Printable View
My son and I just started reloading with the Hornady LNL Classic kit and every thing went well except the powder measure. I completely disassembled it and cleaned it as directed but we had trouble getting it to measure consistently. It worked fairly well with the IMR 8208 I was using for my 204 Ruger but was terrible with the RL17 my son was using for his 300WSM. Is there a break in period or any tricks to get it to measure consistently? Thanks.
Most measures made like that don't do too well with stick powders. About the only measure I know of that works PERFECTLY with stick powders is the JDS Quick Measure.
Kevin
Use the same pattern every time (move to bottom of stroke, tap 3 times, or whatever). Being very consistent and tapping the measure/mount/press while the powder measure part is "open" will help - Lyman 55 measures even have a little "knocker" built into them. As was said, stick powders and volumetric measures can be troublesome.
The cheap little Lee powder measure has really surprised me over the years. Accurate measurement with a broad spectrum of powders.
I did some more playing around with my powder measure last night. I disassembled it, washed it thoroughly with dish soap and let it air dry. I then did a test run of 25 loads being very consistant in how I operated the powder measure. The first was way off compared the the others, .8 of a grain, but the rest were within .1 of a grain of the average. I'm new to reloading and I'm wondering if .1 of a grain would have a noticeable effect on accuracy.
I doubt very much that you would notice any effect on accuracy in your 204 Ruger and you for sure won't in your son's 300WSM.
Charlie
.1 grain is about the best your going to see from a commercial over the counter dispenser.