Making that Bullet Collator

[rogerandre]

Dear Team
I can see that there is no bullet feed die for 357 Mag. Everyone just using the 38 feed die ?
Best regards
Roger

[ranger391xt]

Yes, the 38 feed die also works for 357.

Sent from my SM-N981U using Tapatalk

[doublemike]

Roger, I made an adapter to mount to an X-10. I'll get a picture of it for you

I'd be interested as well :)

[TylerR]

I don't need it for the APP.....got TylerR's quick change system......for the moving feeder on the 6000 it's pretty useful, but I have mine fixed up also with the Quick Change and it works just as good.....I bought the Norwegian product out of curiosity.....and it is a good option too, but there's nothing wrong with the quick change, and I think it still is faster to change calibers....and it works for APP too.


https://youtu.be/aOZ65zvXbJg

GWS would you be so kind as to send me your Lee 6000 mods? I will post them to the contributors folder if that is ok with you. Have some people asking about it.

[GWS]

The easiest way to get everything, parts files, and how to use them information, is to go to the "HowTo" thread I did in TheHighRoad.org

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/coupling-a-3d-case-feeder-to-a-lee-pro-6000.921742/

It has a zip file you can download in Post #5 that has the two .stl's in it. You can add the zip, the link to THR, or whatever you want to your folder. I'll find the source for you and email that too if you want it. Basically, besides your wonderful quickchange inserts, it uses a modified (different spacing requirement) insert holder, and then a support/spacer that drops into the hole in the front of the 6000 press...and holds the downtubes firm and sturdy.

The modified insert holder below:
https://i.postimg.cc/h4YmLM39/6000-insert-holder.png
The offset spacer below: This offset spacer requires a short clear thinwall tubing (size talked about in the thread) slipped over it because PLA, unsleeved, is just too rough & flimsy. The tubing over it makes it tight, yet is smooth and easy to remove from the press. Shown upside down...the top slides into the front hole on the die deck of the press casting.
https://i.postimg.cc/d3gTJtTW/6000-downtube-offset-spacer.png

The clear tubing pressed into your inserts is the important part that's covered in the thread, because it moves up and down with the stroke of the press. It's a smaller size clear thinwall tubing that slides inside the other larger one coming from the prox sensor and makes it all possible.....and remember to use a case bevel tool to bevel the top inside edge of the small tube so cases don't stick as they fall.

I do How-To's on THR for 4 reasons....First it's easy to add attachments, videos and pictures.....it becomes a separate thread not a just a post, it's archived, doesn't go away, is easy to find, I can refer interested people to it for a long time with a simple URL address, and finally, I don't "take over" somebody else's thread off topic.....like yours. ;) I know this didn't start out being your thread, but it is now, I love it, and I'm not going to mess it up if I can help it.

[GWS]

This I posted in THR.org a few months ago, but it can't help but be of use to all the 3Dprinted case/bullet collator builders here....for sure those who buy Lee Precision presses that come with their standard 9/16" thin-wall clear tube in four-ways and five-ways, and want to print 3D for them..

Rigid Clear Tubing Update!

A couple of years ago all the thinline clear tubing came in 1/16" increments and the walls were 1/32" So they telescoped into each other perfectly. They were made by (or for) another company called Lee Aquarium Supplies....and they were cheap. Then covid hit and we all know what happened to the supply line. The Lee aquarium supply company (LAS) obviously had to change suppliers....most likely having to go Chinese, and the new tubing no longer had the same quality control because they stuck metric tube in some sizes and the walls thicker, 1mm, instead of 1/32". No longer would work....So I had to punt!​

LAS Thinline 1/2"OD no longer goes inside common 9/16"OD tubes that comes with Lee's Precision's (LP's) feeder.....and 5/8"OD no longer slides over LP standard 9/16"OD. So......

I found Uxcell Metric sold by amazon and found sizes that work with said LP standard 9/16"OD.

Since 5/8" = 15.875mm and I was able to find 16mm tubing that says it measures 15mm inside. Well, 9/16" measures 14.288mm. So I figured that 15mm I.S. should work like the old 5/8" did. So here's the Amazon link. Perfect!

