Hornady Lock N Load Automatic Powder Dispenser - Soda Straw Mod

On the soda straw modification for the Hornady Automatic Powder Dispenser, many reloaders have heard about it...Here are some possibilities that work very well to make the unit very reliable with difficult to dispense powders...

[@GrandPoppyA]

I finally got to use my dispenser last night and it was very frustrating. I was getting 1 out of 10 charges that were correct. I have heard of this straw fix and think you for making this video to show us how to do it. Even with slowing it down in the settings it still goes over by about half a grain. Thank you for posting this.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

gibsonvlog Have you programmed the even slower trickle? If not, please check out the video Video Book: Reloading 223 Remington Chapter 4 ... 1/2 way through the video, goes into powder charging - the part after the calibration goes into programming for 2 step slower trickle...give that a try if you haven't already. You might also use the soda straw with shallower Vs cut in the dispensing end to even slow down powder dropping even a bit more... this should get you running OK...as you see in my video...I'm getting a very high percentage of good charges...Best to ya for good reloadin'... Please get back to me if you're still not getting success...Otherwise, you could set the unit to throw just under the charge you want and then do a manual trickle to get the charge up to where you want...

[@doctari1061]

Brilliant. Thanks for that. Was never sure that ,aching could handle the Vihtavuori large stick powder so I stayed away from it. I need a very precise load and this straw trick now has me thinking seriously about getting one of these. Thanks for sharing.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Doc Tari - You still get the occasional overcharges, but one every 5 - 6 charges is acceptable for most shooters. But without the straw, you get more overcharges than good ones. Do you really need these automatic dispensers? - we've been dropping charges from our powder measures .5 gr light and then manually trickling up to what we want for so long. But I can see the day when eyestrain will be something to avoid, so I made my investment now. You will probably go the way of these things at some point yourself. Have a great day.

[@mmcilwain12347]

OK you're on to something there for sure Cookie. I did notice in the other video the kernels hanging on the threads (I'd call them threads) at the end of the tube and riding up, only to drop 2 or 3 at a time into the pan.The fix you apply here makes perfect sense. Well done!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Michael Mcilwain - Thanks for the good word. The soda straw trick has been around, but the extension modification is new information...Best Regards

[@smo-guiver8315]

I bought one of these used and got to use it for the first time yesterday to load some 45LC, also for the first time. Worked well after consulting YT for the calibration procedure. I'll make up the soda straw hack so it's ready whenever I need use a stick type powder.

[@WhatIsYourMalfunction]

Great trick! I am going to try it on my RCBS automatic dispenser. I had to "dump" several stick powder charges when working up a 7MM REM Mag load for a buddy's elk rifle recently. At the end of a powder charge,sometimes several extruded pieces of powder would suddenly drop. I am excited you came up with a solution! Many thanks sir!

[@anascottwelding1761]

Brilliant thanks mate I was just trying to make something similar to this and you have already solved the problem. I was almost second-guessing myself thinking that Hornady have already worked out the best method but obviously not. Shame on them, it's pretty simple logical fix

[@ChoppingtonOtter]

Great fix. Given how much these units cost, Hornady should be including a proper insert to address this common issue with these units.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Choppington Otter - The Hornady APD has some programming features that really slow down the trickle speed and sets the start of the trickle cycle where we want it - that and with the soda straw, running the charges is really slick - overcharges only happen like one out of fifty. Best to ya, FC

[@paulthorla9569]

Thanks for the mod. I have just got in my Hornady Auto Charge powder despenser and look forward to using it a lot. Keep up the great videos. Paul

[@ValcoBayrunner]

We fly tyers use a straw to put yarn in to tie egg fly pattern. A fly catalog charges $8 for a tube 😂. Great tip for this powder thrower, I have this model. Thank you FC45 !

[@e.kent.d9561]

Great job of advanced engineering on the product to upgrade it. I like it.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

E.Kent.D It sure does make it work better...Good reloadin' to ya...

