I want a Lyman tru line JR. Fill me in..

[Analogkid]

My uncle had one of these when I was growing up and I have the opportunity to get one for not much money. I'd like to be able to pick it up and put it to use . I see it has smaller threaded dies. I see there is also a aftermarket turret head with the standard sized threads of today. I am a machinist by trade so I may just make a new turret.

What about the rest of it? Is there a way to use modern shell holders in this? This will only be used for smaller runs of .38-357 and 45acp. Fill me in if you have one of these or have had one and can give advice. Thanks ahead of time.

 

[fguffey]

I have one, I do not use it but I have it JIC. I also have the dies with the old Ideal Gunfight handles with the adapter kit for using small dies in the big presses. In the old days we cut and welded shell holders, I never found it necessary because I have at least 5 different sets of shell holders like C&H, Herter, Lee etc. Different shell holders come in handy when using an arbor press that holds a .500" tool.

F. Guffey

 

[30Cal]

Call Lyman. I think they have the parts needed to fit it with today's std shellholders, and probably convert the priming parts over as well. I picked up an All-American a couple years back, and they were able to set me up.

 

[SARuger]

I just restored a TLjr, for modern shell holders you will need this; http://www.midwayusa.com/product/75...type-shellholder-ram-to-x-type-ram-conversion

And this primer post to go with it; https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...priming-punch-j-type-ram-to-x-type-conversion

I also added the new turret. It works fine with straight wall pistol reloads and will work with small rifle if you neck size only.

I have several sets of the 310 dies for my original turret. Here it is set up with "310" .38spcl dies and all original equipment.

 

[SARuger]

Upgraded turret for 7/8"-14 dies, I got it off ebay for $30

Upgraded shell holder "J" to "X" adapter, $17 on Midway

And they say you need this primer post, also available at Midway for $11, comes with large and small primer punch.

 

[Analogkid]

Is this press good enough to size and load .38/357/45 only?

I would be making the new turret for sure.

 

[Analogkid]

Also thank you for the pics! I appreciate it.

 

[Wreck-n-Crew]

Is this press good enough to size and load .38/357/45 only?

I would be making the new turret for sure.

My understanding is you will have issues trying to full length resize rifle brass. Seems that the linkage design limits the amount of leverage needed for bottle neck rifle.

 

[Analogkid]

I have a cast iron single stage for rifle. This will only be used for pistol brass.

 

[SARuger]

Is this press good enough to size and load .38/357/45 only?

I would be making the new turret for sure.

Yes, definitely! Stay away from FLS rifle brass, the linkages won't hold up.

 

[BBogue1]

I load with a Tru Line Jr Single link (single bar on each side) for 38 Special and a Compound (K shaped bars on each side) to full length resize both 38 Spl and 9mm. All with 310 (older) dies. I think the single is too weak to resize so I use the compound to resize. Even with the added streingth the cases still need to be lubed. I use the old shell holders (even though I own the new style also and find the older very adequate). Other than the streingth issue (I assume it exists but, I'm not willing to chance it), they are a wonderful press. I am one who prefers to be cautious, so, no rifle shells for me on my Jr. If you plan to use the older dies be sure to get the die list from the 310 shop.com.

 

[SARuger]

I load with a Tru Line Jr Single link (single bar on each side) for 38 Special and a Compound (K shaped bars on each side) to full length resize both 38 Spl and 9mm. All with 310 (older) dies. I think the single is too weak to resize so I use the compound to resize. Even with the added streingth the cases still need to be lubed. I use the old shell holders (even though I own the new style also and find the older very adequate). Other than the streingth issue (I assume it exists but, I'm not willing to chance it), they are a wonderful press. I am one who prefers to be cautious, so, no rifle shells for me on my Jr. If you plan to use the older dies be sure to get the die list from the 310 shop.com.

Another vote for "The 310 Shop", they have been helpful sourcing dies and die parts. I have a brand new, in the box, 30-30 die set(neck size only), neat old stuff!

I have loaded with the original turret and 310 dies but I decided to upgrade the press and use modern dies.

I use my TLjr for my wife's "powder puff" .38spcl loads that she plinks with. I use Trail Boss powder for those loads and I prefer to meter out of the Chargemaster and dump into each case.

Its a nice little press. Just be sure to look for wear in the "Y" links if yours has those. I had to make new links for mine, they were too worn out to repair.