Proper Setup of Lee Powder Thru Expanding Die w/ Auto Powder Measure

[Bob529]

This is on a 2023 Lee Pro 1000 progressive press. The correct initial setup for the expanding die is to adjust it down to shell plate and back off 1/2 turn or so. This will be a good starting point for expanding the case. The instructions for adding the auto drum power measure is to remove the funnel adapter and screw in the powder measure and tighten the knurled nuts together. Instructions state that the dispense position indicator should not make contact with the top of the slider. I find this is impossible! For the correct case expansion, the indicator is in contact with the top of slot. If I unscrew (raise) the die so that the dispense indicator is at the proper position, there is no case flare. I can unscrew the knurled nuts and get what looks correct but the powder measure is lose on top of the die and flopping around. What am I doing wrong?

 

[Gillie Dog]

Nothing.......

So I have had the same situation since AutoDrum came out and below is the answer I received from a Lee engineer about it and the instructions at the time.

"I think I can explain what is going on in the instructions a little better. You would want the small block to go through the travel in that slot and for pistol, it contacting the top slightly shouldn't cause issue as the case mouth is also being expanded. With rifle, the case mouth is not expanded and the primary purpose in asking that it not make contact is to prevent the case from being crushed. Hopefully that clears things up and if you had any other questions regarding that, feel free to ask."

I have been running with the slider making contact with the top of the slot with no issues, with pistol cases.

GD

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Also clean the powder drop now and then. The tube part from the bottom up to the drum area. I had problems with it clogging some. Where it would throw irregular charges. I use a nylon bore brush attacked to a pistol length rod.

 

[Bob529]

Nothing.......

So I have had the same situation since AutoDrum came out and below is the answer I received from a Lee engineer about it and the instructions at the time.

"I think I can explain what is going on in the instructions a little better. You would want the small block to go through the travel in that slot and for pistol, it contacting the top slightly shouldn't cause issue as the case mouth is also being expanded. With rifle, the case mouth is not expanded and the primary purpose in asking that it not make contact is to prevent the case from being crushed. Hopefully that clears things up and if you had any other questions regarding that, feel free to ask."

I have been running with the slider making contact with the top of the slot with no issues, with pistol cases.

GD

Thanks for the reply. I knew that it had to be something simple.
FWIW... This is for 9mm brass.

 

[Bob529]

Also clean the powder drop now and then. The tube part from the bottom up to the drum area. I had problems with it clogging some. Where it would throw irregular charges. I use a nylon bore brush attacked to a pistol length rod.

Thanks CoalCrackerAI
Good point.