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Thread: Can it be changed?

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy
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    Can it be changed?

    So I bought a Lee Single Loading Press from MidWayUsa to resize my 9mm. I wanted it mounted upside down so the boolits would fall into a tub instead of fishing the last few out of the sizing die. Is it possible to change the handle configuration so I can push down to press the boolits through, instead of having it on the up stroke? I know it wasn't designed to do this, but I tried taking the handle off but couldn't figure out a way to make it work upside down. Not a big deal if not, but sure would be nice if it can be changed.

    Thanks all!

  2. #2
    Boolit Master

    jcren's Avatar
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    The classic cast presses will work th i s way, but yours requires a homemade linkage. Search on here though, I know one guy did it and posted pics of the linkage. May have been in coatings forum.
    "In God we trust, in all others, check the manual!"

  3. #3
    Boolit Man
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    It should be easy enough.
    You just need to figure out a way to switch the pin attachments around.
    You'd need to make up some sort of yoke to mount the ram to the mid-point hole on the handle.

  4. #4
    Boolit Grand Master bedbugbilly's Avatar
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    Can't help you as far as alterations to the press . . . I use my Lee sizing dies on my old RCBS Jr3 single stage. As far as the last couple having to be "fished out" - I just keep a short piece of 1/4 wood dowel next to the press. On the end of my sizing run, I just insert it into the bottom of the sizing die, raise the push rod up with the handle and the one or two that are still in the sizing die quickly and easily push up into the red plastic container sitting on top of the die. Quick and simple.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master


    Walter Laich's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bedbugbilly View Post
    Can't help you as far as alterations to the press . . . I use my Lee sizing dies on my old RCBS Jr3 single stage. As far as the last couple having to be "fished out" - I just keep a short piece of 1/4 wood dowel next to the press. On the end of my sizing run, I just insert it into the bottom of the sizing die, raise the push rod up with the handle and the one or two that are still in the sizing die quickly and easily push up into the red plastic container sitting on top of the die. Quick and simple.
    +1 except I use a 1/4" bolt with the head down--a bit more stable for me
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  6. #6
    Boolit Grand Master

    mdi's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bedbugbilly View Post
    Can't help you as far as alterations to the press . . . I use my Lee sizing dies on my old RCBS Jr3 single stage. As far as the last couple having to be "fished out" - I just keep a short piece of 1/4 wood dowel next to the press. On the end of my sizing run, I just insert it into the bottom of the sizing die, raise the push rod up with the handle and the one or two that are still in the sizing die quickly and easily push up into the red plastic container sitting on top of the die. Quick and simple.
    Me too, kinda. I use a 1/4" Nylon bolt 4" long...
    My Anchor is holding fast!

  7. #7
    Boolit Grand Master jmorris's Avatar
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    How about no handle at all?


  8. #8
    Boolit Grand Master GhostHawk's Avatar
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    I have mine upside down, have no problem with sizing on the upstroke.
    If you need power stand up and pull.

    You do want a sturdy table, and I suspect that would be a good place to store some of your backup lead supply.
    A good stout table with a couple hundred pounds of lead on it is not going anywhere when you pull that lever up.

  9. #9
    Boolit Buddy
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    Quote Originally Posted by jmorris View Post
    How about no handle at all?

    I would love an automated system, have no idea how to build one or where to even get the parts for it.

    Quote Originally Posted by GhostHawk View Post
    I have mine upside down, have no problem with sizing on the upstroke.
    If you need power stand up and pull.

    You do want a sturdy table, and I suspect that would be a good place to store some of your backup lead supply.
    A good stout table with a couple hundred pounds of lead on it is not going anywhere when you pull that lever up.
    Oh the table it's on is extremely sturdy, I just would prefer to sit and do 1000 at a time and be comfortable while doing it.

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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