Lee Precision Lee 4 - User Manual

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Summary

Reloading Safety Guidelines

Safety Glasses Requirement

Mandatory safety practice for all reloading and shooting activities.

Reloading Process Overview

Basic Reloading Steps

Overview of the four fundamental stages of reloading ammunition.

Pre-Reloading Setup

Turret Press Bench Installation

Instructions for mounting the press securely on a workbench.

Die Installation Procedure

Procedure for installing dies into the press turret.

Beginning Reloading Operations

Case Preparation and Inspection

Steps for inspecting and lubricating cartridge cases before reloading.

Case Sizing and De-priming

Process of resizing cartridge cases and removing spent primers.

Primer Insertion Process

Guidance on correctly inserting primers into cartridge cases.

Primer Feed Assembly Selection

Choosing and orienting the appropriate primer arm for the press.

Ammunition Charging and Seating

Safety Prime Accessory Usage

Instructions for using the optional Safety Prime accessory.

Powder Charging Steps

Procedure for adding the correct powder charge to the cartridge case.

Case Mouth Flaring

Process for expanding the case mouth to facilitate bullet seating.

Bullet Seating Procedure

Guidance on properly seating bullets into the cartridge case.

Safety Primer Feed Instructions

Index Adjustment and Tips

Turret Index Correction

Steps for correcting the turret index position if it is misaligned.

Turret Removal Method

Method for safely removing the turret assembly from the press.

Spent Primer Removal

Techniques for efficiently removing spent primers from the press base.

Reloading Components Guide

Cartridge Case Preparation

Guidelines for selecting, trimming, and preparing cartridge cases.

Military Case Preparation

Specific considerations for preparing military brass with crimped primers.

Powder Selection and Storage

Information on different powder types, selection, and safe storage.

Primer Types and Usage

Details on rifle and pistol primers, including regular and magnum types.

Bullet Characteristics

Overview of commercial and cast bullets, including their properties.

Crimping Ammunition

Importance and benefits of crimping ammunition for consistency.

Press Accessories

4 Hole Turret Accessory

Accessory allowing quick change of dies between cartridges.

Safety Primer Feed Accessory

Accessory for automated and safe primer placement during reloading.

Auto Disk Riser Accessory

Component for integrating powder measures with dies and primer feed.

Lee Safety Powder Scale

Accurate and sensitive scale for weighing gunpowder.

Lee Perfect Powder Measure

Powder measure designed for accuracy and consistent charge dispensing.

The Lee 4 Hole Turret Press is a reloading device designed for the safe and efficient preparation of ammunition. It is a robust tool, suitable for both beginners and experienced reloaders, and is part of a system that emphasizes safety, precision, and ease of use.

Function Description

The primary function of the Lee 4 Hole Turret Press is to facilitate the reloading of ammunition cartridges. This process involves several key steps:

Case Preparation: The press sizes the spent case back to its original dimensions and removes the old primer.
Priming: A new primer is installed into the case.
Powder Charging: A precise charge of powder is added to the case.
Bullet Seating and Crimping: A new bullet is seated into the case, and the case mouth is crimped around the bullet, if desired.

The "4 Hole Turret" design allows for multiple dies to be installed simultaneously, enabling a sequential reloading process with minimal die changes. The turret automatically indexes (rotates) with each stroke of the lever, moving the next die into position over the case. This feature significantly speeds up the reloading process compared to single-stage presses.

Important Technical Specifications

Turret Design: Features a 4-hole turret, allowing for the installation of up to four dies. This enables a streamlined, progressive reloading sequence.
Auto Indexing: The press incorporates an auto-indexing mechanism, which automatically rotates the turret to the next die position as the ram is lowered. This feature is usable for cartridges with an overall length of 2 5/16" or less. The auto index can be deactivated by removing the index rod.
Construction: The press features a sturdy base casting (TP 2125), a column (TP 2106, 3 required), a ram, and a lever system. The turret ring assembly (TF 3565) holds the 4-hole turret (90269).
Primer System: The press is designed to work with the Lee Safety Prime system (90997, sold separately), which includes a primer feed washer (TP 2067) and a primer feed bracket (TP 2699). This system allows for on-press priming without touching the primers. It accommodates both small (BP2889A) and large (BP2889B) primer arm assemblies.
Powder Measure Integration: The press is compatible with the Lee PRO-Auto Disk Powder Measure (with auto disk riser #90041, sold separately), which automatically drops a precise powder charge as the case mouth is expanded.
Mounting: The press is designed to be mounted on the front edge of a sturdy workbench using three 1/4" nuts and bolts. It can also be used with the optional Lee Reloading Stand (#90688) or Lee Bench Plate (#90251) for quick-change convenience.
Lever System: The lever system includes a lever clamp (OF 3613), a connecting link (TP2129), a ram pin (OF3221), and toggle links (OF2853, 2 required). The lever handle shaft should be installed completely into the clamp and tightened securely to 25 ft./lbs.

Usage Features

Ease of Setup: The manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions for die installation, including specific guidance for full-length sizer dies and other dies.
On-Press Priming: With the optional Safety Prime system, primers are fed and seated directly on the press, eliminating the need for separate priming tools and reducing handling of primers. The system allows for quick changes between small and large primer sizes.
Automated Powder Charging: When integrated with the PRO-Auto Disk Powder Measure, powder charging becomes an automatic step in the reloading cycle, actuated by the case itself.
Case Preparation: The press facilitates case sizing and decapping in one step. For rifle dies, it's important to lubricate the inside of the case neck. Carbide dies do not require lubrication.
Case Mouth Flaring: The press allows for flaring the case mouth to ease bullet installation. The degree of flare is adjustable by screwing the die deeper.
Bullet Seating and Crimping: The 4-hole turret provides ample space for installing a Lee Factory Crimp Die, which is recommended for consistent and reliable crimping, especially for hunting ammunition or auto-loading rifles.
Adjusting the Index: Instructions are provided for adjusting the auto-indexing mechanism if the turret does not stop in the correct position. This involves using a 1/4-inch wrench on the index rod.
Safety Guidelines: The manual emphasizes critical safety practices, including wearing safety glasses, proper powder and primer storage, and strict adherence to load data. It warns against using more powder or heavier bullets than recommended, seating bullets deeper than normal, or using magnum primers incorrectly.

Maintenance Features

Lubrication: For a lifetime of service, the turret, ram, and all pivot pins should be oiled before each use with #30 weight motor oil or equivalent.
Cleaning: Spent primers are extremely dirty. After extended use, it may be necessary to clean the ram where the primer lever is inserted. This can be done using gun scrubber, electrical contact cleaner, or disc brake cleaner.
Removing Spent Primers: The preferred method for removing spent primers from the press base is to unbolt the press from the workbench and use a shop vacuum, plugging one hole in the base and inserting the vacuum hose in the other.
Removing the Turret: The turret can be removed by raising the ram halfway to disengage the ratchet from the housing, then lifting and turning counterclockwise. This allows for easy die changes or cleaning.
Lee Guarantee: Lee Reloading Products are guaranteed against wear or breakage from normal use for two years, with free repair or replacement. Products of current manufacture, regardless of age or condition, can be reconditioned to new with a new guarantee for half the current retail price.