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Clear-Rigid-1-3ft-Tubing/dp/B0923QTYGG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1RKO6Y67O35B2&keywords=clear+rigid+pvc+tubing+16mm&qid=1693178091&sprefix=clear+rigid+pvc+tubing+16mm,aps,143&sr=8-3&th=1

So at Amazon's Uxcell page, I ordered two 15mm/16mm tubes and two 12mm/13mm tubes and they arrived in a couple of days....and BINGO! The metric tubing from Amazon/Uxcell is like it was made for Lee Precision 9/16"OD tube! For that matter is also fits LAS 9/16" OD just the same. So......

The 15mm/16mm size slides over the normal 9/16" OD L.P. tubing.
The 12mm/13mm size slides inside of the normal 9/16" OD L.P. tubing.
Pictures below:

(The Lee Precision 9/16" OD standard tube is in the middle).....notice the new thicker walled 1mm stuff has a blue tint looking on edge.
https://i.postimg.cc/NjwVwDJR/IMG-4260.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/7ZMRPzdd/IMG-4261.jpg


BTW, sharing my trial & error experience using clear tube ..... I find the fastest way to deal with cutting it and smoothing ends, is just place it over an open vise...open a little smaller than the tubing so it rests part way in the grove, hold it by hand, and use a hacksaw to cut just a little long. Then use the side surface of a bench grinder (side of wheel) to quickly smooth it. See result in the picture above.

Hope this helps those needing to use thinwall clear tubing......

[rogerandre]

Dear Team !

What adapter (STL file) should be used on top of the feed dies when connecting directly towards Spring_Adapter_11_DT.stl ?
This when running Drop_Tube_Alt_10mm.stl directly under the collator.

Best Regards
///Roger

[GWS]

Spring_Drop_Tube_Large or
Spring_Drop_Tube_Med or
Spring_Drop_Tube_Small

I printed one of each because I need them depending on the caliber....I just use the one that best fits, diameter-wise to the spring adapter above and the feed die below without creating a shelf for bullets to hang on somewhere.

There is an extra large one too that I've never printed or needed.

Maybe TylerR with his photo memory can tell you which one, instantaneously.....I'll have to research the parts drawer...;)

OK, Update: Here's a couple of old pictures: First, of the 9mm version, separated parts, second below that, picture of 3 setups, 9mm, .45, and .40. Looking...I used Medium on the 9mm and .40 and Large on the .45. Too bad I didn't have the .40 turned the same direction....not paying attention, obviously. Small_Spring_Drop_Tube? I use that for .22, .243, .270...... .270 is max.

https://i.postimg.cc/3J95xfb0/IMG_3948.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/vZ7713vd/IMG-4101.jpg

The left one using the spring adaptor 14 goes to a custom case feeder on my RCBS Pro 2000....for .45 cases...different animal, but maybe this picture is useful to copy for a quick reference.....think I'll print it and put in in my notebook for just that.....save me some time later.

[rogerandre]

Spring_Drop_Tube_Large or
Spring_Drop_Tube_Med or
Spring_Drop_Tube_Small

I printed one of each because I need them depending on the caliber....I just use the one that best fits, diameter-wise to the spring adapter above and the feed die below without creating a shelf for bullets to hang on somewhere.

There is an extra large one too that I've never printed or needed.

Maybe TylerR with his photo memory can tell you which one, instantaneously.....I'll have to research the parts drawer...;)

OK, Update: Here's a couple of old pictures: First, of the 9mm version, separated parts, second below that, picture of 3 setups, 9mm, .45, and .40. Looking...I used Medium on the 9mm and .40 and Large on the .45. Too bad I didn't have the .40 turned the same direction....not paying attention, obviously. Small_Spring_Drop_Tube? I use that for .22, .243, .270...... .270 is max.

https://i.postimg.cc/3J95xfb0/IMG_3948.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/vZ7713vd/IMG-4101.jpg

The left one using the spring adaptor 14 goes to a custom case feeder on my RCBS Pro 2000....for .45 cases...different animal, but maybe this picture is useful to copy for a quick reference.....think I'll print it and put in in my notebook for just that.....save me some time later.

Huge thanks GWS !
Works like a charm !

Was it you that created a cool "hanger" for storing the spring tubes ?

[GWS]

Nope not me....haven't even seen them yet......real observant .....not.

