Inaccurate Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure?

[Agustav]

I just started reloading for .223 rem and everything is fine until I started to use the powder measure. I measured the powder (Win 748) from the first 10 rounds (after cycling the measure a few times before the first round) and the powder fluctuates about a grain. Is this normal? Thanks!

[postal16]

did you clean the preservative oil from the inside of the measure before using? The grease causes the powder to clump and stick.

if not, don't feel bad, I did the same thing...I don't read directions :-( it sometimes bites me in the but.

You need to take it apart, clean all of the metal parts with a degreaser (I used my Gun Scrubber) and reassemble.

pull bullets and discard used powder, as the powder is contaminated with grease

Once I did this I have +/- 0.2 grains accuracy

[Agustav]

Oops.... I didn't take the measure apart! I spray whole lot of brake cleaner from the top and bottom and called it a day. Thanks!

[postal16]

no problem! enjoy it, it is a good press! especially if you got the ez ejector

[DB2]

Clean it out good. Mine was doing the same thing.

[Jicko]

Clean it out good. Mine was doing the same thing.

+/- .2g OR +/- 1g? BIG difference....

[postal16]

I am glad to know I wasn't the only one to overlook the need to do that

[morphius]

In addition to cleaning the packing gunk on the powder measure parts, I've also run a spent Bounce dryer sheet through the measure and especially in the drop tube to reduce any static cling.
If you are lubing any moving parts, silicone lubricant is far better than any oil based lubes.

The LNL primer slide mechanism was where I've had the most issues especially since I change from large to small primer. My LNL is now dedicated to 45ACP. I leave my 223Rem to my Rock Chucker.