New Lee inline bullet feeder/rotary magazine for SPP/Pro 6000 - Beta testing

Kaldor · Nov 30, 2022

GW Staar said:
I did notice that DAA now sells a spring add-on for their feeders where originally there was no spring.....I'm thinking they copied the 3D printed ones too. The RCBS rifle bullet feeders do not come with return springs, but I've never seen two bullets fed. What I have experienced with the RCBS ones is forgetting to use enough care moving them around as to not come apart and lose ball bearings on the floor! The spring prevents that.....so I 3d printed a spring mod for them too.....see picture below:

View attachment 1118134

The RCBS ones work 100% without doubles or misses too. I hadn't heard that DAA's can drop doubles before Kalder's post. Even with their spring kit? I'm still not sure how the new Lee's work with their springs....just too hard to see from the pictures so far.....maybe a video is coming? Will be fun to try one.....will have to be patient until January.

Im just using a rubber band to pull the DAA die down to put some additional pressure on it right now. Im working on building a 3d printed part similar to DAA and yours to combat the issue. It only happens with 9mm bullets though. Never had an issue with rifle.

jmorris · Nov 30, 2022

LiveLife said:
Each rotary magazine with around 100 bullet capacity, you can prefill them while watching TV or during downtime and swap out magazines during reloading session (Rotary magazine simply pop up with guide rod sliding in the sleeve).

Oh, I understand the rationalization I told myself when I used them, same thing I told myself when I ran case fed reloading machines without a collator. Now, if they sold bullets already base down in tubes we would be set.

The KISS bullet collator was a simple, compact design and now that AmmoMike83’s files are out there for anyone to print off, I just don’t get sitting around stuffing tubes.

I have even printed them off for specific bullets, so I didn’t have to change my existing setups, like this one set for the more difficult (close to “square” length/width/balance, 100 grain and hollow base) bullets to collate.

I imagine, once the well defended patent runs out they will be copied, probably not like the 1911 or AR15 though.

trdjohn · Nov 30, 2022

trdjohn said:
So will the Lee bullet feed system have only one bullet drop die, will it handle all caliber bullets - pistol and rifle? Or are they going to have dies that handle specific range of calibers?

If it is only one die, handling multiple calibers, and works really well, that'll be a leg up on the mini Mr BF...in their system you have to buy die specific calibers and each costs about $60. In addition to the caliber specific bullet turret, each about $60.
And if you shoot 6mm rifle bullets, the Mr BF mini doesn't have a die for those, and when I inquired they seemed like it wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

Nevermind...I see from LiveLife's pics there is a die body, and the insert has laser etching of caliber .... if those inserts are cheap compared to Mr BF mini dies then it'll make more sense.

Kaldor · Nov 30, 2022

jmorris said:
Oh, I understand the rationalization I told myself when I used them, same thing I told myself when I ran case fed reloading machines without a collator. Now, if they sold bullets already base down in tubes we would be set.

The KISS bullet collator was a simple, compact design and now that AmmoMike83’s files are out there for anyone to print off, I just don’t get sitting around stuffing tubes.

I have even printed them off for specific bullets, so I didn’t have to change my existing setups, like this one set for the more difficult (close to “square” length/width/balance, 100 grain and hollow base) bullets to collate.

I imagine, once the well defended patent runs out they will be copied, probably not like the 1911 or AR15 though.

My thoughts as well, but not everyone wants to 3d print. I just spent 10 hours troubleshooting and fixing an issue with my Ender 5 Plus, thats the real hangup for alot of people. They just want it to work, and not have to troubleshoot. For those people, there is the MBF for now.

LiveLife · Nov 30, 2022

trdjohn said:
trdjohn said:

So will the Lee bullet feed system have only one bullet drop die, will it handle all caliber bullets - pistol and rifle? Or are they going to have dies that handle specific range of calibers?

Click to expand...

I see from LiveLife's pics there is a die body, and the insert has laser etching of caliber .... if those inserts are cheap compared to Mr BF mini dies then it'll make more sense.

