Set my new LnL up this W/E, & something is wrong........

[bjtraz]

Well, I received my Hornady LnL press last week, and read all the messages on here, watched the enclosed video, read messages again  , & slowly/carefully set it up this W/E. I even ordered new Hornady dies when I ordered the shell plates, just to insure that it would work with the minimum amount of hassles.

As I was setting it up, I had 2 problems. First, the shell plate didn't index properly. But after reading the instructions, and making a minute adjustment of the pawls, problem solved. Second, and one that I can't figure out a solution to is, the powder measure cycles up on the down stroke of the arm, but sticks there, or most of the time, half way down. It appears that the adjustment arm rubs the sides of the opening that it protrudes through. I've taken it apart numerous times, and that is the only place it shows any level of friction. I can feel it catching there, whether the linkage is attached or not.

I did take it apart, degrease it, and reassemble the PM, before I ever used it. So any ideas before I call Hornady? Thanks.

Brian

[tombogan03884]

This is probably the thread you already read but I'll post the link any way, just in case.

http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=15225.0

[alfsauve]

I think what you're saying is the hex shaped part of the powder adjustment is rubbing against the slot. 

Obvious of course, make sure it's inserted in square and of course it's all the way in.   Make sure the drum is properly seated.

Did you have a second drum and insert?  Might give them a try and compare. 

Other than that, I'd call Hornady.   Could be a minute manufacturing error.  Hole not centered in drum.  Measure insert not cut to proper dimensions. 

Keep us updated.

[bjtraz]

Yes, you described it exactly. I do have a large & small drum, but it is the same with both. Your diagnosis is pretty much what I was thinking, just thought I'd run it by the "experts" before I called. Thanks.

Brian

[alfsauve]

Sitting here this morning, when "DUH" !    Why don't I measure the size of the slot in the powder measure and the width of the metering insert.

The slot averages 0.755" across and the hex nut width averages 0.747"

Maybe that will tell you where the problem lies.  I suspect at this point it is the width of the slot, since both metering inserts hang up.

Alf

[Sponsor]

[bjtraz]

Spoke with Hornady CS, and after going around and around, I "think" they finally understood what the problem is. They are sending a new PM body, & I'm sending this one back. Alfred, thanks for the measurements, I'll have to check them. But I don't think that is it, let me tell you why.

In my attempt to pin down the problem, I took it apart, and inserted the drum in from the opposite side, and it was smooth as butter. I'm thinking it's not the size of the opening, but the centering of it. IDK, I'll know for sure when the new one arrives.

Thanks for the help.

Brian

[bjtraz]

Well, the new housing for the PM arrived Thursday. I took the old one apart, and started transferring the parts to the new, and halfway through, I had an "Ah Ha!" moment. I put the drum insert in, w/the metering arm, and checked the action. Sadly, it was exactly the same. So the problem wasn't the housing, but the drum inserts (?).

I was frustrated, and tried several work arounds, and am more confused now, than ever. If I remove the rubber gasket, that keeps the drums from going through the housing, it is like butter. It stands to reason then that inserting the drums from the correct side, w/gasket installed, doesn't allow them to center properly. But what is the odds of this happening on 2 different housings, and 2 different drums (lge & small)?

Anyway, I did the unheard of. I broke out the Dremel. A little smoothing on the inside of the housing & flat sections of the metering arm, and now smooth as glass. I know I shouldn't of, but expediency & frustration won out.

Now let's see how many cases I fill up?!?

Brian

[sledgemeister]

I had the same issue as yours, in frustration I ended up changing over my old hornady stand alone powder measure for the one that came with the lock and load. Problem solved.
I dont really mind the stand alone one sticking slightly as your the one moving it up and down, but in a auto press it royally screws shit up. After pulling 150 44 mag rounds because I wasnt sure which ones hadnt charged one night made me a little ornary to be around LOL

[Steelshooter]

I had the same situation happen to me and I just dealt with it and was frustrated each time I loaded ammo and then I called Hornady an explained it to them and asked if they would send me a neww set of hex screws and the lever arms that move the drum. They agreed  to send it to me free of any charge and it has worked very well ever since so give them a call. I've also had to have them send me new shell plates because the 9mm one that I bought from BPS had not been machined properly and would not allow  the case to slide in  properly to the shell plate and it would fall as it slid across the spring. 

I also noticed that the expander in the powder thru expander stuck min the case mouth more than I liked and I  saw a product called powder funnels that work flawlessly  as an replacement for the expander and the best thing is it works for most all handgun calibers so you only need to buy one. Now my LNL auto progressive runs like grease thru a goose smooth.

Powder funnels.com I believe was the company.

[bjtraz]

Thanks Shooter. I was getting ready to order one of the powder thru flares for my press, to see if it would be a problem. I've heard about the case smashing problem, but would like to free up a station for a powder cop. I just ordered one of these, and will see how it works.

Brian