First time reloading 45acp

[dickttx]

I wondered the same as Moonman.
Why would you buy a LnL AP then spend another $175 for an RCBS powder measure? The Hornady LnL measure and the RCBS are essentially the same measure. It already has he baffle (a $2 addition if bought separately) and the micro adjustment can be bought for $27.
I had my LnL for about a year and a half before I ever unpacked my powder measure, when I started loading 9mm. The 9mm case is too short to activate the Lee PAD on the LnL, unlike 45 ACP and 38 Super.
I cleaned the LnL measure three times and it still collects a little powder in the lower part that fits on the press. Further reading suggests that I shouldn't have wiped the One Shot Cleaner and Lube out of the measure. When I load 9mm again I will try that. Even with collecting some powder (HP38) in the drop tube it still was very consistent.
I also don't understand why anyone would want to spend $300+ for an electronic dispenser to use with a progressive press. JMHO.

 

[HOPSTER]

To clarify - I don't have a hornady drum measure so I can only speak from what I have tried. The rcbs has (supposedly) very tight tolerances of fit, but I have no reason to doubt the Hornady is the same quality. I don't know either way.
Yes , with the complete setup including belling adapter is 112(comp small pistol measure) + 56 (press case activation assy) and +10 for the belling die. The base powder measure is about $30 more than Hornady's equivelant. One could save at least $50 by skipping the micrometer shaft. So about $128 to get started.
Regarding my electronic dispenser - I didn't "buy it to use with a progressive" -I bought it to use, period. No need to mis= characterize what I said. I use it in conjunction with a progressive sometimes, yes, but I use it in other ways as well. It saves me lots of time over a beam and trickler setup, which I have also used. I spent years figuring out what works for me. Money was wasted on junk that didn't work. I have a smooth and accurate system that's also pretty fast. I don't see how it can be improved. If I had known about this setup 14 years ago I would have saved much $.

 

[Fishslayer]

I may get flamed for this but +/- .2 gr is nothing.

Not from me. Depending on the powder I consider +/- .1gr to be a possible scale variance. .2gr no big deal. Now... if I was getting constant +/- .2gr variances I might have a look at my powder path.

 

[dickttx]

Hopster, maybe you are not aware that the LnL AP comes with the COMPLETE powder measure, including both drums and all of the case activating linkage.

 

[HOPSTER]

Hopster, maybe you are not aware that the LnL AP comes with the COMPLETE powder measure, including both drums and all of the case activating linkage.

No, I didn't know ...dag nabit.
I just viewed it on the Hornady site.
Those fellers have a powder drop system just like mine
Back to the OP:
1: degrease powder measure thoroughly.
2: Pre-dry lube the cone at bottom and in the measuring chamber. (Only moly powder or graphite powder)
3: Wipe with dryer sheets and keep a dryer sheet rubber banded around the hopper.
4 : get a powder baffle if you don't have one.
5: Don't trust the first ten throws from a freshly filled measure.
6: and most important advice - use a uniform motion each time you move the press handle. This will have the most effect on load consistency. Bumping the handle harder causes the powder to "shuffle" or settle more in the metering chamber, likewise a very light touch causes less settling. Neither is better than the other - just do it the same each time , and you should notice more consistent powder drops.
Someone - David Tubb I think ... even went so far as to install a vibrator on the powder measure in seeking more accuracy.

 

[Moonman]

Hopster,

If you would take the time to read the WHOLE THREAD,
you would notice that the OP has been given advise and direction
to a COMPLETE VIDEO SERIES concerning the Hornady LNL-AP press,
along with some reloading tips also.

The video series is expertly done in regards to complete press set-up
(HINTS AND TRICKS) along with problem identification along with the FIXES for them.

MOONMAN

 

[fredj338]

I may get flamed for this but +/- .2 gr is nothing. If you were to open 50 factory rounds the variations in weight would surprise you.

Those loads look fine. I have gone as high as 8.8 gr of A#5 in my 1911.

You are loading for a 1911 and not a revolver, right? Not that it matters much but in my revolvers I go slightly higher.

Sort of. It always depends on the powder. AA#5 is pretty forgiving, but powders like Clays, 0.20gr can mean an over pressure event if loading at the top. Most faster powders build pressure in a linear fashion UNTIL they reach max, then the pressure curve goes vertical. So yes, 0.20gr can matter, sometimes a lot. Btw, never exceed avg book data. At 8.8gr, away over pressure w/ a 230gr bullet.