Upside down press for sizing using Lee sizing die

[dave_g]

I found the idea here somewhere of mounting a press upside down so that you can just drop a bullet into the Lee sizing die instead of balancing it on the punch. What I didn't see was if anyone reversed the press' arm so that it works like a normal press - downward push instead of upwards.

So I tried it out.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k57/snafu510/sale/DSCF0163_zpszhqyfetp.jpg (http://s85.photobucket.com/user/snafu510/media/sale/DSCF0163_zpszhqyfetp.jpg.html)

I used the little Lee press, because its cheap. I made an arm from 1/4" steel (5/16" would be better in this press, but I had 1/4"). I had to grind a couple of divots in the bar so it would clear the ram at both ends of the stroke. I also had to mount it on some steel because 3/4" wood would jam the arms up. I still need to fit some spacers and make some kind of handle.

I'm sure someone else has already done this. Probably better. But I thought I'd share it. The press loses some of it's range but there is enough left for sizing bullets. If I was more clever I'm sure I could figure out what length to change the arms to get the best range of motion. I basically tried a couple of holes until it worked. I'm more of a hammer guy than a math guy.

[Mal Paso]

Less range is more leverage. Good Going!

[jmorris]

There is a big thread in special projects where a member modifies Lee presses that adds a bullet feeder.

I made a version myself that doesn't require any changes to the press and added a motor to it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01zbImsdkbg

[dave_g]

That is fantastic. I'll be laying awake thinking about making one of those now. I can't find the special projects area though.

[dikman]

JM, I love that rotary motion of the arm! :awesome:

[jmorris]

That is fantastic. I'll be laying awake thinking about making one of those now. I can't find the special projects area though.

This is it.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?238711-Home-made-auto-sizer

He changes a pin out to connect the feeder to it. I just made mine so the bottom of the ram hits the rocker to feed bullets.

This is how I added a collator normally used to feed bullets while loading to it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Cc1hUj343w

[Beagle333]

jmorris..... that is just waaaaay cool!!! Mesmerizing too. http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/images/smilies/new/tee.gif

[MrWolf]

That is freakin awesome! I am so impressed. Nice job.

[dikman]

Shades of Heath Robinson! :awesome:.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I used the Lee classic cast, because the handle is reversable as well as adjustable 360º
So then NO mod's were needed to the Press. when I first started thinking about making this upside-down press stand, I wanted to use the little $25 lee press, but as you know, it needed t be mod'd to make it user friendly. Good work on the mod's.
Jon

http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/JonB_in_Glencoe/Heattreat1sizeandGC_zps0b78b77b.jpg (http://s640.photobucket.com/user/JonB_in_Glencoe/media/Heattreat1sizeandGC_zps0b78b77b.jpg.html)

[oldfart1956]

Nice mod Dave! I'm an upside down user as well. I did it for seating gas checks and most sizing jobs. The Lyman Spartan works on the upstroke so I didn't have to change anything. Being space challenged and lazy I just bolted the press to a 2X4 and clamp it in the Workmate. I just flip it rightside up for some jobs and upside down for others. Then I mounted the Lyman 450 and now even a Lee 1000 to 2X4's so I can swap out whatever tool I need. Hang em' up when I'm not using em'. If the operation gets strenuous (as when downsizing large boolits and such) I just set a bucket of ingots on the far end of the workmate as a counterbalance. Audie...the Oldfart..

[gunoil]

l like the $53 arbor press from Harborfreight. Seat gas checks & size or case base swage.

Big power 1 ton:

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/94937606-2804-4906-AFE5-58D552B4FF26_zpsxxapnf72.jpg (http://s1113.photobucket.com/user/putt2012/media/94937606-2804-4906-AFE5-58D552B4FF26_zpsxxapnf72.jpg.html)

I have a star w/bullet feed but arbor is great.

[Mk42gunner]

Dave, A couple of feet of 7/8 or 1" plastic tubing will direct your sized boolits into a bottle or other suitable container, so they aren't spilling all over the floor.

I have one of the little convertible Lyman presses that I have been thinking of doing this with.

Robert

[Gremlin460]

136125136126

Couple of pics of the ones I have sent to castboolit members..
Jmorris kindly linked the forum we chat on.
Also search Grem460 in utube for a vid on it..

Cheers..
Mike.

[Whiterabbit]

l like the $53 arbor press from Harborfreight. Seat gas checks & size or case base swage.

