Hornady auto powder scale

[brodey]

I just bought the hornady auto powder scale, and it consistently over throws the
amount that I put in. For the amount that I paid for it I think it is unexceptable and
rediculous! Does anyone have this scale? Do you have the same problems? I was
loading REM 223 using IMR 4064 and it seemed like the trickler just wasnt working right.

 

[jonbearman]

How long did you let it warm up? Did you use the check weights before putting in the charge weight? If I let mine warm up for a half hour and go through the test with the check weights ,it hardly ever overthrows a charge on the fast mode. Yes the trickler is really slow but I leave it on automatic so its weighing while I am seating the bullets etc.

 

[artbosco]

I just bought the hornady auto powder scale, and it consistently over throws the
amount that I put in. For the amount that I paid for it I think it is unexceptable and
rediculous! Does anyone have this scale? Do you have the same problems? I was
loading REM 223 using IMR 4064 and it seemed like the trickler just wasnt working right.

If you had an RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Combo, I'd say call the programming guru for that piece of equipment and he'd walk you through the process for preventing 99% of the overthrows, like he did with me. However, since you don't have the 1500, you might call Hornady and ask if they have a similar guru who can help you with your problem. I've always [and I repeat, always] found the manufacturer is the best one to solve this type of problem. In fact, they've probably got a written script for the solution in the hands of their customer service reps already. If they don't, ask for the design engineer. Call them.

 

[tonedaddy]

I have the Hornady and out of 100 rounds it might go over 2 times, try changing the speed depending on the size of the powder grains.

 

[gaboon]

I have the chargemaster. I found that if I fill the hopper 1/4 to 1/2 full it cuts out a lot of over charges.

 

[kraky]

Study your manual...there is a way to fine tuneitby reprograming at start up. I had the same problem till I found this out. You can fine tunes beyond the three speeds on the keyboard.

 

[Dino]

Been using that scale for over a yr now. There are several modifications and programming changes you can make.
1. Insert a small (1/4 - 3/8") section of soda straw into end of dispensing tube. This helps with the final trickle, it's less likely to fall in clumps and over charge.
2. Put magnetic line conditioners on the power cord, it seams to help with the scale drifting.
3. As previously mentioned, keep the powder container at least 1/3rd full.
4. There is a setting you can make that changes when the machine starts the final trickle. I am not sitting in front of the unit so going from memory. I think you push and hold the mode button a .2 will display push the button again and .4 it goes to .8.

I used some 4064 before I made these changes, and it was over charging way more than not. Haven't used 4064 since.

 

[Lapua40X]

My Hornady over throws a load once in a while, but it often depends on the powder I'm loading. Stick powders are more likely to contribute to that issue than ball powders.
When I load stick powder in set the load rate to slow. With stick powder I have also, on occasion, set my load data about .1 - .2 grains lower than I want and use the trickler control to obtain the precise weight I need.
Other than that minor periodic issue, I really like the Hornady machine very much. In my experience, None of the auto powder loading machines work perfectly all the time with every type of powder.

 

[MK 19]

As the other guys have said it all depends on the powder your using, slow her down and you'll have far fewer overloads, plus make sure you let her warm up and you'll be good.

I don't worry about the speed and I usually run her on slow -8 for stick powder like IMR4831, she is still faster then I am at seating the next bullet and giving the case one last wipe down

 

[dabibbee]

I have had the same issue when I first bought mine a couple years ago. I called Hornady's and their Customer Service sent me via email some advanced programming procedures to follow. I have not had any issues with it since that time. Works fast and accurate to .1 grain, over, never short.

 

[jsthntn247]

Stick a McDonalds straw all the way through the powder tube through the powder hopper until it dead ends at the back. Take a magic marker and mark the straw right where it enters the powder hopper. Pull the straw out and cut a small v in the straw about the size of a small flat head screwdriver width. Insert the straw back in and you will cut overthrows to 0. The problem is the amount of powder entering the tube that causes it to clump and overthrow.

 

[CaptainMal]

Jsthuntin said it right. Some powders clump at the end and dump a bunch at once.

Slow down to the slowest rate, try the straw and/or set the scale to throw a tiny bit under if it is consistently over. I have to do that with some powders I use in my Hornady.