lee classic cast, rcbs jr2, other presses...spent primer direction.

[WestKentucky]

I have an offer for a new in box lee classic cast press. I haven't used a classic cast before, and I was curious about how the primers get out of the press. My jr3 basically throws them around the room, and I need something that is controllable. Classic cast guys, let me know your thoughts on primer direction/controllability.

 

[kcofohio]

If I'm not mistaken, the Classic cast is designed for the spent primer fall down the hallow of the ram. Like the Classic Turret, there should be a clear plastic tube at the bottom that catches them.

 

[WestKentucky]

Great. That means I can run them to a catch bottle. I will pursue the trade.

 

[GBExpat]

... My jr3 basically throws them around the room ...

Interesting. The JR3 that I used from the mid'70s until last December always managed to drop ~95% of all spent primers in the plastic Primer Catcher accessory.

In December I acquired a Lee Classic Turret press. Looking at images of the Classic Cast it appears to handle spent primers in the same way as the LCT; they pass thru the ram and attached tube.

I think that most probably deprime with one of the Primer Arms in-place, so the spent primers are directed down the chute rather than out into the room.

I ran into some issues with spent primers spitting out occasionally despite the Primer Arm being in-place, so now when I am in depriming mode I cover the primer arm slot with a bit of business card, cut&bent to fit with a small rubber band to keep it in-place. So that each stroke doesn't trash the business card setup, I quickly recfg the press arm for short-stroking (I have marked it so that I don't have to rethink it each time).



In that configuration, 100% of the spent primers exit the immediate area via the vinyl tubing attached to the nipple on the base of the ram.

 

[berettaprofessor]

Actually, I'm not sure that everyone realizes the primer arm must be in place to direct the primers into the hopper while depriming, even if you are not using the press to prime. I certainly didn't and the Lee instructions don't specify that; you have to go searching places with good information, like THR

 

[Alderman]

With mine, most of the primers will go into the tube even without the primer arm in place.

 

[Rule3]

Actually, I'm not sure that everyone realizes the primer arm must be in place to direct the primers into the hopper while depriming, even if you are not using the press to prime. I certainly didn't and the Lee instructions don't specify that; you have to go searching places with good information, like THR

This^^^^^ is correct. Same with the Lee Classic Turret. You need the primer arm in the press.

Now the Lee Classic Breech lock kicks the primers to the side, hits a aluminum deflector and then down the tube,

 

[GBExpat]

With mine, most of the primers will go into the tube even without the primer arm in place.

Yes, most.

 

[Grumulkin]

Great. That means I can run them to a catch bottle. I will pursue the trade.

Aha! But that's not all!

The do supposedly go down the center of the ram but an occasional one will come out the side. If you keep you had over the slot (meant for the priming attachment) then the primers will go down the center of the ram. Also, it's possible (ask how I know) to get primers stuck in the ram; they're a little hard to get out but it can be done.

 

[Rule3]

With mine, most of the primers will go into the tube even without the primer arm in place.

But most others will not

If you go real slow and and push out the primer it will fall, if you are going fast not so much.

It has to do with the coefficient of friction in relation to the specific size and brand of primer, related to the primer pocket metal resistance factor,

 

[nettlle]

The presses with a hollow ram for the spent primer to drop through are much better that those with the catch tray.

 

[Cemetery21]

I switched to a LCT for the depriming feature, as well as quick caliber changes.

"Quote:
Originally Posted by berettaprofessor
Actually, I'm not sure that everyone realizes the primer arm must be in place to direct the primers into the hopper while depriming, even if you are not using the press to prime. "

Unless you just put a large drinking straw down the tube in the ram. I don't lose any primers and none hang up unless the top of the straw works down a 1/2" or so.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=206051&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1418930495

 

[WestKentucky]

Deal done. I'm just waiting for the press and dies to show up in the mail now. Thanks folks.

 

[9mmepiphany]

What I really liked about the Classic Cast, besides the great spent primer handling, was that you could use Hornady LNL Bushings to mount your dies in it...makes die switching between presses very easy

 

[kcofohio]

Aha! But that's not all!

The do supposedly go down the center of the ram but an occasional one will come out the side. If you keep you had over the slot (meant for the priming attachment) then the primers will go down the center of the ram. Also, it's possible (ask how I know) to get primers stuck in the ram; they're a little hard to get out but it can be done.

Usually that happens when I let the spent primer tube overfill. An 8" or so long 3/16" dowel rod clear those out okay.

 

[Rule3]

Usually that happens when I let the spent primer tube overfill. An 8" or so long 3/16" dowel rod clear those out okay.

Just guide the tube into a 1 liter or 1 qt plastic soda bottle. Takes a long time to fill it up, then recycle with beat up old brass.

 

[WestKentucky]

Just guide the tube into a 1 liter or 1 qt plastic soda bottle. Takes a long time to fill it up, then recycle with beat up old brass.

Already doing that with a jug from my last batch of moonsh...apple cider. Cracked, crushed, otherwise junk brass in same jug.

 

[oldreloader]

I've never had a primer not go into the tube on either the Classic Cast or the LCT with the primer arm in place. I like the safety prime as well as I like the spent primer system too.

 

[sorefoot]

Actually, I'm not sure that everyone realizes the primer arm must be in place to direct the primers into the hopper while depriming, even if you are not using the press to prime. I certainly didn't and the Lee instructions don't specify that; you have to go searching places with good information, like THR

YES!! This drove me clean around the bend until I did some internet searching.

 

[kcofohio]

Just guide the tube into a 1 liter or 1 qt plastic soda bottle. Takes a long time to fill it up, then recycle with beat up old brass.

Guess I never thought of that. Thanks for the tip, Rule3.

Also, I like having the primer arm in place, even while reloading single stage. When seating rifle bullets, with the ram down, the primer arm makes the casing stable when putting the bullet in position. Otherwise I risk the case slipping and spilling powder. But I'm not the most steadiest of hands.