Big power 1 ton:

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/putt2012/94937606-2804-4906-AFE5-58D552B4FF26_zpsxxapnf72.jpg (http://s1113.photobucket.com/user/putt2012/media/94937606-2804-4906-AFE5-58D552B4FF26_zpsxxapnf72.jpg.html)

I have a star w/bullet feed but arbor is great.

I have a new project.

[dikman]

I just love reading about (and seeing) members ingenuity in action.:drinks:

[Whiterabbit]

agreed. mostly because half the ingenuity I see ends up on my bench too :)

[jmorris]

agreed. mostly because half the ingenuity I see ends up on my bench too :)


Yep, a lot less work if your not reinventing the wheel, so to speak.

[Ausglock]

My little effort

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z222/glock40sw/th_2014-08-29_17-48-09_137.mp4 (http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z222/glock40sw/2014-08-29_17-48-09_137.mp4)

[dikman]

Very nice, Ausglock, but stone the bloody crows, mate, I thought my glasses were shot, until I took them off and it was still blurry!

[GhostHawk]

I have been redoing my bench this week. In the process of putting together the Harbor Freight bench.

After reading through this thread and thinking about the numbers of .30 caliber bullets I size and gas check I decided to try this.
I have just run 100 + rounds through this upside down lee press and I have to say I like it.

I can see fewer gas checks falling off in the future, fewer frustrations all around. And I just put a coffee can below it with a dishrag folded in the bottom. Cuts the nose and cushions the blow a bit.

This is slick stuff! Thanks guys!

[fredj338]

Cool. Food for thought.

[jwber]

gunoil what did you use to attach the push ram to the Arbor Press?

[Ausglock]

Very nice, Ausglock, but stone the bloody crows, mate, I thought my glasses were shot, until I took them off and it was still blurry!

Ha.. Yeah. Bloody phone camera is not the best.

[dave_g]

I finally got around to sizing a bunch of bullets through my little contraption. Works pretty good. Definitely easier than the normal way. Just drop the bullet into the sizer and bring down the arm. I need to make a handle for it but it works good so far. I just drop the bullets into a box with a towel in it. No mess.

[ipijohn]

gunoil what did you use to attach the push ram to the Arbor Press?

I drilled and tapped the HF arbor press ram to 3/8 NC, bought a Lee replacement ram for their hand press ($6 @ FS reloading), cut the end off the ram, turned down a 3/8 NC bolt to 5/16 and pressed it into the ram. With this modified Lee ram end screwed into the bottom of the HF ram you can now use shell holders, sizing pushers etc just like in a Lee press.

[Ausglock]

I drilled and tapped the HF arbor press ram to 3/8 NC, bought a Lee replacement ram for their hand press ($6 @ FS reloading), cut the end off the ram, turned down a 3/8 NC bolt to 5/16 and pressed it into the ram. With this modified Lee ram end screwed into the bottom of the HF ram you can now use shell holders, sizing pushers etc just like in a Lee press.

Photos?????????

[jmorris]

Photos?????????

Sounds like he is doing this.


http://www.magmaengineering.com/case-master-jr-rimless-case-sizer/

[ipijohn]

Photos?????????

138291138291

Press above and close up of 270 being gas checked and sized below

138292138292138292

I used an old dresser to mount it on, drilled a 1 1/2 inch hole through the top and put an old tin can in the top drawer to catch things. I use this setup to size before and after PC and to install gas checks as well as make the checks. Don't know what happened on import of the pictures, but if you turn your laptop onto it's right edge all is good. I went out to my computer and rotated them and brought them in again same results?

[Russel Nash]

I am about to buy the Lee sizer and whatever punches.

Has anyone here tried this with an RCBS Rock Chucker press?

[Gremlin460]

Here is some more info for those that like videos....

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?272659-AS-2-Auto-Sizer-Gattling-Mag-Sizer-feeder-Rifle-Cast-Mod-for-AS-2

[Whiterabbit]

I am about to buy the Lee sizer and whatever punches.

Has anyone here tried this with an RCBS Rock Chucker press?

The reason we do it with LEE presses is because the handle is indexable, so it can be rotated to operate normally. The RC press will have to be pulled up instead of pulled down.

[Dan Cash]

I am about to buy the Lee sizer and whatever punches.

Has anyone here tried this with an RCBS Rock Chucker press?

As I am right handed, inverting the RockChucker press puts the forward part of the frame in the wrong place for me to operate the system. Pulling up on the handle is not really an issue. I have an old Herters C press mounted upside down that works fine. The handle pull is more of a straight pull toward me than an up stroke.

