Lee Turret Indexing Issue; Help Please

[dmar]

I've been reloading on a regular Lee Turret press for almost a year now. Overall, I've been pretty happy with it, but have had some issues with it indexing properly.

During the course of owning this press, the indexing of the turret would get 'out of time,' and I would have to adjust it as described in the owners manual (wrench on index rod, rotate turret in to correct position...). This would fix the problem for a while, and I'd be back in business. A couple of times, I've had to replace the small, black plastic, square ratchet piece. So, the adjustment, or part replacement usually fixed the indexing issue.

But, it happened to me again last week, and I adjusted the indexing, and replaced the black plastic square ratchet piece, too. This did not fix the problem, and the plate will not even rotate now. When I lower the handle, the ratchet piece/index clamp just slides over the indexing rod. I replaced the square ratchet piece again, and it seemed to just 'strip' it again, and will not rotate the turret.

I'm thinking that I have turned the turret too much (the nut on top of the index rod) when adjusting the indexing, and it's really out of synch...? Does anyone have any ideas on how to properly diagnose/fix this issue? Does anyone know if the nut should be flush with the top of the index rod, or show any threads (if so, how many threads on top?)...?

I tried calling Lee customer service, but they either can't answer the phone, or do not have any techs available to help when I do get through. When I have gotten through, they have been very nice to talk to, but just not able to help. I did get a call back after hours one time, but was not available to answer the call; ugghhh...

I've been thinking about upgrading to a Dillon 650; maybe this problem is a sign... So, if anyone has a solution, I would really appreciate it; I'm running low on rounds!

 

[cptdco]

I have the same press and have been using it for years with generally good results. But I do have to monkey around with it once in a great while. If you've been doing all your adjusting by tightening the nut, try backing it off a turn or two (or more) which will lengthen the rod slightly. I recently replaced the plastic piece the plastic nut rides in. I ordered it directly from Lee and it might have ben $5 or $6. Its working fine now. Good luck.

 

[dmar]

I have the same press and have been using it for years with generally good results. But I do have to monkey around with it once in a great while. If you've been doing all your adjusting by tightening the nut, try backing it off a turn or two (or more) which will lengthen the rod slightly. I recently replaced the plastic piece the plastic nut rides in. I ordered it directly from Lee and it might have ben $5 or $6. Its working fine now. Good luck.

Thanks, I should order the housing that goes over the ratchet; maybe that will help... I have also wondered about using some locktite on the inex rod threads once it is adjusted properly.

 

[CJofWolfcreek]

These guys are awesome in helping with various Lee equipment. If you can't find something dealing with your issue, ask and they'll jump right in with advice and experience.

loadmastervideos.com :: Index

 

[Skip Sackett]

To me it sounds like you have another issue. One of lubrication. Have you ever lubricated the Die Plate? Aluminum can "gall" pretty bad when dry. If it were me, and I have done this, use a Teflon based lubricant. I use a "SuperLube" grease. Not much. A little oil would work too but is much harder to get to stay put and you don't want it running all over the press.

I have had my turret press for 3 or 4 years now and have never replaced the square ratchet. I probably need to now as it does rotate inconsistently from time to time. Not a big deal to reach up and give it a little help turning, in my opinion.

As far as going to an XL650, I have one of them too. You will never regret getting one, that's for sure. It can really crank out the ammunition. It is a little difficult to "work up loads" on but can be done. It is a great machine. If it were me, I'd keep the Lee for those short runs of 50 or less, or for those times when you are trying to tweak a load for better performance.

Just me though.

 

[Electraclyde]

I agree with Smith Crazy, it is probably a lubrication issue. The indexing rod needs lube as well as the outside surface of the die plate.
Have had my turret press for only about a year, but have found it to be very sensitive to lubrication. I also have an older Lyman turret that you index manually. I load batches of 100 rounds at a time and can do this just as fast as with the Lee. The Lee does require more "tweaking" or fussing with to keep it running.

 

[cptdco]

Hmmm...sounds like good advice. I think the next time I clean and lube mine I will try a teflon-based grese instead of oil. I agree it's lube-sensitive.

 

[marlin.357]

Is the turret dragging on the frame? Rod should be adjusted so that the turret indexes properly AND floats above the frame,

 

[shovelwrench]

Is the turret dragging on the frame? Rod should be adjusted so that the turret indexes properly AND floats above the frame,

This works well with the older style turrets, the four-hole I have won't "float", it relies more on proper lube. Before I went to a four hole, my three hole worked best adjusted like Marlin suggests.

 

[Swissman]

I can understand your pain!

dmar,

I bought a Turret a view years ago for a faster production than with my Rockchucker.
But very soon I got problems with the ratchet and his square plastic-pieces.
It is very dangerous if you had to look and check always the mechanic instead of
the realoading-process.
I complained about the Turret by Lee and they send me some replacing-parts.
But soon the parts are worn out too and I was very close to the point to toss that thing in the garbage.

But Swissdad's neighbour is a retired electric-engineer and Swissdad got a lathe. So we solve the problem.

The "on"-switch is placed under the handle.

The stepmotor is controlled by a E-box from Swissdad's neighbour.

The blue thingy is the stop-switch wich will be get the information from that square metalpiece.

The primercatcher is mounted with two magnet at the green bord.

The powder-feeding-detail

Click at the pic to see the video, "How that thing works" Loadingtime for the video is ca. 20 sec.




But I guess it's much easier to look for a Dillon and use the Turret as a single-station press or turn the die-plate by hand.

Swissman

 

[WILDCATT]

lee turret

hats quite a set up. I have two presses,one 4 hole one 3 hole. I use the 3 hole for pistol.the 4 for rifle.I have the lee auto disc powder measures set for one powder charge.and auto dump.with the 3 hole its auto with 4 hole its single stage.

 

[dmar]

Problem Solved...

So, I had some time to tinker today, and based on the feedback, I determined that it was indeed a lubrication issue... So, I applied some EEZOX to the turret plate, and it's a whole new rig; I'm back in business.

So, thank you to all that replied, I should have caught the solution, but did not until Smithcrazy pointed it out. As usual, I picked up a lot of useful info from everyone that replied, so thanks again.

Also, Swissman, that is one very cool set-up; nice work! At the very least, I'm going to borrow the primer-catcher design. Dmardad is also an epic fabricator/tinkerer, so I'll have to share this with him and see if he wants to try to trick my press out... He's not into reloading, but may get interested after seeing the Swissman's rig...

 

[Skip Sackett]

I work on industrial machinery, in the controls area. There are some special machines that use a little motor like that to orientate a spray can so it's nozzle can get put on correctly. They are called IMS motors and are made by Schnieder Electric. You can even program them for speed and such and all for about $200. Do a web search and it should turn up their web site.

Look in McMaster Carr, MSC or Grainger books and web sites. It does look like a really neat setup.

Glad you got it figured out!

 

[tomf52]

The nut on the top of the indexing rods may have lost it's "bite" (lack of tension against rod threads) from too much adjusting and thus will not hold true time. Timing was originally lost due to too much drag on the turret. Burrs, lack of lube? I have put thousands of rounds through my Lee Classic Cast Turret with no real problems at all. Inspect and clean and lube your turret(s). Then sstake the threads of the nut to the rod after getting it into proper position.