I have worn out the auto index on my Lee Classic Turret

[Lone_Gunman]

The small square plastic ratchet that turns my auto-index bar is worn out. It lasted about 4000 rounds, plus or minus.

Has this happened to anyone else?

This part seems to be the weak link in the device. Why didnt they make it out of metal so it would not wear out? I mean, a plastic ratchet turning a metal rod isnt going to last long.

 

[benedict1]

Go to this link for a.) an explanation of why the gear is made of nylon--it used to be made of metal in the older turret presses; b. ) how to install a replacement; and c. ) how not to damage it. With proper care it should last for many thousands of rounds. If you try to rotate the turret when the press is at the bottom of the stroke by hand, you will strip the gear. Just read through the attachment to this link-

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=280964

 

[pinkymingeo]

The part costs $.50. Just order ten, and you'll be good for 40K rounds.

 

[benedict1]

Actually if the press is less than two years old just call and tell them it failed and the warranty covers it. You were supposed to get an extra with the press when it arrived--if one didn't just ask for two. They will send them pronto.

 

[Unforgiven826]

I stopped at Lee in Hartford, WI the other day to pick up their powder measure bar and to inquire about the springs on my saftyprime coming loose. As I was waiting to talk to a tech Mr Lee him self came out to talk to me and explained that to me about the gear being designed to strip so you don't damage your press should it jam. He also talked about the springs on the safety prime. Seems that they got a batch of them from a manufacture and the dimensions were out of spec. He gave me an whole new safety prime system 10-15 springs and 5 plastic gears for my press. Very nice people over at Lee.

 

[FieroCDSP]

their market lies entirely with those who are reloading on a budget, so when a part breaks (made as cheaply as their good quality assurance will allow), they have to stand and correct it. To do otherwise would eliminate their niche in the market and shut them down. I love Lee stuff, personally, as it's in my budget, and I know they care about their customers. I respect companies like that.

 

[BAT1]

Went to manual

You can rotate it by hand with a powder funnel. I just did 600 like that over the weekend. I wanted it precise. Remove metal cam rod. You can do so much with them. Is the bolt in the plastic holder stripped? Do not short stroke the press, only full strokes when the rotation cam is in.