Now I'm an Auto Drum Guy

[Ranch Dog]

Did my first work with the Auto Drum setup on my Classic Turret for my 375 Win. I like it other than the cheesy way you set up the charge dropped. I would have liked the drum's adjusting screw to have a cc scale just like all their other powder delivery systems Lee uses. I mean, I was raised a Lee guy and it has always been knowing your VMD and using cc to deliver the desired charge. There is a certain amount of "precision" to that method and if it math isn't working out, something is wrong.

AutoDrum_setup_01.jpg

After fumbling with the quick way to set the charge I figured out a more precise way to set the charge based on VMD and CC. I used the information in the image below to get started but quickly figured out that 2.40 cc is the minimum at least with my Auto Disk. Any less and the drum is locked in place and will not rotate. I wanted to drop a charge that was 2.83 cc so I rotated the screw four complete turns and three flats (2.83-2.40) and my first charge was spot on.

AutoDrum_setup_02.jpg

I ran 30 to 40 charges adjusting the cc of the screw in and out and the Auto Drum does follow with appropriate charges to the grain weight of the charges dropped. Ah, precision achieved! With that done, I ran a ten string test to see how it performs with and without a powder baffle in the hopper.

AutoDrum_stats_Benchmark.jpg

I've been using the Perfect Powder Measure to drop these charges and it has been delivering a .13 grain SD with an .6 grain ES. So switching to the Auto Disk will be a win. I actually was looking at the Auto Drum with the thought of moving all my 7.62x39 loading for the Mini 30 to the Load-Master and it will work great. Because of the stats, it will be used with all my rifle cartridges as well.

[daboone]

I wonder if the PPM's drum would fit the Auto Drum? That would be nice improvement.

[Ranch Dog]

I wonder if the PPM's drum would fit the Auto Drum? That would be nice improvement.

Good question! I will give it a try later to day.

[Ranch Dog]

The brass drum and metering chamber assemby (#AM3279) from the Classic Powder Measure should work as you can use the Auto Drum's quick change drum.

[daboone]

The BRASS DRUM AND METERING CHAMBER ASSEMBLY FOR CLASSIC POWDER MEASURE (code = 90868) doesn't work in the Auto Drum. It fits and will rotate when case activated but it's a loose fit and would certainly leak powder. That is a sad fact and seemingly a strange one as the molded nylon drums fit both measures but the brass drum doesn't.

As an non sequitur the SKU AM3279 for the Classic PM's drum doesn't pull the part up on the Lee site. You have to do this URL to get it to show up on the lee site: "http://leeprecision.com/brass-drum-and- ... embly.html. They are listing it for $45.00. Strange they don't list it under parts. To dang sad it is so expensive.

[Ranch Dog]

Oh well, so much for that idea. Thanks!

[Ranch Dog]

Another change that the Auto Drum brought that is really nice is the Long & Short Rifle Charging Die rather than the old one size fits all die. The original would lay waste to a lot of long cases because it had no stop, you had to stop it by sight and feel.

[daboone]

........ as it is another new Lee product I won't be buying.

RD I just had to rub this comment in!

But I sure am glad you got one and you posted this quote below in initial comment of this thread. This is a real time saver. THANKS

AutoDrum_setup_01.jpg

After fumbling with the quick way to set the charge I figured out a more precise way to set the charge based on VMD and CC. I used the information in the image below to get started but quickly figured out that 2.40 cc is the minimum at least with my Auto Disk. ............... I wanted to drop a charge that was 2.83 cc so I rotated the screw four complete turns and three flats (2.83-2.40) and my first charge was spot on.

The auto Drum is my go to PM for progressive reloading. Beats everything else by a long shot.

Thanks Again for figuring this out.

[Ranch Dog]

........ as it is another new Lee product I won't be buying.

RD I just had to rub this comment in!

Yeap, never say never!

Actually, I found two on Lee's website on clearance as a reconditioned unit for $24.75. I ended up buying both; one for the Turret and one for the Load-Master.

I just finished loading a box of ammo for my 375 Win, the last 20 bullets cast 8 years ago, for use this hunting season.

AutoDrum_setup_375Win.jpg

I adjusted the key five "flats" which is .05 cc greater than the test I ran earlier today (2.83+.05=2.88). The 2.88 cc delivers a 40.5-grain load at my Benchmark's VMD with the Perfect Powder Measure. I tested a number of drops and they were on target or within a grain so I proceeded with the run. I checked ever fifth drop and here is what was delivered.

AutoDrum_setup_03.jpg

From experience with this straight wall case filled to 100% capacity with the heavy bullet, it isn't going to matter at 100 yards but I thought it would be closer.

[daboone]

Did you try the PPM drum/micrometer in the Auto Drum? My PPM is in Sugar Land so I couldn't try it out. If that works I might replace the "Auto Drum" drums with PPM's.