Loadmaster shell plates

[Brian007]

Hi All
I'm new to the forum and I must say very interesting and informative.
I would like some info if possible please. I am using a 14L shell plate on a Lee Loadmaster and found only one of the five stations is the correct size, the other four are larger subsequently letting the brass stay in the sizing die. At first I thought the rims were too small. Anyone else had the same problem?
Brian.

[NC_JEFF]

I've been using the Loadmaster for over 20 years but never had that problem. I would return it to LEE for a replacement.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Yep, you have a defective shell plate.

[Gillie Dog]

Brian,

More information would be help:

What caliber are the cases? Who manufactured it?
Are the cases being damaged when being pulled out of the die?
Are the cases lubed? Are the dies carbide?
How do you get the cases out of the die?

Like the others, I have never heard of this shell plate issue before and I have run just about every possible head stamped brass from range pick up in a bunch of different shell plates over the years.

GD

[Brian007]

Thanks for the prompt replies.
I am reloading .44-40, mostly Starline, lubed in a non carbide die.
I have now measured the shellplate. A #14 shell holder I use on my Lee turret press measures .475. The shellplate for the Loadmaster measures .502, .509, .503, .483 & .504. Even the smallest one is too wide. This is the second 14L shellplate I have had, the first one although marked 14L was the size for 30-06 cases.
Brian.

[44Vaquero]

It's out of spec; open a ticket with Lee.

http://leeprecision.net/support/index.php?/Tickets/Submit/RenderForm/4

Send a picture too!

[too many things]

I had 3 9mm sent before got one that was right .

[Brian007]

Thanks 44Vaquero for the link and everyone else. I will send Lee an email.

[1bluehorse]

Interesting, I just ordered and received a new Lee LM shell plate for 45 colt and had a similar issue. Only one of the slots would except an empty case, the rest were to small/tight. Took a very small diamond file and "touched" the front edges where the case rim enters and that's all it took. I've also noticed that the bottoms of the shell plates aren't as nicely finished as they used to be either. A bit of "polishing" is now necessary to get a smooth index on the LM. Lee (IMO) has never had the "best" QC but they seem to have slipped a bit more lately.