Changing Primers In Lee Auto Pro - Any Easy Ways?

[cwbys4evr]

Now that I have all my required parts and components, I would like to get a batch of 223 going, but I have been reloading 40 lately and the feeder tube on my Pro 1000 press is filled with small pistol primers. Is there an easy or at least semi easy way to get those out so I can put small rifle primers in? OR should I just keep loading until I run out of pistol primers? Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated

 

[cfullgraf]

I do not use the Lee system, but when I load, I decide on how many cartridges I want to load and only put that many primers in the priming system. It may be several re-fills of the primer system, but when I am done, the primer system is empty.

It just means that I do not have to process the loose primers and I do not leave primers in the system between loading sessions.

Note, if you empty out your primer system, for safety, return the primers to their original packaging. Putting them loose in a jar or cup just creates a potential bomb.

 

[LiveLife]

You can get all the primers out of the feed attachment ramp by using a bent paper clip to push the primers back up into the primer tray.

BTW, 40S&W uses #19 shell plate and .223 uses #4 shell plate so you'll need to change out the shell plate before reloading the other caliber cartridges. When you have the shell plate off the shell plate carrier, you can always pop off the primer feed attachment and remove the primers.

If you haven't seen them, here's a Lee Precision video on changing out the shell plate without removing the shell plate carrier (video shows how to install the shell plate so reverse the steps) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmCgJfEqQsc&feature=player_embedded

Rest of Pro 1000 "how to" videos - http://leeprecision.com/pro-1000-help-videos.html'

Pro 1000 problems/solutions support thread - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=507454

 

[cwbys4evr]

The Lee system depends upon gravity to work properly, and must have plenty of primers in the system to work. I don't load that many at a time (50), so in order to get the primer system to work correctly I have to purposefully overload the system. I know it is not recommended to leave primers in there, but I'm not of a mind to take them all out at each sitting. Seems to me like it should be safe since it is contained in the system and not loose in a bowl or something.

 

[cwbys4evr]

"BTW, 40S&W uses #19 shell plate and .223 uses #4 shell plate so you'll need to change out the shell plate before reloading the other caliber cartridges. When you have the shell plate off the shell plate carrier, you can always pop off the primer feed attachment and remove the primers."

Yep, I'm aware of that, thanks. My #4 just arrived the other day, which is why I am now wanting to try out a recipe or two of 223

 

[cwbys4evr]

Good point about removing them when the shell plate gets changed out. I had not thought of that

 

[cfullgraf]

Seems to me like it should be safe since it is contained in the system and not loose in a bowl or something.

Primers left in the priming system are probably safe. Emptying the system is just one of my idiosyncrasies. From reloading session to the next, I most probably will not be loading the same cartridge

One hazard of leaving the primers in the system is remembering what it is in there. Figure a notation system that works for you.

 

[cwbys4evr]

Good advice, thanks. I was thinking about maybe laminating a small white piece of paper on the primer holder so I can grease pencil in whether it is SR for rifle or SP for pistol.

 

[germ]

I always leave the primer box at the base of the press, nearest the primer feeder. It will be the only primer box on the bench. This way I know what is in the tube or tray, as the case may be. This is just like the rule of having only one powder container on the bench at any given time.

 

[kingmt]

I just walk the least few in with spacial tool 33 built from universal tool stock if I'm done loading.

A paper clip could work also.