Lee Load-Master

[ciffer]

I have a Lee Load-Master progressive. I am able to reload with it but I am having some issues, maybe someone has solutions.

The case feeder binds and I ened up removing it and loading the cases manually. The priming system is unreliable and I find it necessary to manually move the primer loading arm to make sure the new primer gets taken in and manually shake the primer hopper to make sure the feed tube stays full. Even with this I find that I need to check every case to make sure it has been primed prior to seating a bullet. Bullets sometimes don't seat correctly and damage the bullet/case although I have found that with practice I can feel when that is going to happen and file the offending edge of the bullet so it will seat smoothly.

I am not sure if it is any faster with all this manual imput to load with this press than it is to load with the $24 Lee single stage that I use for decapping cases and loading .380acp (Load-Master can't hold .380acp in the specified shell plate)

I appreciate any imput you may have.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

the lee load-master is notoriously finicky

 

[FWest]

http://loadmastervideos.com/

Check out this site. I used to read it often when I had one.

 

[italy176]

When my case feeder started "binding" I found that the issue was improper setup due to a loose locking nut. But hey after a few thousand rounds that stuff happens.

As far as the primers are concerned... I have had issues because I did not clean out the bazillion spent primers out of the ram. But, to insure that I have no issues I often tap the primer hopper like you. Likewise, during the stroke I will make sure the primer arm swings all the way back and that I see a primer "drop" in the primer tube. Once you get in a rhythm it is not too bad.

I don't have too many bullet feeding/seating issues probably because I run the brass through the Load Master for resizing prior to loading. I would make sure that piece that holds the dies (turret) is secure and aligned to the shell plate. First, I would make sure that the advance on the shell plate is correct/aligned. Then use some brass to make sure that the dies in the turret are aligned. After that I would lock down the turret.

 

[Loic]

http://loadmastervideos.com/

Check out this site. I used to read it often when I had one.

+1

Sent from my EVO 3 D using Tapatalk

 

[slwroln]

+1 on the loadmaster video site. I have a Loadmaster and this site is invaluble.
http://forums.loadmastervideos.com/forums/

 

[greyling22]

Case feeder issues: make sure you watch the loadmaster video setup video, get the screws adjusted right and be sure you have the correct spacing on the rod. Also, are you using the right case slider?

bullet seating issues: are you flaring the case mouth? is your seater die set up correctly? Never really heard about people having bullet seating issues before.


Ahh Primer issues: I don't have a lot of help here. I've never gotten the system 100%. Lee has developed a new primer slider assembly in the past 5 months. I don't know that it's better. It's certainly not worse. Most of my problems happen with 9mm range brass. I wind up with a few crimped primer pockets that cause all kinds of primer seating problems. (sideways primers, mangled primers etc) And finally, keep the shell plate nut on tight. if that thing loosens up the plate tilts and bad priming things happen.

Good luck.

 

[ciffer]

I was mainly having trouble with .40S&W with the bullet seating issues. It was flareing the cases although it might not have been enough. I started with 9x19 the other day and seating hasn't been an issue. I might have to look into that more.

I also will have to give that new priming slider a try.

 

[greyling22]

lee will send you a new one for free is you call and make it a warranty request.

 

[kingmt]

It was flareing the cases although it might not have been enough.

You may be flaring to much also. My Lee powder through die will iron the flare back out if there is to much & I end up with less flare instead. That took me a while to figure out.

 

[ciffer]

I tried the seperate decapping and priming with the full-length sizer in position above the priming. I decap on my single stage before cleaning but I am still using the universal decapper in position 1 in case one slipped by. Seperate sizing fixed all my priming trouble, only had 1 flipped primer for 1000, although a few other jammed. My primer seating is perfect almost all the time, the few that are not deep enough I finish on my single stage, maybe 5 per 100.

You may be flaring to much also. My Lee powder through die will iron the flare back out if there is to much & I end up with less flare instead. That took me a while to figure out.

I'll have to check that next time I run .40S&W, my 9mm dies have not damaged a single bullet after 1000 rounds loaded.