Hornady Powder Measures for pistol/revolver reloading

gsparesa

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I called Hornady tech support today and talked to Todd and Doug.

For those new to reloading, the term "Bench Rest" really means "Rifle".

The LNL Bench Rest Grade Powder Measure P/N 050130 is meant to reload rifle rounds. The box states that it loads between 20 gr and 65 gr. You can still use the 050130 blow the stated minimum throw. When I placed the micrometer on "0", I measured ~9.3 gr of H110 inconsistently. When I placed the micrometer on "5", I measured ~13.0 gr of H110 consistently. I would not use this powder measure below the "5" setting.

The LNL Bench Rest Grade Powder Measure P/N 050130 is not compatible with the P/N 050128 pistol rotor and metering assembly. Only purchase the LNL Bench Rest "Rifle" Grade Powder Measure if you intend to reload rifle ammunition.

The LNL Powder Measure P/N 050069 throws somewhere between 15 gr. and 80 gr. accurately. If you want to throw powder below 15 gr., you need to purchase the P/N 050128 Pistol Rotor & Metering Assy. The 050128 will allow you to throw powder somewhere between 2 gr. and 16 gr. If you want a micrometer adjustment scale for the Pistol Rotor, you need to purchase the P/N 050129 pistol micrometer for the 050128.

I complained to Todd and Doug about not getting this information from the Hornady WEB site. Doug told me that he would forward my complaint to the marketing department. I guess that's the trash can. "Dagg-nabbit" , I should have gone green...

Me thinking about purchasing chargemaster now.:mad:
 
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Look at the "Redding 10X". It's specifically made for pistol charges between 1 and 25 grains. I've had one for years and am 1000% happy with it. I use it for everything from 2.7gr Bullseye loads to 20gr of 2400, and everything in between.
 
The Redding 10X looks nice, but the price "OUCH". Lil Dandy by RCBS is great but the rotors are getting expensive, You can get an adjustable rotor from a member. You can also score an RCBS Uniflow on eBay every once in awhile, with the small drum it's totally accurate with most powders.
 
I have been using a Dillon 550 powder measure on my Hornady LNL to cure the problem the Hornady measure has with most of the powders I use in low charge weights.
 
I though this thread was dead but...

I called Hornady twice and was told by Hornady's two representatives (Todd & Doug) that the LNL Bench Rest Grade Powder Measure P/N 050130 is not compatible with the P/N 050128 pistol rotor and metering assembly.
I emailed Hornady and this is the email answer that I got from tech [[email protected]]:
"...we dont have a rotor and insert for the Bench Rest Grade powder measure this is only intended for the rifle shooters. You are needing the Standard Measuring system with the Pistol rotor and measuring insert which will be very accurate with the pistol powders Thanks Items 050069,050128"

Well, I purchased the Pistol Rotor & Metering Assy P/N 050128. I installed the Pistol Rotor & Metering Assy in my LNL Bench Rest Grade Powder Measure P/N 050130. Guess what folks?, IT FITS! See the pic.

Why were three different contact representatives from Hornady misinformed? Was I being purposely misinformed by Hornady? Is this a shady business tactic to increase sales? How can I trust Hornady bullets to do their job?

Bench_PM_with_pistol_rotor.jpg
 
Why were three different contact representatives from Hornady misinformed? Was I being purposely misinformed by Hornady? Is this a shady business tactic to increase sales? How can I trust Hornady bullets to do their job?

I have called Hornady tech support on at least 6 or 7 occasions and have ALWAYS found the help I needed.

On the Hornady website, it specifies that the Bench Rest Powder Measure handles 20-65 grain charges:
Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Reloading :: Metallic Reloading :: Powder Measure & Accessories :: Bench Rest Powder Measure & Accessories :: Lock-N-Load® Powder Measure Bench Rest 1 Each

Why not just buy the L-N-L powder measure and add the pistol rotor? That combination works great for me, although I did eventually get the pistol micrometer too.

BTW the Lyman 55 powder measure looks like a neat unit. There are 3 "slides" that adjust the size of the chamber so you can drop for pistol, rifle, or large rifle loads.

Hope this helps.
 
That's not what it used to say. I believe Hornady added the "20-65 grains" after I complained. They must really have a marketing department. This Sportsman Cave site still has the original wording. See Here or See Here

I purchased the Bench Rest PM because what was stated on many sites, "All moving parts have been plated for protection and long life, and the rotor requires NO lubrication."

How about this twist...A Hornady LNL Powder Measure with a micrometer that meters 5gr to 65gr. This has got to be a new product, RIGHT? See Here
 
That's not what it used to say. I believe Hornady added the "20-65 grains" after I complained. They must really have a marketing department. This Sportsman Cave site still has the original wording. See Here or See Here

I purchased the Bench Rest PM because what was stated on many sites, "All moving parts have been plated for protection and long life, and the rotor requires NO lubrication."

How about this twist...A Hornady LNL Powder Measure with a micrometer that meters 5gr to 65gr. This has got to be a new product, RIGHT? See Here

OK, you've had a bad experience with Hornady product descriptions. I agree that their website is less-than-perfect. My experiences with their tech support all have been the polar opposite of yours, but every company screws up sometime or another. Either give them a break or move on to RCBS/Redding/Lyman/Dillon.

I do not understand why you insisted on ignoring the advice you got in Hornady's email response. The Midway product description also is explicit about the pistol rotor not working in the Bench Rest measure. It is entirely possible that while the parts may fit, there could be an incompatibility due to different metals coming in contact with each other. I'm sure that you don't want to call Hornady again, but I would to find out why they say the pistol rotor is incompatible with the BR measure.
 
How snugly does the postol rotor fit in the measure body?

If its not snug enough you may experience leakage from fine ball powder?
 
I can't explain what you were told by Hornady but I looked at a major dealers site and, if I'm reading it correctly, the rotor/meter you bought (050128) should work just fine. In any event, the proof will be in the results. If it throws accurately, doesn't leak or malfunction, and runs smoothly, your in business.
 
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