[@trenthav]

if you hold the mode button until it reads 1.6 and change the speed to slow that helps a lot as well. what that does is has the trickle mode start earlier at 1.6 gr early vs .4 grains or something. aslo when it does overthrow i press enter and the weight scale stays on and i take some tweezers and take out the extra grain or two until it reads the desired weight. I even lift it and set it back down on it to confirm. I also make sure to always keep the cap on the powder hopper ive noticed that does make a difference. this idea is interesting. surprised the powder feeds down the straw since there is not threading in it. I love this autoloader bought mine for only $156 off midsouth shooters. it does take some time to learn it but once you do it really is fantastic.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

trenthav - I use the straw when I'm doing the extruded stick powders that give me overcharges. As you have pointed out, the higher level programming is a very nice feature to be able to access as needed. Good reloadin' to ya, FC Steve

[@ValcoBayrunner]

Wow, look at that antique H4831 can ☺️

[@slugmaster64]

Awesome video. I mentioned to you before that I was considering the rcbs charge master over this. However, you've sold me on this one. Many thanks!

[@brianalonso2545]

thank you . this worked great for me !!

[@JunkfoodZombieGuns]

Nice to see that mod working out for you and keeping the overcharge problem to a minimum. Best of luck! See you on the next one.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+JunkfoodZombie -- Just saw another video on the Hornady Auto Powder Dispenser that gave it a bad review - like it got a lot of overcharges and had to do a lot of fiddling to get it to be decent. But I haven't found that to be the case. What little fiddling is required, once done is good to go. Sure the RCBS has more memory functions, but I don't need that. I just need it to put out accurate charges in a good working time frame - and the Hornady does that. Great Holidays to ya, FC

[@gman77gas]

Nice, Thanks "Yoda".......may the force be with you and keep your powder dry pilgrim!

[@ClawSpike]

FortuneCookie, Your videos are pure gold. Another great tip. Thanks.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Brian Smith - Thank you for the good word...The straw trick is fairly well known, I've given some different ways to use it though. Best Regards....

[@lmomechtech7709]

Looks to be a really functional fix to overcharging with certain powders. Just from this, I can better control my SmartReloader powder dispenser. I adjusted speeds etc to control overcharge and got matters down to an occasional overage but i think this will fine tune the method in...Hey thanks, Steve!!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+LMO MechTech -- Sorry to have missed this comment of yours, Larry - when Google does not post comments in our inboxes, we are helpless to answer until we run into them at future times... I'm glad your yellow machine is working well. All us auto dispenser guys are either yellow, red or green or Lyman. ;) :) ;) Happy Holidays, Steve

[@lmomechtech7709]

+FortuneCookie45LC It is all good. I enjoy your vids and really think you help out quite a lot of shooters and reloaders out there. Keep up the fine work and keep your powder dry. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you and family. Stay safe.

[@4570Govt]

Hi FortuneCookie, just came across your channel recently, and found one of these dispensers listed locally. I'm getting started with reloading, and will be getting into casting/powdercoating as well, but first things first: equipment! I've got an APP press(deluxe kit) for decapping/depriming and some dies in my shopping cart with Midway, but have been weighing(pun intended) doing the "buy once, cry once" mentality with an auto dispenser compared to a manual thrower. A friend has mentioned that he can give me a rock chucker that he's no longer using, so I can press(me and my puns, oh my) that into service for most of the loading stages the since the APP will get stationed for primarily brass prep. Wondered if you had some thoughts on this potential setup I've got in mind. Starting with 9mm, 38 Special, 45ACP and maybe some 357. Rifle loads down the road, but for now, pistol calibers. cheers, Dan

[@barryd.thomassr.9156]

I Tip my Hat to you Sir! Very Good Fix!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Barry D. Thomas Sr. - If all the program features are used and overcharges still happen, the soda straw works nicely.... I have videos up on doing the program features also. Have a great day, FC

[@ecleveland1]

I see you've gone to the Dark Side of the Force.

