Loadmaster: Adding 9MM and 40 S&W

[Jumping Frog]

My Lee Loadmaster is currently setup for .45 ACP, and I am happy with the way it is working. (Wow, no complaints about Lee equipment, must be a first.) Now I am ready to move on to adding a couple of additional calibers: 9MM Luger and 40 S&W.

The .45 ACP setup already has large case feeder, large primer system, and The Universal Depriming and Decapping Die ("UDDD"). Although I really don't need to order additional UDDD's or turrets, I want to be able to swap in a new turret with all necessary dies when changing calibers, so a little redundancy is in order. I know it is $19 extra per caliber for the convenience.

I believe the below parts are all I need to order. Could you please tip me off if I am forgetting something? It is a pain in the neck to find you've missed ordering a $2 part and then have to pay $5-$10 in shipping or special handling charges for a $2 order.

GENERAL
90075 Lee Small Primer Feeder ($18.79)
90659 Lee Small Case Feeder ($16.49)
90920 Lee Shell Plate #19s (9mm Luger, 40 S&W, 38 Super, etc.) ($20.99)

40 S&W
90965 Lee Deluxe Handgun 4-Die Set 40 S&W/10mm ($32.99)
90292 Lee Universal Depriming and Decapping Die 1 ($7.99)
90079 Lee Loadmaster Turret 1 ($10.99)

9MM
90963 Lee Deluxe Handgun 4-Die Set 9mm Luger ($32.99)
90292 Lee Universal Depriming and Decapping Die 2 ($7.99)
90079 Lee Loadmaster Turret 2 ($10.99)

 

[jfh]

The proposed order looks fine. Be sure the supplier sends the shell plate with the "S" designation--i.e., machined to work with small primers. Obviously, you can make an "L" version do double-duty--but I think matching the carrier to the primer size helps with priming problems.

Some related topics--

1. IMO (as a L-M user), the bane of the press is the problems related to the primer subsystem--i.e., it does not always work reliably, and the reasons are hard to troubleshoot. Because of this, be sure to have extra parts on hand, notably the small and large primer sliders. So, add these to the order, or put together a list of parts to order from Lee.

I have also experienced damage to the primer arm assembly when a primer is jammed--so I also have those spare parts on hand as well. Because it may be cheaper to buy a second assembly than the various parts for it, consider getting a second primer subsystem in each model. It goes without saying to buy some extra trays as well if you want to aim for longer runs.

I added the case feeder assembly and the collator and it works very reliably, once it is tweaked up. With this in place, I can do 600 rounds per hour if I want to chase speed records and am prepared with extra trays of primers.

2. Whenever you switch the primer subsystem, do take time to scrupulously clean the anvil, spring, and carrier pocket. Be sure to match the correct-sized anvil to the primer assembly--making an mistake here is probably the source of most damage. Make sure the trough is clean, and that the slider is clean and unworn/undamaged. If the slider is damaged, replace it--period. A touch of dry graphite in the trough may help, but generally I have not had trouble with primer feed as much as with primer dispensing from the tray (bridging).

3. The first time through a caliber / primer subsystem switch, sort out how to tweak the primer seating depth so that it doesn't need to be readjusted each time. This topic is discussed well over on the loadmaster forum; I won't go into it here.

I'm glad you got off to a smooth start with your Load-Master. I clean mine thoroughly about every 2000 rounds or so, and follow the (re-)lubrication tips from the videos. In the long-term perspective, the only real emerging problem is wear on the "vibrator" contacts on the frame and on the primer arm.


Keep it clean and follow the tips in the Load-Master videos for maintenance and you should have a reliable unit.

Jim H.

 

[Jumping Frog]

Thanks for your comments and advice, Jim.

Regarding the primer system, I have had good luck with it so far. I took the time to de-burr everything per the videos and set it up carefully, and it has been fine ever since. I've had to clean it, of course.

My only remaining challenge it getting it to give consistent powder throws when dispensing flake-type powders in small quantities. For example, 3.7 gr of Clays. I've decided the adjustable charge bar is useful for working up loads, but then I'll switch to the cavity style for production.

 

[GSPKurt]

This topic is discussed well over on the loadmaster forum

There's a LoadMaster forum? Where? I have a new LM myself.

I found it. I had no idea there was such a site!

 

[Jumping Frog]

There's a LoadMaster forum? Where? I have a new LM myself.

At http://forums.loadmastervideos.com/forums.

The videos alone are priceless for setting up a new Loadmaster. The forum discussion is also helpful.