Hornady Case Activated Powder Measure Case Mouth Expander

[TXCOONDOG]

Need advice on expanders for pistol (38/357, 9/10mm, 44S/44 & 45 ACP) and straight wall rifle cartridges (450 BM & 45/70).

Hornady makes the PTX that is caliber specific which I would need at least four or five for the calibers mentioned above.

Does anyone make a universal expander for a Hornady case activated powder measure or am I better off using the caliber dedicated PTX?

[JimB..]

To my knowledge, no universal powder-thru expander. I have a hard time picturing what such a thing would look like given different case lengths and diameters.

[TXCOONDOG]

To my knowledge, no universal powder-thru expander. I have a hard time picturing what such a thing would look like given different case lengths and diameters.

It would have a taper (cone) if they did.

[kungfustyle]

You can buy sizes to fit calibers .358, 44, 445 ect https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012954744?pid=918821
The one that comes with the case activated is just to actuate the powder drop and is more of a funnel. RCBS makes pretty much the same thing. Another route is Lee's Auto Drum you can get the expanders for every caliber and they are only about $15, just a thought for you.

[OTShooter]

The way all powder-through expanders work precludes a "universal" expander. Each is made with a caliber-appropriate expansion and flare, and the dimensions are different enough, even between 9mm and .38/.357 that they aren't really going to work for the other caliber.

Amazon sells these parts for $16-23 each, other places like Titan Reloading and Midsouth Shooters Supply have 'em for around $11 each. I've found that they are definitely worth the extra few dollars.

Note that you do NOT use an expander with rifle calibers. The Case Activated Powder Drop includes 3 "powder sleeves", which are used with rifle calibers. I just reviewed the manual for the unit, and it's not terribly clear in print, but you use the shorter or longer sleeve instead of an expander, depending on how long your rifle cartridge is.

Here's the manual:
Powder Measure with CAPD Instructions

Note part numbers 17 and 18 on page 6; these are the powder sleeve used with rifle cartridges.

[justindad]

Does NOE or anybody else make custom expander sizes, for softer lead?

[OTShooter]

Here’s NOE’s expander plug page. I don’t know what dies these work with - not Hornady’s nor Dillon’s. Anyway, you can see their selection. These are “M-style” expanders; they open the case to the second number, and have a larger expansion section above that to provide a more stable “seat” for a bullet to ride in before seating, as in a progressive press.

[TXCOONDOG]

They work with Lee's Universal expander die body

[Half Dog]

Not an answer to your question but I bought an expander and concluded using the die at the previous station was better for me.

[JimB..]

I’ve used the powder funnels that the Mr. bullet feeder folks sell. They buy them from another company, the name escapes me at the moment.

[justindad]

Hornady makes a powder funnel & die. I can’t say enough good about that on a turret press.

[TXCOONDOG]

I ordered a 9mm, 357 and 10mm PTX. One of the guys at my gun range said that he stopped using Hornady's powder measure because it does not drop as consistent as Lee's auto drum.


I want at least .2-.3 grain accuracy, is that a reasonable expectation for a case activated measure? I know my Lyman Ideal throws within .2 accuracy, but that's a manual unit that I have total control of.

Forgot to mention that he also recommended an RCBS powder Lockout die too

[Rimfire McNutjob]

These people make PTX's for Hornady and Dillon I believe ...

https://photoescapeinc.com/shop/

https://lousgunwork.com/M-Neck-Expan...wder-Dies.html

[OTShooter]

Photoescape does indeed make PTXs for both.

[Ford SD]

I ordered a 9mm, 357 and 10mm PTX. One of the guys at my gun range said that he stopped using Hornady's powder measure because it does not drop as consistent as Lee's auto drum.


I want at least .2-.3 grain accuracy, is that a reasonable expectation for a case activated measure? I know my Lyman Ideal throws within .2 accuracy, but that's a manual unit that I have total control of.

Forgot to mention that he also recommended an RCBS powder Lockout die too

I have the Hornady Press and to get +- .1 to .2 grain accuracy I find I have to use a baffle ( I have several with different notches cut out ) for a ball powder a small notch is what I use , a stick or flake powder i use a bigger cut out.

In the powder thrower I find the small hornady throws the best for tiny charges
med rcbs small
for large charges 3006 etc Hornady large

[TXCOONDOG]

Using AA# 9, the Hornady LNL leaks powder and makes a mess.

[OTShooter]

Where is it leaking from, and when does it leak? I've literally never had my LnL measure leak powder.

[Carrier]

Using AA# 9, the Hornady LNL leaks powder and makes a mess.

I have three Hornady powder measures. Two on LNL presses, one on the bench. I’ve never had any leakage with Bullseye, Tightgroup, AA9 or anyother powder. I would be contacting Hornady.

[TXCOONDOG]

I have three Hornady powder measures. Two on LNL presses, one on the bench. I’ve never had any leakage with Bullseye, Tightgroup, AA9 or anyother powder. I would be contacting Hornady.

I did as soon as they opened, sent them a picture of the two areas leaking (between the rotor & housing), UPC and receipt and they are sending me another one under warranty.

[OTShooter]

Yeah, the way the LnL measure is designed there should never be any leakage around the rotor. I have to be careful when I change the rotor to get it lined up properly or it won't go in.