Very Pleased with New Lee Classic Turret
- Thread starter Martowski
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crracer_712
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If you are talking about the Perfect Powder Measure, the cheap one, I already have that one. How would it attach? As far as I can see, the threads on it, and the threads on the expanding case powder die (pistol) are not the same.
crracer_712
Member
I do have the Rifle charging die in my wishlist to buy as well, perhaps that is the way to go then.
This deal right here: http://leeprecision.com/universal-charging-die.html
It is not the rifle charging die as listed elsewhere on that site.
It is not the rifle charging die as listed elsewhere on that site.
I was actually referring to the hole in the press. You will need the correct attachment piece and GT1 has the piece in post 54. You attach the PPM to the universal charging die and then screw it in the press. The other option you have it to set up the auto disk to drop exactly 1/2 of the charge you need, then charge the case twice.
Lost Sheep
Member
Customize the disk.
Lost Sheep
You could ream the Auto-Disk's cavities out to a larger diameter. Be SURE to mark that disk indelibly (I suggest an engraving tool, then fill the engraving with white paint) so that if anyone picks it up years from now, they will be notified the disk throws a larger-than-book charge.
Lost Sheep
ngnrd
Member
According to Lee's Knowledgebase article, it "is not advisable" to mount a PPM on a press.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I really like the Pro Auto-Disk but it has it's limitations. For most rifle loading I use the Perfect Powder Measure. I like the fact I can own both for the price of one of most of the other company's measures. While the PPM feels and looks cheap it's always spot on when throwing powders...
crracer_712
Member
The Perfect Powder measure is what I currently use and it has done the job find, although I find, depending on powder, the scale might not me so accurate so I just set it until it dumps the weight I want, as read on the Lee scale. Then load form there.
I had read about cutting the auto disk load in half and just doing a double dump.
I had read about cutting the auto disk load in half and just doing a double dump.
Actually, the reasons they state there have nothing to do with it as mentioned here, in which it will do what was desired.
The charging die linked in my previous post is designed for the PPM. I'm not sure what one would do with such a die if it is not for press work.
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ngnrd
Member
That's interesting, since the description listed in your link says the Universal Charging Die is for use with the PPM on progressive presses, and in my link Lee specifically says that the PPM isn't recommended for turret or single stage presses. Although I don't know why it would work on one and not the others.
Do you actually have a PPM mounted to a Lee turret? And do you have a picture of your set up? I'd like to mount mine if it will work.
EDIT: I just found this on Lee's website. It very definitively says that the UCD/PPM combo does NOT work on the turret press.
Do you actually have a PPM mounted to a Lee turret? And do you have a picture of your set up? I'd like to mount mine if it will work.
EDIT: I just found this on Lee's website. It very definitively says that the UCD/PPM combo does NOT work on the turret press.
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Nope, I have a PPM but I only load handguns.
The deal with the set-up discussed here is it needs a return mechanism that the LCT doesn't have built in, no place to fix the chain and yank it, and no place to mount a spring. Unless one wants to tinker....I don't think it would be overly difficult.
I still think it would be worth it even with resetting manually, to get large accurate throws for large rifle cases. If one wants to load large rifle with some speed(most don't seem to want to do that.)
The deal with the set-up discussed here is it needs a return mechanism that the LCT doesn't have built in, no place to fix the chain and yank it, and no place to mount a spring. Unless one wants to tinker....I don't think it would be overly difficult.
I still think it would be worth it even with resetting manually, to get large accurate throws for large rifle cases. If one wants to load large rifle with some speed(most don't seem to want to do that.)
I wasn't able to dig up any photos with a quick google search, but I did find this thread that describes how it works. Since you can't use the reset chain, you have to reset it by hand. Should be no big deal for rifle cases.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=42868
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=42868
crracer_712
Member
Actually, while looking at the Pro Auto disk, on midway it said it was designed for progressive press. But then you look at the Classic Turret kit and it comes with the Pro Auto disk.
I'm experimenting with using the PPM on the Lee Turret Press.
What I've done is screw the PPM into the top of a riser die made for the auto-disk measure, and then attaches the PPM/riser combo to the top of the powder-thru expander dies that come with my Lee pistol caliber die sets. I work the measure manually for each round (still faster than having the PPM separate from the press). So far I've loaded .38 special and 9X18 Makarov this way.
I've had mixed results. I don't think that Lee intended for the measure to be used this way. I took out the little "plunger" thingy from the riser. You know, the part that actuates the auto-disk when the case is fed into the die? I assume that if this metal part is pressing against the plastic bottom of the PPM that it could break it? I may be wrong, but I don't want to risk breaking my PPM (I know it's cheap to replace but my budget is tight right now). Anyway, I think that plunger thingy also doubles as a funnel. By taking it out I'm getting powder all over the inside of the expander die, and this is also causing some variation in my charge weights. Not enough variation to make my loaded rounds unsafe, but enough that I think it could affect accuracy.
Is there a better way to do this? Should I put the plunger back in? Or will this damage my PPM?
