Lee Loadmaster/Priming

[uslaw]

I just recently got my own Lee Loadmaster, my brother had one for years and we both loaded hundreds upon hundreds of rounds-many different calibers. Now that I have my own and spent hundreds getting everything setup I am questioning the process on how we reloaded. We would resize and then run each casing through the RCBS Trim Mate, tumble them and then spend a hour pushing the walnut media out of each flash hole. So now I am reloading on my own I have been tumbling the casings before sizing and de-priming the casings, (no more removing walnut media out of the flash hole) We also did not use the priming part of the Lee Loadmaster because the priming of the casings would miss sometime and you would do a powder dump-spent 5min. cleaning the powder up, no good! So we hand primed all casings then run them through the Lee Loadmaster. I am at a place where i would like to depend on the Loadmaster to prime the casings but with great reserve will not use it to prime casings. I was looking over the RCBS SUPREME AUTO PRIME PRESS. Does this press de-prime and prime in one stroke or do you have to de-prime first. If any one has a better way to make it all happen i would appreciate your input.

 

[Steve Koski]

It sounds like you're loading for high volume rifle shooting, correct? What cartridges? You're not trimming pistol cases are you?

 

[uslaw]

No, 45ACP, once fired-no need. I know my post is long winded, i was curious about the RCBS SUPREME AUTO PRIME PRESS, have you worked with this press? Thanks.

 

[Steve Koski]

No. But you don't need a new press. With a little dedication you can make the LM ROCK, and run it as a true progressive.

1) If you're ever trimming .45 brass, stop.
2) Tumble your brass
3) Put brass into press (with old primer still in place)
4) Pull handle, follow directions
5) Out comes loaded ammo.

I've never owned a LM, but I know a few guys that do. With a little hunting (perhaps on different forums, with more focus on the LM), you can get some good tips on adjusting the primer actuation and keeping it running well.

I can load 400-500 rounds an hour on my progressive, I'll bet you could do the same on the LM with a few tips from the old LM salts.

Downgrading to a single stage press is a guaranteed way to make sure you spend more time reloading, and less time shooting.

Koski

 

[44vaquero]

uslaw, visit this site you may find some information useful: http://loadmastervideos.com/

I have had a LM since they came out and fixed the primer feed issues early on. Try opening up the hole the primers pass through as they rise to meet the case in the shell plate. I used a camphor tool to do it. It seems to help them from getting cocked and jamming.
The primer feed is gravity fed and needs to be full at all times to work correctly.

Hope this helps.

 

[clutch]

The hot setup is to put an universal decap tool in the position the cases are fed into and then put the sizing die minus the decap rod over the priming station. I've read that in many forums and it makes sense.

I'd run off a few cases that are deprimed, sized, then primed and see if you have it tweeked before playing with the powder throw. You can always introduce the primed rounds under the throw when you have it dialed in to use those up.

I recently purchased the parts to try this out and the next week end I have off I have about 800 empty .40 S&W waiting for me to fill them.

Currently I deprime then resize using the loadmaster, offline prime (rcbs universal tool), fly a #55 powder throw over a loading block then stick the cases in and seat followed by factory crimp using the loadmaster.

It is still faster than a single stage but I'm going to step up my game, I plan to do a lot more shooting in the near future.

Clutch

 

[foxmeadow]

I've had a Loadmaster for 12 years or so, and have loaded 20K+ of .45 ACP, 5K+ of .223, and many thousands of various calibers. The primer system has always given me fits; about 2% of the primers have gone in sideways or not at all, resulting in lost powder. The problem seems to be that the shell plate may not rotate to exactly the right position, and/or the shell retainer that holds the shell into the shell plate is out of adjustment, allowing the shell to be out of position. The primer then catches on the edge of the primer pocket and is flipped sideways. If you can get another sizing die, remove the decapping rod and install the die body over the priming station. This will act as a guide for the shell, forcing it to be in the right place in relation to the priming system.
If your brass has little or no chamfer at the primer pocket, you'll have problems as well.
All in all, the Loadmaster has seriously degraded my vocabulary, but has loaded a LOT of ammo for me. Some of their engineering is pure genius, like the case feeder, but the primer system is somewhat hokey, what with plastic parts and all.

I recently started loading 9mm. My *&%%$#@&^ machine loaded 900 rounds without a hitch. Just hates .45, I guess...

 

[Steve Koski]

 

[frankge]

i have a loadmaster and the priming system sucks. I hand prime now not just for reliabiity but becasue I want to make sure in matches my ammo does not fail. Most progressives have issues with proper priming. All else works perfectly though.

 

[italy176]

I deprime and resize prior to reloading and seem to have better luck.

 

[FWest]

I am new to the Loadmaster. Mine was delivered Monday. It was set up for 9MM and after an hour setting up the case feeder, powder measure and lubracation I ran 25 through with zero problems.
Turned another tube of empty brass and loaded another 10 before I checked and found no primers.
What I found was the small screw on the underside of primer body loose and the arm in front of the lever that allows a primer to feed as long as a shell is present.
Secured the screw under and put the primer arm back over the little nub and away I went, cleaning up powder under the shell plate first. I have loaded 300 9MM plus 200 45 acp after this adjustment with no issues.
Maybe something to check ?

 

[uslaw]

Thank you all for the schooling. I have got it setup and rollin, yes i hand prime everything, but all is working well even the 45 acp's.