Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro -- Update
Posted: 06 Jun 2018 11:25
While I have not had the following problems, I wanted to report these issues so that new owners of the Auto Breech Lock Pro won't repeat them.
Do not lube the ramp under any circumstances -- not even with a wipe. There have been others that have done so and have had problems with cases kicking out while under the weight of the cases above. Friction in this situation is your friend. What is happening is that the cases in the tube by their sheer weight are trying to hold the case being fed in place. As the slider pushes the case, it gets hung at the top and the path of least resistance is then for the case to slip out at the bottom. I have had no problems with 9mm, but some have reported issues with 40 S&W. The only way to correct this appears to either increase the friction on the ramp or to use two or three glued Popsicle sticks; file them at the front to line up with the slider and then mount them to the slider block with sheer double face tape. If I reloaded 40 S&W, I'd likely leave this mod permanent and buy another slider block for my other rounds.
Another problem has been users failing to setup the Universal Case Feeder properly and destroying their ramps. When you are setting up the case feeder you have to make sure it does not touch the tool head. Upon verifying proper alignment, lock it down. If it moves during operation under the tool head, the case being fed gets crushed between the Case Feeder and the ramp. This also puts a ding in your ramp. I've seen pictures where guys have literally destroyed their ramps by not having performed the setup correctly and repeatedly crushing cases on the ramp. You can order one replacement of all the carrier plastic parts and other parts for free for only the cost of shipping. I ordered a set and paid for another set, just so I would have them available if I needed them.
In another post, I have already referenced the problem with .223/5.56 cases flipping out of the Universal Case Feeder and how I fixed that. I also posted Lee Precision's bulletin on their modification.
Due to the plastic which covers the carrier and ramp, this press is not nearly as robust as my LoadMaster. What I can say is that proper setup is much easier for the new user and with proper care the learning curve is much less. I also like the breech lock system for its versatility and it eliminates the variable of turret float, which has impacted consistent COAL for some.
At this juncture, I believe, I'm going to dedicate my current LoadMaster to .223/556 and use my ABLPro for my handgun rounds. Now a question a new progressive reloader might want to know is which press would I recommend. That's a tough one due to so many variables regarding the needs and capabilities of the reloader. We all know those who could manage to damage an anvil and others who just want to sit down and have the press work. The less they have to tweak the better. So here is where I presently stand. In general, if you're new to progressive presses and your rifle needs don't exceed auto indexing for .223/5.56 or 6.5 Grendel, I'm going to recommend the Auto Breech Lock Pro. It's a sweet press. On the other hand, if I were to buy another Lee progressive, I believe, I'd buy another LoadMaster. I've been through the phase of wanting to throw it out the window. I've learned its idiosyncrasies. It primes just fine for me. It will auto index larger rifle calibers and it is simply a more robust press. When it's all said and done the price is about the same for both comparably equipped.
As I continue to gain more experience with the ABLPro, I may give further updates and opinions on the press. I'll also state if my opinions change as well and why. I hope this update helps the new potential buyer. When buying a progressive press, you need to know your needs and know yourself. We are all gifted differently. Not everyone is mechanically inclined and there is no shame in that. I am not good at advanced math and I hate plumbing. Others are. Lee now offers three progressive presses. I believe the ABLPro is one of the easiest progressive presses to learn in the marketplace particularly in its base form. It won't be for everyone, but it will be a great choice for many.
Do not lube the ramp under any circumstances -- not even with a wipe. There have been others that have done so and have had problems with cases kicking out while under the weight of the cases above. Friction in this situation is your friend. What is happening is that the cases in the tube by their sheer weight are trying to hold the case being fed in place. As the slider pushes the case, it gets hung at the top and the path of least resistance is then for the case to slip out at the bottom. I have had no problems with 9mm, but some have reported issues with 40 S&W. The only way to correct this appears to either increase the friction on the ramp or to use two or three glued Popsicle sticks; file them at the front to line up with the slider and then mount them to the slider block with sheer double face tape. If I reloaded 40 S&W, I'd likely leave this mod permanent and buy another slider block for my other rounds.
Another problem has been users failing to setup the Universal Case Feeder properly and destroying their ramps. When you are setting up the case feeder you have to make sure it does not touch the tool head. Upon verifying proper alignment, lock it down. If it moves during operation under the tool head, the case being fed gets crushed between the Case Feeder and the ramp. This also puts a ding in your ramp. I've seen pictures where guys have literally destroyed their ramps by not having performed the setup correctly and repeatedly crushing cases on the ramp. You can order one replacement of all the carrier plastic parts and other parts for free for only the cost of shipping. I ordered a set and paid for another set, just so I would have them available if I needed them.
In another post, I have already referenced the problem with .223/5.56 cases flipping out of the Universal Case Feeder and how I fixed that. I also posted Lee Precision's bulletin on their modification.
Due to the plastic which covers the carrier and ramp, this press is not nearly as robust as my LoadMaster. What I can say is that proper setup is much easier for the new user and with proper care the learning curve is much less. I also like the breech lock system for its versatility and it eliminates the variable of turret float, which has impacted consistent COAL for some.
At this juncture, I believe, I'm going to dedicate my current LoadMaster to .223/556 and use my ABLPro for my handgun rounds. Now a question a new progressive reloader might want to know is which press would I recommend. That's a tough one due to so many variables regarding the needs and capabilities of the reloader. We all know those who could manage to damage an anvil and others who just want to sit down and have the press work. The less they have to tweak the better. So here is where I presently stand. In general, if you're new to progressive presses and your rifle needs don't exceed auto indexing for .223/5.56 or 6.5 Grendel, I'm going to recommend the Auto Breech Lock Pro. It's a sweet press. On the other hand, if I were to buy another Lee progressive, I believe, I'd buy another LoadMaster. I've been through the phase of wanting to throw it out the window. I've learned its idiosyncrasies. It primes just fine for me. It will auto index larger rifle calibers and it is simply a more robust press. When it's all said and done the price is about the same for both comparably equipped.
As I continue to gain more experience with the ABLPro, I may give further updates and opinions on the press. I'll also state if my opinions change as well and why. I hope this update helps the new potential buyer. When buying a progressive press, you need to know your needs and know yourself. We are all gifted differently. Not everyone is mechanically inclined and there is no shame in that. I am not good at advanced math and I hate plumbing. Others are. Lee now offers three progressive presses. I believe the ABLPro is one of the easiest progressive presses to learn in the marketplace particularly in its base form. It won't be for everyone, but it will be a great choice for many.