Any idea and/or advice you guys could share with me would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
What I've done is screw the PPM into the top of a riser die made for the auto-disk measure, and then attaches the PPM/riser combo to the top of the powder-thru expander dies that come with my Lee pistol caliber die sets. I work the measure manually for each round (still faster than having the PPM separate from the press). So far I've loaded .38 special and 9X18 Makarov this way.
I've had mixed results. I don't think that Lee intended for the measure to be used this way. I took out the little "plunger" thingy from the riser. You know, the part that actuates the auto-disk when the case is fed into the die? I assume that if this metal part is pressing against the plastic bottom of the PPM that it could break it? I may be wrong, but I don't want to risk breaking my PPM (I know it's cheap to replace but my budget is tight right now). Anyway, I think that plunger thingy also doubles as a funnel. By taking it out I'm getting powder all over the inside of the expander die, and this is also causing some variation in my charge weights. Not enough variation to make my loaded rounds unsafe, but enough that I think it could affect accuracy.
Is there a better way to do this? Should I put the plunger back in? Or will this damage my PPM?
Any idea and/or advice you guys could share with me would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Midway is not the best place for Lee parts and accessories in my book. I think the Lee Factory Store (it is not part of the factory) is a better place (or if in Houston 10-ring). The Lee Pro Auto Disk is definitely designed for use on the classic turret press. Just don't try to use the chain mechanism. Wasted a lot of time trying to figure out to use it on mine when I finally realized it was not meant for the turret press.
mdemetz
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Martowski
Member
I had good luck with Graf & Sons for my Lee equipment. Great service, fast shipping, and if you have a C&R license there can be a significant discount.
crracer_712
Member
Just got my Classic Turret press this week and set it up to load some 9mm tonight. After adjusting all my dies, I set up the Pro Auto Disk dispencer. I was looking for 5.0 gn of unique, the chart showed disc hole 5.3. Long story short, I went up to disc hole 6.6 and got consistent 4.8 gn drops, no tapping, just loading.
I had bought a Cabela's digital scale and found it and my Lee scale were identical on the 4.8 gn. Once I was satisfied with the setup, I dumped powder in 5 cases, weighed each one and they were all exactly 4.8 gn.
I started loading, having already resized and primed the cases, I just ran the ram up/down on a short stroke to skip the sizing die and move to the powder die after the FCD. Loaded 22 rounds, will test them tomorrow. Was using Rainiers plated 115 gn RN, OAL was running between 1.136 and 1.140. Going to see how the SR9c likes them as well as the LC9. Got another 100 rounds already primed, so it'll be another batch before I can try out the auto prime.
So far, me like! It was nice loading a case and finishing it before moving on to the next round.
BTW, I noticed the FCD would actually increase the OAL by about 1/1000th". It was also my first time using the expander die, that really made seating the bullets a sinch!
I meant to get the disk double kit, but I forgot to order it. I believe I'm going to need it to get my powders to drop where I want them. I'm thinking the next step up is going to be over that 5.0 gn load. Will see how these shoot, may end up wanting more than 5.0 anyway.
I had bought a Cabela's digital scale and found it and my Lee scale were identical on the 4.8 gn. Once I was satisfied with the setup, I dumped powder in 5 cases, weighed each one and they were all exactly 4.8 gn.
I started loading, having already resized and primed the cases, I just ran the ram up/down on a short stroke to skip the sizing die and move to the powder die after the FCD. Loaded 22 rounds, will test them tomorrow. Was using Rainiers plated 115 gn RN, OAL was running between 1.136 and 1.140. Going to see how the SR9c likes them as well as the LC9. Got another 100 rounds already primed, so it'll be another batch before I can try out the auto prime.
So far, me like! It was nice loading a case and finishing it before moving on to the next round.
BTW, I noticed the FCD would actually increase the OAL by about 1/1000th". It was also my first time using the expander die, that really made seating the bullets a sinch!
I meant to get the disk double kit, but I forgot to order it. I believe I'm going to need it to get my powders to drop where I want them. I'm thinking the next step up is going to be over that 5.0 gn load. Will see how these shoot, may end up wanting more than 5.0 anyway.
Lost Sheep
Member
To expand a bit on Jeff H's post:
The Pro Auto-disk and the standard Auto-disk have the exact same bottom end (except for the teflon coating). They operate exactly the same way and either will work on the Turret, Progressive or single stage perfectly well (some requiring a riser to clear other parts). Use the "F" arm and spring, not the "T" arm and chain. With the return spring, resetting by hand is not necessary.
One retailer, who should have known better actually substituted the standard Auto-disk in my order for my requested Pro Auto-Disk because they did not know this basic piece of information. Buyer beware and don't be shy about asking questions.
By the way. Kempf's (on line) does know the difference (Sue Kempf uses a Classic Turret herself, and I would trust her with any question you might have). Kempf's also offered (for more than a year) the only kit built around the Classic Turret and the kit was intelligently built (not like some, which appear to be assembled by marketing geniuses instead of practicing reloaders).
Lost Sheep
Lost Sheep
Member
Congratulations. I got mine two years ago. In my opinion, if you don't need a true progressive or the leverage required of the truly HUGE calibers, the Lee Classic Turret is the best there is.
