Hornady LNL Classic powder measure w/ problems

[Qualitymilk]

Anyone else have problems with their Hornady LNL classic powder measure?  Mine is basically new, and I can't make the drum go up and down without a sticky spot, and it does not like to dump powder without being tapped on.  I have tried both Varget and IMR 4831, and both should flow thru it with ease.  I am going to call Hornady tomorrow, but I was curious if anyone else had this trouble - frustrating!

[Dand]

Don't have a Hornady measure, but an RCBS and I load IMR 4831. That powder has pretty big grains and  you should expect to shear some off as you dump the powder. I have never used Varget.  

By all means call Hornady but I suspect you are ok, just need to get familiar with the unit. Any large grain powder will be harder to dispense than ball powder.  Have to say I loaded some 4320 the other day and was pleased how easily it went thru my Uniflow - never used 4320 before. Grains are smaller than IMR 4350 or the older 4831's.

Oh and I'm a bit rough with my measure to make sure the powder drops into and out of the unit evenly. I do a very firm swing up to dump and then sharp crank down to accept the next batch from the hopper when using coarse powder. It makes it easier to cut the granules too.

[Bigeasy]

Sounds like what Dand said.  When using a course powder thru my RCBS Uniflow, I have found the key to accurate powder drops is consistency in how you operate the unit, along with keeping the powder hopper above half full.  The snag you feel operating the handle is grains of powder being sheared by the opening in the powder drum as it turns.  No big deal.

Larry

[saddlebum]

The above posts are exactly right on the money. I will add that in the past I have had powder find it's way in between the cylinder and the frame and cause it to drag and snag. Have you pulled the cylinder and cleaned it and the inside of the frame? Might give it a try.

[wild willy]

Did you wash it out? When I got mine I thought I had it cleaned had some trouble with it took it apart washed it with hot soapy water. Haven't had any more trouble

[Qualitymilk]

Thanks for the responses, guys and you are in agreement with what the Hornady tech told me too.  The "stick" powders as he called them will shear off as you operate the powder measure, but I think a good re-clean is in order too.  It's been hot and humid, and I may have some oil residue left in the unit.  I cleaned it before the first use, but I'll try it again.

[Lloyd Smale]

the first lnl progressive i bought was an experince. I didnt read the instuctions and just dumped powder in it and had a gummed up mess. You definately need to clean it real well with a good solvent to get the protective oil off of it. Only trouble i had with it dropping powder was when i was using stick powders and the small necked funnel insert. Go to a larger one and the problem disappeared. Personaly i think there about the best powder measure on the market. I just love the switchable inserts you can keep set in the powder charges you use the most.

[PA-Joe]

You should also learn how to bump the handle on both the up and down strokes to settle the powder in the measure. Some people call it tapping the handle. That helps make certain that the measure fills with powder and then drops it all.

[Qualitymilk]

I cleaned it again and used it yesterday without any problems - I think the "grease" they package these things with was the problem with mine.  Got her going good now, and I agree they are a good quality product from Hornady - I too like the adjustments you can make on the measure for different loads.