[@flyod26]

WOW, That's really neat. I am definitely going to try this. It is 100% different than the soda straw method I learned about. My technique installed the straw on the out side of the pipe (eliminating the push out problem) but with no "V" cuts. That method, as I mentioned before was infective becuase after the first drop the straw effect was negated, and needed to be removed and reinstalled. This method seem like pure genius and I will try it very soon. As always great video FC45LC, Thanks for all that you do! (p.s. the light saber was cool)

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Patrick Floyd - "This is Red Five, I'm going in, I'm going in" EEeeeyooowww!! Chet-chet-chew!! Chetchet-chew!! "You have to feel the force, Luke" --where was I?? Oh yes, Good reloadin' to you, sir Patrick!!

[@flyod26]

FortuneCookie45LC And to you too sir!

[@iurii_gagarin]

good!

[@rwnelissen]

Damn, that works great, thank you so much, love your channel. keep up the great videos

[@foxancheros]

Awesome thank you for sharing and solving

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

foxancheros - The soda straw thing works well - Appreciate you taking the time to comment...Have a great day

[@lkrueger9494]

fc45lc- One of these Auto Loaders will be on my Wish List. I'll have to save some cash up for this baby. Love the soda straw solution and along with the enhancements. :-)

[@wyattlacey1]

As advertised! Wow! What type of mechanism does it use to push the powder? Archimedes Screw?

[@eugenecbell]

Gravity and vibration.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Why it? Wow!! Google did not post this in my inbox and it took me a year to run into it...There are some threads inside the tube that encourage the proder to head for the pan. Best Regards to ya, FC

[@doctari1061]

Where it says ,aching I meant "machine". All thumbs today.

[@arnomaas6452]

Thank you for the solution and demonstration FortuneCookie45LC ! I believe after your video that Hornady must retrofit its dispensers with that very simple and totally effective modification !

[@TheLademan]

If you use a straw from McDonald's milkshake then it's 100% Regards Carsten and thanks for some really good videos 🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

TheLademan - Thanks for your comments... That soda straw really helps the stick powders like 4831 along with the extended programming features of the Hornady Auto Powder Dispenser. Good reloadin' to ya, FC

[@Patmclean232]

Im probably going to pick one of these up this week. A local shop has them for $199! How do you like it so far?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Patmclean232 Going to be using it soon to load up some full magnum 357s. I wasn't going to video it, but it will be good to show the measure in action with H110 powder... Have a great day

[@Patmclean232]

Yeah actually thats one of the things i was going to use it for i have some h110 and some win 296 for my 357 i was going to use

[@deadhorse3389]

And now I know the real reason straws were banned in California

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

deadhorse - lol :) ;) :) -- FC Steve

[@varanidguy]

Do you have experience with the RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 as well? I'm left wondering if it's worth the extra money.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

varanidguy - All these units are made in China. Only difference is that our well known companies do require a higher quality standard that does raise the cost - that includes all the customer support and service provided to back up the product. Even RCBS knows their Chargemaster is over featured so they came out with their stripped down model to compete with the Hornady. If you are a tech guy, you’ll want the CM, because, as you say, it will be worth it to you. Obviously, for me - the Hornady is all I need. Been using now for four years with no complaints (there is a luck factor here of course). Nothing wrong with hand trickling - we did that for many years. Best of the 4th to you... FC Steve

[@varanidguy]

Indeed sir! I wound up ordering the Chargemaster Lite because it was slightly cheaper than the Hornady, and the Lite has many videos out there showing off accuracy - as well as written reviews. Ironically I work in IT, and see the extra features on the CM 1500 as a waste because they'll hardly ever, if ever, get utilized. Thank you for your response and always making very informative and great videos! Happy Independence Day!

[@MrKornhole]

Is this mod just for extruded powders, or can you leave it in the tube?