Yes, bullet feed die with different caliber drop tubes will be available when the new bullet feed dies and rotary magazine goes to market in January 2023 (And thinking drop tubes could be purchased separately to feed multiple calibers?).

While Calvin could not disclose MSRP/retail pricing of bullet feed die, he did reveal pricing of rotary magazine (which he asked not to be shared) that is VERY economical far below current competitors' pricing. And if that's Lee's MSRP, retail/street pricing will be even lower.

Here's picture of drop tube for "around" .355" sized bullets (Probably ranging from 380Auto, 9mm to .38/.357) and already tested fine with 380Auto bullets and plan on testing .356" sized lead 9mm bullets today.

Kaldor said:
not everyone wants to 3d print. I just spent 10 hours troubleshooting and fixing an issue with my Ender 5 Plus, thats the real hangup for alot of people. They just want it to work, and not have to troubleshoot. For those people, there is the MBF for now.

And soon (January 2023) Lee inline bullet feeder with rotary magazine for significantly less money for the same people.

If you are in the market for non-motorized compact bullet feeder with fast rotary magazine swap option, save some Christmas money for the Lee unit.

9mmepiphany · Nov 30, 2022

jmorris said:
I understand the rationalization I told myself when I used them, same thing I told myself when I ran case fed reloading machines without a collator. Now, if they sold bullets already base down in tubes we would be set.

That was my position when I first saw an aftermarket bullet feeder (Bully Loader) which used the Lee tubes...but I didn't have the coin at the time for a Mr Bullet Feeder and there were no 3D printers commonly available at the time. I was able to get a Bully Feeder at a large discount and thought I'd give it a try (there is a thread on this forum somewhere, but the attached pictures have been lose on Photobucket years ago). I even added long (3') tubes and lateral support brackets from Titan.

I lined up the number of bullets that would fit in 1 tube, between 2 glass shelves laying flat on my workbench. After orienting them all the same direction I wold slide the whole row into a tube...repeat 3 times to fill the remaining tubes...and insert the tube into the holder. I found that the most efficient way the load the tubes was to insert the bullets point first so that the ogive would help the bullets enter the tube.

When I refilled the primer tube, I changed bullet tubes...I was only loading maybe 500 bullets at a seating

jmorris · Nov 30, 2022

9mmepiphany said:
I was able to get a Bully Feeder at a large discount and thought I'd give it a try (there is a thread on this forum somewhere, but the attached pictures have been lose on Photobucket years ago).

I actually came across that thread this morning, looking for the way I had used the Lee bullet turret on my sizer. https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/bullet-feeder-adapter-for-hornady-lnl-ap-review.776700/#post-9855021

PB was Covid, swine flu, killer bee’s all into one for untold millions of threads across the internet.

LiveLife · Nov 30, 2022

LiveLife said:
trdjohn said:

die body, and the insert has laser etching of caliber .... if those inserts are cheap compared to Mr BF mini dies then it'll make more sense.

Click to expand...

While Calvin could not disclose MSRP/retail pricing of bullet feed die, he did reveal pricing of rotary magazine (which he asked not to be shared) that is VERY economical far below current competitors' pricing. And if that's Lee's MSRP, retail/street pricing will be even lower.

trdjohn said:
So will the Lee bullet feed system ... handle all caliber bullets - pistol and rifle?

UPDATE: Good news! Got this email from Calvin today.

Hello John,

Pricing can be shared, and I would recommend that it is not final and subject to change, but it should be very close.

Some more information regarding the in-line bullet feeders, they will be available in; 35CAL, 40/41CAL, 45CAL, 22CAL, 30CAL, and 26CAL. Depending on reception and demand we will consider 24CAL and 44CAL.

The suggested retail will be $50 for the die. We will be offering the die in kit form including the appropriate feed magazine for $70. The magazines will be available in small, medium and large at $30 each or all three for $60. Again, this is MSRP, dealers and distributors often offer these items at a discount. Replacement balls will be available for purchase as well.

