine. i ended up taking it apart again and cleaning it (as per installation instructions) there was a little bit of factory lube left in there and it was causing some clogging.

another thing to think is varget is a larger pellet style powder. i was noticing some crunching when i was dropping it and it was caused by the large pellets breaking off in the powder drop. if i load with a smaller powder (h335, blc2) i dont have that problem. basically it keeps the powder measure consistent, rather than getting x amount of 1/2 crushed pellets.

hope this helps
7/9/2008 8:26:02 PM EDT
[#3]
Mine will vary about half a grain at times.  Found out a couple of things that seem to help.  Make sure the powder measure is very clean and all the internal surfaces have a light coat of dry lube.  Tighten the locking ring very securely on to the press.  I use a big adjustable wrench and bump it lightly with the heel of my hand.  Check it now and again if your reload session is long.  Lastly, make sure the  locking bolt (part #23) is very tight and it keeps the upper measure link (part #8) in line and secure to the lower bracket (part #22).  Check it frenquently, mine gets loose about every 20 or 30 rounds and the powder charge errors get worse.  Also, Hornady sell a device called a Powder Cop.  If you don't have one you might consider it.  It's a real simple way to see if your powder charge is close to what you want.  In several of my .223 reloads I use something like 25 grains of Varget.  With the Powder Cop I can see about a .2 grain difference.  I think the Powder Cop was money well spent.  Also, I too hear the crunch when a grain of Varget is crushed on the up stroke.  Hope this helps.
7/9/2008 9:12:52 PM EDT
[#4]
Had the same issue at first as well using H335.  Took apart and cleaned with Hornady One Shot Lube and Degreaser.  Let it sit to dry.  It meters within .5 grain now.
7/9/2008 9:31:04 PM EDT
[#5]
the first rifle powder i used with my LNL was h335.  i never had any issues.  fyi- i use a micrometer insert
7/11/2008 7:06:25 PM EDT
[#6]
Make sure you are using the right metering chamber for the size charge you are dropping.  Also, try using a baffle to keep the powder flowing into meter at a uniform weight.

Whelen
7/11/2008 8:17:34 PM EDT
[#7]
My lock and load will now throw Varget + or _ .02 gr.

Took off plastic hopper, removed powder drum.

Should just have a casting in your hand.

Look at where the powder travels over the rough casting to get to the drum.

Smooth out with a stone in a Dremel, switch to a sanding disc to polish.

Reassemble and get the powder baffle from Midway, make sure the pointed end is up.

Link to powder baffle.

Now practice throwing charges, I have been doing it for awhile.

You want a smooth steady stroke, don't let drum stop if you cut a grain.

Just power thru that kernel of powder.

Practice, practice, practice...
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