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  #1  
Old 03-24-2011, 09:46 PM
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Default Using The Lee Classic Turret Press?

I am entering new, uncharted waters here. I've been fooling with my new fandango Lee Classic Turret Press, and want to pick your brain, if you are using one, or are familiar with it. I want to know about the discs provided with the Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure thingie. I want to load .38 Spcl, 148 Gr. Hollow Base Wadcutter, using .3.0 Gr of Bullseye. The way I read it, I need to use the small disc reading 32 opening. Am I in the right pew? Thanks.

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Old 03-24-2011, 10:09 PM
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I think you will need to use the .32 hole for 3.0 gr. of Bullseye. I use the Lee Turret and I always weigh the charge because the chart is not correct all the time. I also weigh after about every ten charges for safety. I use Win. 231 and find it dispenses very well.
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Old 03-24-2011, 10:13 PM
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Sorry, oldfella, but it's a little more involved than that...

The cavities are measured in cubic centimeters (cc), and range from 0.12 cc to 1.57 cc (if you also purchase the collection of Lee micro disks). The standard disks (non-microdisks) can also be doubled using the disk-doubler kit, which can be useful for loading the larger handgun cases and smaller rifle cases with one pull on the handle.

The Lee Powder Drop Charts are not very accurate for most powders. This is a safety measure, as the density of powders can vary considerably. The Lee chart is set up (as far as I can tell) to safely dispense the listed weight of powder when the powder is on the higher end of its allowable density. Since most lots of powder aren't close to this density, the cavities will usually weigh lighter than the chart indicates. This has caused innumerable beginning reloaders untold agony, but it shouldn't. Use the chart to find the cavity that's close to what you need/want, and then use your scale to find the cavity that gets you where you want to be. The actual cavity you want could well be one or two sizes larger than the listed cavity. Also, there may not be a cavity that gets you EXACTLY what you want, but chances are you'll be very close.

Some people recommend the Lee adjustable charge bar if you need an exact charge weight. Unfortunately, it's been my experience that the adjustable charge bar only dispenses reliably above about .60 cc.

My final recommendation is that you ensure the powder is allowed to settle in the reservoir before you start reloading. I've found that if I tap the reservoir several times after filling it with powder, then take four or five "practice" powder drops from the Pro Auto Disk (place the powder resulting from these practice drops back in the reservoir or the powder canister), and then cycle your brass through the sizing die before dropping your powder charge. This all helps jiggle the powder enough to ensure you are close to the "actual" powder drop weight. After you drop ten to twenty charges, it should settle down enough to be within plus-or-minus 0.1 gr. Some powders are better (spherical powders and the VihtaVuori extruded powders), and some are not-so-good (large flake powders). In other words, very similar to any fixed cavity powder measure...

This all sounds much more difficult that it is. I find my Pro Auto Disk measure combined with the Lee Classic Turret to be a very efficient system, and a nice alternative to a true progressive press.
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Old 03-24-2011, 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by pipeliner View Post
I think you will need to use the .32 hole for 3.0 gr. of Bullseye. I use the Lee Turret and I always weigh the charge because the chart is not correct all the time. I also weigh after about every ten charges for safety. I use Win. 231 and find it dispenses very well.
That's what I meant to say. Thanks, Pipeliner - And thanks to Rigway as well for your comments and recommendations. I most likely be needing all the advice I can get. If you are willing to share some of your knowledge with this oldfella, please email me: [email protected] - Thanks much.

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Old 03-24-2011, 11:16 PM
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I've been fooling with my new fandango Lee Classic Turret Press
thats allot nicer name then what I called mine when I first got it.

+1 for the above post, dead on.
You can also use the double disk set to have more accurate drops.
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Old 03-24-2011, 11:20 PM
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You are in the "ballpark" but as mentioned the powder lots vary and also temp and humidity will make it vary. Try the .32 disc and weigh several drops. It may be high or low. Chances are it will not be exact.. Turn the powder hopper off and put a empty case in and make several drops to empty the left over powder. Unscrew the hopper and either use the next larger or smaller disc hole. You may have to settle for 3.4 or something like that. Write the disc number down on your load data so if yo load the same bullet and charge, you will not have to fiddle with it. Always weigh a few charges. Some powders are pretty close, some are way off. Use the Lee Chart and make your own.

Page #2

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi-data...uct/AD2302.pdf
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Old 03-24-2011, 11:21 PM
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Thanks JC - I didn't like the Lee scale sent with the kit - I've just ordered the Dillon Eliminator scale.

