Lee Precision - 4 tube case feeder SLIDER BLOCK resolution

[LiveLife]

NOTE: Since 4 tube case feeder works on multiple presses, I decided to start a new thread instead of adding to existing press threads.

This is in response to @9mmepiphany and other members who inquired about 4 tube case feeder SLIDER BLOCK issues like slider fingers pulling cases back out after inserting them into station, not sliding smoothly/hanging up and binding spring, etc.

Looks like Lee Precision released the "gated" 5 tube case feeder and new larger black 5 tube case collator (Designed to feed .223 cases) to address remaining issues with the 4 tube case feeder and smaller red 4 tube case collator - https://leeprecision.com/deluxe-case-feed-magazine

So I sent Calvin an email asking if the new slider block for 5 tube case feeder was compatible with the older 4 tube case feeder:

Hello Calvin,​

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Is the new case slider block for the 5 tube case feeder compatible with the 4 tube case feeder?​

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And is there plans to offer parts of 5 tube case feeder (Like the case slider block) available for individual sale?​

And this was Calvin's reply:

Calvin at Lee Precision, Inc.​

Staff - 04/22/2024 9:54 am​

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Hello John,​

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The sliders for the 5 tube case feed will work with the 4 tube case feeder. They are currently not available for individual sale. I will check on this and get back to you to see if we plan on making them available. The only parts that I can foresee coming available for individual sale would be the sliders.​

​

Calvin Katzfey​

Lee Precision, Inc.​

That would be great for those using 4 tube case feeders wanting to replace slider blocks (Will keep you posted as soon as I hear back from Calvin).


FYI, here are three generations of case slider blocks as they "evolved" through the decades:

1. On the left is the slider block I started reloading 30 years ago (Came with short/tall sliders) that use "Z bar" but solid wire didn't always insert the case fully into station and needed help from my fingers. Two piece "Zytel" like material was not smooth at the top surface where case rim slid.
2. Next generation "Universal" case feeder in the middle used sliding detachable top case slider block and transitioned to "Spring bar" to apply spring tension as case was inserted into station. But as @9mmepiphany and other reported, inward "enclosing" slider fingers could contact inserted cases and pull them back out. Two piece hard plastic material was smoother but at the mating seam, there could exist production flashing that roughened the slide surface for case rim.
3. Newest slider blocks on the right (Returned back to short/tall sliders) is one piece hard plastic with flat top for smooth sliding of case rim without hangup and instead of full rails to slide, uses short slide rails and different attachment points for the "Spring bar". Noted difference are shorter slider fingers that flare out to not hook inserted case.

Three generations of slider blocks shown for tall/rifle cases: Note for two previous generations, Z bar and Spring bar was attached to two holes depending on the press. Newest slider uses front Spring bar mount point for SPP/Pro 6000 kit and ABLP/Pro 4000 kit but rear mount point for Pro 1000.



Instead of full length slide rails used for two previous generations, newest generation short/tall slider rails have four hook points likely done to prevent binding during sliding.


BTW, new larger black 5 tube case collator designed to work with .223 cases with pistol/short case insert ring/hole mask (Case diverter inserted in the center prevents inverted cases) - https://leeprecision.com/universal-case-collator

 

[9mmepiphany]

Thank you, very interesting. Your pictures clearly show all the high lights of the third gen

I knew there were three generations, but didn't realize how evolved the third generation really was.

1. The open fingers of the slide make complete sense with the inclusion of the gate on the new case feeder...I'm assuming that the more curved fingers were meant to keep cases from tipping off the rail
2. The molded attachment points being set further out from the slider should reduce tipping...plus really looks less cobbled together than the screw...I know it was more expensive to get new molds, but it really adds to the more upmarket look
3. I really like the non-solid slider as I think the reduced mass should help with smooth operation
4. The attachment (hook) points for the slider to the rail and the resulting reduced contact area should go a long way toward reducing binding
5. The skeletonized look of the slider has a more modern look to it without making it look less solid

I may eventually get the 5-tube set for my APP...but I will be waiting anxiously for the upgraded slider to be available

 

[LiveLife]

I know it was more expensive to get new molds, but it really adds to the more upmarket look
3. I really like the non-solid slider as I think the reduced mass should help with smooth operation
4. The attachment (hook) points for the slider to the rail and the resulting reduced contact area should go a long way toward reducing binding
5. The skeletonized look of the slider has a more modern look to it without making it look less solid

I agree. One piece design of short/tall sliders has more of "designed" look.

The open fingers of the slide make complete sense with the inclusion of the gate on the new case feeder...I'm assuming that the more curved fingers were meant to keep cases from tipping off the rail

Yes, I believe that was the intent of the "wraparound slider fingers" of the previous design. And that's where the "gate" comes in for the newest design, to hold the case from tipping even with shorter/flared out slider fingers.

 

[Bartojc]

Interesting, thanks for the update. I only load 9mm and had not had any real issues. Just recently started to get the occasional case not fully inserted and/or the slider block binding. Was planning to take it apart and have a look see. Maybe I'll just wait and get the new slider block as it seems that is the real solution. Funny i did not have the issue initially, and now 1.5 years later I've started to have a couple.

-Jeff