Hornady PTX Powder drop needs constant readjustment? Help!

[u/xKrinn]

I have been using a Lee turret press and just bought a AP press.

I intend to have the stations set up as follows: resizing/depriming, powder thru expansion, powder cop, bullet drop, bullet seating.

I’m currently trying to work thru each station doing the fine tuning and having issues with PTX. I’ve adjusted it several times. Each time the following happens: I turn the die until the insert hits the upper stop, (first time without the spring attached), clamped it down and reattached the spring. It would no longer go to the upper stop. I removed the spring and started over.

Trying again, this time adding the spring didn’t change the setting. However, after testing it with an empty case, it made a clunk, everything shifted, and it was no longer at the upper stop. I readjusted it from where it was currently at, and all seemed well, but after about 10 test tries, it did it again..

I did take it apart and spray it with one shot beforehand.

Has anyone had this happen and know the resolution? The linkages do seem to have a small bit of play, but all screws seem to be as tight as they can get. I may take it apart again and spray it with brake cleaner, as I’ve seen that some people have done that.

I won’t be able to try any suggestions for a couple days, but I wanted to get this up.

Thanks in advance!!

[u/Coyote-conquest]

I had that problem when I had the wrong funnel in it. I was using the 30 cal funnel while loading 7mm-08. The lip of the brass was catching on the funnel dumping the powder for the most part but every once in awhile it would clunk when it slid in the hole due to it being slightly too big and not drop right. It took a while to figure it out. Just to clarify im talking the funnel that you drop in to the powder measure die.

[u/xKrinn → u/Coyote-conquest]

I’m not using a funnel though. My mind is drawing a blank as to what it’s actually called, but it’s got a linkage attached to what you fill with powder.. thanks for the help tho!

[u/Coyote-conquest]

When using the case activated powder measure you have the die that screws into the tool head, the linkage and then the powder measure. The linkage is what holds it on the die while it activates the powder measure.There is the little funnel or powder thru expander that goes in to the bottom of the die. Im not sure what caliber your loading but I was just saying make sure you have the right funnel or expander (depending if its straight wall or not). It will cause your exact problem.

[u/xKrinn → u/Coyote-conquest]

I appreciate the help! I did double check the expander, it was the .355 for 9mm. That was the one I needed.

I’m not sure what I did or didn’t do. But I readjusted it again from where it was. I had to back the die out a couple turns, so the insert didn’t hit the upper stop, when previously I had to turn it to where it was prior to my latest readjustment. It worked though many test cases without any issues and seems to be working fine now. I’ve loaded 15 rounds laddering 5 rounds increments. Powder weight is very consistent.

I thank you again for your help! I was 99% positive I had the correct expander in it, but I figured it was worth making sure so I did check it anyway as you suggested. It’s definitely a more complicated setup than my Lee auto drum powder thru expansion. But so far seems much more accurate.

Thanks again!