Pete

Edit - Thanks, OCD1
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Old 03-24-2011, 11:24 PM
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Originally Posted by oldfella View Post
I didn't like the Lee scale sent with the kit - I've just ordered the Dillon Eliminator scale.
Pete
no one ever does lol.. good call on the big blue.
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Old 03-25-2011, 12:03 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OCD1 View Post
You are in the "ballpark" but as mentioned the powder lots vary and also temp and humidity will make it vary. Try the .32 disc and weigh several drops. It may be high or low. Chances are it will not be exact.. Turn the powder hopper off and put a empty case in and make several drops to empty the left over powder. Unscrew the hopper and either use the next larger or smaller disc hole. You may have to settle for 3.4 or something like that. Write the disc number down on your load data so if yo load the same bullet and charge, you will not have to fiddle with it. Always weigh a few charges. Some powders are pretty close, some are way off. Use the Lee Chart and make your own.

Page #2

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi-data...uct/AD2302.pdf
^^^^This. ALWAYS check your loads with a scale.

As you progress you will be wanting the adjustable charge bar. For $10 I don't know why it's not included in the kit.

You're gonna like your Lee Classic Turret. I know I do.
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Old 03-25-2011, 12:15 AM
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Hi Oldfella!

Here's my advice on your situation, worth slightly less than you'll pay for it. I used the Lee Disks for years, but have now upgraded all my Lee powder measures to the "Pro" style with the elastomer wiper. HUGE difference. No more jamming, better consistency, fewer headaches. If you don't notice that the disk stuck, you wind up with a squib load. With tiny charges of powder, that's a VERY bad thing.





I have seven or eight of them, so the upgrade was kind of a major thing for me, but it was worth every penny.
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Old 03-25-2011, 12:53 AM
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Default Techniques for the Auto Disk powder measure.

Ridgway has a great explanation. I find that I generally end up about two cavity sizes larger than the one recommended in the Lee tables. I always check weights with my scale several times as I am getting started and recheck perodically as I load a batch. I keep all my recipies on 3 x 5 file cards and file them in a card file box sorted and tabbed by caliber. I note the cavity number on each recipe card. Next time I load that same recipe I start with the cavity number noted on the card and check the weights as I get started.

You also need to develop a routine for shutting off the hopper and clearing the disk so you can change them with out making a mess. I shut off the hopper and repatedly charge and dump a primed case back into the hopper until nothing comes out. Then I can remove the hopper to change the disk with out spilling powder all over the place.
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Old 03-25-2011, 03:13 AM
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old feller;
You have been given excellent advice here. There is little to add.

I, too, am a champion of the Lee PRO Auto Disc measure. It is SO much less aggravating to use in general and I believe, also that it does a better job.

Dale53
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Old 03-25-2011, 09:30 AM
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Thanks fellers - I'll check on the Lee PRO Auto Disc measure. I'm making notes... keep'em comin'.

Pete
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Old 03-25-2011, 09:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by papajohn428 View Post
Hi Oldfella!

Here's my advice on your situation, worth slightly less than you'll pay for it. I used the Lee Disks for years, but have now upgraded all my Lee powder measures to the "Pro" style with the elastomer wiper. HUGE difference. No more jamming, better consistency, fewer headaches. If you don't notice that the disk stuck, you wind up with a squib load. With tiny charges of powder, that's a VERY bad thing.





I have seven or eight of them, so the upgrade was kind of a major thing for me, but it was worth every penny.

Apparently you do not like to change the powder hopper and discs.