[rogerandre]

Well I am the one that forgot where I saw the “hanger” – actually think it was on Youtube.

How do you extend the springs so they get so beautifully even ?

[GWS]

I did what TylerR told me....Anchor one end to a vice and stretch just past where it won't spring clear back. Trial and error.....but you better have a good anchor or it'll come loose and hurt you.;)

What I did is I found a bolt that would just screw inside the spring tube then clamped them both in the bench champ...bolt head beyond. can't stretch the end in the vice so well, but I didn't need all of it....the just cut what I wanted with a dremel.

Again Trial and error, but be careful. And easy does it.....no bull in a china closet stuff.

[TylerR]

I did what TylerR told me....Anchor one end to a vice and stretch just past where it won't spring clear back. Trial and error.....but you better have a good anchor or it'll come loose and hurt you.;)

What I did is I found a bolt that would just screw inside the spring tube then clamped them both in the bench champ...bolt head beyond. can't stretch the end in the vice so well, but I didn't need all of it....the just cut what I wanted with a dremel.

Again Trial and error, but be careful. And easy does it.....no bull in a china closet stuff.

It's a bit of an art form honestly. Just go slow and don't over stretch. I haven't had one come loose and thwap me yet.

[rogerandre]

It's a bit of an art form honestly. Just go slow and don't over stretch. I haven't had one come loose and thwap me yet.

Noted gentlemen !
Do you recall how long you approximately pulled out a 1 meter spring (finished length) ?

[GWS]

Noted gentlemen !
Do you recall how long you approximately pulled out a 1 meter spring (finished length) ?

There's lots of spring diameters, wire diameters......what you ask is a moving target. But I got out two springs I use, one for 9mm and the other with .45acp and tested them to see what they measure both coil tight and stretched with spaces just a tad more than wire diameter in between. Starting with both stretched about the same (a tiny bit more than wire gauge spaces between), I marked with a red marker a single coil 2" apart, then compressed them tight and both Surprisingly measure pretty darn close to an inch.

So that's double the length after the stretch.....maybe that's a good starter idea.....so maybe you stretch 1/2 the length of the length you need? I never stretched a whole meter at a time! So no experience with that. Too unwieldy and scary for me. ;) Guess I'd be afraid of ruining the whole thing.......but you realize that you will have to stretch it longer than 2x to get it to stay at 2x. Trial and careful.

[rogerandre]

There's lots of spring diameters, wire diameters......what you ask is a moving target. But I got out two springs I use, one for 9mm and the other with .45acp and tested them to see what they measure both coil tight and stretched with spaces just a tad more than wire diameter in between. Starting with both stretched about the same (a tiny bit more than wire gauge spaces between), I marked with a red marker a single coil 2" apart, then compressed them tight and both Surprisingly measure pretty darn close to an inch.

So that's double the length after the stretch.....maybe that's a good starter idea.....so maybe you stretch 1/2 the length of the length you need? I never stretched a whole meter at a time! So no experience with that. Too unwieldy and scary for me. ;) Guess I'd be afraid of ruining the whole thing.......but you realize that you will have to stretch it longer than 2x to get it to stay at 2x. Trial and careful.

Tested and worked like a charm - Thanks !

[rogerandre]

Anyone that have created a clever setup for running 2 collators (1 for bullets and 1 for brass) using the Dillon XL750 pole mount ?
Perhaps using an offside mount ? Pictures please.

[whitepointer]

327292

Why does the slide plate have a scre hole in it ?

[GWS]

So you can adjust it out if you need to. That way you push in all the way in and it goes to your set point instead of all the way in. different applications (bullets) need different locations for them to drop correctly for to be flipped successfully.....for example the base on a boattail and a flat based bullet is a different diameter, so adjustment has to be a little different. There clear as mud? :)

[RedlegEd]

Anyone that have created a clever setup for running 2 collators (1 for bullets and 1 for brass) using the Dillon XL750 pole mount ?
Perhaps using an offside mount ? Pictures please.
Hi,
This is what I use on my XL650, which should work fine on your 750.

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?354324-Making-that-Bullet-Collator&p=5702860&viewfull=1#post5702860

I can provide more pics if needed. Hope this helps,
Ed

[hermans]

I am also very interested in this type of mount. Got my collator for the boolits hanging on the side of the case feeder.......it works fine there, but it is too high up for me, would love to move it down lower.

