Lee Precision, Inc.. Classic Cast Press
Lee Precision, Inc.. Instructions
CLASSIC CAST PRESS INSTRUCTIONS Spline Drive Bushing (1 included) 2 pack product # 90063 4 pack product # 90095 LOCK RING WRENCH INCLUDED 1 ¼-12 Breech Lock Hex Adapter 90512 Breech Lock bushing (1 included) 2 pack product # 90600 Knob TR2447 Works on Spline Drive Lock Rings and Spline Drive Bushings Primer Arms small = 91962 large = 91963 Frame BP2770 Shell Holder Insert BP2921 Lever BP3090 Pivot Pin Thru BP2885 Pivot Pin Blind BP3313 Shell holder retainer TP2108 Lever clamp 10° (not visible) BP2777 Lever sleeve 10° BP2780 Ram BP3020 Connecting Link (2 req.) BP2888 Spent primer collection tube BP3064 Cap BP3127 Spacer BP1427 Toggle link (2 required) BP2774 5/16-18 x 3 HEX HD CAP FT3128 Link Pin BP3000 7/16-20 NF FON HEX FM1371 Lubrication note: lubricate the ram and connecting link pivot points through the pivot pins. Any lightweight oil can be used (ex. gun oil). Avoid water displacing oils such as WD-40TM and CRC56TM. Leave a film of oil on uncoated metal parts if the press is to be stored for over a week. WARNING: Steel parts in this product may be alloyed with trace amounts of lead and other elements which are known to the State of California to cause reproductive harm and cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. To prevent exposure, do not alter the product by welding, grinding, etc. WARNING: Handling live primers and spent primers may expose you to lead or other chemicals, which are known to the State of California to cause reproductive harm and cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. BP3318 · Ammunition reloading can be dangerous if done imp roperly and can result in serious injury or death. DANGER · Reloading rifle ammunition requires extra care due to extremely high pressures. Make sure your cases are in good condition. Inspect them before each reloading for damage and wear. Cases must be trimmed. An excessively long case will pinch the bullet in the end of the rifle chamber and cause dangerously high pressure that could damage your gun and cause personal injury. · Reloading should not be attempted by persons not willing and able to read and follow instructions exactly. · Do not permit distractions while loading. · Children should not be permitted to reload ammunition without strict parental supervision. · Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when reloading and shooting. CAUTION · Ammunition loaded with these tools and data should only be used in modern guns in good condition. We do not accept responsibility for ammunition loaded with these tools or data as we have no control over the manufacture and storage of components or the loading procedure and techniques. · Primers and gun powder, like gasoline and matches, can be dangerous if improperly handled or misused. Keep powder away from heat and open flames -- don't smoke. Store primers in cool, dry place. · Verify proper powder and charge for bullet weight selected. · Be extremely careful to avoid a double charge. If in doubt, empty the case and recycle it. Congratulations on your purchase of the Lee Classic Cast Press. We designed this press to be the finest and most convenient press made. Your press has the quick-change convenience found on all other Lee presses, easy 1/3 of a turn die changes. BREECH LOCK BUSHING FEATURE Your press is equipped with the breech lock quick change feature, when you are finished setting your dies, you can remove the adjusted die from the press by rotating the bushing of a turn counterclockwise. When you use it next time, it will return to perfect adjustment. Color coded bushings looks sharp, and allow quick positive identification of your reloading dies. order more bushings: 2 pack Product # 90063 3 pack Product # 90042 4 pack Product # 90095 CROSS SECTION OF CARTRIDGE CROSS SECTION OF A TYPICAL CARTRIDGE RELOADING IS QUITE BAASSIIMCSPOLFERPERLOACDEISNSG 1 Case is sized to original dimensions and the spent primer is removed 2 Install a new primer 3 Add a charge of powder 4 Seat a new bullet and crimp if desired Remove sRapneedmnsotivzpeerscimpaesenertapnridmseirzse case 1 IInnsstatalllnl enwewprpimriemrer AAddddppoowwddeer r RELOADING SAFETY Keep powder away from heat and open flames -- Don't smoke. SSeeaattaa nneeww bbuulllleett 1 Slide the clear plastic PVC tube onto the hose barb built into the ram yoke. Spent primers pass through the hollow ram and are collected into the clear tube. [Note: a primer arm must be installed to direct the flow of spent primers into the tube] This feature keeps the bearing surface of the ram free of the grit commonly found when depriming cases. Don't let the tube fill completely with primers. There is a cap at the end of the tube to allow for convenient disposal of spent primers. Or the tube can be routed directly into a trashcan. 