How do you smooth up a Lee classic turret.

[SamT1]

Can I do some polishing and make a classic turret smooth?
I’m waiting on a replacement decapping pin and the hanger for the safety prime and I’ll be in business.
It is new so it may just need some use to smooth up.

Stage one FL size and deprime, stage 2 Lee trim die with power trim, reprime, stage 3 Lee Long rifle charging die with a auto drum on top, stage 4 seat and crimp.

I’m gonna try to run 223 through it and load some match grade ammo in one go round. Instead of setting up the loadmaster I think I can take a lot more care running a little slowe

 

[SamT1]

 

[Varminterror]

The turret heads will wear in with use. You could accelerate the process, but you won’t gain much as the greatest mechanical resistances in the stroke are the detent and the indexing rod leverage (lack thereof). Polishing the indexing rod won’t gain much if anything, as the bearing surface is already a high lubricity polymer. Without the indexing assembly in place, the ram stroke is typically smooth, and while you CAN polish and lubricate the ram and cam arm assembly, again, there’s not a noticeable improvement to be gained - the indexing mechanical resistance is the biggest force you’ll feel. You’re turning a big turret head with a tiny rod - high mechanical disadvantage.

It all can be done, however.

 

[Strat Rider]

That little bump is a feature, not a bug. It helps shake and settle the powder for a more consistent powder drop.

 

[D Rock]

Here's a video by TreeTopFlier that shows take down, lube etc. Sort of depends on what you want to do, but this one is pretty comprehensive.


Dave

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

Mine started squealing and whining earlier this year every time I operated the handle. Tried everything except oiling the linkage below the press. When the light came on and I put some 3 & 1 oil on the linkage, the squealing stopped. Hasn't done it since.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[1KPerDay]

I use a little lube on the outside of the Die holder and a little on the ram. And a little on the indexing rod. Runs smoother.

 

[SamT1]

Thanks guys. I’m going to run it auto indexing so I can try to automate as much as possible. I’m still working on what to do with the power quick trim to automate it. So far buying some sort of electric screw driver at harbor freight seems like might be the ticket. I have lots of corded stuff, but all my battery stuff is too big to fit.

 

[Laphroaig]

My experience with electric screw drivers and trimmers was that they turn too slowly. Be sure to check out the RPM capability.

 

[mdi]

Just a thought; you seem to have a lot of equipment/tools riding on top of your press. I used a Lee turret for prolly 22 years (old style) and didn't use it as a semi-progressive. Perhaps all that weight on the turret is affecting the function?

 

[1KPerDay]

Are you planning on leaving a screwdriver or drill connected to the die on the rotating turret??

 

[Gottcha]

I treated/sprayed all parts with a Teflon spray that dries so it doesn't attract dirt or dust.

 

[ponchh]

Use a acid brush to brush a little wheel bearing grease on each lug of the turret head. Just remember your not packing wheel bearings, just a touch on each lug

 

[SamT1]

Are you planning on leaving a screwdriver or drill connected to the die on the rotating turret??

I’m hoping to. If not a do have a flexible drive that turns a drill or press into a dremel type thing. That wouldn’t add any weight. Maybe put the drill up high and then run a switch to a foot or knee pedal.

 

[Tilos]

Polishing/buffing(and lubing) the twisted part of the index rod smoothed out the indexing for me.
jmo,

 

[drband]

Polishing/buffing(and lubing) the twisted part of the index rod smoothed out the indexing for me.
jmo,

I coated my index rod with Smooth-Kote moly. It dries completely and does not rub off. Very messy when wet. It made a significant difference.

 

[ATLDave]

Grease. White lithium grease. Lube the whole turret ring interface with it

 

[1KPerDay]

I’m hoping to. If not a do have a flexible drive that turns a drill or press into a dremel type thing. That wouldn’t add any weight. Maybe put the drill up high and then run a switch to a foot or knee pedal.

you realize the turret rotates, right?

Or are you using it without the indexing rod?

 

[Dudedog]

I spray a little TriFlow on the turret lugs of my old three hole Lee Deluxe Turret, makes things turn easier.

 

[SamT1]

you realize the turret rotates, right?

Or are you using it without the indexing rod?

Yea that’s why I’m trying to find something battery powered so I don’t wrap the cord up.
I played with a drill hanging off the side and it worked great until I slow stroked it and I guess it lifted like you were going to remove the turret and it got in a bind. It was actually smoother with the weight on it. I’m gonna try my big long flex cord next it won’t add any weight and should spin with it as it indexes. I think I’ll hook up an old drill to it and wire the on switch to a pedal or something. Put the drill up high supported where it doesn’t load the press or anything.

The angle deal and drill works fine if you don’t try and leave it in and index the press.

 

[1KPerDay]

Let us know how it goes, but even a flex cord is going to wind or unwind 400 times for every 100 rounds you complete and you'll probably have to unplug it and let it uncoil to avoid a rat's nest. I'd personally just forget the switch and just manually turn on the drill at the trim station. Or better yet, load rifle in two batches or however many it takes you to get sized, trimmed brass to start the final loading batch with. But I'm interested to hear how your plan turns out.

 

[rskent]

With your setup, where do the cuttings from the case trimmer end up?

 

[SamT1]

With your setup, where do the cuttings from the case trimmer end up?

Probably all over the place. There is a little basket that goes around the shell holder. I’m sure some will end up in the cases too though.

 

[rskent]

I think I would have a problem with the cuttings getting in the cases.

 

[Tilos]

Yea that’s why I’m trying to find something battery powered so I don’t wrap the cord up.
I played with a drill hanging off the side and it worked great until I slow stroked it and I guess it lifted like you were going to remove the turret and it got in a bind. It was actually smoother with the weight on it. I’m gonna try my big long flex cord next it won’t add any weight and should spin with it as it indexes. I think I’ll hook up an old drill to it and wire the on switch to a pedal or something. Put the drill up high supported where it doesn’t load the press or anything.
The angle deal and drill works fine if you don’t try and leave it in and index the press.

I'm thinking a "sky hook" over the press and a cord with the drill hanging off, engaging the hex drive on the trim die, would carry the weight of the drill/dremmel.
Of course you'd need a swivel in the cord to keep it from winding-up while the turret turns, and a "dog" on the trim die up to the drill to keep it from spinning when running.
The drill could be left running rather than on/off when a case is in it.
Seriously, it could look like a Shepard's Hook