Lee Classic Cast, Breech Lock or not?

[GLOOB]

Well the primers go thru the center of the ram on both versions. The difference is that the breechlock version eventually diverts the primers out a hole on the left side of the ram where they drop into a funnel. The original sends the primers all the way thru the bottom of the ram, if I am not mistaken.

The breechlock setup works great, in my experience. And it has some advantages. Like not having to move a long tube of primers up and down with each pull of the press. The spent primer handling is excellent in either case.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I wasn't aware of that the breech lock version classic cast use a different ram from the standard classic cast. I always thought the only difference is the die hole area, just checked Lee's website and they do show different parts for the rams!

Yup, besides the hole at the top of the frame, the spent primer handling and the switchable primer arms are the big differences.

The reason you can't switch the prime assembly to the other side is that the hole in the ram for the spent primers to jump out of has to be on the same side as where the primer catcher is cast into the frame. I've seen primers miss that opening when jumping out of the ram, but it wasn't every primer...it did seem a bit dirtier from where the primers landed on the frame

 

[9mmepiphany]

And it has some advantages. Like not having to move a long tube of primers up and down with each pull of the press.

Friends who use the Classic Cast, usually direct the primer disposal tube to a trash can placed under the press...so they aren't lifting a tube full of primers.

I personally just direct the tube into an empty plastic soda bottle to help keep the dust down. The tube does move up and down, but the tip never clears the lip of the bottle. I use the same system for my LNL AP

 

[Hondo 60]

The more calibers you reload the better the breech lock press looks.

I have one & load 11 calibers.
Ya, it's a bit expensive having to buy all those bushings,
but I love being able to just pop the die in & start pullin the handle.
It's a LOT less for me to remember.