I'm just getting started using my loadmaster, everything works great except the auto disk seems to be a bit hit or miss. Out of the 150 .357mag loads I've done, 10 had none or almost no powder 5 were more then a grain low and 5 were at least a grain too heavy if not more. First what can I do to ensure better accuracy through the auto disk (i'm using titegroup, I'd like something more forgiving but its what is available to me)? Secondly I do weigh all bullets before use if its more then a grain out I'm not using them. Is this an acceptable tolerance for powder measurement?
Reliability and accuracy of Lee Auto disk?
- Thread starter bscriver
- Start date
That's surprising, I've always known Titegroup to meter quite well... What I do with some powders that are notoriously "sticky" and unpredictable, is give the disk a good flick of the thumb before dropping the powder. This'll ensure you always get a maximum, but it might mean you have to drop down a cavity size.
Its been years since I've used mine, but I used to load a fair bit with 231, which is a flattened ball powder. It would get stick between the metering plate and the autodisc. What I would do is to slightly back off the base screws so that it wouldn't drag and get hung up. If they were snug, it would get jammed up.
I have the same problem with the adjustable charge bar. Seems to throw Titegroup at least a grain too low or sometimes nothing at all.
Switched to the disks and they seem to throw low too but at least they are consistantly low. The rubber gromett on the bottom of the powder container looks to be squashed on mine so maybe you have a similar problem.
Switched to the disks and they seem to throw low too but at least they are consistantly low. The rubber gromett on the bottom of the powder container looks to be squashed on mine so maybe you have a similar problem.
Also check to make sure the pivot arm that moves the disc fwd and back isnt getting hung up. I had one that would snag on occasion resulting in no powder charges. Ended up cleaning and polishing the contact surfaces so to remove any burr or bump. Also check the throat of the measure where it enters the charging die. They can easily snag there if not mounted in the vertical position. I had many a session with my 357's, a rod and my mallet before I solved the problem.
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I used to have some problems with my Lee autodisk until I went to their upgrade kit with the chain return. Before that, the return of the disk to battery depended upon the spring, and if there was any hangup I would get short charges. I don't think it is a flow problem.
If you want you can manually push down the powder measure after each charge to make sure it is back into position. I recommend the chain system to ensure reliability.
If you want you can manually push down the powder measure after each charge to make sure it is back into position. I recommend the chain system to ensure reliability.
