[17Chap]

I recently started loading 223 after years of loading for my handguns. I bought the minimum I thought I needed (budget reasons) to get started and thought I could use the old PPM I had rather than messing with a double disk kit.

I'm beginning to regret that decision. It seems to me that most of the setups I have seen or read about here use the PAD. Do you use the adjustable charge bar or the dbl disk kit?

I've read the stuff Lee has on their site and looked at the videos I could find there and elsewhere. I'm still having some trouble with consistency, leakage, and I can't seem to get the dump cycle to go clear to the stop.

Any help will be appreciated.

17Chap

[LotI]

Check the tension of the charging handle. I've loaded thousands of rounds with my PPM and haven't had a problem. It's what I use for rifle. If your lever doesn't return to the stop, something is wrong.

That being said, I have both. I don't use the double-disk setup since I use the PAD for pistol and it's just fine.

[armoredman]

The PPM is a big time leaker with ball powder. It works OK with stick powders, and not at all with flake. I used it with H-4895 and Reloder 15 loading .223.

[17Chap]

Armoredman, I'm using H335. Pretty fine stuff!

LotI: I'm using the PPM charging die. It seems to resist going all the way to the top, and when I tighten the tension screw to deal with leakage it gets worse (goes up less). So it doesn't hit the stop, though there is still a pretty severe angle. I assumed, since the dump side dies not go completely vertical that Lee engineered the stop for an optimal dump angle. But what do I know? :confused:

Chap

[LotI]

I haven't had the need to take mine apart since it works fine. I can't see how it would be too tough to take apart. Hop on the phone to lee or shoot them a note to find out if you should take it apart. I don't use mine with the die. If it's used by hand, will it go to both stops? I just clamp it to the bench when I load for rifle and crank by hand.

Lee Precision (http://www.leeprecision.com)

[strat81]

Not much to "mess with" on the Pro Auto Disk. Works fine in 223 on my press with RL7 and H335.

[17Chap]

Strat81, do you use the double disks or the adjustable charge bar?

Chap

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Pro Auto Disk. IF you buy one, go ahead and order the double disk kit, the micro disk and the adjustable charge bar. They don't cost much and it'll save you shipping later on if you decide you need one. Cheap accessories - very good powder measure for the money.

Dave

[strat81]

Double disk kit. It has no problem throwing the charges the .223 uses. No until you get into the 45+gr powder charge range will you need something else (or double charge).

The charge bar is too inconsistent in my hands with my setup.

[fireflyfather]

not at all with flake

My PPM works just fine with Red Dot & Promo. Maybe a technique thing, or you got a lemon? I tap twice, lightly, on the upstroke and the down.

Edited: Ah, you are talking about mounting it to a progresive/turret. I only charge cases by hand.

[RustyFN]

If you go with the PAD and the double disk kit you will end up using two different size holes to get the charge you want. This isn't a problem it's normal. Make sure when you do that the disk with the smaller hole is the disk on top.
Rusty

[shootinxd]

I use the adjustable charge bar,seems to work alot better than double disc.Just make sure to weigh 3-4 times during a reloading session.double stroke for 223 gets spot on without alot of hassle.

[kennedy]

getting ready to load .223 and plan on the using the double disk set with a lee uneversal charging die. I will see if it works

[17Chap]

Thanks to everyone for their input.

The PPM died tonight. I got a few rounds out of it and it quit. I looked at it closely and could see there was too much play in the pivot area (not the plastic piece with the screw, the metal under it). I put it back together and got a few more rounds out of it till it bound up again. The play in the pivot would come and go.

As I thought about it I realized it was probably just worn out. I have loaded perhaps thousands of rounds with it over more than ten years. When I started loading it was all I had.

Now for a replacement. I'll consult the budget, but I may just get another PPM and plug it right into the die that is already set.

BTW. It was being used in a Pro 1000 in the first position. I put the chain for the return in the hole where the case feeder bolted on and would set case in the feeder by hand. The bullet seater die is in the 2 position and a crimp die in the third.

I tried to st this up using some of the stuff I had to save money. Knowing what I do now, if I was doing it again, I would probably get a Classic Turret kit from Kempf's.

17Chap

[CBS220]

For less than 20 bucks, I'd call that good service.

Call Lee, they will replace it at half price, I believe.