Lee Press Question - Binding

[RX8er]

All, I am waiting on my membership to be approved over on Loadmaster videos and thought I would post here to see if you have any input. The shell plate indexer binds just before advancing the shell plate the last little bit. I have tried lube and that does not help.

Here is a video showing what I am talking about.

[Jumping Frog]

Several things to check.

First, lube. I use just the slightest bit of lithium grease on the inner diameter circular hole on the shellplate. Also, just the slightest touch on the end of the indexing rod. Basically, I have a tiny dab on my finger and wipe a thin layer onto the metal. Don't overdo it -- more is not always better!

Second, the indexing rod has a slight bevel on one just side of it. As you look towards the press, that bevel should face to the right (towards the O.D. of the shellplate). If it is facing left, up, or down, you need to adjust the orientation.

Bevel:


Orientation to the right:


Third, check your carrier alignment. It looks good in the video, and rarely goes out of alignment, but review the manual and online Lee video on carrier alignment. Basically make sure the midpoint of the flipper on the indexing rod touches the slanted frame extension when the carrier is halfway raised.

Like this:


Fourth (and most likely), check the Indexing Rod length. The little Indexing Flipper screws in and out on the Indexing Rod, either shortening or lengthening the entire indexer length.

A shorter indexer really cams in and locks the shellplate forcefully. A longer indexer does not lock it as forcefully. There is detailed discussion of adjusting the indexer length here: http://forums.loadmastervideos.com/foru ... .php?t=489" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (look at my second post where I describe my solution).
And here: http://forums.loadmastervideos.com/foru ... .php?t=102" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

When I looked again at your video, your flipper is screwed all the way in. You probably need to loosen the flipper at least one full turn, maybe two or three, but read the threads above to understand how and why. Look at the number of threads shown on my indexer:


Finally, I wanted to use up some nickel brass this morning. (Since most people prefer purchasing brass cases and do not want to purchase nickel, I'll sell excess brass cases and keep any nickel cases I get and use them up.) These are bullets I cast for myself, lubed them and loaded them in my once-fired Winchester Ranger T-series nickel cases. Since I was taking pictures anyway . . .

Shiny!

[RX8er]

Sorry it took me so long to get back with you guys. The_Busy_Mom and I were in CHL class today. Yipeee, just that much closer...

Thank you for the feedback. Carrier alignment is good and the bevel was to the correct direction. I had lubed up everything based on my readings on the other forum. It seems that unscrewing the indexer 3 turns has resolved the issue. When I had it at two, it would still catch every 20 cycles or so. I'll give this a shot and see how it works.

Jump Frog, those are great looking bullets!!!! I polished up the nickel you sent me and it looks great. Do you have a write up on your bullet casting? What lube are you using? It looks like you have a brass or copper jacket? I am not planning to cast for the first couple thousand rounds but have already been reading up on it a bit.

Thanks again...

[Jumping Frog]

Do you have a write up on your bullet casting? What lube are you using?

Not really. I've learned a lot over at http://castboolits.gunloads.com/forum.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The LASC website has a cast bullet handbook online: http://www.lasc.us/castbulletnotes.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Those bullets are 200 gr LSWC cast using wheelweights with 1.5% tin added using an MP-mold (http://www.mp-molds.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). They are sized to .452 in a Star Sizer using Magma hard lube.

[ske1eter]

Thanks for the links to the Loadmaster forum as I didn't know one existed!

[Jumping Frog]

Thanks for the links to the Loadmaster forum as I didn't know one existed!

http://forums.loadmastervideos.com/forums/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yeah, it is a fun forum. I just don't have time to participate over there much any more. I joined that forum about two weeks after Darwin opened it four years ago and most of my posts are from back in that era.