Question on Redding BR-30 Powder Measure Micrometer

G

G. Freeman

New member
Hello Guys,

Just purchased the above powder measure. It's my first powder measure with a micrometer.

I'm at a loss as to how to operate the micrometer. I have loosened the knurled micrometer lock screw (not the set screw that holds the micrometer snugly in the drum), and I still am unable to operate the micrometer. The dial doesn't want to turn.

I have completely disassembled/inspected, degreased, then reassembled the unit.

Am I missing something? Is the micrometer really that tight to operate? I'd really appreciate your input. I don't want to damage such a fine piece of machinery.

The instructions in the box are not clear.

Thanks in advance!
 
The metering micrometer should turn easily once the knurled lock screw is loosened. When you remove the metering micrometer unit from the measure, does it operate easily? You should be able to hold the body of the micrometer unit in one hand and turn the knob in the other, through the full travel of the micrometer cup. Does the bore in the drum look OK? The micrometer unit is a snug fit in the drum, but it should enter easily and operate through the full range. Try it with the drum removed from the measure. When the measure is assembled, is the micrometer unit installed correctly, with the knurled lock screw in the small hole on the left side of the micrometer unit? I usually start with both the knurled lock screw and the set screw backed well out. I then insert the micrometer unit into the drum and carefully turn in the knurled lock screw while slowly moving the micrometer unit until the lock screw "finds" the hole in the unit. Once that's aligned, I then snug up the set screw. You don't need to tighten either screw much, just enough to hold the micrometer in place. Is this a new or used measure?
 
http://redding-reloading.com/online-catalog/41-competition-model-br-30-powder-measure

I do not have the Redding, I do have the Hollywood and Uniflow from RCBS. I have 4 Uniflows because I have three progressive presses from RCBS, and then all of the uniflows have both drums.

Micro-adjust: All of my powder measures are micro-adjust, I use a height gage when measuring the protrusion of the adjuster. I also have Herter powder measures, some of the Herter powder measures use a collet with a sliding stem. same thing, I use the height gage.

I would suggest you remove the drum and then install the micro adjust unit, and then turn the thimble to determine if anything is moving on the opposite side.

F. Guffey
 
Thanks Gentlemen for the thoughtful responses. The powder measure is brand-new and in perfect condition. No amount of hand turning could unscrew the micrometer adjustment. I called Redding. The tech guy walked me thought the process and still no go--he was willing to take a look at it if I mailed them the micrometer.

After the call, I went ahead and mounted one end of the meter on a padded vise and used my canvas construction gloves on my right hand as I unscrewed the micrometer. That did the trick! It now moves freely.

Thanks again for your help. Just wanted to make sure I didn't damage such a fine machinery.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top