Using a Lee Auto Disk Pro on a progressive LnL.. Why the chain??

[taymag]

So I just ordered my Lock-n-Load and was wondering a quick question. I plan on using my Lee dies and expander/powder through with the Auto Disk Pro and happened to remember the chain my powder measures came with. It seems like you are supposed to use the chain with progressive presses but I can't figure out why. As far as the case getting charged wouldn't the measure be going through the same step as it would on a single stage press? Spring moves the disk(s) to the drop hole when arm is lowered, spring naturally returns back into place to get powder from the measure when the arm is raised...?

 

[splattergun]

The chain is included to be used with LCT or their progressives. It can be made to use with another brand. IF the spring return works without the chain, you don't need the chain.
http://leeprecision.com/instructions.html

 

[2011redrider]

Chain is for the loadmaster with a stationary head, it won't work on the LCT as the head rotates and would twist up the chain. Your LNL comes with a powder measure and two drums, I prefer it over the disk Lee measure. I also use the RCBS powder expander funnels on the hornady measures, they have a two step design like the m dies.

 

[thomas15]

Your new LNL comes with a very nice powder measure complete with metering inserts for both pistol (small) and rifle (large). Also as you know, the LNL (like the Dillon 650) is a 5 station press.

For about $8.00, you can purchase a powder through expander (PTX) which you place at the bottom of the powder drop. This PTX will take the place of your expanding die and will allow fantastic use of the LNL powder measure and free up one of the 5 stations for whatever you want. Here is the PTX (in 9mm) I speak of... https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/00005290030/powder-through-expander-point355-diameter-

You may be asking yourself why do it this way? What's the benefit? First, as I mentioned the LNL powder measure is very robust and accurate. Second, if you want to seat and crimp your bullets separate from each other then you will need at minimum 4 stations. If you then want to seat and crimp separate and wish to add a bullet feeder or a powder cop or lockout die, you will need the 5th station.

If you have Lee 4 pc pistol dies you could use the separate seat and crimp method I'm referring to. Just back the seating die about 3 turns and use the center screw to just seat the bullet. Then use the fcd as a crimp die only.

Offered simply as food for thought....

 

[taymag]

I am following your post for the most part.. But "if" I wanted to use my auto disk (some people hate it, I actually like it) I have my Lee dies set up to expand the neck (9mm and 30 cal dies too for coated lead). So is that basically the same thing you are saying? Or alternatively I could use lee powder through dies (with expander for 30 cal) with the Hornady powder drop couldn't I?

I actually bought a bullet feeder (the mini) and am still contemplating on even using it at first cause I want to put a check station in until I get used to things.

 

[egd]

Where did you end up ordering it from? I saw your other thread and posted.
Yeah, there are several ways to set it up. I had one way in mind when I ordered, then changed my mind after I got it, and I'm thinking about another way now. AAARRRGH!
Which reminds me, do you need an unopened powder powder cop-cheap? I don't think I'll use it now.

 

[taymag]

I actually ordered one already the other day when I decided on the LnL, I was just waiting for a decent price on the press itself. I went with Midsouth for $389. From the coupons I saw some people reported $300-$325 less than 2 weeks ago which made me think that deal wasn't going to pop back up again already. I'm sure it will drop again, I am thinking 4th of July. I waited to see if there was going to be a fathers day sale and when there wasn't I just said ahh oh well I'm tired of waiting

 

[egd]

That's still a decent price. Once you get a rhythm going you'll be amazed how much ammo you can make without even trying to go fast.

ETA--Btw, I really like the powder measure that comes with it. I think it's very accurate, depending on powder, and is easy to adjust.

 

[taymag]

Curious about the measure... I saw a video (I think it was for that measure) saying how you can save load data in it for a quick change of sorts. How do you go about going from one to the next? Is it numbered or what? That's one reason I bought 2 lee powder measures with my single a while back, it was worth not setting the damn thing everytime I changed it

 

[2011redrider]

You can get the micrometer and record the setting for a particular load, or buy multiple quick release adjusters and leave them set. The micrometers are currently 33 and 31 for rifle and pistol at Midway. The threaded inserts are 10.99 each? I load for 8 calibers so I went with the micrometer for pistol and still use the threaded one that came with the kit for 223. Depends on how many setups you need.

 

[jmorris]

The chain is there to help prevent double charges. The measure is supposed to stay "thrown" until the shell plate is low enough to have indexed.

Once you add a spring it can be raised enough to charge, then lowered enough to reset/fill the measure and not index the shell plate, then raised again to add another charge to the case.

 

[taymag]

You can get the micrometer and record the setting for a particular load, or buy multiple quick release adjusters and leave them set. The micrometers are currently 33 and 31 for rifle and pistol at Midway. The threaded inserts are 10.99 each? I load for 8 calibers so I went with the micrometer for pistol and still use the threaded one that came with the kit for 223. Depends on how many setups you need.

Ok cool, last thing (for now hah), I was actually looking at those before I came back to this post and saw the pistol rotor on there too. Does the LnL come with a pistol and rifle rotor? I assume I can use the pistol rotor for 300 blackout since I am only throwing 11gr right? And are these the meters that come with it? Thanks again

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/631849/hornady-lock-n-load-powder-measure-handgun-metering-assembly

 

[thomas15]

As I mentioned in my post #4 you will get with your press drums and metering inserts for both rifle and pistol.

The micrometer adjuster another poster (2011redrider) mentioned is an add-on. I find it makes repeating throws during caliber changes very fast and easy.

If I may offer some friendly advice it would be to get your press running with one caliber to start with. The Highboy76 youtube vids are great for this. Since you know how to set up dies may I suggest his vids #43 and #44 which are about setting the primer shuttle and the timing prowls for absolute perfection?

Not to drone on and on but once you get your first caliber set up, you will find there are several ways of making caliber changeovers very fast and easy.

EDIT: the one in your link above is the same as the one that comes with your press. This is what 2011redrider is talking about... http://www.midwayusa.com/product/61...meter-for-handgun-rotor-and-metering-assembly

My guess is that you would use the large rifle drum for blackout. Try them both and see which one throws the most consistent load.

 

[taymag]

Came across another question.. I want to make sure everything is ordered so I am not looking at a new press for a week waiting on a $10 part I missed.

For the powder measure through die, I load 9mm and 300 blackout mainly. Is the amount of flare adjustable on the 9mm (I need a little extra for cast)? And I see a expander available for almost every caliber accept 30 cal. why is this?

 

[thomas15]

You will not need to flare your rifle loads.

How are you going to flare your pistol brass? Are you using a Lee expanding die?

 

[taymag]

You will not need to flare your rifle loads.

How are you going to flare your pistol brass? Are you using a Lee expanding die?

I have to flare my 300 blackout loads cause they are coated cast, plus they're slightly over .308 (around 309-310).

And yes I am using a Lee expander through die to expand and drop in the same step but I have it set up to expand a little more than FMJ users set theirs.

 

[mstreddy]

Taymag,
One thing you may like about the LNL powder measure is the ability to fine tune the drop to exactly what you want. The Lee disk measures will allow only a specific charge for each hole.
The LNL will also be very consistent with most powders. I'm able to stay within .1 gr on Promo and other similar powders.

Getting a charge weight dialed in is pretty easy. Usually a couple of minutes and you're there.
One thing is make sure you degrease the powder measure internals when you first get it.

 

[taymag]

Ya but without an option for a 30 caliber through expander I dont have enough options to make it worth using