Lee Press - Prime on press problems

[Noveldoc]

Have a new Lee turret press. First time I have attempted to use the Lee on press priming system. It is fast, just plop in primers with the tool and pull handle down. I have a very hard time getting a feel for when it is seated though.

And my accuracy went all the way to H E Double Hockey Stick. Some are seated so high, the cylinder in my Blackhawk will not even turn or they jam in my 45. Others are just a tiny bit uneven; doesn't help consistent ignition.

Stage 2 and 3 on the press are nice. I check charges out of the disc loader and they are very consistent. Also bullet seated length and crimp are perfect. But sure got a lot better primer seating when I used the hand prime.

Am I doing something wrong here or is this jut the nature of the beast? For now am going back to hand prime tool.

Tom

 

[woodsoup]

Are you using the right primer set up?

 

[jfh]

If you are having trouble feeling the primer seat, first confirm that you are using the proper size primer arm--large for large primers, and small small primers. Next, check that you are using the correct shell holder. Then, remove the primer arm and the shell holder and clean both completely--I use Gun Scrubber--and also clean the shell holder mount on the ram. If you have the proper parts installed and they are clean, primer seating has an identifiable 'feel' to it.

If everything is scrupulously clean, then check for handle and linkage setup--is the linkage too tight? On my updated Turret, the ram mounting setup can change the feel of the primer seating.

A good seat can be reliably done on the turret, and it can be consistently done--but it does take a final 'push' at the end of your upstroke. You should be able to feel it--so maybe it is mostly a matter of your stroking technique.

Jim

 

[The Bushmaster]

God I love my Auto prime II and my Classic Cast "O" press...

 

[jfh]

You just have to step forward into the modern world, The Bushmaster...

Maybe.

Jim H.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Well I do have a Classic Cast Turret too...Does that count?

With practice, Noveldoc. You'll get the feel for it...

 

[Noveldoc]

Thanks. Am using the large tool that came with the press. Will give at all a good cleaning and a very light lube and try again.

Also will twiddle with linkage set up. And maybe a new press is just stiff.

I do have some times where I do get a definite feel of the primer seating so all may not be lost. I do like the speed of this press and the powder system IMHO is primo.

Thanks for the help, folks.

Tom

 

[The Bushmaster]

Careful where you put the lube on the priming system...

 

[RustyFN]

Don't be afraid to give the handle a nice firm push when you seat the primer. I give mine a firm push and have never had a high primer or had one go off in the press.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Yup...SEAT them suckers....

 

[jfh]

And another vote for that firm push at the end. The Bushmaster gets it right.

BTW, I thought you had modernized. You know, I might even sell my Load-Master, if Lee ever gets around to making the Classic Cast Progressive....

Jim H.

 

[possum]

so far i have had no issues with my set up which is the same as the op after about 4k rounds loaded. just had to replace the square ratchet, but i don't consider than an "issue". only difference is i load .40. i agree make sure you get a good firm push on the handle when seating.

 

[gearheadpyro]

+1 on the firm push at the end.
Make sure when you lube everything to not get any in the cup that holds the primer. That lube will cause misfires (been there, done that). Lube the sides of the lever and the internals of the ram, I also lube the outside of the ram to keep it slippery.

 

[cptkeybrd]

Just set up my Lee turret and first few shells I did not seat the primers fully. I realized it when I pulled the shell to check the powder wt. after that I started to get the feel. Also I was using unique and the Lee powder measure and was suprised at the repeatability of it. I was using 5.5 grains of Unique and the micrometer option. Also rounded out the square ratchet probably because of trying to force something when taking turret on and off. So far am happy and it will get smoother as I do. Make sure you are using the right primer arm, big or small.
Good luck

 

[REX6859]

I moved the handle on my turret press to where when it's all the way up it only comes to about 85 degrees. It makes the down stroke longer but I think it's easier to give that solid PUSH that it takes to seat some primers. Also the less wiggle in your press when you push or pull the better the FEEL.