Calvin Katzfey
Lee Precision

9mmepiphany · Nov 30, 2022

It looks like the DAA Mini Mr Bullet Feeder is going to be losing market share. The MSRP of the stand alone die is slightly less than the DAA die...but then you don't need to add the $18 spring kit. The kit is less than half the DAA set. The cost of all three magazines is what DAA charges for one.

As soon as they are available, I'll likely be ordering the 35CAL and the 45CAl to cover my immediate needs

trdjohn · Nov 30, 2022

I'll be in for 40cal, 22, 26...and I vote for 24 cal!

LiveLife · Nov 30, 2022

9mmepiphany said:
The kit is less than half the DAA set. The cost of all three magazines is what DAA charges for one.

And that's MSRP. Actual retail/vendor pricing will likely be less.

MSRP for SPP/Pro 6000 are $350/$500 but they are selling for $239/$339.

9mmepiphany said:
As soon as they are available, I'll likely be ordering the 35CAL and the 45CAl to cover my immediate needs

Me too.

Gillie Dog · Nov 30, 2022

LiveLife said:
Me too.

Not me.

I'm in for 35 cal, 40 cal, 44 cal :thumbup:

and 45 cal. Necessary die and inserts with two or three magazines, however the size(s) pans out.

And do not forget the expanders for each................................

Where does the line form?

GD

LiveLife · Nov 30, 2022

Gillie Dog said:
I'm in for 35 cal, 40 cal, 44 cal and 45 cal. Necessary die and inserts with two or three magazines, however the size(s) pans out.

And do not forget the expanders for each................................

Where does the line form?

Might want to email Lee Precision to see if you can be put on pre-order list.

Bartojc · Dec 1, 2022

Pricing seems reasonable. I may be throwing my RCBS in a drawer or using as a PIF .....

-Jeff

Gillie Dog · Dec 1, 2022

LiveLife said:
Might want to email Lee Precision to see if you can be put on pre-order list.

I like helping Dennis at Titan out a little also. Been doing so since he opened and he was helpful getting items not listed on Lee site which did in fact exist back then.

We will see...

Thanks

GD

PS: Hurry up

Axis II · Dec 2, 2022

LiveLife said:
Lee Precision contacted me to ask if I wanted to beta test their new inline bullet feeder with rotary magazine for Lee SPP/Pro 6000.

Hello John,

... the High Road. The leadership team at Lee has enjoyed reading about your positive experience with the Six Pack Pro and your active participation in other customer's inquiries. We appreciate the high-quality review.

... we have been busy working on an inline bullet feed die and magazine feeder to complement our Six Pack Pro. The product has already passed through many revisions and improvements, at this point we are very happy with the product and find it to be an improvement over anything in the market.

... Would you have any interest in taking a first look of our new inline bullet feed solution? We have a pre-production 35 CAL Inline Bullet feed die and Magazine feeder that we could send to you for testing/review. The magazine feeder you would be testing would be 3D printed, the production product should be available late January as the mold is currently under production to produce these parts.

Calvin Katzfey
Lee Precision, Inc.

Of course, my reply was an absolute "Yes!"

So here is the new inline bullet feeder die and 3D printed pre-production model rotary magazine for 9mm. Die came in a black plastic box.

View attachment 1117852

Rotary magazine is a five tube unit and holds 28 RMR 9mm 115 gr FMJ bullets in each tube and holds 5 in the die body for 145 bullets total. Top of rotary magazine.

View attachment 1117853

Bottom of rotary magazine. Bullet feeder die inserts into the opening and white rod guides the die when moving up and down.

View attachment 1117854

And here's the bullet feeder die. White cap is screwed into the die with hole for the guide rod to slide up and down.

