My First Squib - Lee Auto Disk Pro

[TAROMAN]

Had my first squib ever last week. First batch of .357 loads for my new (used) Model 681. Not a problem as I used my range rod to drive the bullet out of the forcing cone back into the base. Post mortem it appeared there were about 10 individual powder flakes stuck to the bullet base. That's all.

I recalled when loading these there was an instance when there was a delayed "sproingo" sound from the measure after the case was withdrawn from the expanding die.

Loading 38's today, was going slow and carefully checking each filled case. After about 20 rounds - sproingo again. No powder in that one.

Carefully inspecting the lever/linkage I could see nothing binding or amiss. I am not using the chain thingy, as this is on a Lee turret press.

So, I sprayed dry lube on all the moving parts and on the outside of the drop tube and continued. No more sproingos thus far.

Wondering if anyone else has experienced this, or has a sure cure. I don't need to be advised to buy blue, green, brown or some other equuipment, however..

 

[tbury]

Depending on the type of powder you use the autodisk can have problems. I understand that Unique does not meter well and I had problems with Varget (short stick) powder bridging the opening in the expander sleeve. This caused a short load in one round and an overload in the next. Fortunately the overload spilled out of the case and on to the bench which told me I had a problem. After that I gave the press a rap with a wooden mallet at the top of the powder stroke. Now I use an RCBS 1500 dispensing scale to weigh every charge, this is not a problem as I do not shoot competitively.

 

[TAROMAN]

Hmm. The first one was with Unique. Today Trail Boss. Thinking about this, it seems that the unit did not return to battery. I've loaded 10s of 1000s of loads with this setup. I do use Varget in my M1, but use a regular powder measure for rifle loads.

 

[Jellybean]

I had the same problem with 231. The disk was apparently not moving all the way back or forth, never did figure out which it was, and not dropping the powder. I used to do some fast shooting for demonstrations and almost had a disaster because of them. My cure was to strip the dies off the pro 1000 and throw the rest away. After that I still used a progressive, but all my fast shooting ammo was loaded on a single stage press.

 

[Electraclyde]

The disc is not returning to "battery". Mine has done this with WST powder. I simply loosen the retaining nuts/screws on the bottom by about a half turn and that eliminated the problem.

 

[cp1969]

I had the same problem with 231. The disk was apparently not moving all the way back or forth, never did figure out which it was, and not dropping the powder. I used to do some fast shooting for demonstrations and almost had a disaster because of them. My cure was to strip the dies off the pro 1000 and throw the rest away. After that I still used a progressive, but all my fast shooting ammo was loaded on a single stage press.

I hear you. That thought is always in the back of my mind when doing fast shooting. I know I couldn't stop fast enough to prevent a full load from following a squib.

There just isn't really any substitute for the quality control that having all the shells in a loading block at one time brings to the table.

 

[bluetopper]

On all my Lee disc hoppers I heat the tip of a long knife and cut the baffle out of the bottom of the hopper so the powder can fall directly in to the charge holes in the disc. It seems to help. I also have a Lee turret press, but I don't use it that way. I basically use it as a single stage and block all my charged brass and look at them.

 

[Rule3]

I have the Lee Auto Disc on the Lee Classic turret press. Mine has had no problems with any of the mentioned powders. I use a lot of HP 38. I have used Bullseye, Unique, 2400 and they all meter fine. The chart is a bit off on some powders so I need to usually go with a larger hole.

Try taking off the brass screws, and clean the discs and the area they slide on real well and then use some Silicone spray or Armor All type stuff. Could also be a weak spring, call Lee or send them a e mail. They are busy but very helpful.

EDIT:

I just loaded up 50 rds of 357 mag with 125 gr XTP's H-110 powder. While doing so I was watching the Powder measure. The only things I can see that would cause a problem are:

Dirty, powder clogged in the "runners where the discs go.

A weak spring or the little teflon gasket thing around the hole in the powder container is wore out.

Or perhaps the Phillips head screw that holds the lever. It may be too tight?

 

[Fishslayer]

Thanks for the heads up. I also use the auto disc on my Classic turret. I only load .45ACP & .357 and usually give things a spray down when I change calibers.

Been awhile so I went & checked the .45 setup that's in there. The actuating plunger was definitely sticking & binding from accumulated crud.

I have risers on both sets of dies so that part I guess misses out on the cleaning. Ran a case through it after cleaning & boy, what a difference. So I'll be removing the riser & be more thorough from now on.

The way I sit at my press I can (and do) actually watch the disc go back & forth. Mine also makes a distinct sound when it returns to "battery."

I've used it with Bullseye, Green Dot, 231 and 2400. No problems with any of them. And yes, my discs are also quite a bit off from the spreadsheet provided. I've bought the adjustable charge bar & for the life of me can't figure why Lee doesn't include one in the set.

 

[Titegroups]

I have had many duds with mine for the same reason, I think powders tend to leak and bind the disks up. Seems if I try to load fast it tends to do this, just have to keep and eye out for it, also careful to make sure they all fire when at the range. About my only complaint with the lee turret setup, if I take my time 125rds/hr. rate no problems.

 

[TAROMAN]

Thanks for everybody's input. I disassembled this unit for a careful inspection. There was a moderate amount of contamination in the teflon "raceway" that the disk slides in. Also the hopper feed lips were also somewhat contaminated. Cleaned all that well and sprayed with dry lube. The lever screw was good. There's a waverly washer in therre to set tension.

So, I put this down to intermittant failure to return fully to battery, where the next charge is picked up for dumping. Now clear why Lee lined the unit with teflon, something that apparently didn't do with the "base" model. Makes one wonder why they even have two versions of this simple device.

As an aside, I changed my setup so that I'm now looking directly at the slide when it cycles.

 

[Rule3]

Hope that fixes it for you. Did you also take apart the die and drop tube assembly and clean that? I do not know how many "miles" you have on the unit but about the only other thing would be the spring.