Shotshell reloader help please

[dozerboy]

I have had a Hornady Apex 3.1 for about 7 years, but if spent 5 years stored in my parents damp basement. It has some rust and oxidation on the aluminum parts that I want to clean up maybe paint, but it doesn't look like I need to clean it for the reloader to work ok. I need to disassemble it if I do clean it, but I have no idea on how to adjust it after that. The owners manual is no help and I don't see anything on there web site other then to call customer service. So should I not worry about since it doesn't look like it will cause problems with my reloads? If I clean it should I paint the rusted steel after I clean it and how do readjust it? I can post pics of it latter if it helps.

Thanks

[MoJo]

Clean it, oil it, use it. What your reloader looks like is less important than what your reloads look like.

[dozerboy]

OK thanks any help with making the adjustments just is case something isn't right?

[dozerboy]

I had a guy call me from Hornady and walk me through how to check the adjustments. With his help I found out the my primer feed needed to be replaced, but they don't make them anymore so I guess there going to custom make me one.

[KD5NRH]

I have had a Hornady Apex 3.1 for about 7 years, but if spent 5 years stored in my parents damp basement. It has some rust and oxidation on the aluminum parts that I want to clean up maybe paint, but it doesn't look like I need to clean it for the reloader to work ok.

Clean up the metal with a mild gun cleaner, (Hoppes No. 9, Blue Wonder Cleaner, or similar) and finish up with Flitz. Flitz will also help somewhat on painted parts. If you're going to paint afterward, you'll want to wipe it down with Brakleen or a similar cleaner to degrease before painting, since most of the "standard" cleaners and Flitz include some sort of oil or other protectant.