Question about using Hornady quick change powder die

[Paddy]

So, using the Hornady case activated powder setup is great. However changing between cases isn't as convenient as one would hope, because all cases are different in height. So I'm thinking the other day and wondering why they do it like they do. I'll try to explain.
The powder measure is clamped by the upper linkage block. This seems to be the main adjustment point for different height, along with the varying height funnels that fit in the lower die. Okay, now the lower die has the lower linkage clamp attached to it, and the way they machined it there's not really any adjustment here, except the whole die body into the press.

So, what I'm wondering is why they don't make the lower die so you can place the linkage clamp anywhere you want on it, that way once it's adjusted for that caliber you could swap the measure in seconds rather than minutes, without adjusting the cumbersome threaded upper part.

Did that make sense? Am I using the parts incorrectly?

Anyway my plan is to try it by machining the knurled part of the lower die off so the clamp can be placed lower along its body.

 

[BYJO4]

I bought a Quick Change Powder Die (about $25) for each caliber I load along with a pistol meter insert (about $10). I constantly change pistol calibers and with this set up, I can change powder measure in a matter of seconds with no adjustments.

 

[Paddy]

So how do you account for the different case heights?

 

[9mmepiphany]

This seems to be the main adjustment point for different height, along with the varying height funnels that fit in the lower die.

Nope the main adjustment is in the lower Quick Change Powder Die

...I'm wondering is why they don't make the lower die so you can place the linkage clamp anywhere you want on it

Because to move it up or down would interfere with the range of movement needed to activate the linkage

I bought a Quick Change Powder Die (about $25) for each caliber I load along with a pistol meter insert (about $10).

That is what I did for my most commonly loaded calibers (9mm & .38 SPL) also. It just takes a moment to detach the upper linkage and swap it onto the correct Powder Die.

So how do you account for the different case heights?

Am I using the parts incorrectly?

It sounds like you are using them incorrectly

The adjustment for differing case lengths is in the lower (Quick Change Powder) die.

You set it, by varying it's depth in the bushing, for the case length, so that you get the full throw of the drum, and lock it in. Then you detach the powder measure while leaving the adjustments set.

You switch the powder measure by unscrewing the large knurled nut (on the lower assembly), swing in arm off the shaft, unhook the spring, and lifting it off to be installed in the other preset Powder Die. If you don't have extra Powder Sleeves/PTX, you'll have to transfer that also before inserting the powder measure

 

[dwstone1227]

I have the same problem as Paddy. Can someone post pictures to help explain how to set up the Hornady powder drop to easily change from 9 mm to 38.

 

[burrhead]

^^^
Me too. I switch between 45ACP and 223. I can't visualize how just changing the lower die will keep me from having to readjust the linkage on the powder measure itself. Maybe I'm just extra dumb. I use the PTX for the 45 and, of course, don't for the 223.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I have the same problem as Paddy. Can someone post pictures to help explain how to set up the Hornady powder drop to easily change from 9 mm to 38.

Me too. I switch between 45ACP and 223. I can't visualize how just changing the lower die will keep me from having to readjust the linkage on the powder measure itself.

Pictures won't do you any good as you already have everything in front of you.

Since I don't have the lighting or audio equipment of Gavin Toobe, I can't really make a video, but I'll describe how I do it between my 9mm setting and my .38spl setting and you'll have to figure out how it is different than you're doing it.

1. Insert bushing into top platform
2. Loosely screw in Quick Change Powder Die (A) (Case Activated Lower Assembly)...leave the lock nut free to spin
3. Drop in Handgun Powder Measure Sleeve
4. Insert the Case Activated Powder Drop (B) ...with the powder measure attached
5. Attach Measure Link to large headed Locking Bolt and attach Return Spring between assemblies A & B
5. Insert empty 9mm case into shell plate and raise case into Powder Die
6. Screw the assembly into the press until Powder Measure Insert is rotated to the upper end of it's travel
7. Tighten Lock Ring and set screw

Now your powder measure is set to correctly activate for the 9mm case length

8. Without loosening the lock ring or unscrewing the lower assembly
9. Detach Return Spring
10. Loosen Locking Bolt and detach Measure Link
11. Lift out Case Activated Powder Drop and attached Powder Measure
12. Unscrew bushing attached to Quick Change Powder Die to remove Powder Sleeve

Repeat steps 1-7 with a separate Case Activated Lower Assembly using a .38Spl case.

That lower is now set to correctly activate for the .38Spl case length

To switch between dropping powder charges for 9mm and .38Spl
A. Repeat steps 8-12 above
B. Insert bushing holding Case Activated Lower Assembly previously set for .38Spl into press
C. Insert Powder Sleeve
D. Insert Case Activated Powder Drop Assembly
E. Attach Measure Link and tighten Locking Bolt
F. Attach Return Spring between A & B
G. Change Powder Measure Metering Insert if you're going to throw a different charge of powder

All Done

When switching between a pistol cartridge and a rifle cartridge, you'll have to change Powder Sleeves

 

[Paddy]

I think I need to buy a few powder dies and do some actual testing. I can see how if the upper clamp was in the right spot, the lower die could be set and forgot. Since I've been only using one I've been adjusting ît at the top clamp because, well, I'm not sure now.

 

[Blue68f100]

I have several of the powder cop dies for many calibers. The key to quick change is DO NOT USE THE PTX STOP TO FINE ADJ. If you adj this it effects all of your setups. So set the stop for max throw and be done with it. Adj the powder die as explained above.

 

[Paddy]

Ah, okay that is a good point. However i want to use ptx for one of the 4 calibers I load on this setup. So maybe I can adjust the ptx for that cal (45LC) and then the three rifle cals (300bo, 308, 223) can be adjusted to work from the ptx set point without moving it.

 

[BYJO4]

When using PTX expanders, you also need to use the PTX Powder Measure Stop ($8) which makes adjusting the case mouth flare easy. I have one set up for each caliber that I use a PTX on. Again, no adjusting when changing calibers.

 

[Blue68f100]

Ah, okay that is a good point. However i want to use ptx for one of the 4 calibers Ina of initially on this setup. So maybe I can adjust the ptx for that cal (45LC) and then the three rifle cals (300bo, 308, 223) can be adjusted to work from the ptx set point.

Correct. I use the PTX on 9mm and 45acp. Once the stop is adj all adj must be done on the die to preserve all the settings for quick change. Been doing this for 7+ yrs now, just works. I keep a spare powder die for miscellaneous calibers so I don't mess my high volume ones up. But if you change the PTX Stop you have to adj all your dies again. Not worth the trouble messing with the stop. Set it once and be done.