Popped my cherry, but I have questions.

[Alpha Mule]

My first attempt from my 'new' Lee Loader, actually looks OK.

 

I do have a query though (actually this'll turn into a few I suspect) of you more experienced 'Loaders:

 

I was working in the garage and the temperature was low - about 5~6c (roller doors don't keep in the heat very well).

In *some* instances: After I poured in the powder I tapped the wall then dropped in the head and tapped it down. When I removed the finished round, there was some powder on the outside. In one case so much that I'll only use it to make the rifle go bang (I'll start the hunt for a kinetic extractor soon).

 

I'm using Hornady cases that have only been fired once, from my rifle.

 

What would case this?

Condensation?

Incorrect alignment (pretty unlikely)

I fitted the primers as a batch run, so sat the cases in the extractor and then placed the large tube over the top. Do I need to make it more 'snug'? The end products are the correct length, btw.

I loaded another case with powder and then looked inside (no spillage this time) and found there looks to be plenty of room for the head (not excessive, but enough)

I'm using 37g of H414 with a Hornady 50g V-Max head, with CCI large rifle primers.

 

I've primed 20, but stopped filling at 10 as I'm not happy with the spillage.

 

I'll hose the tube out with brake cleaner to ensure there is no grease or muck in there, just to be sure, but I doubt this is the case.

I washed my hands before starting and defo wasn't sweaty.

 

As always: all info/advice gratefully received.

Edited March 6, 2016 by Alpha Mule

[r1steele]

Are you pouring the powder straight into the funnel/tapered end of the loader as is shown on the instruction booklet. If you are then don't bother, prime your brass as shown then remove the primed brass from the loader body and fill with powder using a proper funnel then place the loader tube back over the case and place the bullet in as per instructions. I'm over your way this afternoon evening if you want me to pop in and have a quick look for you. If you want me to just PM me your number.

[Underdog]

Get a proper funnel.

If your going to load at them temps don't have any heaters on as condensation will form.

Also, they are bullets, not heads :-)

[Bangbangman]

Static can make powder "stick" to surfaces, too.

 

Get a proper funnel, as above. Lee do a "universal" one that simplifies this.

 

As for the bullets=heads debate, it might seem petty but the "head" is the opposite end of the round from the bullet, hence "head stamp" (where the manufacturer's writing is.)

 

If "head" is used interchangeably with "bullet" then is case-head separation either:

 

A: the desired result of firing a rifle?

B: a result of dangerous over-pressure?

[Alpha Mule]

Oops! 'Bullets' it is.

I'll get that into my thick Head

R1, Ta for the offer, but I'm getting dragged out by SWMBO today.

I'll get my hands on a funnel.

I though it may be static or moisture, that was why I tapped the tube.

[onslow52]

If as much powder has spilt as you imply do not shoot the rounds. As a short charge of powder is just as dangerous as an over charge. It may cause a bigger explosion than you expect.

[kent]

As above under fill is as dangerous as over

In many cases more so. It can create a flash over detonation rather than a progressive burn. Pressure peaks in the chamber too soon and boom!

Edited March 6, 2016 by kent

[Underdog]

Especially with spherical or ball type powders as is h414.

As Kent say but also a retarded ignition can happen too where partial ignition pops the bullet out then flame goes out then reignites only now the bullet itself is an obstruction!.

Near full case capacity with ball powders chum.

[Alpha Mule]

My post that I will pull the bullets from that batch and start over, using a funnel, and some other bits about making a trickler has evaporated.

 

Thanks again for the advice gents.

[fizzbangwhallop]

A plastic funnel will drive you nuts with the static hanging onto kernels of powder.....invest in a Satern aluminium funnel.

 

Fizz

[steve_b_wales]

To remove 99% of static from your funnel, wipe it over with a tumble dryer sheet, then leave to 'air'. It does actually work!

[Dougy]

I would certainly recommend that you get some help and advice from an experienced loader, sooner rather than later.

Its not rocket science but it has its downfalls if you make a mistake.

[Livefast123]

I used to use the Lee plastic funnel with my loader, cheap and works. I'm not a fan of the powder through dies so still use the old funnel to fill my cases now and get zero spillage.

 

Get those powder charges checked and you'll be good to go.

[malantone]

I always put the primed case in the die and tap flush with plastic hammer, then pour powder in to die/ case then drop bullet into die, place die on deprimer base and drive bullet home with the rod and hammer, I have had powder spillage when the case wasn`t flush in the die, since I started tapping them in flush, no powder spillage and never had a primer go bang either, I do use a funnel to put powder in, never thought of charging the case before putting bullet in.

Edited March 6, 2016 by malantone

[Alpha Mule]

Kinetic puller is in the post.

Hornady funnel is in the post

 

[Underdog]

Kinetic puller is in the post.

Hornady funnel is in the post

 

 

That will make things much better mate :-) Edited March 7, 2016 by Underdog