2 Mount your press. The most convenient way to mount your press is with our Lee Bench Plate System # 90251. This system includes all of the mounting hardware and allows for quick press removal without unbolting lee bench plate #90251 from bench. Or, purchase [qty. 3] " bolts and nuts and prepare your workbench for use with this press using drill template available: leeprecision.com/files/instruct/TMPCC.pdf For those without a bench, consider our lee reloading stand #90688. Both the #90688 Reloading Stand and #90251 Bench Plate include a steel mounting plate. BREECH LOCK BUSHING FEATURE Your press is equipped with the breech lock quick change feature, when you are finished setting your dies, you can remove the adjusted die from the press by rotating the bushing of a turn counterclockwise. When you use it next time, it will return to perfect adjustment. order more bushings: 2 pack Product # 90063 3 pack Product # 90042 4 pack Product # 90095 3 Slide the lever through the lever clamp, make sure lever passes all the way through the lever sleeve. This will provide maximum leverage, and ensure even torque when the lever clamp bolt is tightened. Tighten lever clamp with " socket or wrench. With the lever in this position, there is no under swing of the lever linkage, so the press can be mounted to any type of sturdy bench. Some operations benefit from a reduced lever throw (resizing/depriming cases for example). This can be accom- plished by loosening the lever clamp bolt, and sliding the lever through the clamp. To use this feature your bench should have at least 5 inches of clearance under the surface. Note: lever can be installed on either side of the press for right or left hand operation. The lever angle is also adjustable by loosening the lever clamp bolt just enough to allow the teeth on the lever sleeve and toggle link to slip past one another. 4 INSTALL PRIMER ARM SMALL LARGE The Classic Cast Press includes two primer arms (small and large). To set your press up for priming, turn the shell holder insert all the way into the ram, and then back it out so the slot faces in the direction of your liking. We recommend turning the shell holder insert so the slot faces away from the press lever, so you can operate the lever with one hand and insert primers with the other. Raise the ram about 3 inches, so the entire shell holder insert can be seen above the base of the press. Insert the primer arm so that the notch in the bottom of the primer arm engages with the cross pin in the shell holder insert. 5 INSTALL SHELL HOLDER To complete set up, install appropriate universal press shell holder. Cycle the press lever a few times to familiarize yourself with the priming mechanism. As you lift the lever all the way up, the primer arm tips vertical and aligns with the hole in the center of the shell holder. As the lever is lowered, the primer arm drops down and tips back out to allow easy insertion of another primer. When you are ready to begin priming, approach the end of the stroke slowly so you can feel the slight increase in resistance as the primer is pressed into the case. Lift hard enough on the lever to seat the primer flush. The optional Safety Prime # 90997 feed (see page 6) is mounted to the flat surface on top of the press. Note, that with the primer feed installed, the shell holder adapter must be turned so the primer arm faces to the right. Turn the shell holder adapter all the way into the ram first, and then back it out, so the primer lever faces to the right. 2 BREECH LOCK BUSHING FEATURE Your press is equipped with the breech lock quick change feature, when you are finished setting your dies, you can remove the adjusted die from the press by rotating the bushing of a turn counterclockwise. When you use it next time, it will return to perfect adjustment. order more bushings: 2 pack Product # 90063 3 pack Product # 90042 4 pack Product # 90095 Note: If you do not wish to use the quick change feature, you may securely fasten the quick change bushing permanently into the hex insert in your press by using super glue or LOCTITE ThreadlockerTM If you wish to screw your dies in and out like old school presses, you may purchase a 7/8-14 threaded adapter as an accessory # 91604. 6 PREPARE YOUR CASES If you are using a steel sizing die, it is necessary to lubricate your cases. This is also a good time to inspect cases for split necks, indications of head separation or other defects. Apply a thin film of Lee Case Resizing Lubricant ( product #90006 ) with your fingers. This method will allow you to detect any grit that may be clinging to case, which would scratch the sizing die if not removed. The case may be sized immediately or allowed to dry. 7 INSTALL SIZING DIE While holding the lever all the way down against its stop, turn the sizing die into the press until it touches the shell holder. Raise the lever (lower the ram) and turn the die in an additional ¼ to turn. NOTE Carbide pistol dies should not be turned in the additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Lower the lever again, and use the ram to apply light pressure to the base of the die. This will keep the die from turning as one tightens the lock ring to secure the adjustment just made. 8 RESIZE THE CASEPlace the cartridge case in the shell holder and raise the ram until the shell holder contacts the base of the die. It is important to verify that the shell holder contacts the base of the sizing die when resizing the cartridge case. This establishes correct head space. 