That's a whole bunch of powder measures! Nice to see a sea of RED.
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Old 03-25-2011, 10:09 AM
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I am just getting started with this press, primer feed, powder measure(Pro), and 4 die pistol sets.
I am not real mechanically inclined and everything new at one time somewhat confused me. However, I finally just jumped in and installed the powder measure and it worked. Same with the primer feed. I very carefully aligned the bracket for that. Hardest part was realizing it just hung there!
I used Unique for my first couple of batches of reloads (45 ACP and 45 Colt.) I ended up using a disk about 3 sizes larger than recommended. Got variations in the charges and they seemed to get heavier as I progressed. Got some leakage too. Going back out the next day and looking over my setup I realized that I had my scale sitting on the bench right behind my press. Each time I processed a round the scale would jigger around a little, so my variation was probably due to the scale moving.
I have since bought some HP38 and it measured like a dream, with the exact disk recommended by the tables.
Still wanting to use Unique, I cleaned my measure out, puffed graphite over all moving surfaces, and worked the mechanism several times. I had also noticed that you need to be very careful in tightening the brass nuts--get them firmly tightened, but not excessively. Yesterday, I loaded 100 rounds of 45 ACP with Unique. I believe I used one disk higher than recommended. EVERY charge I weighed hit right on the nose. After dropping about 10 rounds without moving the measure I started loading. I weighed every one of the first five rounds, every fifth one for awhile, then every tenth one, and the last one. No variance.
The last piece of equipment I bought was the primer feed. I had read lots of negative about it. It is the junkiest, rinky dink thing I ever saw. Was careful lining up the bracket. In about 500 rounds it has NEVER failed to load a primer. And I love seating them on the press.
Everything about the system is working great now. I could build up a lot of speed if I could fumble the bullet into the case faster. I am old and slow, with a little arthur in my thumbs and fingers.
It WILL all come together.
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Old 03-25-2011, 11:22 AM
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The hurried you get the slower you go

Just settle on a nice even pace and you will find yourself getting faster as time goes on.

No matter how fast you go you still are going to get around 100 rounds or so per hour, plus or minus.
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Old 03-25-2011, 12:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OCD1 View Post
The hurried you get the slower you go
Excellent advice anytime OCD.
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Old 03-25-2011, 12:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OCD1 View Post
The hurried you get the slower you go
Truer words were never spoken!!!!! And there is a lot of other good info in this thread also.

I haven't upgraded to the "Pro" version of the Auto Disc yet, but most everything said applies to it too.

All I can add is that I wipe down the Auto Disc with a used drier sheet to eliminate static cling before each use, rub a #1 pencil on all surfaces that rub together whenever I take it apart and use a hand-held vibrator to settle the powder when I load the hopper. Once I get it throwing the charge weight I want, it stays consistant until the hopper is almost empty, but I don't load that much in one setting and I top off and check everything when I come back from a smoke break.

My sea of RED will never be as impressive as papajohn's because I only reload .35spl, .357mag and .45acp, but Red is definitely my favorite color.
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Old 03-25-2011, 12:45 PM
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I'm not particuliarly in a hurry, but I find myself with the case loaded with powder and setting at the seating die, then reaching over to get a bullet and fumbling it into the case. It just needs to become a habit to reach for the bullet while pushing the lever to charge the case. I can look at the powder level with the bullet in my hand, as without it!!
+1 on the wiping with the dryer sheet too.
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Old 03-25-2011, 12:50 PM
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papajohn, thanks for the pictures. I have seen several mentions about putting the turrets in the round die boxes but I had no idea what they were talking about, as I had never had one like that. I am using plastic coffee cans right now. I like it that you can put your other stuff particular to that caliber in with it, and you can stack them. However, the round die boxes look like the would do nicely.
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Old 03-25-2011, 01:03 PM
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Quote:
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Apparently you do not like to change the powder hopper and discs.
Yeah, I found that the more you remove and replace the plastic powder hoppers, the faster the screw holes wear out. Plus, I'm just kinda lazy that way. That photo was taken awhile back, I now have a few more die sets in turrets, each with a designated powder measure. That way I can change turrets in a few seconds, and be ready to load right from the git-go. The greatest thing (to me) about the Lee Turret press is never having to adjust dies unless you WANT to. So I have two or three die sets for 38 Special, one for 357, two for 40S&W, and three in 45ACP, all for different loads.

When a buddy gave up reloading to leave the country, I bought all his stuff, including duplicate die sets. I'm really not that much of a hoarder. Except when it comes to powder. I have some minor issues with powder hoarding..............




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Old 03-25-2011, 01:17 PM
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Quote:
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I could build up a lot of speed if I could fumble the bullet into the case faster.
If you put a little forward pressure on the handle at the top of the stroke after dropping the powder charge, the brass will be held steady while you place the bullet.

Also, if you have a digital scale, it is faster to put the primed case on the scale, hit the zero button, and then weigh the case after the powder has been dropped into it to get the powder weight.
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Old 03-25-2011, 01:27 PM
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I want to buy some extra disks and custom drill some out for some specific loads. That is about all I can add to this other than to second the adjustable charge bar is lousy at small amounts. I do grease the aluminum turret some but I’m not sure it’s doing anything. It makes me feel better about the aluminum on the other metal whatever it is. I think it’s some kind of zinc steel alloy.
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Old 03-25-2011, 03:23 PM
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Yeah, I found that the more you remove and replace the plastic powder hoppers, the faster the screw holes wear out. Plus, I'm just kinda lazy that way. That photo was taken awhile back, I now have a few more die sets in turrets, each with a designated powder measure. That way I can change turrets in a few seconds, and be ready to load right from the git-go. The greatest thing (to me) about the Lee Turret press is never having to adjust dies unless you WANT to. So I have two or three die sets for 38 Special, one for 357, two for 40S&W, and three in 45ACP, all for different loads.

