I have been using a Lee Loadmaster for about 30 years for handloading .44 Magnums. The most common problem has been primer feed hangups, causing the need to dismantle the affair and re-adjust the primer pin. In the process, the plastic feed device is damaged, and Lee has replaced 3 of these over that period of time, at no cost. The last device was an improvement, supplied in red color rather than white.
For a few years now, there have been no problems. The other night I produced 40 rounds or so of an anticipated 50, and I reflected upon the smoothness of the operation. Five rounds were in the various stages and as I pulled the handle down it met with resistance. That usually means the first case, to be deprimed, is not quite aligned in the shell holder, so I finger adjusted it and pulled again.
BAM!! A primer detonated! This is the first time in 44 years that I had such an experience. Fortunately, there was not a chain reaction detonation with the remaining primers in the system, and the only damage was a melt-down of the end of the device where the primer is set to be inserted into the case.
Even though I cannot explain how this happened, it brings to one's attention the need to be alert, no matter how many years this hobby is under your belt. There's always adversity waiting to happen.
As an aside, I most often load with the RCBS Auto Priming System and while loading .45 APC and 9mm, I found resistance to primer entry, traceable to smaller primer pockets in some .45 APC (I didn't look to see the manufacturer) and the need to swage the pockets of "Blazer" 9mm factory rounds (but I just trashed them). So take care if you pick up brass at the range......
For a few years now, there have been no problems. The other night I produced 40 rounds or so of an anticipated 50, and I reflected upon the smoothness of the operation. Five rounds were in the various stages and as I pulled the handle down it met with resistance. That usually means the first case, to be deprimed, is not quite aligned in the shell holder, so I finger adjusted it and pulled again.
BAM!! A primer detonated! This is the first time in 44 years that I had such an experience. Fortunately, there was not a chain reaction detonation with the remaining primers in the system, and the only damage was a melt-down of the end of the device where the primer is set to be inserted into the case.
Even though I cannot explain how this happened, it brings to one's attention the need to be alert, no matter how many years this hobby is under your belt. There's always adversity waiting to happen.
As an aside, I most often load with the RCBS Auto Priming System and while loading .45 APC and 9mm, I found resistance to primer entry, traceable to smaller primer pockets in some .45 APC (I didn't look to see the manufacturer) and the need to swage the pockets of "Blazer" 9mm factory rounds (but I just trashed them). So take care if you pick up brass at the range......