View attachment 1117855

And bullet feeder die attached to rotary magazine

View attachment 1117856
View attachment 1117857

Tell them they need to make that fit the ABLP

LiveLife · Dec 2, 2022

Axis II said:
Tell them they need to make that fit the ABLP

New inline bullet feeder and rotary magazine will fit all Lee presses (And non-Lee presses too) as it uses standard die thread.

GW Staar · Dec 2, 2022

curlysir said:
Keep reading about the "M" style powder through expander, not familiar with it at all. What is the main advantage to it compared with the Lee powder through expander when it is correctly set up? I have had no problems with the current Lee expander when it correctly set.

I made a short video to maybe illustrate why an "M" style expander or powder thru expander. Click the YouTube icon for subtitles explaining it:

I exaggerated the tilted bullet a little....it's not always that bad, but it illustrated the point. You really want a straight drop if you want to have concentric seating. "M" dies make it easy. There's two ways to do that. One is as Lyman, RCBS and others have done when they have a separate expander die with an "M" step. The other is a powder-thru expander out the bottom of a powder measure. Both do the same thing....except that the powder-thru method saves a station on a progressive.

LiveLife · Dec 9, 2022

Continued from post #2 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...p-pro-6000-beta-testing.913099/#post-12476122

Bullet feed test #1:

Initial test was done with RMR 115 gr FMJ RN
OD case mouth flared to around .382" (ID of flare measured around .357")
Two ball bearings were placed in top holes of drop tube
Bullet feeder die body was screwed in the breech lock bushing with drop tube filled with bullets and die body was rotated clockwise 1/4 turn at a time until bullet dropped when the shellplate full of cases was raised
Dropped bullets stayed square inside case mouths and did not tilt when the shellplate indexed

This was amount of drop tube that protruded below the breech lock bushing. Increased amount of case mouth flare to .382" allowed the dropped bullet base to "lock" with inside of flared case mouth to not tilt the bullet when the shellplate was indexed.

Picture of dropped bullet after index rotation

Bullet feed test #2:

Second test was done with RMR 115 gr JHP (Now MPR NUKE)
Same OD case mouth flare amount of .382" was used
Same bullet feeder die body in breech lock bushing setting was used
Two ball bearings were kept in top holes of drop tube
Dropped bullets stayed square inside case mouths and did not tilt when the shellplate indexed

Drops #1, #2 and #3 after shellplate indexing and reliably dropped the rest of tube

Bullet feed test #3:

Third test was done with RMR 147 gr FMJ FP (Heavy Match Winner)
Same OD case mouth flare amount of .382" was used
Same bullet feeder die body in breech lock bushing setting was used
Two ball bearings were kept in top holes of drop tube
Dropped bullets stayed square inside case mouths and did not tilt when the shellplate indexed

Drops #1 and #2 after shellplate indexing and reliably dropped the rest of tube

LiveLife · Dec 9, 2022

Bullet feed test #4:

Fourth test was done with X-Treme 100 gr plated RNFP
Same OD case mouth flare amount of .382" was used
Two ball bearings were kept in top holes of drop tube (Ball bearings needed to be moved to lower holes in drop tube)
Same bullet feeder die body in breech lock bushing setting was used (Die body needed to be lowered almost three full turns clockwise)

But the bullet feed die consistently kept dropping two bullets of shorter bullets even though die body was raised/lowered slightly in the breech lock bushing.

So it was time to move the two ball bearings in the drop tube and adjust the die body in the bushing.

Two ball bearings were moved to the lower holes in the drop tube and reassembled with die body

Due to the lower position of the ball bearings, it took almost three (3) full turns of die body in bushing clockwise to drop the bullet and below picture shows amount of drop tube and die body below the bushing

And bullet feed die reliably single fed rest of bullets in the tube and did not tilt when shellplate indexed. In fact, I bumped one case with bullet dropped (but not seated) on the hard floor and the bullet stayed in the case mouth.

RashQuestion · Dec 9, 2022

Detailed test, great job!!! Thanks again for all your hard work!!!

Merry Christmas and God Bless!!!

