Loadmaster Issue (...yet another thread...)

[sinbad339]

I used a Classic Turret for a couple of years before buying a Loadmaster about five years ago. I tried getting it to run reliably, but always fought jamming and priming issues, so I went back to the turret. I hadn't been shooting/loading much in the last couple of years, but have gotten back to the range recently, and needed to load up more rounds. I loaded about 200 40 S&W on the turret, taking about 2 hours, and looked at the Loadmaster sitting idle, and got to thinking.

I took everything apart and cleaned/lubed up the LM. Indexing looked fine, priming was set and looked good, and the case feeder also seemed to be running fine. I started fresh on the die set-up as well, for 45ACP. Stations were:
1 - Univ Decap
2 - Sizing w/ decap pin removed (primes on the up-stroke)
3 - Powder drop / case flare
4 - Bullet seat
5 - Factory Crimp.

Things ran perfectly through about 75 rounds. Then, I heard a "crunch" and discovered the decapping pin had broke. Looking for a spare, I found another broken one, and remembered that I had done this before on the LM.

So here's my question. I know that I need a die in station 2 to position the case for priming. It seems that I need something similar in station one; as there is no retainer at that station, but the Univ De-capping die doesn't position the case. I've read one post about using the sizing die in station 1 and a flaring die in station 2 to position the case for priming. I'm concerned that the flaring pin won't make contact with the case soon enough in the stroke to have the case positioned properly for priming. What about two sizing dies at 1 and 2, with the pin removed at station 2? Would that require too much force? Any other suggestions?

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I de-cap my brass prior to loading. There is also a stronger de-capping pin available. And they are reasonable.
Replacement Decapping pin for Lee 90783 / 90292 die set (squirreldaddy.com)

 

[sinbad339]

I de-cap my brass prior to loading. There is also a stronger de-capping pin available. And they are reasonable.
Replacement Decapping pin for Lee 90783 / 90292 die set (squirreldaddy.com)

I did deprime and prime on the turret, then load on the LM for a while, then just went to doing everything on the turret. Using both presses seemed to negate any advantage to having a progressive press.

And I think that hardened pin is for Lee's sizing/decap dies. The pin for the Universal Decapping die is longer.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I kicked around the idea of going progressive. I decided to just stick my my turret. I already have turrets set up for each caliber l load. Over time the auto index wore out. Cheap plastic parts lol. I just index manually now. It didn't slow me down at all. And the turret stops where it's supposed to.

 

[10wt308]

Wondered how long it would take
to the op,
When my cases hit the progressive (NOT! a Dillon) they are sized, cleaned and primed. Never had a problem and I have the opportunity to handle an inspect several times. at what station does a progressive allow the inspection of primer pocket etc? I have cases at different stages so I don't have to wait for drying etc.

Happy Handloading
Tom

 

[10wt308]

Forgot to add, I don't own a LM but have read a lot about them. General opinion seems to be that they are cantankerous but once you get it right it is smooth and reliable. So, keep your arm or leg I believe you will be pleased

 

[jmorris]

So here's my question. I know that I need a die in station 2 to position the case for priming. It seems that I need something similar in station one; as there is no retainer at that station, but the Univ De-capping die doesn't position the case. I've read one post about using the sizing die in station 1 and a flaring die in station 2 to position the case for priming.

I don’t think you need another die in #2 to center the case loading 45 ACP.

The need for another die in #2 generally is because one is loading 9mm. That’s because for whatever reason, Lee decided 9mm didn’t need its own shell plate in the loadmaster and just use the too large 40 S&W shell plate. The extra die centers the “under” case in the “over” shell plate. An extra powder die works for that. I’d keep the size die in #1 myself.

The case fit in the 45 ACP shell plate should be much better, have you tried it with the size die where it should be and had problems?

 

[WeekendReloader]

So here's my question. I know that I need a die in station 2 to position the case for priming. It seems that I need something similar in station one; as there is no retainer at that station, but the Univ De-capping die doesn't position the case. I've read one post about using the sizing die in station 1 and a flaring die in station 2 to position the case for priming. I'm concerned that the flaring pin won't make contact with the case soon enough in the stroke to have the case positioned properly for priming. What about two sizing dies at 1 and 2, with the pin removed at station 2? Would that require too much force? Any other suggestions?

Your idea of a sizing die with decaping pin in station one will work to center the case for decaping. If a sizing die (with pin removed) in station 2 is too much force (shouldn't be), you could try a LEE FCD to center the case for priming.