What type of powder measure with my Lee Classic Turret Press

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ridgewalker

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So I wore out a Lee Autodisk last year after approximately 10,000 rounds. Then I switched to a Lee AutoDrum. But it leaks like a sieve for me. I load mostly 357 and 44 magnum shells. I use mostly AA No. 5 or 2 or 7 ( in that order.) I don’t load full power magnum loads. Mostly target loads.

One of my range buddies loads mostly AA No. 2 and he had to return 2 autodrums because they leaked so bad. I borrowed a different range buddy’s older autodrum and it handled my powders fine with no leaking. So the newer autodrums seem to have a leakage problem. Other than the leakage problem, I like the greater adjustability of the autodrum. I know I can work with the Autodisk though.

So is there any other choice to work with my Lee Classic Turret? I know you guys can give me some good advice.
 
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Short answer is yes.
BUT
If you want the powder to drop automatically, you will have to get the powder measure and kit to make this happen. If you are going to activate the power measure manually, no kit needed.

I’ve used my LCT with the Auto drum, auto disk and RCBS powder measure with kit the auto drop powder.

I got mine used from a Forum member. You can get these for less at any number of reloading suppliers.

Uniflow Powder Measure changes from charge to charge - RCBS

Case Activated Linkage Kit - RCBS
 
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What powder are you using that "leaks like a sieve" with your auto-drum?
Using AA#2 - which is about the finest grained ball powder I've tried, mine leaks just a tiny bit - like 3-4 grains per 100 throws.
If yours is leaking more than that I suspect something is wrong with it.
Have you contacted Lee about it yet? I haven't had to use it but I've heard their warranty service is excellent.
 
Bugkiller yes I had in mind automatic drop of powder as I go through the stages on my Turret press. That RCBS stuff looks good. I’ll study it. Looks like the drop and kit will cost more than the press. Is it a big improvement over the Lee powder measures?

BC38, My prefered powder has been AA No. 5 but I use some 2 and 7 occasionally. I also use some TiteGroup and others occasionally. Yes it leaks a lot. Definitely not right.
 
I would get Lee to repair or replace your Auto drum, before I would pay retail for new powder measure. The auto drum was not around when I got my used RCBS powder measure.
You can’t use Lee powder through die to deliver powder with RCBS powder measure. So if you want to use that feature, that’s another reason to try to get Lee auto drum working.
 
Like most Lee produces they need a lil TLC; did you follow the directions to cycly about a pound of powder thru them before use to burnish the plastic to plastic moving parts; It takes a little time but my 2 of them don;t leak even H110 or WW296
 
The Lee Autodrum is an outstanding powder drop and meters flake powder far more reliably than my much more expensive Lock and Load. However, they don't cut the thread deep enough for the drums so they leak when they cycle.

The key fix for the autodrum is to tighten it down until the drum binds just a bit as it cycles, then loosen until it doesn't bind or maybe does just the tiniest bit.

Mine was dumping powder with both Universal and HP-38 until I cranked it down then backed it out.
 
There is nothing wrong with the LEE auto drums.

"They" do not have a problem

Yours may have a problem.

E mail or call Lee and they will make it right.
 
dr. mordo said:
The Lee Autodrum is an outstanding powder drop and meters flake powder far more reliably than my much more expensive Lock and Load. However, they don't cut the thread deep enough for the drums so they leak when they cycle.

The key fix for the autodrum is to tighten it down until the drum binds just a bit as it cycles, then loosen until it doesn't bind or maybe does just the tiniest bit.

Mine was dumping powder with both Universal and HP-38 until I cranked it down then backed it out.
Click to expand...

I had the same problem - leaking badly with 231. I called LEE and gave the same adyice. No more problems.
 
Does your Autodisc have the teflon wiper on it? I bought mine in '09 & it had it but IIRC the wiper was a fairly recent upgrade.

10K rounds is nothing. I would be looking for something wrong if leakage is the problem.
 
I currently use the Lee Pro Auto-disc and while it's still working just fine (after a LOT more than 10,000 rounds) I don't have any objections to replacing it if there's any distinct advantage to the Autodrum. I don't mean to be hijacking the thread but was hoping I could hear of any real life advantages to the Autodrum over the Auto-disc. I'm also curious as to what went wrong with the OP's measure after only 10k rounds. I easily have way more than double that with no signs of any issues.
 
I have 5 Lee Pro Auto Disk and one Auto Drum that all work well with the powders I use.

I used the Auto Drum when I threw 2.3 grains of Clays or other powder drops that were less than the smallest auto disk cavity would drop reliably.

If using a very bulky powder like Trail Boss then drops of less than 4.0 grains may be a problem with the Pro Auto Disk
I use mostly Titegroup these days in 38/357 and Bullseye,Unique,2400 plus Trail Boss round out my 44cal powders.

The Lee Classic 4 hole turret press is a great inexpensive(subjective)reloading tool when paired with Lee 4 die sets,Lee Auto Disk,Lee Riser and Lee Safety Prime.

If you need to load more than 200-250 rounds per hour look elsewhere.
 
Thanks for all the comments and advice and experiences. This is what I am looking for. I’ll try again with the autodrum tightening then loosening abit.

I stopped using the autodisk because it was sticking on the telflon wiper leading to squib loads. I ‘ll try contacting Lee and see if they will fix or replace it.
 
I have been using the auto drum for a couple years now. The auto drum does not leak. I am using AA#2 and 5 and it meters very well, when it is dialed in it drop that amount time after time. if you are using new disks you may have to check to make sure the disks ride flat on the on the surface of the base if not sand the disk a little, make sure all the o ring are good and not twisted.
 
carpriver said:
I have been using the auto drum for a couple years now. The auto drum does not leak. I am using AA#2 and 5 and it meters very well, when it is dialed in it drop that amount time after time. if you are using new disks you may have to check to make sure the disks ride flat on the on the surface of the base if not sand the disk a little, make sure all the o ring are good and not twisted.
Click to expand...
I'm confused.
You started out talking about the AutoDRUM and then started talking about DISKS. :confused:
 
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