Lee classic loader questions

plightning

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Hi all, so I'm just getting going my brand spanking new Loader for .303, right off the bat a couple of questions:

1) After I install the new primer, i decap it to inspect it and i notice a slight dimple in the the center of the newly installed primer -- it almost looks like a very light pin strike against the primer. Is this normal or something to be concerned about?

2) when installing the primer -- the instructions say to lightly tap the priming rod. --- how lightly is "lightly"? I started tapping it lightly but too lightly leaves the primer visibly protruding -- obviously not good enough -- so I tap it some more... is there a concern of hitting it too hard? I imagine the object is to have the primer end up flush with the case?

thanks...
 
I've used the lee loader in .303 as well. I had to whack it hard enough to piss off my wife while she was sleeping. I don't remember ever seeing a dimple in the primer, I don't think it sounds good though. I would tap it several times to seat the primer. Maybe you should make sure the primer pocket is cleaned out good, if there is stuff in there the primer won't go all the way down. I allways made sure the primer was flush with the case.

When you say decap in #1 do you mean you removed the newly installed primer?

Nic
 
"...imagine the object is to have the primer end up flush with the case?..." Yep. Like mercuryv8 says, make sure the primer pocket is clean. Chamfer 'em if you're using primer crimped brass.
"...looks like a very light pin strike..." There might be a bit of something on the seating thingy.
Buy a scale and pitch the scoop if nothing else. The scoops can vary the powder charge plus or minus a full grain.
 
When you say decap in #1 do you mean you removed the newly installed primer?

Nic

Sorry, no, i meant that i removed the full case from the die so I could inspect it.

Hmm... Its weird there doesn't seem to be anything in the bottom of the priming thingy... I think the simplest solution at this point is to buy a Lee Auto Prime, problem solved!

thanks
 
I started loading with Lee Loaders about 30 years ago. I bought a scale and a priming tool pretty quickly. With those accessories they worked well other than noise from the mallet and loading speed. They shot well, though.
 
Yep... tonight I tried someone elses RCBS hand priming tool, its definately the way to go. There's something about banging primers with a hammer... :redface: saftey glasses or not.
 
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