Lee Turret Press users step in please

[rickomatic]

I've had an old style Lee Turret press for years that I just put back into service. I decided to upgrade it with the Auto Index option, and 4-hole turret. When I installed the Auto Index I also installed a new (as required per the Lee website) Auto Index Ram. The slot in the front of the new ram, and the shell holder cutout are not centered in the 6 o'clock position as the old one was, but are offset in the 7 o'clock position. Every picture I see or video I watch on Lee's website show it as being centered, and not offset.
I emailed them and they said I needed the new primer arm. But I am thinking that this ram was mis machined. Am I out in left field? Take a look at the pictures, and advise. Thanks.

 

[CBS220]

That's what mine is like. It isn't centered, but you can't use that nifty little primer device that is both for large and small primers anymore.

You get the newer priming arms and they just slide in. That cutout appears to be extraneous; I've never found a use for it.

 

[jfh]

I updated my original turret (like yours) to both the 4-die configuration and the safety prime. Your ram and shell holder retainer are properly machined.

I note that, in your pictures above, you have not installed the 4-die configuration yet--e.g., you still have the original posts in place. I thought the new primer arms came with the ram upgrade--if so, look in your ram upgrade box / package. I they aren't there, Lee should send them out n/c, I would think.

If they're with the 4-die package, you're all set to go.

The ram upgrade has the primer arm slot offset so that the primer arm works nicely with the new safety prime. The primer arms are different, so you do need the new ones.

If you haven't updated to the Safety Prime yet, I recommend you try that as well. Some people have had trouble operating it, but once you both get the hang of it, and maybe do a height tweak, it works very reliably, I've found.

Jim H.

 

[rickomatic]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I sent the pictures to Lee and they did in fact say that it was properly machined. I ordered two of the new style primer arms. I can still use my Auto Prime hand tool and then set up the other dies until the new primer arms arrive.
I might email them again and tell them that they should mention the fact that new style primer arms are needed as well as the new ram when updating an old press.