Eliminating Load Master Priming Problems
To get a Load Master priming properly, there are a few things to consider that are inherent to the design of the press. I have listed 2 points below but first I need to stress the importance of a sturdy bench to mount your Load Master to. The press should not be able to flex and jiggle when you apply pressure to the handle at the top of the ram stroke. The priming system slides the primer on top of the priming pin just before the top of the ram stroke and then at the top the priming pin is raised to push the primer into the pocket in the case. If the press jiggles at this crucial moment the primer can move slightly. If it moves far enough it will catch one side of the pocket and the primer will tip over. A sturdy bench is an absolute must. And now, on to the 2 main points of consideration regarding Load Master priming.
1. Each die in each set needs to be set properly so that the work is completed at the VERY TOP of the ram stroke. This is more necessary with a Load Master than a Dillon because the Load Master primes on the upstroke and it is an adjustable setting. If you set the sizing die too deeply and prevent the carrier from reaching the top, and then set the primer seating depth bolt to properly seat primers with this die setting, everything works fine. Then, you switch calibers and the next sizing die setting allows the carrier to go further up – then your previously set primer system is now set too deeply. This can lead to a broken Primer Rocker Arm and all of the other symptoms will show up – tilted primers, smashed primers, broken primer system parts, etc. In conclusion, all die sets should allow the carrier to go all the way to the top and have the work done at that location. If this is done, the primer system has to be set once and that’s it. The sizing die setup is the key to the Load Master. Raise the press ram to the top of the stroke and hold it there while you thread the sizing die in until it makes firm contact with the shell plate (no gap between the die and shell plate). Turn the die 1/8-1/4 turn more and finger tighten the sizing die lock ring against the turret at this setting.
2. If the primer adjustment is set too deeply, what happens is that the primer slider has to try and place a primer up and on an already rising post. This results in damaged parts and mounds of frustration with the above symptoms. This is how to set it properly, but after doing step #1 because this operation has to be done in conjunction with #1. With no turret in the press, put a fired case (with a spent primer in it) into station #1 and advance it to station #2. Be sure the primer seating depth bolt (on the upper left side of the press) is turned as high as it will go. When the carrier is at the top with the fired case in station #2, hold the handle down to keep the carrier at the top. With your left hand, push the primer rocker arm (the lever that the depth bolt pushes) down as far as it will go. This puts the priming plunger up tight against the bottom of the case. Turn the primer depth bolt down to meet this location (until it stops), lower the carrier and turn the bolt down further not quite a half turn more and secure it. Along with #1, you have just solved the priming problems that many complain about.
This is from Titan Reloading as sent to me in a monthly email. Don't own a LM so can't vouch for the message. Tell me if this works or not as it might help someone.