[Russel Nash]

The reason we do it with LEE presses is because the handle is indexable, so it can be rotated to operate normally. The RC press will have to be pulled up instead of pulled down.

Ahhh....okay...I guess I will have to take a closer look at my RCBS.

[Russel Nash]

As I am right handed, inverting the RockChucker press puts the forward part of the frame in the wrong place for me to operate the system. Pulling up on the handle is not really an issue. I have an old Herters C press mounted upside down that works fine. The handle pull is more of a straight pull toward me than an up stroke.

I have an extra one of those Dillon strong mounts that I put a piece of plate steel across. I was using it like a dock for my Star lube-sizer, MEC 9000 shotgun reloader, and the RCBS. It was already drilled with holes to match all 3 presses. It would have been pretty slick if I could have just flipped the RCBS one upside down.

[Russel Nash]

I was fiddling around with my Rock Chucker press and that plate steel mount today.

I think I figured it out.

Normally, a Rock Chucker press looks like this:

http://picturearchive.gunauction.com/6110185354/9130821/rcbs%20rockchucker%201.jpg_thumbnail1.jpg

If you look closely, you'll see the steel handle is threaded, it fits through that green part, and then a lock nut or jam nut secures it, and keeps the handle from spinning.

I am thinking I could take the handle off, then reverse it, securing it again with the jam nut.

Then mount the press upside down, on the FAR or BACK side of the steel plate.

And then the handle should be situated, so as I push down on the handle, the bullets get pushed through the sizing die.

Key word being "should".

[Whiterabbit]

in my experience, should is a 4 letter word. :)



:)

[MT Chambers]

Shows great improvisation by all, just seems like a lot of messing and you're only sizing not lubing...why not just get a Star, lube and size with one stroke of the handle, and you don't have to sit upside down to operate??

[Russel Nash]

in my experience, should is a 4 letter word. :)



:)

I inverted the handle on the Rock Chucker. The steel plate I have on top of the Dillon strong mount...it extends a good 4 inches plus off to the right hand side. The press is now upside down and clamped to the steel plate. It looks like everything will work. The handles knob swings down far enough that boolits will get pushed through the die.

[Russel Nash]

Shows great improvisation by all, just seems like a lot of messing and you're only sizing not lubing...why not just get a Star, lube and size with one stroke of the handle, and you don't have to sit upside down to operate??

I had a Star. I probably just didn't have holes drilled in the correct spots, but it seemed like I could never get it timed just right.

I plan on powder coating boolits now.

[carbine86]

My buddy recently made this strong mount for me. What do you guys think? He wanted me to ask you guys if it would be something anyone on here would want to buy.

158194

158195

[Whiterabbit]

Nope. cause I made my own, and can make my own. Many in my camp. There may be others who have more money than time or tools, buying would be a good investment. I might even be in that camp now with 2 kids, but I made my riser before B2-day.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

carbine86,
For the price difference between Lee's "reloader" press shown in your photos and the price of a Lee classic cast...and if you are paying for a upside-down mount, the classic cast is the way to go. I hope your mount is larger enough for the classic cast.

WHY?
the classic cast handle is not only mountable from either side (for rightys or leftys), it is also adjustable 360º. the way I have mine mounted I have it adjusted so the handle is on the right side and down, so I am mearly 'pulling' the handle back to size a boolit. the little "reloader" press mounted that way, must be ackward lifting the handle up to size.

[carbine86]

carbine86,
For the price difference between Lee's "reloader" press shown in your photos and the price of a Lee classic cast...and if you are paying for a upside-down mount, the classic cast is the way to go. I hope your mount is larger enough for the classic cast.

WHY?
the classic cast handle is not only mountable from either side (for rightys or leftys), it is also adjustable 360º. the way I have mine mounted I have it adjusted so the handle is on the right side and down, so I am mearly 'pulling' the handle back to size a boolit. the little "reloader" press mounted that way, must be ackward lifting the handle up to size.
send me a pm with the size of the base on the classic and I can check but there is lots of room left with this one mounted. the height i have this set at makes it for standing and the lifting of the handle is very minimal.

[Whiterabbit]

Yep.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=158205&d=1452883504

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=158206&d=1452883505

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

send me a pm with the size of the base on the classic and I can check but there is lots of room left with this one mounted. the height i have this set at makes it for standing and the lifting of the handle is very minimal.
It's roughly 2.5 times the size.
I wasn't commenting for myself, I was commenting for you. I have already built several of these and sold them.

