Finally, steel replacement for that damn link!

Toggle links broken

If the toggle link or links on your Challenger press have broken, it is most likely for one of two reasons. First, an attempt was made to size a case with little or no lube causing the case to stick in the die. Pressure placed on the case after that point is transferred directly to the linkage because no progress can be made at the die. Second, the handle for the press was not initially placed all the way through both holes of the toggle links.

When receiving new toggle links, ensure that you insert the handle of the press all of the way through both holes in the links and that they are securely fastened with the bolt that goes through them.

A tip on effective case lubrication; using some Lee resizing lubricant, spread a small amount around the case below the shoulder so that there is a thin film. With the small amount of film that remains on your finger, "scrape" some into the inside of the case neck. Even though it's only on one side of the inside case neck, go ahead and resize the case. Additional cases that have had the same procedure ensure that the decapper / expander inside the sizing die is properly lubricated. This method is far easier and faster than using the many utensils on the market meant to completely coat the inside of the case neck.

What you were probably looking at was STEEL CONNECTING LINKS which are different.

As Dan Rather might say, "Courage"

Martindog

Here's the quote from the site:

Broken connecting link

The die cast connecting links on the Challenger Press, Progressive 1000 and the Turret Press have been re designed and are now a one piece steel construction. This should completely eliminate breakage problems. The connecting links are installed exactly the same as the die cast links, however, there is now a top and bottom to the connecting link.

When you install it be sure to install the short legs to the press and the long legs to the toggle. If the link is installed up-side-down, it will prevent full travel of the ram. Return the broken parts to the factory for free replacement, or order one part #TP2129 (steel connecting link, $5.00), and two part #TP2119 (shoulder bolt, $1.00 each).

Lee has apparently screwed up on the part #'s listed. I phoned them, and they said they would correct it.

[This message has been edited by John Y Cannuck (edited 04-23-2002).]

If it was the part comprised of two halves where the handle passes through and attaches to the abse of the ram by a cross pin, those parts are called TOGGLE LINKS and are made of zinc. That's the post I put in up above. The CONNECTING LINK is a completely different part and it's only a single part. I've never had a bad experience with the CONNECTING LINK.

If I am wrong, please post a follow up because I would be interested in knowing how you made out. Good luck.

Martindog

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tikka 3 barrels

"If the toggle link or links on your Challenger press have broken, it is most likely for one of two reasons. First, an attempt was made to size a case with little or no lube causing the case to stick in the die. Pressure placed on the case after that point is transferred directly to the linkage because no progress can be made at the die. Second, the handle for the press was not initially placed all the way through both holes of the toggle links."

First, Lee's collet dies are advertised as requiring no lube and second, well we're all so stupid and fail to correctly assemble our Lee Challenger presses - is that it?

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tikka 3 barrels

"Lee Discovers Merits of Steel!!!"

I thought their stuff was perfect to begin with. Who knew???

RSY

Go here and you'll never need another press again:

http://www.forsterproducts.com/Pages/press.htm

Don't let the price put you off, either. They can be had for under $200 from most on-line vendors (Graf & Sons, MidSouth, etc.).

RSY

quote:

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Might I suggest a change towards RCBS or Redding ? Its the bulletproof way to go.

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Get what ya pay for, eh? I think I could use any of my presses to seat bearings and have less failures than I've seen with Lee's.

AFA 30,000 rounds on a press; that's impressive, for a Lee press. I have a Hornady that has welllll into six figures. Not my intent to roast anyone, but comparing Lee and RCBS (or most any other) is like comparing Craftsman tools to Snap-On. Craftsman are fine if you tinker in the garage, but when you use them day after day, you get the best you can afford. Saves money in the long run.

Eddie