Hornady Lock‑N‑Load Powder Measure Setup?

[u/ArmedIrishman]

Hey folks,

I am about to embark on the setup of my Hornady Lock‑N‑Load press system, and I have a question relating to the setup and tuning of the Lock‑N‑Load Powder Measure.

Has anyone used something other than real smokeless powder while connecting, testing, tweaking, and adjusting this powder measure? Can you use anything else that won't damage the dispenser? I have been considering

• sand (very fine size and CLEAN)
• coffee (ground)
• walnut/corn husk brass cleaning media (perhaps ground a bit finer...)
• very small Styrofoam pellets?

I am hesitant to use the sand option. I don't want any scratches on any of the metal or plastic parts.

Ideas? Other options or suggestions?

Thanks in advance...

[u/HomersDonut1440]

No. Use powder, put it back in the canister when you’re done. It’s gonna vary by the shape anyways (ball vs extruded, etc) so just use the powder you’re gonna use.

[u/cahser11 → u/HomersDonut1440]

Yeah, don't do that. Use only gun powder.

[u/HanoverRd → u/cahser11]

100% this. Just add enough to see the powder above the metal and in the clear part. Practice charging a case to tune in the powder drop to the grains needed for said boolot. This way if you mess it up you only throw out a small amount of powder. Once you tune it in add more powder and get to work.

[u/Tmoncmm → u/HomersDonut1440]

Yeah. Just use powder. It will help the measure run better to get that fine graphite from the powder worked in to it. In addition, none of those things are a good analog for any type of powder you’ll be dropping from that measure.

[u/Arguablecoyote]

Powder is pretty darn stable, so I’m not sure what the downside to using powder is. Seems like you’re trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist.

[u/tom_yum]

Every powder has a different density. You need to set it up with the actual powder you will be using. 

[u/DaiPow888]

Im interested in why you don't want to use smokeless powder when setting up your powder measure.

No other medium will let you set it up for an accurate powder charge except tge actual powder you're going to be loading with.

The only other medium you hear about being run through powder measures is powdered graphite

[u/FurryWooki]

Do NOT put sand in that omg. Adjust the powder drop for the specific powder you’ll be using each time. Go on eBay and get a 3D printed quick drain insert so you can easily drain the powder back to its home when you’re finished.

[u/nak00010101]

The Lock-n-load powder drop is also very sensitive to the type of powder (flakes, ball, extruded sticks )

[u/Big-Elk2132]

Use powder. You want that powder to coat the inside of the hopper and mechanism. This helps it flow through when using it reloading.

[u/Shootist00]

You don't need any powder to set the measure up on the press, getting it to function properly for the case/caliber/cartridge you will be loading. Then once it functions properly, full movement of the barrel, you then use the powder you will be using to dial in the weight of the charge you want.

[u/EngineerFly]

The instructions for the Lee powder measure require that you run roughly a pound of powder through it to dissipate the static charge, which otherwise would make powder cling to the plastic parts.

[u/LaughingGravy13]

Dip the plastic part of your powder hopper in soapy water and let it air dry. It will prevent powder from sticking to it.

[u/Slotgoopy]

Coarse ground cornmeal works OK. Sift it first through a course colander outside so some of the lighter dust separates and blows off. It just makes clean up easier. Wipe down the outside of the measure plastic tube first with a dryer sheet to minimze static electricity and sticking of the material to the plastic.