I have a #7 shellholder for my AutoPrime for priming Hornet cases. I primarily load WW cases.

It would appear to me that the #7 shellholder, the Lee recommended one, is a might too big for the job. Many times the case rim will slip by the shellholder lip and become wedged when I prime. Burrs up the rims badly in the process.

I noticed tonight in my Lock, Stock and Barrel catalog that Lee lists the #20 shellholder along with the #7 for the Hornet. Does anyone use the #20 for the Hornet?

Maybe the WW cases have a slightly smaller rim diameter? I'll have to try loading up some RP cases and see if there's any noticeable difference. (Guess I could put the calipers on 'em too!)

Thanks,
Tim

Do you have a complete set of Lee shell holders, If so use the one that fits the best sometimes the shell head may very. My two cents worth.

Swede44mag

Never had that problem with mine.

I've had some discrepancies in the size of Lee shellholder heads, even within the same number designation. One head I had for the .222/223 would fail to accept many shells, while another numbered identically accepted them easily. That's one reason that Lee prices their products the way they do -- you can afford to just toss a defective or broken one and go buy another and still be cheaper than the green boys' products. Of course if you want to take the trouble to call on Lee's customer service, I hear that they are very resposive.

Try the other number or try another shellholder of the same number and see if that doesn't solve your problem. Or, hell, pick up the phone and call Lee.

Yep, I noticed on the Lee website that the #7 shellholder can be used on the .30 Carbine case as well. The #20 is listed specifically for the Hornet.

Time to order a #20 I guess.

Thanks,

Tim

While you are ordering check on getting a set of Lee Auto Prime Shell Holder and Lee Press shell holders. They are not that expensive and are a good investment. My two cents worth.

Swede44mag

I know everyone is dying for the following info. I bought a #20 shellholder for the Lee AutoPrime. Works slick as snot with Hornet cases. The #7 is NOT the one to use even though it is listed as applicable. The case rims are held securely in the #20. YEESSS!

Second item, I also picked up the steel connecting rod for the Lee. The original, made of some kind of "metal like" material, is too soft (Space shuttle grade zinc?). On mine, the rod was developing a nice pock mark where the rod contacted the primer seater plunger. The steel rod should eliminate this problem. The seating operation feels a little more solid now as a bonus.

A little SynTec Teflon grease at strategic pivot points and all was good.

Hopefully I did not rediscover the wheel here.

Best o' luck fellow Horneteers!

Tim