Load Master Priming Problems

Primer problems on the Load-Master is usually caused by the primer pin sticking up a small amount. To fix this problem you must determine what is causing the pin to not completely retract.

To solve these issues, start by removing the primer trough, looking into the carrier you will find a hexagon hole, on one of the corners of the hex there is a shelf to prevent the primer pin from dropping down too far. This shelf can become fouled with dirt, gunpowder, or case cleaning media. Clean this shelf of any foreign material.

Now carefully inspect the primer pin for any nicks or burrs. A small nick on the large diameter of the pin will cause it to stick up and cause primer tipping. Lubricate the large diameter of the primer pin with a very light film of oil and return it to the primer feed well. Be sure the small spring is installed and intact.

Remove the trough cover and carefully inspect the hole where the primer passes through. Remove any burrs on this hole with a sharp razor knife. Feel free to enlarge the hole to remove any burr. The hole does not provide guidance for the primer, but any burr will cause a potential tipped primer. Carefully inspect the primer slider for any nicks, burrs or flash and be certain you have the correct slider for the primer size (small or large).

Reinstall the trough cover and apply a very small drop of oil to the black primer lever pivot. Now reinstall the primer trough. Cycle the primer rocker and be sure the primer pin retracts completely.

Now is a good time to check the primer seating depth bolt for proper adjustment. Remove the turret and run the press to the top of the stroke. Push down on the primer rocker arm. If you are unable to push the rocker arm down a small amount you likely have the primer depth bolt set down too far. Many times, this is the result of incorrectly set dies at some point. If a sizing die is set further than to just touch the shell holder, the carrier cannot go all the way to the top. This can make the user believe that the primer seating depth is now incorrect and not deep enough. When the deeper adjustment is made to the primer depth, the priming pin rises prematurely. This causes the primer slider to have to push the primer up and on the pin instead of simply sliding it on. This setting results in tipped primers and destroyed primer sliders. More damage can occur when the carrier can once again go to the top because the offending die has been readjusted or a different and properly adjusted die set installed. The deeper primer adjustment is now putting far too much pressure on the primer rocker arm and a destroyed carrier will result.

One last helpful change is to place your sizing die in position 2 with its decapper removed. Put a decapping die in position one. This will align case perfectly to accept the primer.