Is this a problem.

[kylix.rd]

Just bought a used Lee Reloader press off ebay and noticed this:



I only plan on using this press for the Lee bullet sizer die and not for any "precision" stuff. My gut says it will be fine since most of the stress points are solid and intact. I suspect it was dropped rather than someone going all caveman on it. It operates smoothly without any binding.

I did go back to the eBay listing and, sure enough, the chunk is missing there when you zoom in. So this was totally my fault for missing it. Worst case, I can pick up a new frame casting from FS Reloading for $15.

[sd_fox_racer]

do a couple rounds see what happens

[MIAMIbaseballer]

Should be fine if it operates smoothly

[Colt562]

I would be a little iffy about using it. That bar on the ram is mounted right above the missing poece. It was there for a reason.

Just my .02

[Cowboy T]

I have one of these presses and use it mostly for cast boolit-sizing. There's not a whole lot of stress as long as you're not trying to squeeze your boolits down 0.005" at a time or something like that. Give it a try and see how it goes. Fortunately, these presses are inexpensive enough, as you say, that a $15 fix will get 'er going again if it cracks.

As for how many that press can do without problems? I think I'm up to 15,000 or so now on my Lee Reloader Press. :-)

Your idea really was a good one. Let's see how long your little guy holds up.

[ExtremeX]

Should be fine if it operates smoothly

^^ This

Mount it up and use it, if you see issues then repair it.

[damndave]

I would try it. You can also contact Lee about it, they might even have it fixed for you!

[gunboat]

It does not matter if it works ok ---To me that is a non-disclosed defect -
seller should be gigged

[IrishJoe3]

It does not matter if it works ok ---To me that is a non-disclosed defect -
seller should be gigged

I agree....

[kylix.rd]

The "defect" was plainly visible in the photos and the listing stated "signs of wear" but operates as intended. To me I just chalk it up to a "caveat emptor." The photos obviously show the defect and I missed it. I get the impression from wording in the description that the seller wasn't fully aware of what it was and may not have even looked closely at the defect. It was described as being from an estate sale. It was likely one of those professional estate/storage auction buyers that then flips the goods for a profit.

[huckberry668]

I disagree with continue using it. A press is the strongest piece of equipment. If there is a breakage like that I wonder what else is wrong with it. And it is part of the load bearing area.

I can accept it for bullet sizing if the breakage was the result of abuse or drop. But if it was from normal usage then I'd almost conclude there is a bigger defect in the material or high enough metal stress to cause a 2ndary load bearing area to break like that. Or the ram has enough play to cause misalignment under load pressure in which case wouldn't give you precision sizing anyway. Personally I wouldn't use it as paper weight.

[kylix.rd]

huckberry668, Thanks for your analysis. My first thought was that it was binding, however I find no other signs of that such as galling or odd wear patterns on the ram. At least with out any pressure against the ram, it moves smoothy throughout the whole range of motion. It is certainly possible that once I start using it, as you surmized, it will reveal the true issue... either way, it's a $15 fix... or I just chalk it up to inexperience and pop for a new one, which isn't too much more than what I spent on this one.

[3006mv]

use it til it breaks then see if Lee will replace it for you.

[the led farmer]

I doubt you will have any problems. Load away

[sargenv]

Lee is pretty good about honoring their warranty.. I've broken stuff on their casting blocks, they had new parts out to me quickly..