Information Source: Lee Precision


Load Master Case Feeder Problem

There are two adjustments on the case feed depth for the Load Master. One is located near the base of the press, where the 1/4" square steel rod attaches to the feed bracket. The feed bracket is threaded into the base of the frame, and case insertion can be adjusted by turning the case feed bracket in or out one full turn at a time. This moves the whole case feed assembly relative to the frame.

The other is the tension on the screws that hold the two parts of the crank slider together, although the range of adjustment is nowhere near as wide as the above. Basically, the tighter the screws, the longer it will take for the crank slider to move relative to the case inserter. Whenever the carrier changes direction (at the top or bottom of the stroke) you will notice that the z-bar between the case inserter and crank slider swings through about a 30 degrees arc; This movement bumps the case the last 1/2" or so into the shell plate when the carrier is down, and bumps the case inserter back to allow the next case in the case feeder to drop down when the carrier is up.

If the case feeder doesn't behave this way, try adding more drag to the crank slider by lubricating the feed rod with STP oil treatment, or some similar thick, high viscosity lube. Also try lubricating the case feed rail along the bottom edges, and a very thin film on the top surface. Often the case slider will bind, but it will appear as if the crank slider is causing the trouble.

Finally, make sure the feed rod is aligned properly to the press frame. If you look down the end of the feed rod, the flat sides should be parallel and perpendicular to the center line of the press. If the feed rod is tipped in this plane, the z-bar connecting the crank slider to the case inserter will be at an angle, which will cause the case feed to bind.
Also, looking down the center line of the case feed bracket, the feed rod should be straight up and down, or pointing at 12 o'clock.