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2/17/2013 1:32:44 PM EDT
I recently got into reloading and purchased a Lee turret press that came with three four hole disks.  I like to decap and resize all my brass at once so the fourth hole goes unused when it comes time to load.  Does anyone know if I can just use the three hole disk and change out the indexing bar or is it an entirely different press?
2/17/2013 1:38:03 PM EDT
[#1]
Dunno about the 3-hole fitting, but I doubt its any use since the indexing would be wrong.

Advise spending a few bucks on (eg) an RCBS Powder check die and make use of the unused station. That's what I do. Not only can I spot "no" or "double" powder, but I can also see small variations in charge pretty frequently as well. Some i let go, others I throw back.

Very useful. YMMV
2/17/2013 6:08:32 PM EDT
[#2]
You should be able to remove the index bar and index manually. I saw a YouTube video where a guy was indexing manually, it was fast and didn't appear to be cumbersome.

I don't know of an index rod for a 3 hole plate.
2/18/2013 8:53:18 AM EDT
[#3]
It's the same. The index bar/rod just makes it turn. You can take the rod out until you get your groove on with the press and put it back when you get comfortable with the mechanics of the press.
2/18/2013 4:34:42 PM EDT
[#4]
The turrets will interchange. You need the correct indexing bar for the three hole turret as it is different than the one for the four hole turret. The "twist" rate is different.
2/18/2013 5:12:30 PM EDT
[#5]
I could be wrong, been wrong before, be wrong again. Kinda like being wrong almost as much as being called a four letter word for being right. Either kinda makes my day.

I don't believe the three and four holes are interchangeable, that's what I recall from looking into this for exactly the same reason, except I didn't care about auto index, just manual.

Regards,


dc.
2/18/2013 6:21:56 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
I could be wrong, been wrong before, be wrong again. Kinda like being wrong almost as much as being called a four letter word for being right. Either kinda makes my day.

I don't believe the three and four holes are interchangeable, that's what I recall from looking into this for exactly the same reason, except I didn't care about auto index, just manual.

Regards,


dc.


I don't think they are either... I recall something about the machining of the press head for the turret- but I've been wrong before too.

Ask Lee for definitive answers or just do like I do and skip the extra hole.
2/18/2013 6:26:45 PM EDT
[#7]
or just get the factory crimp die to fill the fourth hole
2/18/2013 8:33:35 PM EDT
[#8]
Mine are different. Granted I dont have a 3 hole auto-indexed one though.
I manually index the 3 hole for rifle and auto the 4 hole for pistol.
I have to change the top part of the press.
I can post pics tomorrow.
2/19/2013 3:29:47 AM EDT
[#9]
They are different, Lee used to sell a kit to turn a three hole into a four, but not the reverse. I think they stopped selling that kit.   Anyway, the four hole is a better press(The Lee auto-index turret presses are all pretty decent). Drop in a powder check in the open hole, or a Lee FCD. Or just pull the lever to skip it, you won't lose much time.
2/19/2013 7:00:08 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
or just get the factory crimp die to fill the fourth hole


This.
2/19/2013 9:39:22 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
They are different, Lee used to sell a kit to turn a three hole into a four, but not the reverse. I think they stopped selling that kit.   Anyway, the four hole is a better press(The Lee auto-index turret presses are all pretty decent). Drop in a powder check in the open hole, or a Lee FCD. Or just pull the lever to skip it, you won't lose much time.

Oh snap. That's right. I converted a 3 hole to a 4 hole and the kit did include a new turret mount. My bad..sorry for the mis-leading info. It's been a few years since I converted mine.

2/19/2013 10:06:56 AM EDT
[#12]
Yea, I did some in-depth research and found that I'm SOL.  +1 on the powder check die.  I'm already using the factory crimp die and a wasted motion just gets my OCD fired up!  After I finish my next run of a thousand or so, I think I might upgrade to a progressive.  any suggestions?
2/19/2013 10:54:59 AM EDT
[#13]
I had the same problme wioth the same press. I moved to a Hornady Lock and Load. It is great for the money and is very well built.
2/19/2013 2:49:14 PM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
Yea, I did some in-depth research and found that I'm SOL.  +1 on the powder check die.  I'm already using the factory crimp die and a wasted motion just gets my OCD fired up!  After I finish my next run of a thousand or so, I think I might upgrade to a progressive.  any suggestions?
Don't understand why you're SOL on the powder check die . . . unless you mean they are out of stock.

The inexpensive RCBS version works fine in my LCT 4-holer, and now I don't have to peek into each case with a flashlight :)

2/19/2013 3:31:26 PM EDT
[#15]
The empty hole is just one more 1/2 stroke of the lever. It's where I drop the loaded round and pickup an empty case. You will get used to it quickly.
2/19/2013 4:00:30 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
Quoted:
or just get the factory crimp die to fill the fourth hole


This.


+1

LEE likes to seat and crimp at the same time.

most prefer to seat and THEN crimp.

2/20/2013 9:45:35 AM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Yea, I did some in-depth research and found that I'm SOL.  +1 on the powder check die.  I'm already using the factory crimp die and a wasted motion just gets my OCD fired up!  After I finish my next run of a thousand or so, I think I might upgrade to a progressive.  any suggestions?
Don't understand why you're SOL on the powder check die . . . unless you mean they are out of stock.

The inexpensive RCBS version works fine in my LCT 4-holer, and now I don't have to peek into each case with a flashlight :)



I was referring to changing my four hole set-up to a three hole set-up.  I like the powder check die idea and yes, they are out of stock. And I do realize that its only one stroke to bypass the empty hole, but little things like that bother me.
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