New Lee powder measure

[twinhairdryers]

So I bought a new Lee powder measure tool (the red plastic with the pull handle. My old one works ok, but I replaced the center screw and it is loosy goosy and just cracked the powder housing, so thought I would replace. I know my original one must have been 10 years old, and when I would load a shell, there would always be about 5-15 single grains of powder that spilled out of some mystery hole. My NEW from the box powder kit drops what must be a tenth of a grain of powder out loose that doesn't get into the shell (from some mystery hole again). It is so bad, I am loading on a piece of paper so I can put the spilled powder back in. What adjustment does this need to not spill so much loose powder?? My repeatability of loads is still not too bad (0.1 grain or less), but loosing that much random spilled powder seems like something is very wrong. how do i adjust this thing? thanks!

 

[Tilos]

New with problems

If it were me I would try loosening the screw that holds it to the bench.
Then grab it by the part where the powder drops out vary firmly in your right hand and smash the plastic piece of crap against the bench.

Smash it over the piece of paper you were catching the mystery hole powder, that will keep most of the pieces together and easier to throw in the trash.

Just sayin'

Seriously ,do a search in the reloader forum, there is a lot of threads dealing with Lee Powder measures and their problems.
A powder measure is not a place to "cheap out" in reloading.
I have a Uni-flo that was "seasoned" by my father, actually I think it was my grandfather who "seasoned" it first.

Good info here: http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=512342

Tilos

 

[twofifty]

This may or may not have to do with the spillage you are experiencing, but did you 'season' the drum or rotor by first working a bunch of powder through it? The idea is that some of the residue on the powder will lube the wiper.

To speed up that process, remove all gunpowder then dump a bunch of powdered graphite in there, and work that through. The graphite does a quick job of lubing the mechanism, which may allow the wiper to seal better.
Work all the graphite out of the tool -leaving only residue- then try dispensing powder and see if it still leaks.

OR take the thing apart and carefully scrape/sand off any visible burrs.

 

[jfh]

twinhairdryers:

I suggest you PM a moderator and ask that you move this thread to the "reloading" forum. There, you will probably get a few more helpful answers, and possibly even another smartass comment that isn't helpful. (That's a hint about the need for civil commentary at THR in general, and on reloading subjects in particular, Tilos.)

I have a PPM and it doesn't leak like that--but I've barely used it and don't feel competent to give you more advanced help. twofifty gave you good general advice here, BTW.

Jim H.

 

[Tilos]

jfh:
Thanks for reading my post and all the help you've given the OP here.
Yup, I agree, in the reloading forum there is lots of good info about all the Lee Powder Measure problems.

 

[jfh]

well, thank you for the thank-you, Tilos. Flattery will get you everywhere--and I probably came off as a bit snarly as well.

Jim H.