Lee Turret Press and Tall Cases

[Toblerra]

The powder [Unique] bridged in the die and dropped a light charge with a low impact. The next charge jostled the press enough that all grains in the die entered the case. Not the fault of the measure just showing that nothing is foolproof.

Got it, like I said I'll just remove the case after each charge and peek inside then put it back and proceed to seat the bullet, only takes an extra second or two. I use Win 231, 4.5 grains, definitely wouldn't want to double charge.

 

[cds43016]

With a small volume charge in a 357 case you still won't be able to see in there. I have a little mirror like a dentist or mechanic uses to see in there and check. That and a magnetic led strip. Usually I use powders that fill the case better but I have the mirror just in case. If the brass is clean enough inside it does help but it's still hard to see what's in there without the mirror. I attach the mirror with a magnet out of the way at an angle so I can see without stopping.

I tried that setup. I found on You Tube where someone used an inspection mirror and a magnetic pickup tool from Harbor Freight, joined them and mounted them as you described. The problem I had is that I could not get the angle right to see in the case. That person was using the classic version which is taller. This is similar to the approach I used with the Lee 1000 press. It worked fine and is basically what I'm looking for now. A quick glance before I set the bullet without any wasted motion. I think my problem is that my press is just too short. This prevents me from setting a mirror to the right angle where I can see into the case. I have mounted a LED strip and also use a LED book lamp so there is plenty of light but there is just not enough room.

 

[ageingstudent]

I tried that setup. I found on You Tube where someone used an inspection mirror and a magnetic pickup tool from Harbor Freight, joined them and mounted them as you described. The problem I had is that I could not get the angle right to see in the case. That person was using the classic version which is taller. This is similar to the approach I used with the Lee 1000 press. It worked fine and is basically what I'm looking for now. A quick glance before I set the bullet without any wasted motion. I think my problem is that my press is just too short. This prevents me from setting a mirror to the right angle where I can see into the case. I have mounted a LED strip and also use a LED book lamp so there is plenty of light but there is just not enough room.

Yeah I see what you mean. I have the classic turret. I wonder if you could use a small piece of highly polished stainless steel? The thin stuff like you get at the hobby shop might be bent in such a way as to give you the angle you need. Sort of a convex mirror affair. Just a thought.

 

[cds43016]

I think this the best I can do until I, when or if, get a classic press.

I took the inspection mirror and the pickup magnet I got from Harbor Freight, joined them and mounted the mirror on the side of the press. It swivels.

Although it would be better in a fixed position it works OK.

Although I have to take my hand from the press handle to position the mirror to look inside, I can be reaching with the other hand for a bullet at the same time I’m inspecting the powder. Not ideal but pretty quick. It’s much faster than moving the case from the shell holder to look inside.

Thank You all for the input.