[carbine86]

I actually need to go the hardware store I figured out how to change the direction of the arm articulation

[newton]

Do you all use the upside down setup for crimping gas checks on also?

[Whiterabbit]

you bet. If I have more than about 400 pcs to do or so, the press goes on upside down. I also have a metal rail that goes on the front of the bench so I can hang a plastic bin under the press, and off I go. Size, GC, or both at the same time.

[Whiterabbit]

My buddy recently made this strong mount for me. What do you guys think? He wanted me to ask you guys if it would be something anyone on here would want to buy.



Here's another idea for your buddy to use freely to sell. I don't mind.

Make an attachment that fits a harbor freight arbor press so that the punch and size die can go on that specific press. Doesn't need to be a threaded hole, a 7/8" slot would probably be best to self-align and swim. Die would sit on the lock ring.

Just another way to accomplish the same thing but using a dedicated arbor press.

[carbine86]

Here's another idea for your buddy to use freely to sell. I don't mind.

Make an attachment that fits a harbor freight arbor press so that the punch and size die can go on that specific press. Doesn't need to be a threaded hole, a 7/8" slot would probably be best to self-align and swim. Die would sit on the lock ring.

Just another way to accomplish the same thing but using a dedicated arbor press.

very interesting idea. I will mention that to him. I will post photos later tonight after I get the arm articulation correct

[OS OK]

"If you are not sure you want to or have the ability for this re-engineering project…for a 75 cent spring…you could try this:"

Lee bullet sizer modifications (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iHUDbC9hQk)

("I was trying to get Lee to include these springs in the sizer package…to no avail though.")

[Whiterabbit]

very interesting idea. I will mention that to him. I will post photos later tonight after I get the arm articulation correct

Please be aware that you might have a market of zero.

Now, figure out how to simultaneously make it work with BT Sniper swage dies (joint development project opportunity?) and your market will NOT be zero. You couldn't count the market opportunity on two hands.

[Whiterabbit]

"If you are not sure you want to or have the ability for this re-engineering project…for a 75 cent spring…you could try this:"

Lee bullet sizer modifications (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iHUDbC9hQk)

("I was trying to get Lee to include these springs in the sizer package…to no avail though.")

So, something I've done and do is use my hand to push the bullet up into the die mouth rather than put it on the ram. There is plenty of friction to hold it there long enough for the ram to come up and contact the bullet base.

Works for me, anyways. More annoying is bullet management in the lee plastic cup on top.

[OS OK]

So, something I've done and do is use my hand to push the bullet up into the die mouth rather than put it on the ram. There is plenty of friction to hold it there long enough for the ram to come up and contact the bullet base.

Works for me, anyways. More annoying is bullet management in the lee plastic cup on top.

Never thought of pushing it up there like that, suppose the simplest of solutions get overlooked by trying to mechanically beat the beast first.
I've had that container separate at least a couple times and think I'm going to watch it closer but I get distracted.
What frustrates me having large fingers is grabbing those little 9's and .38's that are powder coated, slick willies, and have them slip the grip and spurt across the bench!
Just thought I'd share the 'spring solution' idea with the fellas here, it works well for me and I can get a pretty good cadence going too!

[flashhole]

OS OK - I really like your spring idea, where did you buy the spring? Hardware store? I cast bullets for both 40 S&W and 45-70 and use the Lee bullet sizer tools. I have no idea if springs of the proper size are available but will certainly look for them. Thanks for sharing.

What was your other idea?

[jmorris]

What was your other idea?

Machined adapter for a powder measure to regular powder/expander die.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YocAB_UqvEE

Nice isometric hand drawing, don't see them very often these days.

[flashhole]

Thanks for the link. One can buy adapters for the second idea on eBay that fit the Powder Through Expander Die. I looked into it for my Lee Classic Turret press using the Lee Classic Powder Measure. I came to the conclusion the powder measure is a bit on the heavy side to be practical. The Lee Auto Drum is a better way to go. I suggested to Lee they make a drum equivalent to the one on the Perfect Powder Measure with the graduated tube that could be used on the Auto Drum.

