Powder measure problems!!!

[Big joe]

I just started using a hornady powder measure and I noticed that I started getting powder dropping on both the downstroke AND the upstroke!!! Does anyone have any idea what was going on here ??? If so.... please share your info...

Thanks...

[Rocky Raab]

The powder is either bridging or getting caught somewhere, and the return movement of the drum shakes it loose.

Two possibilities jump to mind:

Powder is bridging in the drop tube. That can occur with either "loggy" powders like the original 4831 or with a drop tube with too small a neck section (or both). Most measures come with at least two drop tube inserts. It can be a mistake to just screw in the small one and suppose that it can be used for all cartridges and powders.

Less likely is the possibility that the rotor drum isn't turning all the way or over-turning (or not correctly aligned). That would leave a small shelf or lip between the rotor and the drum housing - a place where a few kernels of powder might collect on the downstroke. Then, when the upstroke starts, the powder gets swept off.

Remedies are simple: Use the correct drop tube insert and check that the drum isn't misaligned with the housing. Check the rotor operation by eye with the measure empty and the drop tube removed.

Finally, a powder baffle can sometimes make real improvements in the flow of the powder and consistency of the measure. Insert one in the powder storage tube.

[denton]

All that Rocky said, plus:

Take it apart and look for any flash or burrs on the critical parts. I have a measure that did that, and the fundamental problem was molding flash. Now, it works very well.

When you drop a charge, thump the measure a couple of times to dislodge any granules that didn't fall freely.

[Cal Sibley]

I find that all too common when using a long grained powder like IMR4064. It's enough to make a man cry. I use a Redding which is otherwise a great powder dispenser. I never could correct it, but do place a funnel over my case mouth so if it does occur I can catch the excess. I've also had to hit the handle so hard to clear the long grains as to cause my powder hopper to jump off the dispenser. Boy is that a mess, and it usually happens when the hopper is full. A couple of long screws solved that one. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[JimBob]

On the down stroke, try a double tap on the handle. That will clear most powder problems.