Lee Auto disk issues...

[sgruenhagen44]

So I was loading up some new 180 gr sierra JHP last night in .44 mag. Towards the end of my reloading session I noticed that one of the charges looked reaaal low. So I weighed it of course. 2.2 grains!!! Very scary stuff. Dumped it out and charged another. 2.5 grains, another... 2 grains. Needless to say I went through my last 50 rounds I loaded and weighed the whole cartridge. They all came out to what they should be. I was lucky I caught it while I did. Anyways... anyone else ever have this problem? And yes the hopper was twisted in the on position and everything was moving mechanically sound. After taking everything apart and dumping the powder out and reassembling i was dropping a charge of 16.6 grains, just what I wanted. Makes me want to rethink my powder measuring method. I wish I had some explanation for this.

[Countryfried Frank]

What kind of powder? I have experienced the same issue with some types of powder but it works well with others. I had two squibs that I caught in time. It seems to like AA5/7.

[Pat Cannon]

I've only been reloading for a few years so consider the source but:

One: Wiping down the Lee Auto Disk with a dryer sheet cuts down on static and helps consistent loads. I have read this and, I think, confirmed it with my own .357 loads.

and Two: Brass varies significantly in weight, so weighing the whole cartridge with light loads like this doesn't mean much unless you're using strictly one brand of brass, and I'd want to weigh a bunch of samples even then.

[sgruenhagen44]

its brand new brass and the powder is AA #7.

[Countryfried Frank]

What kind of press are you running it on? What size hole are you using to get 16.6gr? I can try to recreate it on my setup but it wouldn't be for a few days. In the meantime try the dryersheet trick or lightly tap the side of the hopper with every drop.

[BigDog58]

So I was loading up some new 180 gr sierra JHP last night in .44 mag. Towards the end of my reloading session I noticed that one of the charges looked reaaal low. So I weighed it of course. 2.2 grains!!! Very scary stuff. Dumped it out and charged another. 2.5 grains, another... 2 grains. Needless to say I went through my last 50 rounds I loaded and weighed the whole cartridge. They all came out to what they should be. I was lucky I caught it while I did. Anyways... anyone else ever have this problem? And yes the hopper was twisted in the on position and everything was moving mechanically sound. After taking everything apart and dumping the powder out and reassembling i was dropping a charge of 16.6 grains, just what I wanted. Makes me want to rethink my powder measuring method. I wish I had some explanation for this.

I took my Auto-Disk apart and coated the inside with spray on Graphite (lubricant) including my hopper. I have never had a static problem nor an off charge. I also sprayed the disks and the Baffle I made. I believe the baffle helps greatly with very consistent drops. If you need a baffle, let me know and I'll make you one. If you are close to Edina, you can drop by and pick it up, no cost. I only charge if I have to pay the 5.80 to mail it priority.

BD

[DoxaPar]

Hey, BigDog, I'd be interested in that too. Another reason to see you (after talking with ya on the phone today).

[BigDog58]

Hey, BigDog, I'd be interested in that too. Another reason to see you (after talking with ya on the phone today).

Give me a call or PM and let me know if you can pickup or you need it shipped and I'll make you one in the next day or so. I am mailing two today. They are hand made and not perfect, but they do a good job and I get to practice my sheetmetal skills...lol

[DitchDR]

I have had this happen a couple of times myself. What I found the problem to be is that the hopper was screwed on to tight. The disk wouldnt reset fully therefore not filling the hole in the disk.

[rugersol]

its brand new brass and the powder is AA #7.

AA-7 shouldn't bridge! ... and -14gr ... fer AA-7 ... is an AWFUL lotta static!

I'd guess some adjustment came loose?! ... it's case-activated, right?!

Sorry I can't be more help ... I started on a Lee turret, but I also started with a case-activated RCBS Uniflow! ... little more cash, but they work plenty good with the Hornady LNL-AP! ... I use 'em interchangeably with the Hornady measures (which, typically sell fer a bit less than the RCBS)

Good catch!

[sgruenhagen44]

i guess i will just keep an eye on it for now. very odd though. i like the graphite idea

[sgruenhagen44]

The new process is to prime each piece of brass and then tare the scale with the brass. Charge brass then check charge with case. Works good and I like seeing how consistent my auto disk is. It slows me down a bit but I like it.

[noylj]

I guess I'm the only one confused.
You were loading 2.5gn of AA7 for .44Mag?
I have found that for handguns, 2gn of ANY pistol powder is more than enough to get the bullet out of the barrel--except 296/H110 (it just forms a glob of unburned partially melted powder somewhere in the barrel).
Very few measures are accurate if the powder gets too low--so, generally, you keep the hopper no lower than 1/3 full.

[rugersol]

I guess I'm the only one confused.
You were loading 2.5gn of AA7 for .44Mag?

i was dropping a charge of 16.6 grains, just what I wanted.

The 2.5gr was otherwise "not" what he wanted ... hence, this thread!

[Eric Marleau]

I use the Lee adjustable powder measure on my Lee Classic Turret Press. Temperature changes and humidity changes as a person reloads will affect your powder drop. I check my drop at least every 8 loads, and sometime have to tweak the adjustable charge bar to get back to what I want.
I just don't trust a one hole set up to give me accurate loads.

I figure that anytime I have to spray or rub something on my reloading tool to get it to work correctly, something is wrong and I might as well take the time and get it working right.

I will say that I trust my Redding and my RCBS powder drops better than the Lee power measures. Even my old Lyman 55 powder measure is better than the Lee.

Just some observations for what their worth.

Eric