Trouble with Lee Turret Press Indexing - New Reloader

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Hello,

I'm a new reloader, and I've purchased the Deluxe Lee Turret Press to start reloading .38 spl on. I've successfully loaded a couple of batches by using the press as a single stage press. Now, I would like to try loading using the auto-indexing feature. However, when I put the indexing rod back in, I have having trouble getting to turret to index by the correct amount. I align the turret with the resizing die correctly, but when I lower and then raise the arm fully, the turret stops between dies. Any ideas on how to fix this problem?

Thanks.
 
Try raising and lowering the ram more sharply, more quickly. I've had this problem, but moving the handle faster seems to give that plastic ratchet just a little more "bite" on the indexing rod and makes it move a little better. I would also suggest lightly oiling the part of the turret (the aluminum 4 hole thing) where it contacts the press, reducing friction to help it rotate is helpful if you haven't already done that.
 
Operate the ram. Where the turret stops. Take a wrench and move the nut at the bottom of the indexing rod in the direction that moves the turret in the direction you want until it sets in the detent and just a smidgen more...That should do it...

I might add that I've own this one for 20 years now...
 
Last edited:
Go to the Lee website and look up adjustments of the turret press. You need to adjust the indexing of your press. There's a video there that shows you how to do it. Currently, your indexing is out of adjustment. It's a simple adjustment and once done, your problem will be solved. Also, a touch of lube on the rod smoothes out the indexing a bit.

Regards,

Dave
 
I had this problem as well, and I believe I solved it, honestly, by just getting the motion down right, finessing it, so to say. Go slow with it until it lines up properly, and gradually increase your speed. You may not go all the way up or down on the handle, but you don't have to.

I realize this is little help at all. All I know is I remember this same problem very well and remember that it just took time and practice and finesse before I finally got the motion down right.
 
Simply out of adjustment raise the ram to near top use small wrench to hold
ratchet rod and align turret once set they work excellent,watch the video at
lee website as someone said and write Pat at lee for instructions,also order
some extra ratchet washers you may need them as a new reloader.
Once you start a cycle don't (ram up or down) reverse motion as it will chew
up the plastic washers, trust me I know.:D
 
Thanks for the advice so far, but it hasn't seemed to help me with my problem. Everything has been lubed as suggested. Following what is in Lee's video, I can get the turret initially aligned correctly, however, the first time that I operate the ram, the turret indexes to a location halfway between two dies. Operating the ram again aligns a die above the shell holder. Example sequence:

1) Sizing die
2) Between expander and bullet seating dies
3) Crimp die
4) Between sizing and expanding dies
5) Bullet seating die
6) Between crimping and sizing die
7) Expanding die
8) Between bullet seating and crimping die
9) Sizing die

The sequence then repeats. Any ideas?
 
My memory is hazy, but that sounds like the same problem I had after I blew out the ratchet washer during the initial set up and learning curve. Have you check it?
 
The washer appeared to be in good condition, but I replaced it with the extra that came with the kit. It didn't make a difference.
 
try adjusting the nut on the top of the indexing rod, if the nut rod combination is too long it will cause the turret to bind and not finish indexing. just a thought, Mine will not index completly once every 20 rds or so, but mostly from not pulling the ram down at the best speed.
 
Sounds like you have an index rod for a 4 hole turret and you're using a 3 hole turret
Click to expand...

I'm using a 4 hole turret. I guess that it is possible they shipped me an index rod for a 3 holed turret.
 
Also check the screw that holds the square washer on the indexing rod under the turret to make sure it is tight. It might have worked loose.
Rusty
 
Also check the screw that holds the square washer on the indexing rod under the turret to make sure it is tight. It might have worked loose.
Click to expand...
I'll check that tonight.


I've tried following all of the other suggestions, but nothing has worked so far.
 
I believe it is an adjustment problem however check the turret where it mates with top of press I received a bad turret just recently it was machined incorrect causing turret to rotate rough and that did cause some misalignment, Lee replaced turret.
 
Mine has done what you describe if I have just put in another or a new turret. Just raise the ram until it just clears the bottom of the lowest die, manually advance the turret so it aligns with one of the dies. When you lower the ram, it should index to the next die. If it doesn't then something is basically wrong with the index system.
 
I ended up calling Lee, and they sent me a new auto index clamp. The press indexes much better than it did before. Every few rounds, I still need to adjust it a little, but I'm much happier.

Thanks to everyone for your help.
 
index

I use batch loading as I decap with a bonanza and clean cases.prime by hand and then use the press.size then powder and expand check powder,then seat bullet.:uhoh::rolleyes::D
 
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