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Auto powder dispensers

3K views 12 replies 11 participants last post by  trentsmill 
#1 · (Edited)
I was wondering if anyone uses the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Charge Powder Dispenser or the Lyman Gen 6 powder system and is it worth it for pistol loads. I have a progressive press, but I do not reload 200 rounds per hour, I don't care about speed just being more accurate in my loads. The Lee powder dispenser that is on the press is good drops right amount of powder +- .1 gr but sometimes it drops -.4 to -.6. I still check every 10th load, was wonder what your thoughts are on the electronic powder dispensers they are around $250 is it worth it for loading 9mm, 38sp and .357 rounds most of my rounds I'm dropping between 3.6 to 6.1 gr and biggest load would be a few of 16gr to 18gr, any input would be appreciated, thank you.
 
#13 ·
I have the Hornady. Been working for me for about 3 years. However I do load pistol on a turret with the Lee disc setup. Kind of slow with the dispenser.
But if you want precise that's what I'd use.
BW
I also own a Hornady Auto Loader, I just sent mine back to Hornady, a year after I bought it. Have you had any issues with buttons being difficult to push? Cancel button was so hard to push, it finally cracked through the key pad.
 
#4 ·
I have the RCBS Chargemaster system and it works great. You enter the desired powder amount and press dispense and it weighs each charge as it drops the powder into the scale pan. It will continue to dispense that amount until you change it or shut it off. It is usually exact except for he first drop which I dump back in and hit dispense again. I dump the powder into to case put the pan back and hit dispense. As it is doing that I seat the bullet and crimp. One at a time works great for me as there is a weighed amount of powder in the case and tough to double charge with a bullet crimped in place before the next powder drop is complete.
 
#5 ·
I use a Dillon progressive press (Square Deal) and the powder system is very accurate. I have read good things on the models mentioned but no actual experience.
 
#8 ·
After being locked in, if your powder drop is giving you wide fluctuations, it's time for a new powder drop. My Hornady Lock n Load Progressive, while not perfect, has been consistent enough for all my handgun rounds. For rifle calibers, I omit the powder drop and use the RCBS Chargemaster - which IS perfect.
 
#9 ·
Might depend on your powder. Some flow better than others. I have found that spherical or cylindrical powders flow more like water while flake type tend to clump a bit and don't meter well in very small amounts (less than 3 grains or so) and with larger loads (4 to 9) they work very well but it is worth tapping the measure every so often to prevent bridging of the powder. Some folks have added baffles to their dispensers to help prevent the powder form getting packed and resulting in an air pocket developing over the charge hole.
 
#10 ·
Thank you everyone for you input, greatly appreciated. The issue may be my powder, I'll check that out, really don't want to spend $250 for no reason.
 
#11 ·
There are ways to increase consistency in the Lee disc system, if that is the problem. Need to know which powders you're using that give such inconsistent amounts, and which disc openings you're using to give any real help. I've lapped my discs and added a baffle in the powder hopper. Between those two tweeks, and frequent use of dryer sheets for anti-static, I'm getting very consistent powder drops with mine.

Be aware that if you're using the Lee adjustable powder charge bar, that some powders will bridge the opening when using very small opening sizes.

Be a little more specific and some of us may be able to help you out.
 
#12 ·
Powder I'm using which give me issues is longshot.... titegroup is fine, no issues with lil'gun same with trail boss, but with trail boss I use the charge bar. I guess I will thorough clean out my powder measure and wipe it down with a used dryer sheet lets hope that works...thank you all.
 
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