9 PRIME THE CASE Place a primer in the primer arm, lower the ram and seat the primer. Lift hard enough on the lever to seat the primer flush. Fast and convenient accessories for priming, never touch primers from box to shell: Lee Safety Prime Product # 90997 3 Lee Bench Prime Product # 90700 10 FLARING THE CASE MOUTH Most pistol cartridges should have the case mouth flared before seating the bullet. This allows even soft cast lead bullets to be pressed into the cartridge case without damage to the bullet base or bearing surface. This step is omitted in most rifle cartridges. Lee pistol die sets contain a Powder Through Expander die, which allows you to charge the case with powder and flare the case mouth at the same time. To set up the Powder Through Expander die, place a sized, empty case in the shell holder and raise the ram to the top of its stroke. Maintain light pressure on the lever, and turn the Powder Through die into the press until you feel resistance. It is important that either the funnel adapter or the case activated powder measure is installed in the Powder Through Expanding die for this step. Lower the ram, and turn the die in one full turn. Raise the ram to the top of its stroke again, then withdraw the case and place a bullet on top of the case mouth. If the base of the bullet does not fit into the case, turn the Powder Through Expanding die in one half turn and press the case back into the die. Repeat the above process until you are satisfied with the amount of flare on the case mouth. 11 CHARGE THE CASE WITH POWDER We have several tools for dispensing powder. All Lee die sets (except the RGB series) include a dipper for measuring powder and load data. RIFLE for charging rifle cases, charging off the press with Deluxe Perfect Powder Measure (product # 90699) would be a fine addition to the Classic Cast press. PISTOL for charging pistol cases, we recommend the Pro Auto Disk measure (product # 90429) for 9mm to 45 Colt or Auto-Drum powder measure (product # 90811) for cases larger than 45 Colt. When used with Lee pistol dies, the Pro Auto Disk and Auto-Drum powder measures thread into the powder through expander die, so the cartridge case is flared and the powder charge is added simultaneously. Regardless of how you charge the case, be absolutely certain that you have the correct type and amount of powder for the bullet you have selected. NEVER try to seat the primer deeper after the powder has been added. 12 BULLET SEATING RIFLE Easy Adjust Dead Length Bullet Seating Die Screw the die in until it touches the shell holder, then turn in ¼ turn more. Bullet depth is controlled by the adjusting screw. RIFLE Bullet Seating Die Install a loaded round into the shell holder you wish to duplicate. Raise the ram to the top of its stroke and hold. Screw the bullet seating die in until it stops turning; release the lever, thread in an additional turn. Finger tighten the lock ring. Now screw the bullet seating die in until you feel it touch the tip of the bullet. Your die is set. PISTOL Raise the ram to the top of its stroke and hold. Screw the bullet seating die in until it touches the shell holder; then back it out three full turns. For magnum cases, back out the bullet seating die an additional 1 3/4 turns. Lightly finger tighten the lock ring. Bullet depth is adjusted by screwing the adjusting screw in our out to suit. Bullets should be seated deep enough to work through the gun's action. See MAXIMUM OVERALL LENGTH on charge table. For best utility and accuracy, consider the Lee Factory Crimp Die. You will never crush a case; no crimp groove is required and trim length is not critical. 13 FINAL CHECK Check your reloaded cartridges for any signs of defects. If there is any doubt about the quality or correctness of a reloaded cartridge, dispose of it properly. Do not take an unnecessary chance on questionable ammunition. If loading maximum loads, it is good practice to remove all traces of case lubricant with detergent and water. This will reduce pressure against the bolt. 4 LOADING THE 50 BMG 1 2 Scan here to view video on setup Loosen and remove the ¼-12 hex adapter from the top of the press with a 1 1/2 socket or large adjustable wrench. 