Shell Holder Problem

lizziedog1 · May 2, 2006, 08:07 PM

I have a Lee single stage press to augement my progressive press. I use the Lee when I am reloading a dozen or so rifle rounds. It has never caused me any problems until this evening.

I am having a very difficult time getting a shell holder inserted into it. Once it is in, I need to use a hammer and punch to remove it. I have tried several different shell holders with the same results. I have look into the recess where the shell holder fits. I can not see anything out of the ordinary.

Has this happened to anyone?

Any suggestions?

dogfood · May 2, 2006, 09:16 PM

l-dog:

I have a Lee turret press, but I believe the ram set-up is the same for all non-progressives. There is a wire retainer (sort of like a wire c-clip) that snaps around the ram. It is the edge of this clip that keeps tension on the shellholder while it is the ram.

If the clip is severly bent or broken, it may be jamming up the shellholder. Theoretically, you could also have some other debris stuck inside (like a piece of spent primer that worked its way in).

You'll need to pull the shellholder back out and check the ram. A flashlight will help. And if you don't already have one, download a manual for your model from www.leeprecision.com. I think the retainer clip simply snaps off, but check the manual first.

Let us know what you find.

dogfood

Leftoverdj · May 2, 2006, 10:50 PM

Could be the shellholder, too, if it's not one you have used before.

lizziedog1 · May 2, 2006, 11:39 PM

I sprayed the area with WD-40. It seems to have cured the problem. The shell holders slip in and out easily again. I guess it might have gummed up with stuff. Thanks for your help.

MADISON · May 3, 2006, 09:38 AM

Tight Shell Holder...
I have a Lyman T-Mag that I could not get a shell holder installed. I took a file and filed the top of the ram off just enough to get the shell holder to work.

May 2, 2006, 08:07 PM	#1
lizziedog1 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2005 Posts: 289	Shell Holder Problem I have a Lee single stage press to augement my progressive press. I use the Lee when I am reloading a dozen or so rifle rounds. It has never caused me any problems until this evening. I am having a very difficult time getting a shell holder inserted into it. Once it is in, I need to use a hammer and punch to remove it. I have tried several different shell holders with the same results. I have look into the recess where the shell holder fits. I can not see anything out of the ordinary. Has this happened to anyone? Any suggestions?

May 3, 2006, 09:38 AM	#5
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	Tight Shell Holder Tight Shell Holder... I have a Lyman T-Mag that I could not get a shell holder installed. I took a file and filed the top of the ram off just enough to get the shell holder to work.

May 2, 2006, 09:16 PM	#2
dogfood Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2004 Location: Southwestern OH Posts: 239	l-dog: I have a Lee turret press, but I believe the ram set-up is the same for all non-progressives. There is a wire retainer (sort of like a wire c-clip) that snaps around the ram. It is the edge of this clip that keeps tension on the shellholder while it is the ram. If the clip is severly bent or broken, it may be jamming up the shellholder. Theoretically, you could also have some other debris stuck inside (like a piece of spent primer that worked its way in). You'll need to pull the shellholder back out and check the ram. A flashlight will help. And if you don't already have one, download a manual for your model from www.leeprecision.com. I think the retainer clip simply snaps off, but check the manual first. Let us know what you find. dogfood

May 2, 2006, 10:50 PM	#3
Leftoverdj Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 2004 Posts: 934	Could be the shellholder, too, if it's not one you have used before.

May 2, 2006, 11:39 PM	#4
lizziedog1 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2005 Posts: 289	I sprayed the area with WD-40. It seems to have cured the problem. The shell holders slip in and out easily again. I guess it might have gummed up with stuff. Thanks for your help.