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Posted: 3/3/2021 1:27:58 AM EDT
Lee's new auto drum powder hopper is annoying because it's both small and doesn't have a lid so you can't dump test throws back in.  I just finished a bottle of fish oil from Costco, and the overall size and threads looked familiar. Sure enough, the new red Lee hopper adapter screwed right on nice and tight. It also fits the red adapter for the APP press, so you could use it for catching resized bullets or spend primers. I'm going to cut off the bottom and make a lid for it. Voila, a clear hopper with a lid that can hold a whole pound of powder. 
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Good idea! I just got my first auto-drum for my next d650 toolhead, I'll be using your mod idea to adjust and dump, you're right the closed top would be an obstacle in dialing in the charge. On another auto-drum note, I've been reading a lot about leaking with powders like 296 and 110, which is what my next setup will be using. Have you had any leaking? |
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Quoted: Good idea! I just got my first auto-drum for my next d650 toolhead, I'll be using your mod idea to adjust and dump, you're right the closed top would be an obstacle in dialing in the charge. On another auto-drum note, I've been reading a lot about leaking with powders like 296 and 110, which is what my next setup will be using. Have you had any leaking? I use an Autodrum, and the question of leaking comes up a lot. I've reloaded close to 500 9mm with True Blue in the past couple weeks, and I had zero leaks. I don't know how fine 296 or 110 are, but True Blue is very tiny spheres. I also use Win 231 and Power Pistol without virtually zero leakage. Here's the way to eliminate (or significantly reduce) leakage: (1) tighten down the knob a lot and (2) use the better inserts I've found there's probably some tolerance stack up at work where some drum inserts are "leaky" whereas others are a great fit. I marked all my drum inserts, and I only use the ones that can be a bit leaky with bulkier powders. You really need to tighten the drum assembly significantly, which is going to be more than you'd think at first. I use a 3D printed knob that gives me a lot more leverage, because the factory knob with the little prongs is a PITA to tighten. I tighten down my assembly to the point it's too tight to actuate, and then I back off to just where it will actuate and then a tiny bit more. This means my Autodrum operates fine but provides the best seal possible. Also, check your drums for any flash. A little ultra fine wet/dry sandpaper can work wonders. |
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After a bit more reading, it looks like those threads are 53-400, and the bottle is a '750cc Clear PET Packer Bottle'. Didn't have any luck finding small quantities that would make sense after shipping. https://www.berlinpackaging.com/3369b13clr-25-oz-clear-pet-plastic-wide-mouth-packer-bottles-white-screw-top-cap/ |
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Not $1.50 a piece, but reasonable. https://www.amazon.com/Packer-Bottles-Ribbed-supplements-capsules/dp/B07J5GWC28 |
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