Lee Auto-Drum questions

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JohnhenrySTL

JohnhenrySTL

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Location
Saint Louis Missouri
I bought the Turret Press Kit about 6 months ago after years of combining single stage presses. I used it once or twice and was very impressed. It took some of the fun out of hand loading but it's faster and easier on my hands. After returning to reloading after six months of adult life I'm stumped.

Today I was trying to load some .38s.

After the drum out-right would not throw any powder at all I took it apart about ten times and put it back together trying to catch something I overlooked. Finally I got it to throw charges. They were not concistant at all. I was trying to throw 3.1 grains of titegroup. Every fifth charge or so would throw 1.5 grains. I tried Unique and had similar results.

I checked on you tube and a guy mentioned a o-ring. I don't remember having one before, but like I said I only used it once or twice and I remember it working great. I realize I'm being vague and I read the manual over and over. I did previously remove the anti-double charger. Any ideas or experience would be great.
 
First question, do you have the screw moved to the inside hole from the original position? If not the link can slide to the disconnect position. This is where it should be.
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JohnhenrySTL said:
Yes. How tight should it be?
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It doesn't have to be tight, just in the hole. If it feels too loose a small amount of paper or tape rapped around the screw threads will tighten it up.

If you haven't seen it, this video shows how to make sure the drum is rotating completely. It might be of help.

 
I just went through everything on the video. I hoped backing off the bolt would help, but I'm still getting between 5-8.5 grains of Unique after checking several charges and not making adjustments to the screw at all. I'll call Lee tomorrow.

Thanks.
 
Static issue maybe?
Maybe try wiping with a used dryer sheet?
If you are getting drum rotation and you don't have the hopper in the off position something has to be causing the issue and there is not a lot to go wrong.
I haven't used Unique in mine (don't care for the ways it meters, shoots well but...)but even with Unique I would expect no more than + or - maybe .2 for the set charge.
If you haven't already tap the hopper after filling it with powder to make sure it settles before you start loading.
One thing on the turret is the measure needs to be moved to stay the same charge weight wise. I have found if I set when rotating the turret charges will be a little light if I don't rotate and just throw charges.


Hope you get it worked out.
Please let us known if and when and what.
 
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JohnhenrySTL said:
I just went through everything on the video. I hoped backing off the bolt would help, but I'm still getting between 5-8.5 grains of Unique after checking several charges and not making adjustments to the screw at all. I'll call Lee tomorrow.

Thanks.
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What are you using to weigh your charges?
 
JohnhenrySTL said:
I have a MCM digital scale. But I can also see visible differences amongst the charges.
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I would make sure that there is no debris on the drum and mating surface. Also, check the drop tubes for any wetness or debris.

Is the hopper fully open?
 
Hopper is fully open. I'm not seeing any loose powder in the tubes. I just spoke with Lee, they are having me send it in. As expected they are being helpful.
 
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Lee called me today, I was working. I tried to understand the nature of the issue the best I could. I was relieved when they told me mine was not working and needed to be updated. The said the sanded the drum and updated it. They replaced the body because the door, or maybe sleeve didn't fit properly. I was used up by work, so wasn't able to ask all the questions I would have liked.

Either way it's been shipped out. It cost me 4 bucks to mail to them and a ten minute trip to the post office.

I'm happy Lee took care of me. I'm still a fan.
 
Always good to hear of Lee (not just Lee, but majority of gun industry) taking care of their customers! :)
 
Cool, glad you got it fixed and Lee made it right.
Unique is known for it;s lets say "Unique" metering qualities. :)

(I do hear cornfalkes and 800X meter worse)
 
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