Lee Auto Disc and AA#5/#9

I've not had any issues at all with Accurate #5 to date- although that may be changing. My last session with H4198 I was beginning to see powder slowly accumulate around the base of the press. Could be my elasto wiper is beginning to lose it's 'seal'. On the other hand, WSF was not leaking- so time will tell.

Had that problem with the old style hopper. Just updated to round & problem (mostly) went away. I probably lose a couple of grains (#5) per 100 (throwing 8.6gr) now. Was considerably more before. So... I guess I lose about what you do. I save the sweepings to toss on the fire.

On my Pro PM, I've only used Unique and W231. I had a very slight seepage of Unique, but nothing with the 231. I have found that the tightness of the thumbscrews that hold the hopper on DOES matter. Tight enough to where it doesn't leak, but just loose enough to where the slider doesn't bind. Make sure that both screws are tightened equally, too. FWIW, I use the micrometer disc exclusively.

No...I redressed the hopper until it was flat again using a bastard (mill) file and a straight edge. I also filed the base where the hopper sits. But be careful not to remove too much from the base. I don't have a leaking problem with any of my real fine powders...

Some of it is due to it wearing in. The more you use it the less seepage. I hardly ever have any issues anymore.

"wearing in"?? I dearly hope not. Not at that area of the dispenser. Warpage would be his problem.

"wearing in"?? I dearly hope not. Not at that area of the dispenser. Warpage would be his problem.

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Over/uneven torque of the hopper retention screws maybe?

Maybe wearing in was the wrong choice of words. All I know is as time went by my Pro Disk got more accurate.

All I know is as time went by my Pro Disk got more accurate.

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When I set up a Lee Auto Disk for a new shooter, I tell him that most smokeless powders are coated with graphite as lubricant. As we cycle the press, I also tell him the black residue he'll see on the bottom of the hopper wiper and on the top of the disk surface is fine graphite powder coating the contact surfaces and not to clean them as the coating will provide more smooth cycle and consistent charges. I use paper towel/small brush to wipe off the large excess build up over time.

After about 20-40 cycles, the contact surfaces are sufficiently lubricated to provide consistent charges. If you try to weigh brand new setup charges (uncoated wiper, disk, etc.), your charges will be off. After regular use, the top of disk surface will get shiny - this is NOT WEAR, just a fine coating of graphite powder and you shouldn't try to clean it.

I use W231/HP38 powder to break in a new Auto Disk as they seem to provide the best/fastest coating of surfaces. My most recent Pro 1000 setup for a new reloader has about 10,000 rounds loaded and his Auto Disk does not leak powder using W231/HP38 (maybe a few granules over 1000 cycles) and the charge-to-charge variance is less than 0.1 grain.

I have used the Lee Auto Disks, both single and stacked, and they all leak powder. I bought the Micrometer Disk and it still leaks. Powder all over the place. Loads will vary about +/-.3 grains with any of the 3 setups. I have just learned to live with it and adjust my loads accordingly.

which powder, texagun?

Personally, I've never seen throws varying by +/- .3 grain. That's why I'm asking.

Jim H.

Yeah, mine's always been leaky, old or new hopper, BUT, I've always found the throws to be +/- about .1 grains

which powder, texagun?

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Unique, HP-38

If you are getting leakage with different disk/micrometer, I would inspect the bottom of hopper/wiper for proper fit of the wiper or damage. If the wiper is damaged, replacement should fix the leak.

FWIW, I do not have leakage with my 15+ old Auto Disk hopper or any of the new units with Bullseye, W231/HP38, HS6, WSF. YMMV