[whitepointer]

So you can adjust it out if you need to. That way you push in all the way in and it goes to your set point instead of all the way in. different applications (bullets) need different locations for them to drop correctly for to be flipped successfully.....for example the base on a boattail and a flat based bullet is a different diameter, so adjustment has to be a little different. There clear as mud? :)

Yes thanks for confirming that. ;-)

[r4ndy]

If you mean two 3d printed collators I am using the KC10 mount from the contributors folder on git. Apologies for the sideways photo, not sure why the iPad does that.

327501

[Jaak]

Hey y'all.

I'm almost at the finish line with my HomeFree Universal Reloading System by BF556 on GitHub but I'm hoping to get some clarification on what I need to attach the Spring Tube to the Lee Six Pack Pro case feed mechanism. I've printed the 12mm spring-tube adapter that connects the spring-tube to the collator and that works fine, but now the other end is just a loose spring-tube.

[TylerR]

Hey y'all.

I'm almost at the finish line with my HomeFree Universal Reloading System by BF556 on GitHub but I'm hoping to get some clarification on what I need to attach the Spring Tube to the Lee Six Pack Pro case feed mechanism. I've printed the 12mm spring-tube adapter that connects the spring-tube to the collator and that works fine, but now the other end is just a loose spring-tube.

Check out GWS's post on the previous page.
https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?354324-Making-that-Bullet-Collator&p=5730110&viewfull=1#post5730110

You would need his modified APP main bracket. GWS uses clear tubing and also designed a support bracket to hold it. I am not sure if you can just connect a spring or not instead of the clear tube. Watching his video it looks like the clearances are very tight. He might be able to answer that one.

Looking again he uses a pretty ingenious method to handle the press plate/bracket moving up and down using the clear tube. Obviously a spring would be bouncing around a bit as you raise and lower it. If you check out his post he explains it in great detail.

I added GWS's parts for the mod to contributors.
https://github.com/BF556/Feeder/blob/main/9.%20Contributors/GWS_Lee_6000_APP_Adapters.zip

[GWS]

Below: TylerR's Proximity sensor housing which I now use and prefer....my old "tee" shaped ones were not as versatile, and I broke too many.....tylerR's don't break. I would like for him to remove the two Prox housing parts in my section in "contributors"
https://i.postimg.cc/Wbbmd5sQ/IMG-4161.jpg
Below: I use them inserted directly underneath the case collators. The black spacer just above the green parts is needed only for long cases.
The bottom part under the sensor housing is only used to feed cases to my RCBS presses using a direct shot of clear tube to the case feeder mounted to the press.
https://i.postimg.cc/LXMNpCGY/Screenshot-2024-02-04-131006.png
For the Lee 6000 I use the spring parts below....then clear thinwall (not the exact ones pictured, but similar.)
https://i.postimg.cc/g2bqkf8D/IMG-4104.jpg
Below: These two on either end of the spring....then a conversion adapter to the clear tube below....see my videos in the THR how-to.
https://i.postimg.cc/6p25K0hs/10.png
Finally using adapters, I connect to the TylerR APP case drop tubes and modded (for the 6000) holder to the Lee 6000 as described in the THR thread.
https://i.postimg.cc/PqNpnnxB/IMG-4069.jpg
Below: The two parts needed to connect to the 6000.
https://i.postimg.cc/d3gTJtTW/6000-downtube-offset-spacer.pnghttps://i.postimg.cc/h4YmLM39/6000-insert-holder.png
Below is a picture of TylerR's drop tubes and holder, but for the Lee 6000 you need the holder modified to different specs, the red one pictured above. Hope this helps a little. The THR thread has additional explanation and TylerR has the stl files for the two red parts pictured above......and see the clear tubing notes I posted in a few posts above....Important.
https://i.postimg.cc/pXqPB9Gy/Tyler-R-APP-Quick-Change-parts.png

[Jaak]

This helps a lot. Time to start printing.

Thank you!

[GWS]

You are welcome. I went through the post above and the previous ones at the top of the page to try to word things better and fix typos that could confuse, so if you copied anything you might want to do that one more time....don't want to confuse anyone.;)