My Lee Auto Drum Powder Measure Leaks Fine Powders

[@ericwiles2718]

I like the lee auto from as well. I have one for every caliber set I reload for. Using fine powders I had problems with inconsistent charges and powder leakage on both sides of drum especially around the linkage arm. If you look down into drum it will be obvious the places to polish so powder can't sit on those rough edges. A careful polish will make for more consistent charges. As for powder leakage. The drum needs to fit into the drum housing snuggly. The reason the powder leaks is because the drum is a little deep. You can't tighten the wing nut enough to snug it any tighter. I used my Dremel to take a little material evenly off the back side of the drum. Don't take to much or the drum won't slide smooth and easy. Worked for me. No more leaking powder.

[@stuartmarkman769]

According to Lee tech. You need to tighten the drum retaining screw tight enough to start binding when you pull the reloading press handle with a case in the press. Than loosen the retaining screw just enough to stop the binding. I had this problem with Vit.350 and Acc #7, which are real fine powders. I was also told to remove the drum and make real sure the inside of the area wheret he drum seats is real clean and free of any residue from the powder that leaked.

[@PengGarage]

I can confirm that coating the measure with Dry Graphite Lube stopped 95% of the spillage

[@kennethcarmack8031]

I was having trouble with spillage and inconsistency using win748. So I used dryer sheet and wiped everything down, then took a #2 pencil and colored the drum and the inside of the measure. Then u tighten the drum up to the tightest point that it will still operate. Also, I only run with around half a hopper. Thinking of trying a baffle next

[@michaelsanders4684]

I'm having the same problem with H110.

[@shooting22LR]

Same here.

[@michaelsanders4684]

@@shooting22LR For all of my fine powders I switch to the pro auto disk powder measure. Virtually no powder loss. It helps using the cc charge in grains chart that comes with it. Some cc volume data is available with lee dies and in the back of the lee loading manual. For larger capacity cartridges it may be necessary to divide the total charge by 2 or 3 pulls then trickle up to your precise charge.

[@gowah1]

Same problem with Lee Powder measure. Not the same one but is leaking from around the top, H335 .223 loads ? Just started I will keep you informed

[@michaelusmiani688]

I have the exact same problem. Mine does it with CFE pistol. Glad to see I'm not the only one...

[@wesjwaandrews7524]

HI CBP I'm 15 and started reloading about a year ago. I started watching fortunecookie45lc and bought a book then bought everything else at the beginning of this summer I bought a Lee pro 1000 and let me tell you what it is awesome I'm currently reloading 30-30, 223, 9mm, and 308. I reload the 9mm on the pro of course it would work really good for your 223 and 300 BLK. Just wanted to say your one of the first people I started watching and keep up the awesome work! PS I'm looking for more 9mm videos on casting just seeing what you could come up with. Thanks!

[@CountryBoyPrepper]

Wow! That is really awesome! I'm still basically using the same process for my 9mm except for two things I'm planning to change. I'm about to run out of Harbor Freight red and I'm going to replace it with Eastwood Ford Light Blue which is supposed to be even better. Also, I'm planning to try the Lee 6 cavity .356 125 gr. 9mm round nose mold. I think it will look more like a factory round than my current mold. FC45LC is a fantastic resource for casting and reloading. Be sure to check out elvis ammo, Johnny's Reloading Bench, and The Reloader Dude for more great info. Thanks for watching and be safe!

[@wesjwaandrews7524]

CountryBoyPrepper I've been watching all those people for a while now I've been outside working on making a sifter like yours how small is the chicken wire you used? I've got some regular old chicken wire but I think it's too big

[@CountryBoyPrepper]

I think it's 3/8 inch. The key to getting tons of range scrap lead is finding a berm that has tons of it. Be careful not to breath the dust. Be careful with lead in general. Lead poisoning is a very real thing. Melting and casting lead is another very hazardous thing. At your age it might not be something you should tackle. My oldest son, Luke, is 15 and I don't let him do anything with the melting range scrap. I've taught him to cast bullets but only with my supervision. I hope you have some adult supervision too.

