Problem with reloading on my new Hornady LNL AP

[blklabs]

Thanks for all of the input guys on my last thread.  Everything came together great and you saved me a lot of money.  The only issue I had setting everything up was that the RCBS 1500 was dead, it would not even power back on.  Everything was great though, just sent it back in and they are delivering me a new one. 

I do have a problem with my powder dispenser though.  Whenever I am loading, the case will activate the powder drop, it will dispense powder, but then the powder dispenser will not return back to the starting position.   I have to manual place the dispenser back in the original position.  Does anybody have any clue on what the cause could be?  Thanks!

[Questor]

On a Dillon a symptom similar to that occurs when the rod that actuates the powder drop is not truly vertical. There is an adjustment to make it vertical.

[Davemuzz]

I'm going to ask the simple question first: Do you have the long return spring installed on the powder measure?

Now, assuming the answer to the above is "yes" (because if it's no....your problem is solved...find the spring and install it) the only time I have had a problem with the powder measure not returning is when powder "residue" (for lack of describing it or calling it whatever it really is) builds up between the cast iron powder frame, and the "moving" powder meter. To check\clean this you just take an allen wrench and remove the levers on the side of the rotateing measure, remove the powder meter adjustment, and the unit will come out. Clean the inside of the frame and the powder meter with gun solvent and re-install.

I clean the very often as it will get a powder "gunk" buildup and then when I am loadin away, a shell will whizz past without a powder charge. This is VERY BAD as you could fire a squib load, have the bullet lodge in your barrel, then fire the next round and....ugly with a capital "U".  I have helped solved the by the installation of an RCBS lock out die. If any brass tries to sneak thru with an over or under charge of powder, my press locks up and nothing moves. That will get your attention real quick.

A lock out die cost about $45. That's cheap insurance when your shooting a gun that cost $400 to $800.

Dave

[Waldog]

 :)Concur with Davemuzz.  You have got to be missing the return spring on the case activated linkage with the powder measure. 

Keep it clean and you will fall in love with your LNL.

[blklabs]

Hey guys thanks for the replies.  I have the return spring in place.  I have cleaned it to and that didn't solve the problem.  I will try cleaning it first thing in the morning and will let you know if that helps .........  Keep the suggestions coming. 

I allready love the LNL.  My 1000 bullets arrived from Hornady today, you talk about fast, I only sent off for them less than a week ago ....... 

The only other problem is that I have to screw my seat/crimp die down so low that it bends the case ejector wire.  Not a huge problem though, I will just have to keep it up when I am loading these 44 rounds ......

[Waldog]

The ejector wire is a problem when using SOME dies, especially the LEE taper crimp dies.  If your crimp die is hitting the ejector wire most people grind off a small area of the die so that it will clear the ejector.  If you are not using a taper crimp die and just using a bullet seater/roll crimp die, the ejector wire should not be a problem as you should have one station empty. IF you are using the optional Powder-Thru neck expanders with the powder measure.

[blklabs]

Thanks guys, it was just as Davemuzz said, there was powder in between the long powder drop housing and the frame of the case activated powder drop.   I thought he was talking about at the top by the powder meter.  I called into Hornady because it was locked up solid, I could not move it up or down without a little pressure on my part.  Man I did not want to break the thing.  They told me just to put pressure on the measure and try to move it and that the powder would just grind up.  I did and it worked.  Anyways, I got it all cleaned and it works beautifully now.  I sat down and reloaded some 44 shells and man that press is sweet!!!!!!

[Davemuzz]

Hey.....!!! Way cool....I'm glad it worked. Just remember...consider that a lesson learned ( I did when it happened to me) and clean that gizmo more often than you think it needs cleaned!!!

The problem is if it stick's in the UP position, and you don't catch it when the cartridge comes around...and you place a bullet and seat it...you now have a squib load. THIS CAN CAUSE YOU TO BE HARMED OR EVEN WORSE!!! (Yes....what is worse than harmed? Killed...nasty word...I hate to use it).

Do your self a favor and BUY the RCBS lockout die!!!!!  AND CLEAN YOUR POWDER DROP WAY MORE OFTEN THAT YOU THINK IT NEEDS DONE!

Just one man's humble opinion.

Dave

[Questor]

Isn't this forum great?!? I've had so much help from others, and tried to be of help to others too. It's wonderful. Thanks Graybeard!

[blklabs]

+ 1 on what questor said.  I have not had a question that was not answered by someone on these forums.  For a beginner like me, it is an invaluable resource.  Thanks Graybeard!!!!!!!!!!