[Redhat]

Well I got the Lee Classic turret set up. Equipment includes:

Pro Auto Disk Measure w/ riser
Lever Prime System (White and Black)
4 die 45ACP set
RCBS 505 Scale

Speer TMJ 230 gr bullets
Winchester Brass
CCI 300 Primers
WW 231 Powder

First, all i want is to load ball at near factory specs (830 fps) for target shooting

Questions:

I can't find in any of my instructions, which LPS to use for the 45ACP, the white or black?

Which primer arm am I supposed to use?

If anyone can answer that I'd really appreciate it.

By the way, the load data is from the speer manual.

Thanks

Redhat

[Arkie]

Well Congrats to stepping up and reloading your own.

First of all,,, use the White LPS. That's the one for the Large Primers.

The Black one is for the small primers, like 9mm, 380, and so on.

You can also go here and see if it's setup like this.

Click Here. (http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/1245.pdf)

[Redhat]

Thanks

That's the same instruction book I have. I just wasn't sure if the 45ACP used large primers or small. My Speer book only said CCI 300.

I have the ABCs of Reloading on the way as well as the Lee Precision book.

Right now I'm just looking for a basic 230gr FMJ load to go shoot. Unfortunately, the Speer manual only promotes RCBS stuff. Hopefully the Lee book will explain their equipment better than their instructions, for "Jeeps" like me.

[The Bushmaster]

Redhat...Watch for some .45 ACP NT brass by Winchester and Federal. They use the small Pistol primers. Very obvious when you look at the case head...

[Redhat]

Thanks,

For now I just picked up a 100 rd pack of new Winchester Brass

[SSN Vet]

Hopefully the Lee book will explain their equipment better than their instructions

Mostly repeats the same guidance as the instructions that come with the equipment, but do stand by to read a bit of "un-abashed Lee chearleading for Lee" :rolleyes:

O.K....Richard Lee will forever be ten times the shooter, reloader and inventor that I am. Can't fault the man for being proud of his accomplishments.

The load data is great! Most all suitable powders and bullets are tabulated with fastest velocity loads at the top. Powder charges are listed by weight as well as volume (using each powders specific density and packing), which will help getting your auto-disk set up.

[Redhat]

SSN Vet,

I don't care if he advertises his stuff, the Speer manual I bought does that too except all they talk about is RCBS which is okay, but doesn't help me at all.

Hopefully the Lee book will go in to detail on the gear I have!

[TEDDY]

IF I MAY BE SO BOLD BUT YOU SOUND LIKE YOU DO NOT HAVE A CLUE ABOUT RELOADING. I'M GLAD YOU ARE TRYING AN WELCOME.GET SOME CATALOGES.YOU WILL LEARN FROM LOOKING DO NOT TRY TO LOAD HEAVY AT FIRST.LEARN TO LOAD GOOD RDS FIRST.READ ALL YOU CAN.KEEP ALERT.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK WHILE RELOADING.WASH YOUR HANDS BE FORE EATIN.
ITS BEEN 65 YRS SINCE I STARTED.YOU WILL LEARN AS YOU GO ALONG AND THESE POSTS WILL GLADLY HELP YOU.
TEDDY

[Redhat]

Thanks Teddy,

I might not have a clue yet but I'm smart enough to know when I don't know and seek information!:D

Ya gotta start somewhere!

[SSN Vet]

When you set up your safety prime primer feeder, you might have some problems getting it lined up to the primer feed lever. Even when you adjust it to the max. range of motion allowed by the oversized hole.

A tip I picked up off an old post here on THR was to drill that hole in the plastic out ~1/16" oversize. This will give you some more lateral movement and get you lined up better.

The primers feed like clockwork if you're lined up spot on. If your slightly mis-alligned, you'll have difficulties and wind up missing the cup and dropping some primers.

Just be carefull when you drill the plastic, as the drill bit will tend to bite if you don't carefully secure the plastic arm (i.e. clamp it to a bench).

I use two hands.....one to hold the feeder in place on the cup, while the other pushes the "trigger".....and they feed 100% correct now.

[Luggernut]

I load the same bullets, powder. I use 5.2gr of W231 with a COL of 1.265". It's not near the factory Winchester White Box stuff but I like it. I'd like to know what is close to factory as well- my guess from some testing would put it at 5.6gr +/-

[Redhat]

My Speer manual says 5.6 is 789 (starting load) with COL at 1.260

[benedict1]

Absolutely the best directions to set up the Classic Turret, Safety Prime, etc are to be found here-lots of pictures, very, very clear how everything goes together.

http://www.surplusrifle.com/reviews2006/leeturretpress/index.asp

This comes off the Leb website and there is another article not quite as good

http://www.realguns.com/archives/122.htm

When you have any questions go to the Lee website and look for instructions videos, FAQs, etc.

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/company/index.html

[Redhat]

Thanks Benedict1,

I have watched the Lee videos many times. That's actually what generated my question. The way the say to adjust the dies on the videos differs somewhat from the printed instructions.

Also thanks for the links.

I loaded 3 dummy rounds tonight. I adjusted the seating die and FCD while doing this. Just kept turning the knob in until I got to a COL of 1.260. Maybe by Friday evening, I'll be ready to try some real ones. Heck I spent 6 years fixing jet fighters, I should be able to learn this!