[@wesjwaandrews7524]

CountryBoyPrepper We have a local range that is conservation ran so there is no supervision at the range but other than my dad having to buy primers and powder I dont have much supervision i understand you may automatically think my parents are the worst but i would like to think I have a small grasp of understanding of how dangerous it can be I know I'm 15 and my brain is not fully developed and I totally except and understand I'm NOT invincible I had my appendix taken out last week so I'm still taking it slow from that. To get to the point if I start casting I'll be doing it in an outdoor environment with glasses gloves and all the above and will be careful of the dust in the berms. I got off on a rant but the berms have been there for at least 30 years my dad has never shot there (he doesn't care to shoot but a clip and that's good for a year for him lol) we live on 150 acres so I'm hoping to build a Birm of my own eventually. Thank you for your reply and I hope this doesn't make you think I have bad parents this hobby I hope to somehow turn into a job one day somehow my grandpa bought me a lathe and is currently teaching me to use it so I could possibly make firing pins roll pins muzzle devices and much much more. Thank You!

[@CountryBoyPrepper]

I think it is awesome that you are passionate about this stuff. I fell in love with it at about 12. My parents were never "gun people" either. I can't do anything to stop you from doing anything, but I have to strongly caution you. Young people are more susceptible to the effects of lead poisoning. In other words, because you are still growing and developing physically, lead is more dangerous to you than it is to me. It can literally stunt the growth/development of your brain and cause to not be as intelligent as you otherwise would be. Not to mention the fact that molten lead is over 700 degrees... If your parents can not help you I would strongly suggest you seek out a local mentor to help you. The reloading community is very friendly, generous, and eager to help new reloaders. Ask around at your range or gun shop. When I first got in to reloading there were many people locally that offered to help me in any way they could. If you see someone walking around the range with a bucket picking up brass, go talk to them lol. I wish you all the best. Be safe. =)

[@louissippell1130]

I use the same powder and was having the same problem. Tried sanding the drum with 600 grit wet or dry sandpaper and put a new wiper in. Tightened the retainer thumb screw until the drum wouldn't return, and then loosened it until it did. AND IT STILL LEAKED! Called Lee and they sent me a new drum and I had to put it in 2 or 3 times and work it with powder but now the leakage is almost non existent! Before, it was leaking from and back and with a stream of powder coming out the back with each use. Now I'm real happy with it.

[@abee.s.corpus2455]

Having the same issue using A1680 and H110, both of which are really good powders for .300 Blackout.

[@nikitavisuals568]

I have the same problem with H110. No problems with Unique though.

[@paulflores5499]

I read some place that if using a "ball" type powder it won't do that, yet Hodgdon says the CFE IS a ball powder, yet it looks more flake to me. My next reloading is going to be done with Unique by Alliant to see if that works. They clam it's a flake tho, so I'll see. This is where I found my info:www.reddit.com/r/reloading/comments/2pxwgp/list_of_powders_their_physical_characteristics/

[@paulflores5499]

I've been having the same issue since day 1 with mine. I use CFE Pistol and gets all over. I lose about 5 grans+ per 1,000 rounds maybe, Just wish there was a quick fix for it.

[@daleswanson1784]

Same issue with CFE-223. I use a different Auto-drum with CFE Pistol and it doesn't leak nearly as much. CFE Pistol is also a fine powder, but not as fine as 223. I tried everything I can think of including polishing out a tiny pimple type high spot on the inside of the metal measure metering body. I've seen a number of other videos where others like Fortunecookie45lc has also tried to no avail to stop the fine powder leaking. Fine powders will leak a little from my Dillion powder measure also, but not this bad. I'm going to try using the Dillion horizontal slide bar to see if it helps. My Lee Perfect Powder Measure leaks this powder also but not as bad as the Auto Drum. If that doesn't work I'll have to take the measure off and hand pour it through the funnel installed on the powder thru die until CFE-223 is gone. Then I'll switch to a short grain cut extruded powder to see if I can use the Auto Drum for 223. Like I said, the Auto Drum I use for 9MM with CFE Pistol leaks a little but not like the mess with CFE-223. Unacceptable.

[@jakepashuta2093]

I just put together my Load master press and it came with the auto drum. I have an auto disc and it works great. I also use CFE 223 and I can't believe the leakage! I bet I lost a few rounds of powder already and I've only toyed with it for about an hour. May have to go back to the auto disc

[@XvREByrd3vX]

I coated my measure with dry graphite lube and it stopped

[@MrBambaboy]

Had the same problem with 1680. Lee sent me two more drums that had been sanded. It reduced the amount of leakage but not all of it. I purchased a Hornady measure and the problem went away. I still want to use the Auto Drum with powders that won't leak. Looking at Unique.

[@johnbunker5102]

Same problem with Accurate #2. So far, I haven't found a way to stop it.

[@T1374]

Mine leaks with CFE-223 and couldn't get it to stop, I even called Lee precision and they said tighten it a lot then relieve the nut till the drum stops dragging, that worked temporarily then it started again. I tied a zip loc baggie to it for now since powder isn't cheap. I'll buy a set of drums later and seen if it fixes the issue.