When a buddy gave up reloading to leave the country, I bought all his stuff, including duplicate die sets. I'm really not that much of a hoarder. Except when it comes to powder. I have some minor issues with powder hoarding..............




Now I think I hate you even more.
I thought i was lazy buying a extra set of dies for 38 and another for 357 so I didn't have to adjust them.

How come your powder hoppers are square? Mine is round? I have one little square one that came with the micro dies or the charge bar, can't remember.
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Old 03-25-2011, 05:47 PM
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Almost all the tips and tricks I have for the Classic Turret/Auto Disk have already been mentioned here. I will add:

2400 was giving me fits for a while. I was dropping charges of 15-22 grains for my 357, 41 and 44 mags using the closest single cavity I could find. I was getting way too much variance between charges, and also found that the charge was much too sensitive to powder level in the hopper. Then I started using double disks. What I do is find a cavity that is a little under half of the total charge and stack it over one that is a little over half the total charge (slightly smaller cavity on top.) This arrangement meters larger charges much more consistently than a single large cavity, as there is no 'shelf' for the powder to catch on.

Last edited by drewjh; 03-25-2011 at 05:56 PM.
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Old 03-25-2011, 07:18 PM
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>>>This arrangement meters larger charges much more consistently than a single large cavity, as there is no 'shelf' for the powder to catch on.<<<

It is obvious that we have a THINKER in the crowd! Good for you! It is apparent that you have more than a few "mechanical skills". That is ALWAYS good to see in a fellow reloader.

Dale53
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Old 03-25-2011, 07:31 PM
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Not exactly answering your question but when I bought my Classic Turret a few years ago, I went with the pro Powder measure and the Adjustable Charge bar.
I have never used the discs and my measure throws very accurate. I always check every 15-20 rounds on my RCBS scale and I never need to readjust.
The Pro measure was recommended to me when I was trying to decide what to buy.
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Old 03-25-2011, 08:28 PM
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Now, if I may, I have a question. Apparently my new turret press is out of cycle, it does not index properly. I followed the directions on how to fix his issue for about an hour by adjusting the square index rod, if I continue I will surely damage the rod. Any one else here experienced this issue? Thanks.

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Old 03-25-2011, 08:53 PM
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Default Indexing issues on Lee Classic Turret Press

Don't adjust the rod. Hold the rod to keep it form rotating and turn the turret until it snaps into the proper detented position with one die directly on the axis of the ram. You won't damage the rod. What you can damage is a small black plastic square that goes in to the plastic clamp on the ram. I's called the Square Ratchet PN TF-3567. I have had this issue. I just orderd a Square Ratchet from Lee. it can be found on this page on the Lee web site in the photo just to the right of the index rod. Since they are cheap I ordered two in case I messed up another one. It is certainly a part that will wear faster than the basic press itself. Watch how it is oriented when you take it out so you won't put the new one in upside down.

Lee Precision: Reloading Presses

Last edited by 97thSignalman; 03-25-2011 at 09:01 PM.
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Old 03-25-2011, 09:06 PM
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Thanks for the fast come back, Signalman - I may have already damaged it, I'll inspect it and try your fix in the morning. Much appreciated.

Pete
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Old 03-25-2011, 11:10 PM
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Yes you adjust the rod if it does not index correctly.
Go to the Lee website and click on the video link for how to adjust the 4 hole turret press. There are also other videos for FAQ and adjustments.
Index rod adjustment
Lee Precision: Turret Press Help videos
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Old 03-26-2011, 08:59 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OCD1 View Post
Yes you adjust the rod if it does not index correctly.
Go to the Lee website and click on the video link for how to adjust the 4 hole turret press. There are also other videos for FAQ and adjustments.
Index rod adjustment
Lee Precision: Turret Press Help videos
I did that, several times.
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Old 03-26-2011, 09:48 AM
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It only takes a very slight turn(hardly know you turned it) with the adjustable wrench. I can never remember which way to turn, so I try it both ways.

Only had to do it maybe 2 times.