Gillie Dog · Dec 9, 2022

LiveLife said:
Bullet feed test #4:
Two ball bearings were moved to the lower holes in the drop tube and reassembled with die body

And bullet feed die reliably single fed rest of bullets in the tube and did not tilt when shellplate indexed. In fact, I bumped one case with bullet dropped (but not seated) on the hard floor and the bullet stayed in the case mouth.

Looks good, nice work as usual.

Sure hope they push production and get them to the rest of us to play with.

GD

LiveLife · Dec 9, 2022

Gillie Dog said:
RashQuestion said:

Detailed test, great job!!!

Click to expand...

Looks good, nice work as usual.

Thank you.

Just got done exchanging a bunch of emails with Calvin to ponder some more options to put the finishing touches on the bullet feeder die/rotary magazine to enhance it even better. (I will share once he runs them through the process and gives me the OK)

So far, bullet feeder has tested better than what I anticipated.

I had some concerns about bullet tilting after drop and during indexing that's been expressed with other bullet feeders/user experience but even with just few bullets in the drop tube during die adjustment, slightly greater case mouth flare of .382" has allowed the bullet to drop square and lock the bullet base to inside of case flare so shellplate indexing is not making the bullet lose contact with case mouth flare.

I did some "stress testing" by increasing the speed of shellplate indexing and was pleasantly surprised bullets stayed put on case mouths. Most of dropped bullets get enough seating/tension that it takes some effort on my part to pull the bullet off the case mouth. Dropping a case with bullet on case mouth flare that wasn't seated down to the hard floor, I surely thought the bullet would have flown off the case mouth but I found the bullet firmly held by the case mouth.

Will continue with more bullet type/brand/weight/nose profile testing after I do some "honey do" chores after my usual Friday grocery run.

Gillie Dog said:
Sure hope they push production and get them to the rest of us to play with.

According to Calvin, bullet feeder die/rotary magazine are definitely on schedule to be released on January of 2023.

In one response email, Calvin goes "If you start out with the bottom holes for two ball bearings, then you won't need to change holes when switching to different bullets" ... LOL, absolutely.

I told him I started out with top holes because it would compress the spring less but he was absolutely correct and I am going to leave the ball bearings in the lower holes.

trdjohn · Dec 9, 2022

LiveLife said:
New inline bullet feeder and rotary magazine will fit all Lee presses (And non-Lee presses too) as it uses standard die thread.

Does the bullet magazine tower twist around as you operate the press? I have the Mr BF Mini and the tower sort of swivels around as the ram rides up/down, even when fully loaded up w/ bullets. As it swivels around it sometimes lightly rests on top of the bullet seating die stem or twists over towards the primer tray and gets knocked around by that. I've seen some people remove some of the lower part of the MR BF, so it doesn't get knocked around.

Looking at the Lee product, does that captured spring, and plastic piece that screws into die prevent that? Can you set the position of the tower and it not swivel around?

LiveLife · Dec 9, 2022

trdjohn said:
Does the bullet magazine tower twist around as you operate the press?

No

trdjohn said:
Looking at the Lee product, does that captured spring, and plastic piece that screws into die prevent that?

Yes, threaded cap holds down the spring which pushes down on the drop tube to bring two ball bearings in to hold the column of bullets. Screw cap has a hole through which the magazine body bolt slides up and down to keep the magazine body from moving as drop tube is inserted into the magazine body by snug friction fit.

trdjohn said:
Can you set the position of the tower and it not swivel around?

Below picture shows magazine body bolt (3D printed but likely different on final production unit) that gets pushed in flush during install and at the bottom of magazine body face at 6 O'clock position is a round bump that keys into the bottom of rotary tube magazine and O-ring screw in the center applies pressure to keep it from rotating on magazine body.

Hole in the magazine body face is top of hole the drop tube gets inserted into and where bullets drop down from the tube magazine.

New Lee inline bullet feeder/rotary magazine for SPP/Pro 6000 - Beta testing

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