[@greybear73]

Good show. Do you have any fav recipes for 45LC RIFLE loads? What powder... What bullet type/wt ? Thanks

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

greybear73 - One of my favorite 45 Colt loads (for both handgun and rifle) is the 200 grain Lee 452 200 SWC and 8.5 grains of Unique. My next most used is the 255 grain Lee 452 255 RNFP (the frontier bullet) and 8 grains of Unique. These are accurate as well... Best to ya, FC

[@motoputz3201]

cool trick ...thanks FC45

[@Boogyman337]

Perfect

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Mike Lameyer - And that unit is very handy whenever we want convenient weighed powder charges...Good reloadin' to ya... FC

[@patriotforever8059]

R

[@stevelhamon2031]

Thank you

[@holdengr]

You were really making me want one of these until i checked cabelas (canada) $350..! Good video though. If I find a better price on one I may scoop it up.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

holdengr - $350 - ouch and ouch - really felt that one...Natchez has a great price on these units on sale - Got mine for $149...now Natchez is selling them for $179. That $300+ is list price. The RCBS is going for $290 or thereabouts - it does have more features (but I will very seldom use those). Good reloadin' to ya

[@DMHal01]

Holy shit I wished I thought of this!!!

[@SineMacula]

I'm going to try this, mine keeps going over.

[@vengenaceearly255]

So its been a couple years .. how do you like this modification ?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Vengenace Early - It's handy for the stick powders - not needed for other types...plus the Hornady Automatic Powder Dispenser has extended program modes that allow much less overcharges to be thrown... Best to ya, VE - FC Steve

[@vengenaceearly255]

Thanks again for the useful knowledge. I might be making the plunge and buying one.

[@bushed2743]

Get a RCBS Chargemaster Lite in the first place is the best solution. When you pay that kind of money you don't expect to be messing with soda straws.

[@skeet25s]

I've had more problems with that than I ever did with my hornady one. They both work better with the straw.

[@russellcarr5033]

I have good luck raising the front 1/4 inch

[@michaelking9462]

OK, I can see the basis behind this, but why does one have to mess with this? At the cost of the machine it seems that the manufacturer's should come up with a professional fix (are you listening Hornady & RCBS? Lyman has a fitting that goes on the output tube to fix this. It appears to work). When I purchase something, I want it to work, not have to Gerry rig something.

[@JosephDAndrea0121]

Most people just throw a charge .5 gr under what they want and trickle up.

[@charliehorse1967]

With straws being illegal in California, what are they supposed to do?

[@michaeledlin9995]

Leave Commyfornia and head west.

[@453421abcdefg12345]

Would it not be easier to cut the vees in the end of the dispensing spout on the machine, that way there would be no restriction inside the spout.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Englishman French - The problem is not with the free flow of powder - even with the soda straw installed, the machine can deliver lots of powder at speed - the trick is to hold back the powder when the machine wants to slow down to trickle at the endpoint of the charge. The Vs allow one or two big stick powder granules to drop into the pan when the machine is near the charge instead of having 4 or 5 drop to go over. And the soda straw does a fine job of that....Getting 5 good charges out of 6 with these difficult to meter extruded powders is OK performance and worth the money for the machine...Best to ya

[@453421abcdefg12345]

FortuneCookie45LC I can see that the flow could be overcome by the feed screw, but I have great difficulty measuring flake powder like Clays, it seems to be effected by static and stick to the measure, have you measured this with your plastic straw insert in place ? I was thinking more of reducing the plastic element in the delivery tube.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Englishman French The great news is that the soda straw is not needed with flake powders as they will run well through almost any powder measure or powder dispenser. So for your Clays, it would be a metal tube only. If necessary, you can destatic your plastic hoppers with the little anti-static sheets that are thrown into clothes dryers. These automatic powder dispensers are best used for loading for rifles with the extruded powders or for maximum loads for magnum pistols. Clays meters well for reloaders straight from powder measures without the need to weigh every charge once your measure is set. It's fortunate for us that the metal portions that do the actual powder measuring are not affected by static. If you are using a powder measure with a plastic measuring chamber, I'd advise you to get a different brand of powder measure. The only sticking from static should be to the side of our hoppers, and only a minor annoyance. Good reloadin' to you.