I prime on-press. The "feel" is quite sufficient (I wrap my fingers around the upright, having adjusted the position of the operating lever to allow this) and find the sensitivity compared to the Auto-prime to be entirely satisfactory.
I agree. Continuous processing, taking a case from start to finish (empty, fired case through to finished, ready-to-fire round) fits my style perfectly.
Batch processing fits cognitively, also, but is not nearly as fast.
With your Auto-disk, you should have received four disks that should cover any range of loads you need. Did you mean the "Micro-Disk" or "Micrometer Charge Bar" instead of the double disk kit?
The disk cavities often drop powder charges lighter than the chart indicates (although, the drops are usually quite consistent, they do tend to be light). One can ream the cavities to drop just the charge you want if you like. Just be sure to mark such modified disks indelibly.
If I mis-read the meaning of any part of your post, please forgive me and correct me. It is late and I am tired.
Good luck with your Classic Turret and again, congratulations on a fine choice.
Lost Sheep
OP
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Martowski
Member
I love my Classic turret. Just cranked out another 150 rounds of 9mm the other evening since I was running low. It's so much easier just to sit down and start making ammo with this vs. single stage presses. Been using 3.8 gr. bullseye and 124gr. Berry's plated w/ CCI primers. Have some W231 waiting in a can as soon as the Bullseye is out.
crracer_712
Member
I did mean the disc double kit and not the micro meter (I'm not sure what I would need the micro meter for, 380 acp perhaps??). The reason I mention the disk double kit is that is contains the risers and and longer screws (I know I could buy screw, but thought the riser might be requires??) in order to stack to disks so that I could find a larger one that 'almost' drops what I want (where the next size might be too much), and then add a smaller one to make up the difference. At least that is the way I understand it to work, perhaps not?
Is there a situation where I might want that micro meter?
It must be getting settled in though. I had to go to the 6.6 hole to get a consistent 4.8 gn drop, and this morning it was dropping consistent 4.8/4.9 unique, in the 150 rounds that I had previously reprimed/resized on my challenger press. I moved my reloading bench to another room and just loaded another 50 rounds (this time using the press from start to finish, resize and deprime to start) and it was dropping mostly 5.0/4.9 unique. Perhaps the difference was actually settling the powder a little more while utilizing the resize/deprime/prime this time?
Took about 5 rounds until it seemed the auto prime settled in, then it was very consistent dropping primers. This was AFTER I loaded 3 rounds and realized I hadn't primed them yet.... I know they say not to install primer after powder and buller are loaded, but I did it anyway
Either way, both my LC9 and SR9c seemed to love the 115 gn plated ammo with the 4.8/4.9 gn loads I test fired this morning. Much better ejection than my previous 124 gn FMJ with 4.7 gn unique. Accuracy seemed better, but perhaps it was because I wasn't having cases drop right beside me, distracting me.
I saw someone had a pro auto disk mounted on each set of pistol dies. To me, this doesn't sound like a bad idea! Especially since they are about the price of a box of 45 ACP, or there abouts...
mike.h
Member
I'm using the LCT also. I started loading .45acp last year and just now started loading 9mm using Berry's 124 HBRN. The LCT is a pretty sweet setup.
Mike
Mike
Lost Sheep
Member
Micro-Adjusting powder charges
The Micro-Disk is a measuring disk that is arranged so it has a half-height cavity. You can get smaller charges of powder and those "in between" loads that the standard disks skip over. It substitutes for the regular disk in the Standard Auto-Disk powder measure or in the Pro Auto-Disk powder measure.
The Micrometer Charge Bar substitutes for the regular disk and has an infinitely adjustable cavity. It also substitutes for the regular disk in either model of the measure. Some people swear by them and some people swear at them. I haven't actually tried mine yet.
Neither the Micro-Disk or the Micrometer Charge Bar deliver very large charges. I'm not sure how heavy they go, but it is not very far.
Good luck,
Lost Sheep
Of course, you can always get a spare regular disk and ream a cavity to drop just the right amount of powder that you want. Just be sure to indelibly mark that disk and cavity so there is no confusion any time you use that disk in the future or some future owner uses it.
Glad to hear your Auto-Disk is settling down. Sometimes you have to wear the "new" off before things get tuned in.
The Micro-Disk is a measuring disk that is arranged so it has a half-height cavity. You can get smaller charges of powder and those "in between" loads that the standard disks skip over. It substitutes for the regular disk in the Standard Auto-Disk powder measure or in the Pro Auto-Disk powder measure.
The Micrometer Charge Bar substitutes for the regular disk and has an infinitely adjustable cavity. It also substitutes for the regular disk in either model of the measure. Some people swear by them and some people swear at them. I haven't actually tried mine yet.
Neither the Micro-Disk or the Micrometer Charge Bar deliver very large charges. I'm not sure how heavy they go, but it is not very far.
Good luck,
Lost Sheep
Of course, you can always get a spare regular disk and ream a cavity to drop just the right amount of powder that you want. Just be sure to indelibly mark that disk and cavity so there is no confusion any time you use that disk in the future or some future owner uses it.
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