Idiot needs help

[bonzaiii]

I don't suppose there is anyone near Simi Valley that would be willing to stop by for 20 minutes and look over my set-up. I just installed my LEE TURRET PRESS DELUXE 4 HOLE TURRET AUTO INDEX KIT, well I felt like things were going alright although I did not feel real confident. Then I got to the point where I was to install the Auto Disk Powder Measure and realized I'm a moron and need some help. I could probably make my way through it I just don't feel real confident and would prefer someone with a little experience to have a look so that I do not end up destroying my gun, myself or even my garage. I would be willing to give you a couple of gift cards to different restaurants as a thank you. I manage a restaurant so I trade out from time to time and have a couple on hand now. I know this is a long shot but I'm hoping...

[ns3v3n]

Hey, did you watch some of the videos on Lee's website??? I find them pretty useful on how to set up the presses. I'll even link you the link.

http://leeprecision.com/xcart/Turret-Press-Help.html

[wtkaiser]

Hey, friend, you are ahead of the game for stopping when you think there is something wrong. A lot of guys would just go ahead.
I am not near Simi Valley, sorry.

[brl0301]

Id love to come help you seeing as I have the same press but I am nowhere near Simi. Im sure if you have any specific questions we can get them answered for you. As long as you have a powder scale and a way off measuring you oal of your loads, then you will should be capable of making some ammo that isnt going to blow up your gun.

[damndave]

Good for you for knowing when to stop.

If I were in the area of Simi i would stop by, but am pretty far from there.

[sequoia_nomad]

You've stated it twice. If you truly believe you are an idiot, I would suggest using this forum to sell your guns and reloading supplies. Find a new interest, maybe frisbee golf or something a little safer.

Like Allied said, Good for you for knowing when to stop. Take a step back, or even a day or two, and come back to it when you are refreshed.

And quit calling yourself a G*d damned idiot! Unless you truly are, in which case, follow my advice in the first paragraph!!

[wtkaiser]

+1 to the idiot/moron comments. You are no worse and no better than any of us. Just less experienced. Big difference

[GSwain]

Im not exactly local, but give me a shout if you don't find anyone closer, id be happy to help if I can.

[bruceflinch]

Good Luck!

[bonzaiii]

O.K., I took a step back, relaxed for a day, watched some videos and reread everything and headed back to the garage. After the break everything was much clearer and I actually made a couple of test bullets after some failures. I still need to figure out this lee Auto Disk Powder Measure thing. It seems to be dropping a little on the light side but if I move up one it's heavier than I'd like. I'm going to start by getting a digital scale because this Lee scale is a bit of a pain. Also if anyone is using this same setup and the powder holder is square like mine how do you change the drop size without spilling powder everywhere, I know I'm missing something simple.

[gunboat]

Perhaps taking a big step back, make the press single stage and do everything as single operations including measuring your powder charge would be helpful.
Sort of learning to walk before running.
my tuppence

[ns3v3n]

You can always get this for exact powder charge drop, this replaces the disks I believe.

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/150005/lee-auto-disk-adjustable-powder-charge-bar

Then you can adjust to the exact drop you are happy with.

For digital scale, I have this and am happy with,

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/175512/frankford-arsenal-ds-750-electronic-powder-scale-750-grain-capacity

Just make sure you have a flat, stable surface and no wind blowing the thing. And one last thing, you're not an idiot. Just need experience and research.

[wtkaiser]

I believe that the disks are almost infinitely variable if you use BOTH disks at a smaller setting to add up to the charge you want. BUT that's a complication that you just don't need right now, so forget I said anything.

I like gunboat's approach. And a tenth of a grain or two of powder is not THAT critical unless you are already at the ragged edge, which you shouldn't be in this stage of your "career".

[GSwain]

One thing to know about the adjustable charge bar - It is not accurate at lower charge levels (under 6 grains or so) because the charging cavity is not centered under the powder charging chute. It works well for me loading 45, but .40, and .38 are a no go, inconsistent throws. The autodisk will generally throw on the light side of what the chart says it will throw, but remember DO NOT exceed your max load. you should be able to get at least 2 different accurate throws between the max and start charge listed.

[bonzaiii]

One thing to know about the adjustable charge bar - It is not accurate at lower charge levels (under 6 grains or so) because the charging cavity is not centered under the powder charging chute. It works well for me loading 45, but .40, and .38 are a no go, inconsistent throws. The autodisk will generally throw on the light side of what the chart says it will throw, but remember DO NOT exceed your max load. you should be able to get at least 2 different accurate throws between the max and start charge listed.

Your spot on, the cart says it will drop 4.3 but it is actually dropping a very consist and 4.1 which is probably not a bad starting point for me as that is the lowest recommended starting point for a jacketed bullet and I'm using a plated so that should have me right where I need to be to start.