3 4 Unscrew the shell holder insert using the primer arm as a lever, a large screwdriver or ¼ inch hex key wrench passed through the die opening of the press. Replace the shell holder insert with the 50 BMG shell holder. This can be threaded in by hand or with the aid of a pliers--turn against the ram and unscrew to your desired position. 5 The 50 BMG takes considerable force to size initially. Especially if the cases are fired in a machine gun. Be sure to lubricate the cases with Lee Resizing Lubricant. Be generous with the lube. The vent hole in the die will prevent any lube dents. Other lubes, especially the spray lubes, do not provide sufficient lubrication and will likely cause the case to become stuck in your die or cause damage to your press lever. 6 6 Cases are primed with the Lee 50 BMG ram prime. Insert the priming post into the shell holder and install the shell holder body into the top of the press. Rotate the shell holder slot to the most comfortable position. Primers should be seated flush to slightly below the case head surface. 50 BMG Die Set 1 1/4-12 Thread 50 BMG Factory Product 90515 Crimp Die 1 1/4-12 threaded dies fit the Lee Classic Cast Press. Product 90953 Dies are hardened and polished steel construc- Crimps the bullet in tion. One piece decapper/expander deprimes the place more firmly toughest military crimps. Bullet seating depth is than any other tool. conveniently adjusted with Lee finger adjustable bullet seating screw. 50 BMG Ram Prime Tool Product 90901 Primes on the presses up stroke for best feel. Installs in seconds. 5 50 BMG Shell holder Product 90903 Shell holder converts the Lee Classic Cast Press to load the 50 BMG. SAFETY PRIMER FEED INSTRUCTIONS ALL BRANDS OF PRIMERS ACCEPTED patent no. 7,694,618. Expires October 30, 2027 1 INSTALL primer feed bracket. Use supplied 10-24 screws. 2 VERIFY appropriate primer arm and trigger assembly are installed. SMALL LARGE 3 MAKE sure trough fingers are between and completely engaged with tray latch lugs (highlighted) 4 OPEN tray and deposit box of 100 primers. back side of tray 5 SHAKE tray side to side to upright all the primers. Fold and close cover and slide to ON position. Shake assembly to fill the trough. 6 SLIDE primer feed into primer feed bracket. SINGLE STAGE PRESS Shake side-to-side to upright primers. 7 Firmly push trigger on the primer feed to dispense primer. Shake side-to-side to fill trough. 8LOWER ram to seat primer. The primer should be flush, to slightly below flush, when properly seated. WARNING · Primer dust accumulation can detonate. Regularly clean tray and tool to prevent accumulation. The dust contains lead; a substance known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm and other serious physical injury. Wash hands after exposure. CAUTION · Priming should not be attempted by persons not willing and able to read and follow instructions exactly. Do not permit distractions while priming. · Children should not be permitted to prime without strict parental supervision. · Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when priming and shooting. 6 · Primers and gun powder, like gasoline and matches, can be dangerous if improperly handled or misused. · Primers will explode if shocked or crushed. ACCESSORIES Lee Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure 90429 Cartridge range: 9mm to 45 Colt Nothing to adjust, nothing to get out of adjustment extremely consistent incremental charges. Lee Auto Drum Powder Measure 90811 Cartridge range: 25 Auto to 300 Win Mag Infinitely adjustable from 0 to 80 grains. Works with all handgun and most rifles. Quick change drum feature. Lee Safety Prime 90997 Dispensing primers is greatly sped up by using the LEE SAFETY PRIME primer feeder. Never touch the primer from box to shell. Lee Deluxe Perfect Powder Measure 90699 Cartridge range: 25 Auto to 300 Win Mag Off-press powder charging. Infinitely adjustable from 0 to 80 grains. Works with all handgun and most rifles. Easy to set and read micrometer. Lee Safety Powder Scale 90681 It is the easiest to use, most accurate and sensitive powder scale made exclusively to weigh gun powder. The Lee Safety Scale has magnetic dampening and an approach to weight lifter enclosed within its heavy metal base. The exclusive safety beam has a stainless steel razor edge for maximum sensitivity. You can be sure that the Lee Safety Scale will retain its original factory accuracy for as long as it is not physically broken. 4275 County Road U HARTFORD, WISCONSIN 53027 www.leeprecision.com THE LEE GUARANTEE LEE RELOADING PRODUCTS ARE GUARANTEED not to wear out or break from normal use for two full years, or they will be repaired or replaced at no charge if returned to the factory. Any Lee product of current manufacture--regardless of age or condition--will be reconditioned to new, including a new guarantee, if returned to the factory with payment equal to half the current retail price. www.leeprecision.com/returnAdobe InDesign 17.4 (Macintosh) Adobe PDF Library 16.0.7