Powder measure won't accuately charge?

[Zackary]

I've used a Lee Turret Press for years to load 38 spl. for my revolvers. Always threw accurate charges using HP-38, 3.8 gains for 158 grain LSWC bullets. Now I cannot get an accurate charge..all over the place. The mechanics of the press seem to work fine. I've always been very careful about storing the powder in screw topped plastic 1 ib jug but could moisture be the issue? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[robertrwalsh]

My GUESS is that there is some gunk in there somewhere but certainly if the powder is damp it will not meter well. Check the powder carefully but I would guess on gunk.

 

[Autonomous]

Do you have access to compressed air?

 

[mikld]

Which powder measure do you have?

 

[imakmst]

Which powder measure do you have?

And how long has it been since you've "serviced" it?

 

[cololab]

In addition to the above suggestions, are you maintaining a fairly constant volume of powder in the measure powder hopper?

 

[dghal]

I would doubt the powder is damp,
I have some powders that are over 10 years and the measure just fine,
I have a lee measure and RCBS measure and it flows through dillons just fine,

Is the press loose in the mounting? vibrations? something sticking?

 

[Zackary]

Thanks to all for your help. Yes, I tried blowing it clean using compressed air. The powder measure itself was the one that came with the kit. I do have it on a riser so it doesn't hang up on the primer dispenser. It has disks you use to set the amount of powder you want it to charge. I'm not sure what model it is , it's been probably 10 years . As far as servicing it, I always made sure it was snug in the turret to make correct contact with the die below it. I did notice that the disk was not coming all the way back to the drop. That seems to be a function of how it's screwed in to the riser. I adjusted it and the disk now comes further back. I will try it tomorrow ( have stock to feed now). Thanks for all your help. Will follow up later.

 

[1sailor]

Does your powder dropper/measure sometimes drop a super light charge? I found that after several thousand rounds I developed an issue which turned out to be the little pivoting arm with the spring located just underneath the dropper. Sometimes it wouldn't return due to being very worn. I took that apart cleaned it and smoothed everything out again and that seems to take care of it. Had to do this on a couple of them so I'm guessing it is something that just happens with wear.

 

[GypsmJim]

I did notice that the disk was not coming all the way back to the drop. That seems to be a function of how it's screwed in to the riser. I adjusted it and the disk now comes further back. I will try it tomorrow ( have stock to feed now). Thanks for all your help. Will follow up later.

It should not come further back, it needs to come ALL the way back, and consistent every time.

Take it apart, put some graphite on the mating surfaces and then run it thru its paces a bunch of time with no powder, just to expel any graphite.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I have to give my old manual a "Bath" every 20 years or so, to get rid of toe jam and "Stuff"
that might add up over the years.

Most moving metal parts need a little love, now and then.

Good luck.

 

[pasound]

My Lee Precision has several years and several thousand rounds through it. I bought extra charger drums, and when I got them set for the loads that worked, I labeled them and keep them separated. Every few sessions, I clean the insides of the loader and the rotary measures with canned air, cotton pads and large patches, but never any lube or cleaners to leave any residue.

 

[venomballistics]

Auto disk .....
Shooting from the hip ... I'd look at the fit between the hopper assembly and disk. Excessive play in this area would be my first guess, given the design

 

[gwpercle]

Powder measures do eventually wear out .

Clean and lube it ... and if it is still not working properly ...

Trade it in on a new model .

I have a 50+ year old Lyman 55 that I service regularly (clean and lube) and it just keeps on dropping consistent charges .
Gary

 

[Skeet 028]

But that is a REAL powder measure..not plastic and springs. I have used the Lee a bit in the past...but even the cheap Herter's measures worked better. In fact that ol Lyman was(and is) a great powder measure! I still use them too.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I see you’re using a balance type scale. Air moving in the room like from an air vent can have an effect. Pivot points west too and become less accurate. I inherited my dads RCBS balance and over the nearly 50 years of use it is no longer accurate. It’s probably due to the balance pivot point wearing.

My 30 year old Dillon became very erratic and they replaced it. May not be the powder measure at all. I also found my electronic scale would give erratic readings if my cell phone was too close to it. I listen to talk radio streaming on my phone while loading and found I have to place my phone several feet from my electronic scale.

 

[Greyman50]

Ohaus used to “ overhaul” their beam scales. Sent my original ( 1975) back 8-9 years ago and it weighs just fine. Checked with 2 newer scales. Thinking about an electronic scale.

 

[Skeet 028]

. I clean the "Agate?" bearing with alcohol and make sure there is no corrosion on my balance beam scales knife edges...clean the dust etc. I use a Couple RCBS 304 scales an Ohaus triple beam and 2 RCBS 510 scales....best scales ever made for the money!

 

[gjgalligan]

I started reloading om Lee turret with the auto disk and it was close enough for plinking ammo. I switched to the []Lee Precision, Inc.. Page not found and have been satisfied with it.

edit to add:Link does work

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

But that is a REAL powder measure..not plastic and springs. I have used the Lee a bit in the past...but even the cheap Herter's measures worked better. In fact that ol Lyman was(and is) a great powder measure! I still use them too.

I still use my "55" too......It's old but always holds it settings.