Maybe the plastic thing as Signalman mentioned is buggered up. The press should have come with one extra one. If not give Lee a call. They are hard to get on the phone. Call early, they are Central time.
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Old 03-26-2011, 10:10 AM
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Thanks, OCD - I'll check the square ratchet, I suspect it's messed-up already. I did turn the square index rod everywhicway, several times, and indexed the turret by hand holding the index rod to preventing from turning - nothing seems to work. I'll call Lee first thing Monday morning, if I don't have fixed before then.

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Old 03-26-2011, 10:28 AM
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With all parts in working order, the rod will always index to the right place. That doesn't mean that the turret will stop in the right place. To adjust, you hold the rod with a wrench and turn the turret to where it should be. Properly done, you are using the turret as a wrench to turn the nut on top of the index rod to the proper orientation. If you try to turn the rod itself you will round out the square hole in the ratched piece. Then you will have to replace the ratchet to get it working again.
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Old 03-26-2011, 11:01 AM
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I love the adjustable charge bar and I never use the discs anymore. I have been very satisfied with my classic turret press.
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Old 03-26-2011, 11:10 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 97thSignalman View Post
With all parts in working order, the rod will always index to the right place. That doesn't mean that the turret will stop in the right place. To adjust, you hold the rod with a wrench and turn the turret to where it should be. Properly done, you are using the turret as a wrench to turn the nut on top of the index rod to the proper orientation. If you try to turn the rod itself you will round out the square hole in the ratched piece. Then you will have to replace the ratchet to get it working again.
Yes, I followed the instructions to the letter, as I mentioned before, it simply will not index correctly - as I mentioned before.

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Old 03-26-2011, 06:37 PM
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Quote:
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Yes, I followed the instructions to the letter, as I mentioned before, it simply will not index correctly - as I mentioned before.

Pete
As I recall, there is a video in how to adjust the auto index on lee's websight somewhere.
Great press but Lee's attention to user instructions/documentation is misserable.
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Old 03-26-2011, 06:56 PM
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Quote:
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As I recall, there is a video in how to adjust the auto index on lee's websight somewhere.
Great press but Lee's attention to user instructions/documentation is misserable.
The video is different from the printed instructions. In the video they advocate removing the index rod and holding in a wrench or vice while you adjust the nut. That'll work OK but you will probably have to take the rod out and tweak it several times to get it right...no big deal. It's not like you will be doing this alot. By the way, the square nut on the index rod goes about 45 degrees to the square flats on the rod, so it looks like a diamond shape when it is properly oriented with the index rod square to the press.
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Old 03-26-2011, 07:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldfella View Post
Yes, I followed the instructions to the letter, as I mentioned before, it simply will not index correctly - as I mentioned before.

Pete
Recently, I ordered a new turret from Cabelas and it would not index properly. The other two turrets I had worked perfectly. Obviously, the turret was at fault. Cabelas sent me a new turret and I was back in business. Could it be the turret?
Chris
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Old 03-26-2011, 07:53 PM
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I will pray for you Lee reloaders, now and at the time the weapon fires.
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Old 03-26-2011, 07:54 PM
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Oldfella, When the index rod is removed, do the dies align with the ram correctly when you turn the turret by hand? There is a spring loaded ball bearing that "snaps" into a detent on the turret to align it. If the dies align okay without the index rod in place then the turret should be okay.
By the way, you should remove the index rod with the ram in the fully lowered position. When replacing the rod I usually look down into the hole where the rod goes to see which way the plastic index ratchet is oriented (I raise the ram slightly to let some light under it).
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Old 03-26-2011, 08:52 PM
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I've been doing some reading about this issue, a I believe it's the turret which needs some tweaking - but it could also be that in the process of trying to fix the problem, I may have damaged the square plastic ratchet. I'll check it out tomorrow. I also found a website that discusses this issue is some detail, and more - here it is: loadmastervideos.com :: Index

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Old 03-26-2011, 08:54 PM
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I neutered my Lee Turret Press to single-stage the day I bought it, because of the Indexing Problems. That was 30 years ago. Now I prime with a hand-priming tool, and load ammo in batches........300 necks flared/powder charges metered, then they all get inspected, then I seat and crimp. I can do 300 rounds an hour that way, starting with primed brass, which I do while at work or in front of the TV.

I don't really see any advantage to using the Auto-index.
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Old 03-26-2011, 09:02 PM
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Thanks Papajohn - I may have to do that as well.

Pete
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