[@Doc.Holiday]

Sometimes my Hornady L&L dispenses a charge with a green light at say 41.5g. If I get distracted and don’t pick it up right away, occasionally I notice that after sitting the scale might read .2g less than the auto thrown charge. I haven’t tried checking the charges on another scale yet. Has anyone else experienced this?

[@bwspyder1]

Why did you go with hornady over rcbs or other brands?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

bwspyder1 Joyce Hornady has always made good products for reloaders. We can trust our major reloading brands like RCBS, Redding, Lyman, Hornady, Lee. The Hornady unit does all the features that I need and want and doesn't have anything that I would not use. Plus the cost of the unit was very attractive. Thanks for the good question...

[@bwspyder1]

Sounds like good reasoning! Looks like you got it working 100%. I'll have to employ the same ideas when I get one!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

bwspyder1 Thanks for your comments - always good to hear from you and Have a great day!!

[@btsantiago52]

I purchased the Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Powder Dispenser approximately a years and a half ago. Lately I been having issues with its functionality. The ENTER button is malfunctioning intermittently. When pressed during overcharged condition. It does not display the actual weight of the charge in the pan. The unit is basically stuck, requiring the unit be turned off thus loosing its setting. I called Hornady customer support for assistance. I was told to unplugged the unit's power supply for an extended period of time, then plug it in and turned the unit back on. I asked the “What if” question. I was told that there is nothing that can be done should the unit not work correctly after suggested steps. This answer is disheartening. I was told the unit it not repairable. True Hornady Lock-N-Load Automatic Powder Dispenser has a one year warranty. After a year, pray that it does not break because you bought a throw away unit. I have been reloading for over 20 years and have and will buy many reloading essentials; including another automatic powder measure. A hard lesson learned. I will not buy Hornady.

[@MrOffshore]

Great video, you gotta work on the focus...makes it hard to watch. Thanks for posting though!!

[@btsantiago52]

$200.+ unit will not function correctly. No worry, it can be fixed with a soda straw. Thanks FortuneCookie45LC

[@Choronzon39]

Apparently Hornady does not have the money or will to hire excellent engineers.

[@Choronzon39]

Narrow the end and make it smooth.

[@seamusmcbride2832]

Heh heh..."liberate"

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Seamus McBride - And that was done liberally... :) ;) :) Have a great Aussie day, FC

[@MrMalicious5]

Why didn't you just show people how to cut correctly from the get go?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

MrMalicious5 - You know how it is...we guys see something and most don't need or want any further instructions...it's a go... Best to ya, FC

[@garyforgette495]

Know what your doing and program the dispenser right and not have to buy a happy meal

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Gary Forgette - There is a separate video on the programing of the dispenser. I've used this for over 4 years now for most loading jobs and it has been working splendidly. Have a great Thanksgiving, Steve

[@davepuzz2241]

i did the same thing with a paper clip

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

+Dave Puzz - Haven't thought of using a paper clip...but the soda straw works well - nice to have options... Happy Holidays to ya, FC

[@btsantiago52]

Hornady Automatic Powder Dispenser is not a good unit. Spend the extra money and buy RCBS. You will be happier.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Bernie Santiago - No doubt you got a bad one...I've been using mine a lot for the past 5 + years trying to get the unit to break down...hasn't done it yet and maintains 1/10th grain light of my RCBS balance beam scale consistently. Now that we're talking about this, might be putting the whammy on my Hornady unit...we shall see... Happy Holidays to ya, Steve

[@303max3]

or you could just buy the lyman gen 6 and not need a straw!!