The Absolute Worst Instructions, or Lack Thereof

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Speedo66

Speedo66

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I haven't reloaded in over 20 years, so I decided to update an old three hole Lee Turret press I had.

I ordered a 4 hole upgrade, an auto index kit, a Pro Auto-disc powder measure, an auto-prime kit, a 3 die set, and a "factory crimp" die.

None of the products came with adequate instructions, one came with none at all.

The pictures were all small and poor quality. They keep repeating how reloading can be dangerous, then they give you poor quality instructions. Go figure.

The Auto-index kit came with no instructions, none, nada, zero. I finally had to find an exploded diagram for parts online to figure out where parts went, and how to install it.

The powder measure instructions talked about where certain things should go, but could not be seen in the photos. They tell you to check the die instructions for installation, but there are no instructions concerning the powder measure with the dies. The instruction for installing the measuring disc itself was flawed. Incorrect installation caused a powder spill. Not a happy camper!

The auto prime kit also says to install bracket, but doesn't tell you how to orient it, which way is up, direction of an oblong washer, how to hang primer installer to it, etc. Again, no clear photos.

The powder meaure hits the auto-prime as it rotates with the dies. Can this be correct?

What would it cost to include another sheet of instructions with large clear photos? We're talking a couple of pennies here.

Dies took awhile, with no clear idea as to how they should be set up.

Total installation took a LONG time, and the auto-index is not as accurate as I would like it.

I can only figure this is what you get when you try for cheap, hopefully the more expensive brands give better instructions.
 
I got so frustrated with Lee, that I bought a Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Progressive. It's nice to have something that really works. On the few rare occassions had to call Hornady Custome Service, they were nice and VERY helpful. I know that this doesn't help your problem, but I know what you are going through.
 
I've had similar issues with Lee's "instructions". Once the equipment is set up, it works well in my experience. The challenge is getting it set up without instructions that actually instruct.
 
I agree that Lee written instructions leave a lot to be desired.

Sooner or later, most Lee afficiandos find theLoadmasterforums.com--which has not only a forum, but a complete set of home-brew videos for most presses.

The Lee videos on their own site provide clear, concise examples of each die setup. IIRC, the ones for the Turret Press are the ones most applicable for single stage setup.

Do you have any questions now, Speedo, or are you set up and ready to rock and roll? There're several of us on this forum ready to help.

Jim H.
 
I started with a Lee Classic Breech Lock Kit and thought that it was just me who couldn't figure it out. Through a lot of internet searches (you can learn anything from YouTube) and trial and error....I got it down.
 
It's pretty much set up now, after almost 2 frustrating hours of trying to set it up last night. I managed to crush a 38-40 case like a piece of crumpled aluminum foil, which ticked me off because they're hard to come by and expensive to boot.

The only question I still have is the powder measure vs. primer feed.

As the powder measure turns with the turret, it bangs into the primer feed.

I've got it as centered over the turret as best I can, but it still hits.

Is it just me, the way I set it up, or is that just how it is?

Any enlightenment on this would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
One way to keep the product available at such a low cost is to not have a PR department for writing instructions. Not having to print manuals and such is a great cost savings that is past on to the customer.
 
The only question I still have is the powder measure vs. primer feed.

As the powder measure turns with the turret, it bangs into the primer feed.

I've got it as centered over the turret as best I can, but it still hits.

Is it just me, the way I set it up, or is that just how it is?

Any enlightenment on this would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

You need this:

"The Lee Auto-Disk Riser allows use of other brands of dies that have extended adjusting screws and provides clearance for the Lee Safety Prime.
Lee Auto-Disk Riser 90041 Serv.Parts $9.98"

Found here: http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1238461634.3774=/html/catalog/powhan1.html#RifleChargingDie just below the powder measures. Screw into the expander die to give about 2" extra clearance.
 
As the powder measure turns with the turret, it bangs into the primer feed.

I've got it as centered over the turret as best I can, but it still hits.

Is it just me, the way I set it up, or is that just how it is?

Any enlightenment on this would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you didn't install the auto disk riser.
ry%3D400.jpg

ry%3D400.jpg

ry%3D400.jpg


Rusty
 
The "Riser" was a surprise to me as well. I ordered this essential part that didn't come with the press and all was well.

I complained to LEE about this "surprise". After I paid for it, it came by mail in just a few days .

Mine came with 'adequate' die set-up instructions, but it still took a little finesse to get it where I wanted it.
 
I have about the exact same kit/press you do and it did take me a good few hours to get it set up.

My only complaint with LEE gear (keeping in mind I am a pretty new reloader) is with the auto prime. Auto it is not. I cant seem to ever get it to work without having to put both hands on it to get the primer to dispense properly. I understand and somewhat agree with Mr Lee's design philosophy of "make it as strong as it needs to be and no stronger" but I cant help to think that making parts of it out of metal rather then a plastic clamshell would help it work more smoothly.

I will also say this. Without the low price of Lee gear I never would have considered getting into reloading. I didn't have anyone to teach me and was on my own. I finally bit the bullet and got into it as i figured if I didn't like it I was only out $200.
 
A related tip--or, further explicating Rusty's pictures of the riser.

Note that when one sets up--tweaks and tightens securely--the measure and riser assembly, the measure should be placed on the radius line inside the turret.

Installed this way, there is less 'momentum' to move the measure when the turret is indexed. It also is out of the way of the Safety Prime.

Also: Get your PTED die set up first, using the machined funnel without the measure / riser assembly in place. Make sure the PTED die body height is set up correctly for your brass, and then "dial in" the amount of flare one wants. Lock up the die tight.

Try building a few dummy rounds--e.g., sized, but no primer, and the case mouth expanded and flared, but no powder--and confirm your seating die and crimp (FCD) dies are set the way you want. (Those are topics for another discussion; use Google in this forum for threads.)

Now assemble the riser and measure on the die--e.g., remove the funnel, install the riser and measure, tighten the appropriate stop nuts (with the measure inside, as previously noted), and tighten them "good."

Now, fill the measure, tap it a few times to settle it, and then throw at least ten charges to get the powder consistently settled.

Now you can start tweaking the ACB to determine a charge weight for the powder.

Jim H.
 
A few observations:

All Lee dies I have came with very clear simple instructions so I am confused about that statement

No where in this thread did I hear anyone say "I called Lee and they wouldn't or didn't help"

With the help of the very good folks here, I'm sure you guys will be up and running soon!
 
I like my Lee tools. They work, and I have had great success. Sometimes the print is ruff to read in the .pdf files.
 
about auto-indexing: Since this thread is aimed towards new (Lee) users, here's a couple of tip for Turret users:

1. Order at least two extra indexing fail-safes (Lee pn TF3567, the "square ratchet").

Lee gives you one extra--and most of us damage at least one within 50 to 100 rounds while we learn how to stroke the press. Once you learn proper stroking, you'll probably wear one out about every 5,000 rounds.

2. If you are having trouble with primer insertion
a. Be sure you have the proper primer arm in place for the primer size.
b. Similarly, make sure you have the proper Safety Primer unit for the primer size--white= LARGE primers.

Once you have the general stroke figured out, you'll find you may need to adjust the square nut on the indexing rod. If / when you do this, adjust the nut counterclockwise, to 'raise' the turret and lessen drag. I think it helps as much to simply do enough loading for you to develop 'muscle memory' for the stroke.

Jim H.
 
Last edited:
Safety Prime: When you tighten the bolt that fastens it to the press, there is a little play/ wiggle room right and left. On mine , making sure it was sliding straight in/centered on the primer holder made it smooth to operate.

I dropped some on the first 15-20 rds, but seldom since.
 
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