I got my new press from Titan Reloading today. Fast shipping and great packing as usual.
I mounted it to my reloading bench and loaded 50 rounds of 9mm. Here are my impressions:
The press is assembled, just screw it down. You must install the proper shellplate which is a quick process. It is purchased separately from the press.
I took my 9mm dies from the LCT turret head and installed them per the die directions. The fourth hole where the crimp die goes requires the use of the supplied lock ring eliminator bushing. The other three dies were right at home in the supplied breech lock bushings and set up was easy.
I cycled through the stages with an empty case. The timing and alignment are perfect, no play and positive engagement every time.
I mounted my old standby powder measure, the Lee Pro Auto Disk. I used the riser that I normally use on my LCT. I opted to use the spring return and not the chain. I added powder and tested for weights after the drops. All good so far.
I figured it was time to get started so I loaded some primers in my trusty safety feed and that is where I ran into the only obstacle. Apparently the old primer assemblies won't work on this press. The arms are too long. I tried shimming them up and that worked but then the mouths of the primer dispensers were too wide. The priming arm sits deeper in the press so the old priming assembly can't get in deep enough.
I could be doing something wrong, I don't know. There may not be a problem at all.
Not to be defeated, I got out some brass, some Dardas bullets and 50 primers.
I loaded all 50 by handed loading the primer into the arm. But every round loaded. All primers were seated to the correct depth, no high primers. All crimps were good.
Lee even enclosed a tray for free that mounts to the bench next to the press to catch loaded ammo. Nice touch.
Pros: The press worked wonderfully. Even loading the primers by hand I was able to quickly develop a rhythm.
First, load an empty case at station 1 and set a bullet on station 3 if there is a charged case.
On each downstroke (raises the ram) load a primer in station 2 and set an empty case in station 1. The case in station 1 has been sized and deprimed, station 2 has charged a primed case, station 3 has seated a bullet and station 4 has crimped it.
Raise arm (lowers the ram) to seat primer, set bullet in station 3 and downstroke.
I like the fact that you produce a round on each cycle. Big change from my LCT.
I will definitely add a case feeder.
Cons: The primer situation is a bummer. I will have to talk to Lee to see if I am doing something wrong.
Also, the arm is quite long with a lot of travel. I tried rotating the arm out away from the press but I found that having the arm in is more comfortable.
I'm sure that I will have more info as I use the press more but for now I think Lee has a winner. With the addition of a case feeder and correcting the priming issue I will soaring like an eagle.
Some poor photos.
Steve in N CA