[@natewesselink]

Some of those super fine powders will leak out of the lee powder dispensers. I've seen a few fixes for it but since ive never used any of the fine powder ive never had to do any of em. All I use is flake and extruded powders anymore.

[@deutz450]

Having the same problem with Vectan SP2. Vectan SP2 is the finest stuff on earth, but it works so well with compensated handguns.

[@jeffgaulden5879]

Go to treetopflier’s channel for his powder stand. I have several of the auto drums and tried several different drums. He makes a bracket that you can use your standard dispenser with no leaking. I love mine and it takes the weight off the press rather than adding the dispenser to the press.

[@CountryBoyPrepper]

LOL! He already send me one for review. I've got a RCBS Uniflow on the way. Stay tuned!

[@dosvaskosfarms4643]

Hey CBP, I am a little late to comment, (same exact issue) I tried the whole sanding to "true" the surface...no go. I no longer try to stop the leaking and just try to run all that caliber /powder combination and clean up the mess. The odd thing, stick powders like IMR 3031 and 8208XBR. No leakage whatsoever and drop crazy accurate. Sorry, but no help from my end, other than to say fire up the compressor and blow everything down at the end of the day like I do...

[@jerzsubbie]

Having the same exact issue with H110. I've determined I'm leaking 2.98% based on what I was able to recover from the bench and paper covered floor during a test of 15rd. Going to try my Auto Disc since I can get a tighter seal with that one.

[@dougdavis958]

I have a couple of the same powder measure. I haven't experienced any leakage buy I haven't used that particular powder. I did see a video where it stated not to over torque the nut that holds the plastic parts together as leakage could result.

[@englishrupe01]

Yep, same as FortuneCookie45LC, i have one drum that seems to leak with fine powders. I changed the drum and now it works fine with everything. I agree, it's annoying but easily fixed.

[@DatNguyen-gi8pi]

I had the same issue, powder leak on the Lee Auto Drum, the one come Lee Classic Turret Kit.

[@Baldcurious]

Almost any powder measure will have problems with some powders. My Dillon leaks a little bit of powder. Nothing to be really concern about as long as loads are consistent.

[@johnknouse8846]

Mine leaks Accurate 7 like a mother! Which really really sucks because I love it for my 9mm. You can load a 115 grain billet really light and get almost zero recoil. I just hate having that fine powder all over my press, my bench, my floor, and my arms!

[@migraineme]

I read that some people tried replacement wipers from Lee. Also, some mentioned trying a different drum too. I'm having the same issue with leakage but my powder drops are too inconsistent to replay on it I can fix it.

[@migraineme]

Update: I clean every speck of powder inside the device. Wiped the wiper clean with a cotton swab. Measured the desired load I wanted from TiteGroup (3.2grns) from another powder measure an poured it into the drum space. Slowly turned to adjustment screw until the powder looked about flush with the drum body. Then emptied the powder, screwed the drum all back together. Added the hopper, poured in Titegroup, opened the hopper. Then, with one piece of 9mm brass with a primer; started to pull the lever completely down. Then let the brass cycle through all stations before weighting the powder. Then I just had to slowly turn the drum adjustment left or right to get it to increase or decrease the weight. Took about 15 minutes to get it right at my goal weight 3.2 grns. Making sure you have the turret cycle through every station seems to make sure the powder drops are consistent! For me, my Auto Drum is .1 +/- so either 3.1 to 3.3 grains with TiteGroup. Pretty damn good for a $40 powder measure. Hope this helps.

[@awesomerene6814]

There's a adjustable screw have you tried turning a quarter inch more tighter? If so maybe you should try using the same powder in the other powder measures to see if you have the same issue might be a manufacture defect

[@CountryBoyPrepper]

Yeah I've tightened it as much as I can but if I tighten it too much it won't move freely as it should.

[@MrGeoffois]

Just got my lee setup and the autodrum is leaking with Accurate 2. I guess I'll try some things then complain to Lee =/

[@oscar793]

Same problem with italian powder fiocchi frex green ...bad very bad it changes measure every 3-5 shell.

[@stodylee867]

I have the same issue with my Lee perfect powder measure. I get spillage with accurate #2 and hodgdon cfe. I do single stage reloading so my solution is to just catch the overflow in my powder tray then dump it into the case, it measures perfect with the overflow.

[@claycrumrine]

Mine leaks like crazy with h335. Lost about 8 grains within about 40 rounds of reloading...

