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Thread: Missing a piece on Lee Classic cast

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy
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    Missing a piece on Lee Classic cast

    I've had a Lee Classic Cast breech lock press for a while. Got it on one of Lee's close out deals, just too good to pass up. Dang thing is as sturdy as any Rockchucker I've ever seen. It has the "primer drop through the ram" feature, but I think I'm missing something. About half or more of the primers drop out the slot to the right, it seems like this should have a plug in it to prevent primers flying out this way, and to direct them to the little hole that then takes them to the tube that goes straight down into a bucket/trash can. I just recently got it out to full length size and deprime a boatload of .223 cases. Typically spent a while each evening vacuuming up the mess.

    I don't see this part on their site. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? And, no, duct tape own't work here, already thought about that.

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy lawdog941's Avatar
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    That's where the primer arm goes. It also prevents spent primers from going out the slot.

  3. #3
    Boolit Buddy
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    I don’t prime on this press, I use a Frankford Arsenal hand primer. Soooo, guess I’ll type “primer arm” in Midway or Brownells Monday and get this coming. Surprised it didn’t come with the press.

    Thanks

  4. #4
    Boolit Master



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    used to be a seller on ebay that sold a 3d printed 'insert' that went in place of the priming arm.

    as stated above, you need 'something' in there to guide the primers on down the ram.

    good luck.

    'monkey
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  5. #5
    Boolit Buddy
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    Quote Originally Posted by WebMonkey View Post
    used to be a seller on ebay that sold a 3d printed 'insert' that went in place of the priming arm.

    as stated above, you need 'something' in there to guide the primers on down the ram.

    good luck.

    'monkey
    I’m not much for googling on my phone, I’m out with the grandkids tonight, but is this it?

    Edit to add:
    Home now, I see I can't include links from the phone.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lee-Classic...cAAOSwPVJfBSjE
    Last edited by la5676; 10-17-2020 at 09:12 PM. Reason: No eBay Links, Ever

  6. #6
    Boolit Buddy
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    Quote Originally Posted by lawdog941 View Post
    That's where the primer arm goes. It also prevents spent primers from going out the slot.
    I see now. Went to the ever helpful youtube. Did not realize it also deflected the spent primer. I just normally don't prime on the press, so never got that part out.

    Thanks again guys.

  7. #7
    Boolit Grand Master
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    I put a thin layer of epoxy over the slot.
    Thin enough that it can be knocked out if needed.

  8. #8
    Boolit Buddy
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    Quote Originally Posted by abunaitoo View Post
    I put a thin layer of epoxy over the slot.
    Thin enough that it can be knocked out if needed.
    I ordered a small primer arm just for the heck of it, for a back up should my epoxy job fail. If you looked at any of those pics or videos of samples, all were very short slots. My slots on the ram goes almost to the bottom of the ram on the upstroke. Didn't look like any of the pics. Hence, my order of the arm for back up.

    Thanks guys.

    I was truly having my senior moment today

  9. #9
    Boolit Master


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    Sounds like a perfect job for.......Duct Tape.
    Micah 6:8
    He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

    "I don't have hobbies - I'm developing a robust post-apocalyptic skill set"
    I may be discharged and retired but I'm sure I did not renounce the oath that I solemnly swore!

  10. #10
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    Ed_Shot's Avatar
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    I don't prime with my press, and I realize it depends on how your handle adjusted but a piece of 1" dia. heater hose covers the slot and rides up and down with the ram. The hose is slit lengthwise and has plenty of tension to stay in place. Same piece has been on my press for years. Easy to remove and reinstall when I have to adjust ram travel for jobs like primer pocket swaging.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    COME AND TAKE IT
    Let’s Go Brandon!!!!

  11. #11
    Boolit Master
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    yep you have to leave a primer arm in place or the primers go everywhere .

  12. #12
    Boolit Master



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    Quote Originally Posted by la5676 View Post
    I’m not much for googling on my phone, I’m out with the grandkids tonight, but is this it?

    Edit to add:
    Home now, I see I can't include links from the phone.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lee-Classic...cAAOSwPVJfBSjE
    that would do it.
    WebMonkey
    Retired 19D
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  13. #13
    Boolit Buddy
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ed_Shot View Post
    I don't prime with my press, and I realize it depends on how your handle adjusted but a piece of 1" dia. heater hose covers the slot and rides up and down with the ram. The hose is slit lengthwise and has plenty of tension to stay in place. Same piece has been on my press for years. Easy to remove and reinstall when I have to adjust ram travel for jobs like primer pocket swaging.

    Click image for larger version. 

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Size:	62.1 KB 
ID:	269654
    That would not work on the breechlock press. Dunno why they primer relief cut is different, but that short rubber tube would not stop the primers from falling out on mine. See video at 3:11, and you can see how long the cut is in the ram.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OrNXfOsNXM

    I'll need the primer arm attached at the very least, or that magnetic insert in lieu of the primer arm. Notice the difference in the ram in the link above and the one I included in the ebay link in post #5, the 4th pic of the group.

  14. #14
    Boolit Master 44magLeo's Avatar
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    I have read a piece of drinking straw slipped in there does the trick. May have to visit several fast food places to find one just the right size.
    Leo

  15. #15
    Boolit Buddy
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    Quote Originally Posted by 44magLeo View Post
    I have read a piece of drinking straw slipped in there does the trick. May have to visit several fast food places to find one just the right size.
    Leo
    Now, why didn't I think of that. I'm assuming the straw goes all the way up to the base of the shell holder. Maybe even one of those bendy straws. I'm headed down there now.

    Thanks

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check