My episodes with the Projector

[martinbr]

Hello, I have been loading some .45 230 gr with plated bullets this week on a Hornady Projector. The machine is finicky to say the least, but the price was right. But the problem I am having is on the up stroke after the case leaves the powder thru die (Lee Auto Disk Powder System), I really have to pull up on the handle to get it to release. It's tiring.

So I am wondering if it's these four things that could be doing this.
1. Lee Dies
2. Didn't tumble brass long enough
3. Seated too deap on the expander die.
4. Having it clamped to my dining room table instead of a more secure workbench.

Other than a couple of primers that jam once in awhile it's a pretty good press so far. Anyone?
thanks,
martinbr

 

[wally]

I vote for #4, you are probably partially lifting the table. Do you use the Lee Factory Crimp die? It also noticeably increases the handle force required both up and down

I've heard you can retro fit the LNL primer system to the Projector, if your primer system gets unreliable, I'd suggest trying this instead of replacing parts on the Projector's primer sub-system which I found very tedious to setup and while it worked well for many years (after I quit switching it from small to large and vice-versa) but once it started screwing up it was all downhill rather quickly.

--wally.

 

[martinbr]

work bench

Wally, your probably right. There is quite of bit of flex on the downstroke. I don't have a garage so I am dictated by the living room for my loading sessions. Going to have to get a sturdier table I guess.
martin

 

[Walkalong]

Lee expanders are rough (grooved from inexpensive machining) and need polishing as they come from the factory. They grab the case coming out. Polished up they are much better. I prefer the Lyman or Redding two step expanders.

Lee dies work fine and will load good ammo, they just are not as nicely machined as more expensive dies. They can't be and still be kept inexpensive.

 

[SASS#23149]

yep,the table is most likely causing you some grief.
lube about every tenth case just a 'smidge' with ur fingers,and life will suddenly get easier.
theres' a sizing 'wax' that comes in a small tin that you could use,just lube up ten or fifteen cases ahead of time and grab one every 10th round or so.just a bit around the neck will suffice.