[@adamvancamp327]

Mine leaks H110 and TiteGroup to the point that I have stopped using it and went back to the Auto Disk.

[@rodcatenacci205]

I'm having the same problem with Alliant Green Dot. Haven't used any other powders though. Good Luck Everyone

[@saltcreekammo]

Just got one for my breech lock pro. Leaks H335 like a sieve. Powder everywhere. What a shitty product.

[@kirkwest6654]

Any cures.. I use h110

[@deereater_actual]

I have this problem with every lee powder measure and sometimes mine leaks with some larger stick powders

[@TRprepper]

Lee makes great products I guess their tolerances are a little too loose for a really fine powder.

[@MerlinRPM]

Yeah I'm having the same problem with mine. Seems to be only the really fine powder.

[@PopsQuest]

$0.08 around is pretty epic brother that's awesome I'm sorry I can't help you on the powder I use a Hornady and of course the Dillon and they both do pretty good

[@lanceroppiyakuda]

I've had the same problem with my Auto Drum as well. using Alliant Pistol Power

[@JasonHaubruge]

Lance Roppiyakuda me too same set up and powder.

[@TheRedneckprepper]

does your s shake powder out of the case when the turret moves ?

[@CountryBoyPrepper]

No. I guess it could if I were filling near the top and running it very rough. Never happened yet though. It only moves one time with powder and no bullet.

[@TheRedneckprepper]

TY

[@bryco32]

Join the club. I have tried different drums and whole different units completely plus tons of graphite powder. Nothing kept it from happening with any of it.

[@nickjm37fordel1]

Have only one of the powder dispensers and I'm using different drums for the different loads. Never used this powder so sorry I can't be of much help :-( Try letting Lee know about that, maybe they can give you some suggestions !

[@thetexanoutdoors6670]

Just got my auto drum and it rains down Titegroup powdered like crazy. I’ve tried to tighten the drum but then it won’t cycle correctly. Crazy.

[@migraineme]

Mine leaks out TG a lot and doesn't give consistent weight either. Some mentioned replacing the wiper inside or even using a different drum.

[@PaulyDownUnder]

There's a couple of fixes worth trying from what i've seen on KZbin. Changing out the drum (black plastic conical shaped part), with another as you may find one that fits better with tighter tolerances. You can buy them in a set from most places. fortunecookie45lc talks about it in his videos. Secondly you can shave / file off a small amount 0.25mm (0.01") or so off the flat inside edge of the drum (black plastic conical shaped part) so the two surface (black plastic drum and powder measure) come together better leaving no room for powder to spill out. HardCase 999 talks about it in his videos.

[@chrishawley-r1k]

Lee turret press doesn’t stop where it is supposed to either. Junk for what you pay for it

[@jackmeholf5565]

I can't find any results for bullseye.

The devils cut! Lolz

[@jadmjt14]

Imagine my surprise first time I pulled my lever and got powder EVERYWHERE

[@iamspartacus7889]

I have the same issue using accurate 2 powder it gets everywhere!!

[@stuartmarkman769]

Update: I tried to do what Lee told me with 2400 powder and it rained powder all over the table. I don't like the results I am getting with this powder loader at all.

[@westtexasprepper]

Big Lee fan myself.

[@culpableabyss2241]

You should do a video reloading 300 blackout and why are you uploading at 3am I mean it's late

[@CountryBoyPrepper]

I'm working on a 300 blackout reloading vid. I hope to have it up by this weekend. Good night!

[@markbergo4051]

not if your work hours are 6 pm to 6 am

[@Thorsaxe777]

Fortunecookie45LC has experienced the same problem, He found the using a different drum solved it. I have an auto drum and mine seems to not leak, lucky I guess. Good luck. Dave

[@findalefinnie]

Nice!

[@thebaddest2562]

fortunecookie45lc has a video about useing different drums

[@chrishawley-r1k]

Just bought a Lee ultimate turret press and in my opinion it’s junk.

[@chrishawley-r1k]

I have only had it for a week and had to order multiple parts already for it breaking. Can someone tell me a better made press

[@KamranDil-j1o]

I don't care how many you have. I don't care how much the rounds cost you. The title of your video is "My Lee Auto Drum Powder Measure Leaks Fine Powders". Get to it! This was a 3 minute video which could have been accomplished in one. Some people just have to talk...

[@chevy6299]

Try this site for an answer; www.lee-loader.com/viewforum.php?f=20 Could be your wiper strip is bad. Lee will send you a new one for the cost of shipping.

[@airsoftwarlord281]

First

[@CountryBoyPrepper]

Impressive sir!