Lee Pro 6000/Six Pack Pro (SPP) Bending Spring and Case Slider

[9mmepiphany]

I've read about this before, but haven't encountered it on my SPP, while loading .45ACP, in the first couple thousand rounds

I'm referring to the spring that powers the case feeder slide. After sliding the case into the shell plate (handle up, shell plate down), as you pull the handle toward you, the spring will be "stuck" in place as the slider starts moving away from the plate. Then it seems to spring "free" to catch up with the slider.

It is a bit surprising with the sound it makes and is enough of a shock to the press to dislodge the bullet in the case mouth, as it travels between the Bullet Feeder to the Seating die.

I'm wondering what causes this. I'm aware of the "hack" of inserting a small rod into the spring to keep it more ridged and prevent it from bending. I'm just wondering what the cause is and if there is an actual "fix" to prevent this.

My first thought is that the slider isn't moving smoothly...so maybe a cleaning or some dry lube?

My slider wobbles a bit on the rail...which causes the "fingers" to pull the case out of the shell plate as it is withdrawn.
I was going to "open up" the fingers a bit to address this, but had heard that Lee actually has a "fix" for this with a new slider...but I haven't been able to find it. I thought I'd ask before attempting to shim the factory one

 

[Bill M]

When I last loaded 45's on mine, it locked up, the slider wouldn't move far enough to feed a primer. I finally tore it down, and found a bent primer keeping the slider from moving all the way in!
The joy of learning the tricks of a new press!

 

[LiveLife]

I'm aware of the "hack" of inserting a small rod into the spring to keep it more ridged and prevent it from bending.

Small rod "hack" is so 2023 ... I prefer piece of straw over the spring to make it more rigid ... Just kidding

 

[LiveLife]

My slider wobbles a bit on the rail...which causes the "fingers" to pull the case out of the shell plate as it is withdrawn.

I already reported the issue last year and Calvin is aware (And we are talking about 4 tube case feeder slider block, right?). I can ask for an update on the 4 tube case feeder.

I believe resolution involved reshaped case slider block fingers for the "gated" 5 tube case feeder - https://leeprecision.com/promo-universal-5-tube-case-feed-magazine-collator

Here's picture of new case slider block with reshaped "fingers" for "gated" 5 tube case feeder. They "flare" out more so as to not "grab/pull back" inserted case.

 

[irishlad]

I've had 2 springs kink on mine. I polished the slider rail with Flitz and used graphite on it and the slider. It slides very smoothly. I called Lee tech support last week. He didn't mention a new slider. He suggested using the rear hole on the slider to hold the spring since I was loading 9mm. He didn't like the rod in the spring idea. I did it anyway with a piece of clothes hanger. Works well.

 

[LiveLife]

I've had 2 springs kink on mine.

Are you using the 4 tube case feeder?

 

[irishlad]

Are you using the 4 tube case feeder?

This one without the riser.

CASE SLIDER & RISER

Lee case slider and riser replaces the small and large case sliders.

leeprecision.com

 

[9mmepiphany]

Small rod "hack" is so 2023 ... I prefer piece of straw over the spring to make it more rigid ... Just kidding

I already reported the issue last year and Calvin is aware (And we are talking about 4 tube case feeder slider block, right?). I can ask for an update on the 4 tube case feeder.

If I hadn't heard about the small rod, my first thought would have been the plastic straw. I actually considered shrink tubing, but I'm sure that would adversely affect the spring returning the slider...luckily I don't have any in the house.

If I take the slider off...haven't yet...I'll likely trim the fingers and/or heat and bend them out a bit

 

[LiveLife]

This one without the riser.

CASE SLIDER & RISER

Lee case slider and riser replaces the small and large case sliders.

leeprecision.com

That's the old style. Let me ask Calvin if they will make new slider block available for separate sale.

actually considered shrink tubing, but I'm sure that would adversely affect the spring returning the slider

Yes, spring needs to expand and contract.

I'll likely trim the fingers and/or heat and bend them out a bit

There you go ... Tinkerer.

 

[Bill M]

I sure learn a lot on this forum!
For whatever it's worth, I use silicone spray for the sliding surfaces, it worked great on the LoadMaster, so I use it on the 6PP, and seems to work well. You have to watch the ingredients, generally if it says "approvesd for treadmills" there is no oil in the mixture. (Some do for some reason!) Liquid Wrench M419 is my current favorite, it foams, and seems to get everything covered!
(Works great for magazines as well, drop them for a reload, and dirt doesn't stick to them!)

 

[Gillie Dog]

I'm wondering what causes this. I'm aware of the "hack" of inserting a small rod into the spring to keep it more ridged and prevent it from bending. I'm just wondering what the cause is and if there is an actual "fix" to prevent this.

My first thought is that the slider isn't moving smoothly...so maybe a cleaning or some dry lube?

My slider wobbles a bit on the rail...which causes the "fingers" to pull the case out of the shell plate as it is withdrawn.
I was going to "open up" the fingers a bit to address this, but had heard that Lee actually has a "fix" for this with a new slider...but I haven't been able to find it. I thought I'd ask before attempting to shim the factory one

I have several thousand rounds through with the new sliders from the 5 tube case feeder I bought just to get the sliders and case gate for my machine (do not use case feeder as have collator feeding cases to the slider), but I have a "rod" inside the spring from the time I used the old sliders and never took it out. I use a bamboo skewer after sanding it down for a few seconds chucked in a drill motor. Have never stuck a slider again, old or new sliders, and never broken a skewer. I do put a small wipe of thin oil under the slider rail, both sides, every thousand or so rounds but that is left over habit from Load Masters.

I have no idea what causes it other than lack of lubrication with the very steep angle the spring is at when it starts to return the slider back, trying to push the slider down not back.

The new sliders have been the cats meow to date but LEE still will not sell them or any of the molded parts for the 5 tube case feeder. Tall one doing tall skinny 30 Carbine down to short one doing short fat 45 ACP. I almost had a set until they called me and said all the parts in my order were $10 each, not $10 for the set of molded parts like other molded parts. The next day they removed the parts from being found by part number. Still not on their website for sale.

The new sliders wobble on the rail also, seem less dramatic though, and the "guides" hooked under the rail are different design than the old sliders which helps I am sure.

Grinding the old sliders fingers to a U shape is what I ran until the new sliders came out and I bought a 5 tube feeder just to get parts. (I think we discussed this before but my old memory is unsure).

Just my 2 cents worth on what has been successful for me to date. (Think I said it before-I really like the new sliders.)

GD

 

[GW Staar]

I haven't seen the spring binding problem yet, but I had to find a one inch longer spring for my APP modded RCBS Summit. And found a "flex" problem with it pushing the longer spring. That was solved well with a thinwall rigid clear tube that I just slid over the spring.....worked better than an inside rod or wire for me. Don't know if that's even an option for this 6000 application. But in case it's a possibility here's the thread on that Summit project.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ee-app-was-first-but-wont-be-the-last.909232/