Lee AutoDrum failure!

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When adjusted per the video in post #15, that is, without the black plastic tab hitting the top of the slot, the Auto Drum depends solely on spring pressure to flare pistol case mouths. At least, that's how mine works. Wouldn't different strength springs give you different amounts of flare?

I have to guess that Lee intended for the measure and die to be adjusted so that the black plastic tab does not hit the top of the slot. Adjusting it so it does will increase the amount of flare, but it also increases the likelihood of breaking something.

It requires about 55 pounds of pressure to compress the stock spring. It takes every bit of that spring pressure to overcome the measure's internal friction when the drum is tightened so it doesn't leak. (I know that because I tried fabricating weaker springs. They didn't work.) That stock spring pressure is waaay too much spring pressure (and flaring pressure) for some cases like 380acp. If you raise the powder through die to reduce the amount of pressure (and the amount of flare,) the measure won't fully cycle.

That spring pressure and that plastic tab are the two problems that make the Auto Drum unacceptable to me.
 
Never had the issue above with .380, loaded a thousand or more I guess.

I only use the riser on my longer rifle cases. None of my handgun measure's for short cases have the riser under them. They work better like that for me. YMMV.
 
It doesn't really cause a direct issue. It just flares more than is really necessary. That work hardens the metal around the mouth of the case, leading to cracks, shortening the life of the case.
 
It doesn't really cause a direct issue. It just flares more than is really necessary. That work hardens the metal around the mouth of the case, leading to cracks, shortening the life of the case.
I ran into that issue with my 1st LAD, then I readjusted my die. adjust your die until the flare is correct.
 
It depends on how you use the PTX die. What you say is true if you use the PTX die with the funnel adapter installed or with the riser inserted between the PTX die and the Auto Drum. But, if you don’t need the riser and just screw the Auto Drum directly into the PTX die, as shown in the video, what I said in post #22 is true.


This is correct and the reason I just user risers on all of mine. I am lazy that way. I like to get everything adjusted perfectly and then never have to touch them again. Also, I use mine on a Dillon 650 with the Dillon powder cop. You can make it work without the riser but things are really crowded on the tool head without it.

I am guessing that this is not going to be a really common problem. You were probably just lucky and got one with a small bubble or crack in it that finally failed.
 
I am guessing that this is not going to be a really common problem. You were probably just lucky and got one with a small bubble or crack in it that finally failed.

I hope so. My 2 other LADs are fine. I also use the risers so I don't think I'll ever have the adjustment issues some have run into without them.

Got an email from Lee. They are shipping my "repaired" unit out Monday. Label printed and processed.
I will be interested to see if I get a new unit or if they replace the main body on mine.
 
If you lived in my neighborhood I would give you mine. It has never worked correctly since day one. I'm normally a Lee fan, but who ever heard of a powder measure that doesn't work with ball powder? Mine jams tight with AA#9.
 
Replacement unit from Lee arrived today!
IMG_2140.JPG

They actually just replaced the main body & sent back my old hopper (which is good since it's used and de-staticed). All is good! Just tried it out and it drops dead on with my old drum. Lee did send a new drum in the unit so I'm +1 drum.
 
If you lived in my neighborhood I would give you mine. It has never worked correctly since day one. I'm normally a Lee fan, but who ever heard of a powder measure that doesn't work with ball powder? Mine jams tight with AA#9.

If you put yours in a USPS flat rate I will PayPal you the shipping! PM me if you want to get rid of it
 
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