[Jal5]

I really like the spring and will definitely try that. I can see how it will speed up that tedious chore. Thanks

[OS OK]

FLashole….. I found the first one in my junk hardware box but since have bought them at the hardware store. The thinner the coils the better, just slightly larger in ID than the posts OD and 3/16" taller or thereabouts . It's rather squeezy and soft, avoid more vigorous strength springs with thick wire coils as they will not compress tight enough for the full stroke on the press…or you will have to back the die out a bit to compensate. If you have to clip a few coils and stretch it out that's fine, just place the trimmed end down towards the ram.

jmorris….. Appreciate the compliment, I had two years of mechanical drafting in high school 64-65 in the days that it was done by hand. That skill has benefitted me all my life especially in contracting. A two plane flat drawing is one thing but when you hand someone an isometric, you can see the lights come on in their head.

The fellas name who made that adapter was Harold Waters out of Houston where I was raised (coincidently) and on Y-Tube he's the 'Amateur Redneck Workshop'. Harold is a gass, makes you wish you were neighbors. Is it Harold selling on eBay, if so I'd like another.

There is another flick I posted about 'Running the turret more efficiently' using that adapter, if you can get through the 'gab'.
TURRET PRESS…EFFICIENT OPERATION…LEE POWDER DIE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-5b2uZ3Uz8)

[bdicki]

Shows great improvisation by all, just seems like a lot of messing and you're only sizing not lubing...why not just get a Star, lube and size with one stroke of the handle, and you don't have to sit upside down to operate??
I only use this method for powder coated boolits.

[troyboy]

Good video but wouldn't it be just a litte more efficent to use the pro auto disk with the Lee expander? Seems like the guy is missing the system's intent.

[jmorris]

Good video but wouldn't it be just a litte more efficent to use the pro auto disk with the Lee expander? Seems like the guy is missing the system's intent.

Depends, some don't like the leaks that can happen with the auto disk or having to settle on a charge that is one of the diameter holes and didn't like the results using the adjustable charge bar. It can take some force to cut through some extruded powders.

[OS OK]

Good video but wouldn't it be just a litte more efficent to use the pro auto disk with the Lee expander? Seems like the guy is missing the system's intent.

Too many tables to refer to, I like going with a specific weight of any powder instead, one that can be worked up to @ .1 g. @ a time until I get the speed I want and don't get into any pressure signs. One of my loading/pards uses the auto disc and had to modify/refine it until it would stop being messy with collected powder under the slide and so forth so another reason I preferred the 'throw' type. I know they only throw around the weight you set them for but I stay away from max. loads using a throw. With the .308 I patiently wait for my RCBS auto dispenser to do the job and trim it just right with the trickeler.

What is the systems intent? I missed that.

[carbine86]

well I got it figured out and set up may need a little tweaking after a long session to see where its at but what do you guys think?
158625158626

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

very clever...and simple.

[Whiterabbit]

I think that'll work.

Don't forget the raised lip screwed to the edge of the table for those plastic bins to hang from so the bullets just drop into them.

[carbine86]

I think that'll work.

Don't forget the raised lip screwed to the edge of the table for those plastic bins to hang from so the bullets just drop into them.

I will be adding some tubing clamped on to the die that will drop into a bucket on the floor that way there will be no need to empty anything out except when loading the bullet feeder to load

[mjwcaster]

OS OK, thanks for the spring idea.
I saw you post it before, but forgot who it was.
I will be picking a few up, sizing 45 isn't too bad, but did some 9mm the other day and was wishing for a spring.
Never thought of just sticking the Boolit into the die, may try that also.
Nice to have so many solutions to choose from.

[OS OK]

Thanks…mjwcaster…don't you wish all the handloading 'geniuses' all lived in the same neighborhood…the wives could never track us down or where we were at any one time…drink lots of cold beer, stagger home each evening with a pocket full of new boolits and a head full of new ideas.
Sorry…my minds tends to wander at this age!

[flashhole]

I went to the hardware store the other day looking for a suitable spring. Scored a big goose egg. Nothing even came close.

[OS OK]

Sorry…I wish I knew what to tell you other than keep looking. If you score another 'goose egg' they make a great breakfast but you'll need about 4 pieces of toast to sop up all that yoke!

[flashhole]

I've eaten turkey eggs, quail eggs, pheasant eggs, duck eggs and of course chicken eggs ... but never a goose egg. I trust your advice on the toast. :)

[abunaitoo]

I have two old "C" presses that work on the up stroke.
Would be easy to make a stand to mount it "up-side-down" to size on the down stroke.
Probably over kill for just sizing.

[carbine86]

I run a tube from my die to a bucket on the floor makes it so I don't have to empty the red Lee die box