I just got my press and I'm in the middle of setting it up. Through some confussion at Cabela's, I didn't order the correct #6 shell plate that I needed. It comes with a #1. They told me I could get a free one from Hornady, so I didn't order it. Well they were wrong. Fortunatly though, they are sending me one for free. Thank's Cabela's. :D

So anyway. It's all set up just waiting on that shell plate. My question is,,, do you guy's know if all shell plate's are the same thickness. I went ahead and adjusted my die's since the case ride's on the sub-plate. And, the case's do fit in this plate, just a little loose. I know I might have to re-adjust them, but I'm hoping maybe I'll get lucky. :rolleyes: I'm just hoping the plates are the same thickness.

Also, are any of you guy's using the Lee factory crimp die. Is there enough thread's to use it. I remember reading about some kind of issue there, but can't find it now. I wanted to use one, even ordered it. Now think I would rather have the powder cop die. It just seem's like a good idea. Unfortunatly that leave's no room for the Lee die. Wich would you guy's choose.

On a side note. I've read on all the forum's about small problem's people have hade with these press's. Thing's like they needed a guard over the primer tube, and thing's like that. Well Hornady must have been listening. Mine has a steel tube on it. :cool:

Well I guess I've rambled enough. Thank's for any input, Cal

I think you're talking about the shell holder.

Yes, all shell holders are of the same generic dimensions - except the old style Herters.

Once you get the propoer shell holder though, be sure to check the proper setup. Follow your manufacturer's instructions and those in the reloading manual I'm certain you have to go with the reloading equipment.

The golden rule of reloading - verify, then check again!

kdub, thank's for the quick reply. I do have the Hornady 6th edition manuel, so I'm covered there.

I think I was editing my post when you replied. Can you re-read it and see if you can give any insite on the Lee factory crimp die situation. Thank's again, Cal

The only experience I have with the Lee Crimp Die is for the 45-70 and am using in a Forster Co-Ax press, which is set up a little differently than the L-A-L press. With my setup, the die works quite well. The die body can be very short and still work in a Co-Ax press.

Any of the Lee factory crimp dies will definitely work in stations 1 - 4 (you may have to turn the lock nut over or something like that, but they will work). Station five is another matter due to the ejector bar. A rifle factory crimp die will flat-out not work at station five (the collet design requires contact with the shellholder but the ejector rod gets in the way). A pistol factory crimp die may work at station 5 depending on the height of the case (tall cases would be more likely to work). With a short case you'll have to screw the pistol FC die down so far that it hits ejector rod.

I ran in to the same problem with my L-N-L press. I'm going to check how much another one is, and try to machine a chamfer on the edge so it clears the ejector wire. I'll keep you posted.

I ran in to the same problem with my L-N-L press. I'm going to check how much another one is, and try to machine a chamfer on the edge so it clears the ejector wire. I'll keep you posted.

I too have ejector rod clearance problems, To date, I just removed the ejector rod and manually removed the completed round. Would appreciate some suggestions as to remedy. Most pistol calibers work well, but 45ACP's don't.

Yes, all Hornady shell plates are the same thickness.

Depending on the caliber (smaller ones are harder) you may be able to adjust the ejector wire to clear the FCD and still eject the cartridge, otherwise, remove it and eject manually, or crimp in station 4. I have not heard of recently manufacured FCDs having a problem wit not enough threads, or being to short. Older Lee dies were short, and had problems on Dillon presses too.

Hornady makes a #45 shell plate that is built specifically for 45 acp. It can be hard to find, but I've heard it does help. It is a little tighter than the generic one.

Andy

Pinestraw,
Get (or borrow to test) a Hornady die for the smaller pistol cases-9mm, 45 ACP- and it should remedy your problem instantly.
I went through bending and destroying 3 springs-Hornady sent me a half dozen more free- before I was told to use the shorter die with the short pistol cases to prevent interference with the wire.
No problems anymore.

Gary

I just set mine up last week. I took the Lee Crimp die and ground off a flat spot where it was trying to hit the ejector wire and it now clears and works perfectly in station 5..




I ran in to the same problem with my L-N-L press. I'm going to check how much another one is, and try to machine a chamfer on the edge so it clears the ejector wire. I'll keep you posted.

Sorry I am so late in posting a reply.
I using the factory crimp die in .45 Long Colt, and it did the same thing so I just backed the die out a bit. Then I had to go back and adjust the seater die and maybe some others. I can't quite remember all the details, but I did get it to work. I don't know about .38/.357 though as I'm quite sure the case is shorter. For those, I just used the press as a single stage for the factory crimp. You may be able to get it to work correctly though, as I did with the .45LC. Hope this helps, and sorry about the delay in information.