.45acp cases getting crushed

[rm9792]

I have tried 2 different bullets and both new and used cases with the same results. The cases are crushing on one side always the same way. I am using a Lee progressive. I am using an automatic bullet feeder and Auto Powder Measure which flares it. This problem started recently, about 1 in 5 are crushing now. I can save the powder and primer but the bullet and case is shot. Here is a pic:

[Jumping Frog]

Did I understand you correctly that everything worked fine before? You'll need to debug this methodically. Check it out one at a time.

- Is there any junk, bullet lube, etc. stuck inside the bullet seating die?
- Is it the bullet feeder? Hand seat the bullets instead of using the bullet feeder.
- Is the case flared correctly?
- Are there any burrs or junk in the shellplate throwing off the case alignment?

Bottom line, if it worked correctly before and then stopped working, then some variable has changed. You'll need to find what that is and correct it.

If you can't figure it out, you can also call Lee Precision and ask for advice. When I have called, sometimes I've even spoken with Richard Lee -- he'll take support calls directly sometimes.

[PBratton]

I would check the flare of the casing mouth first.

[rm9792]

I checked that all was clean. I did feed ten by hand and it was fine. Apparently it is the feeder so maybe it just needs new fingers for the feeder. Thanks.

[Jumping Frog]

I checked that all was clean. I did feed ten by hand and it was fine. Apparently it is the feeder so maybe it just needs new fingers for the feeder. Thanks.

Then call Lee. They'll send you new fingers.

Also, if you want some great modification tips to making the bullet feeder work, go to the forums over at Loadmastervideos.com http://forums.loadmastervideos.com/forums/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There was a great thread on some simple mods to make the bullet feeder more reliable. You'll see that same green frog over there.

[rm9792]

Thanks. Did not there was a forum. Maybe i can finally get the case feeder to work too.

[Jumping Frog]

Thanks. Did not there was a forum. Maybe i can finally get the case feeder to work too.

Oh, that forum is indispensable for anyone running Lee Progressive presses. You'll enjoy the videos as well.

What trouble are you having with the case feeder?

[rm9792]

It has never worked as far as the actual pushing of the case into the shellplate. I just push the square black piece by hand each time. The black metal rod would always jam up when i tried to use it. Having issues now where the indexing rod wont come back out either. I think i just wore it out but a new rod still wont work. I do a lot of the functions by hand now. The bullet issue really slows me way down though.

[speedsix]

...a shellholder getting dirty or displaced would be my guess...I'd try a new one and clean the press before installing it...I had a Rock Chucker and would have to push against the case sometimes...to keep it aligned...

[rm9792]

tried cleaning everything, didnt help. Since I can place them manually I think it is narrowed down to the feed fingers or mechanism. cheap parts so I am ordering replacements. Since I badmouthed the primer system in a different thread it just loaded 1020 cases with 4 mistakes. Made me a liar on that! I got a good rythym going with all the worn parts but this broke the camels back unfortunately. Hopefully the Forum on Lees site has some answers too. I may just load this last 1k and call it a day, I have so much ammo now I probably will never shoot it all.

[Jumping Frog]

It has never worked as far as the actual pushing of the case into the shellplate. I just push the square black piece by hand each time. The black metal rod would always jam up when i tried to use it. Having issues now where the indexing rod wont come back out either. I think i just wore it out but a new rod still wont work. I do a lot of the functions by hand now. The bullet issue really slows me way down though.

You have probably worn the "dots" off the inside of the crank slide assembly (LEE Part # LM3258). Take it apart and see if there are 2 raised circle dots, or if they gotten worn down. The two side screws that the case feeder slider uses to set the tension depend upon those two dots.

The other possibility is your Case Feed Rod (LEE Part # LMi3262)s bent.

Call Lee and they'll send replacement parts.

[ske1eter]

I would check the flare of the casing mouth first.

+1

Then make sure the "keepers" are tight,keeping the case in tight into the shell plate.

[ske1eter]

It has never worked as far as the actual pushing of the case into the shellplate.

If the press was new, and has never worked, then I'd follow up using the videos previously mentioned. I've loaded at least 7K rounds on mine using the feeding mechanism and haven't hand any problems with it.

[MoJo]

I've been running a Lee Loadmaster press for about 10 years.

They can be cantankerous or they can be a gem and they can go from gem to cantankerous in a nano second. I keep spare plastic parts on hand just to be sure I can get it back running again when something wears out. I just today put my last crank slider on the case feed I'll be ordering a spare soon. I keep a spare case feed rod, an extra case ejector or two and an extra indexer on hand also.

I have found a very light film of grease on the indexer helps smooth out the operation as does buffing the case feed rod with a fine Scotch Brite pad to remove any oxidation that may have formed. A very very thin film of lubricant on this part also helps smooth out the operation. Be sure to oil the underside of the case feeder every 1000-1500 rounds to keep the case feed running smoothly.