Brass Smith Powder Trickler Binding

lwestatbus · June 22, 2025, 09:43 PM

I've loaded about a thousand rounds of handgun ammunition using a Lyman Brass Smith powder trickler to add the last 0.3 to 0.1 grain of powder after dropping most of the load from a Lyman Powder Measure. Lately, though, the trickler has been binding horribly. I have needed to use one hand to steady the body while turning. If I turn counter clockwise the knob unscrews instead of rotating the shaft. I am using the same powders that have worked successfully in the past.

I've disassembled the tube, checked for any obstructions in the body or on the tube, and run a brass bore brush through the holes in the body but to no avail. When I use the trickler and disassemble it I don't find powder grains in the pass through holes in the body.

I don't think I should be lubricating this but maybe it needs some.

I really like my set up and would appreciate any experience that can get me past this issue.

Thanks.

Larry

GJeffB · June 22, 2025, 11:16 PM

Maybe try to dry lube with some powdered graphite?

-jb, dry and slick

**Unclenick** · June 27, 2025, 09:47 AM

Agree. I am going to guess the "attractive powder coat finish" in the channel has worn and may be galled. One option would be to measure the tube OD and run a chucking reamer a thousandth or two over that size through the holes in the body to confirm they are clear. Graphite can be abrasive on some surfaces, so I would probably spray a Q-tip with Blaster Dry Lube, which I have used on plastics and other resins extensively without issues (the powder coat is a resin), and, while it is still wet, run it in and out of the holes in the trickler's body to get them internally coated. This stuff is pretty slick, and I would expect it to work pretty well.

lwestatbus · June 28, 2025, 01:33 PM

I took this apart again and this time really reamed the holes in the body with a brass .38 cal bore brush and ran it back and forth several times. This did the trick.

nuchie11 · June 28, 2025, 01:49 PM

Your trickler’s threads or shaft are likely worn or misaligned, causing the knob to unscrew instead of turning smoothly. Since you’ve cleaned it, lubrication isn’t the fix, it can cause more grime buildup. Check for bent parts or damaged threads. Try tightening the knob fully, then back off gently to free it. If it still binds, a replacement part from Lyman is probably needed.

June 22, 2025, 09:43 PM	#1
lwestatbus Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Location: Cocoa Beach, FL Posts: 149	Brass Smith Powder Trickler Binding I've loaded about a thousand rounds of handgun ammunition using a Lyman Brass Smith powder trickler to add the last 0.3 to 0.1 grain of powder after dropping most of the load from a Lyman Powder Measure. Lately, though, the trickler has been binding horribly. I have needed to use one hand to steady the body while turning. If I turn counter clockwise the knob unscrews instead of rotating the shaft. I am using the same powders that have worked successfully in the past. I've disassembled the tube, checked for any obstructions in the body or on the tube, and run a brass bore brush through the holes in the body but to no avail. When I use the trickler and disassemble it I don't find powder grains in the pass through holes in the body. I don't think I should be lubricating this but maybe it needs some. I really like my set up and would appreciate any experience that can get me past this issue. Thanks. Larry

June 22, 2025, 11:16 PM	#2
GJeffB Member Join Date: February 26, 2009 Location: Southern Colorado Posts: 77	Maybe try to dry lube with some powdered graphite? -jb, dry and slick __________________ Spyros: People who talk little listen a lot. Which is why they're wise; it's harder to learn while talking

June 27, 2025, 09:47 AM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,743	Agree. I am going to guess the "attractive powder coat finish" in the channel has worn and may be galled. One option would be to measure the tube OD and run a chucking reamer a thousandth or two over that size through the holes in the body to confirm they are clear. Graphite can be abrasive on some surfaces, so I would probably spray a Q-tip with Blaster Dry Lube, which I have used on plastics and other resins extensively without issues (the powder coat is a resin), and, while it is still wet, run it in and out of the holes in the trickler's body to get them internally coated. This stuff is pretty slick, and I would expect it to work pretty well. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

June 28, 2025, 01:33 PM	#4
lwestatbus Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Location: Cocoa Beach, FL Posts: 149	Solved I took this apart again and this time really reamed the holes in the body with a brass .38 cal bore brush and ran it back and forth several times. This did the trick.

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June 28, 2025, 01:49 PM	#5
nuchie11 Member Join Date: July 18, 2019 Posts: 20	Your trickler’s threads or shaft are likely worn or misaligned, causing the knob to unscrew instead of turning smoothly. Since you’ve cleaned it, lubrication isn’t the fix, it can cause more grime buildup. Check for bent parts or damaged threads. Try tightening the knob fully, then back off gently to free it. If it still binds, a replacement part from Lyman is probably needed.