Machining a Fix for a Mag-P / Lee Bullet Feeding Die Fit Problem on Dillon XL750

Some of you may remember my bullet feeding challenges with my 9mm Hornady bullet feeding die(s). Over time it went from 90% (10% being "stuck" bullets in the feeding die) reliable to 10% (90% being "stuck" bullets in the feeding die) reliable. I tried cleaning/polishing the die and only made things worse. Ended up buying another die and the stuck bullet process started all over again.
I absolutely LOVE my Mag-P bullet feeding tube solution that sits atop the Hornady bullet feeding die. However, every time there was a stuck bullet not only was it a pain in the butt to remove the Mag-p (and not spill bullets) but to then deal with the jam in the die...OVER AND OVER. To the point I just removed my Mag-p and was hand feeding the Hornady die and dealing with the stuck/jam bullets at the source.
Then I found the Lee inline bullet feeding die. Hmmm. Looked interesting. Was on backorder FOREVER. Finally got one and OMG....bullet feeding consistency. Hallelujah! Unfortunately, the Lee bullet feeding die has a much smaller diameter "collar" as compared to the Hornady which meant I could no longer use my Mag-p. The Lee bullet tubes work, but I like the Mag-p solution MUCH better.
I reached out the SocalSW about making a new/additional base (or entirely new offering) in his Mag-p line of bullet feeding tubes that would be compatible with the Lee bullet feeding die. He got back to me he ordered a die to see what it would take. Fast forward 2 months and I check back. Too many other things on the plate apparently, so no update.
Now, another 4+ months later I just checked their site and no update. Not going to bother reaching out again as that what it feels like it would be...bothering. Time to deal with this myself, especially now that I have a mini lathe. So this video covers my dilemma and how I solved my problem myself.

[@jackhutchins8272]

I worked in a machine shop for 30 years and been reloading since I was 18 ( I'm 81 now) most specialty parts or sleeves I needed I make from PVC pipe or aluminum (if it's strong enough for the task) If you need a thicker PVC wall thickness, glue a piece of pipe into a coupling. This process has really worked well over the years and a plus is, your lathe tooling will last forever. Good Luck!

[@ReLoadersBench]

You've been reloading longer than I've been around! Kudos to both your longevity and your reloading, quite an accomplishment on both. I hope to be 81 and still reloading. My reloading "interest" however did begin when I was 18 in the Army. Unfortunately, I lived in the barracks and no ability (or space) for reloading gear (in hindsight I guess I could have handloaded with Lee gear that wouldn't have required a press...but I can say I "should have done" many things differently as I look over my life, LOL). Wasn't until much later in life (14 years ago) that I decided to jump into reloading. So glad I did. I cant' decide if I shoot to reload or reload to shoot. Thoroughly enjoy the hobby. Now with my machining tools, that takes the hobby into a new direction and address previously limiting conditions (e.g., the Mag-P issue). Thanks for the great tips.

[@richardallen9376]

I have 2 Mag Ps, 1 for the Hornady 9m, 1 for Mr. Bullet Feeder .40. Bought on your coverage advice and love them. My Hornady feeder die works well with some types of bullets, not so much with others. I do love the Mag Ps and also gave a call to the company. I got the feeling the owner has perhaps focused his energies in another direction but I could be wrong. I do hope he makes the an adapter for the Lee feeder die which DOES work well for all types of 9mm. Like you, I do not care for the plastic Lee tubes. When I saw this topic today, I had to laugh......When I first saw your first video concerning your journey into the world of small lathes, my first thought was: "bet he makes an adapter for the Lee feeder die." Boy, I did not have long to wait. Keep up the good work!

[@ReLoadersBench]

LOL, too funny! Totally agreed, I absolutely LOVE the Mag-P for my progressive presses. SocalSW does great machining and the Mag-P is an incredible value IMO. Functional art for sure. So I thought it would be a no brainer for him to do an adapter/full product offering for the Lee Bullet Feeding die. After my 2nd inquiry, I too got the feeling this is either not happening or WAY on the backburner for whatever reasons (not worth it, design challenges, too busy, etc.). Unfortunate, but it is what it is. You are correct, this was one of those "stacked reasons" over the years I would say to myself "I wish I had a lathe to make this..." I finally had enough of wishing I had a lathe for small projects and took the plunge. I COMPLETELY underestimated all the extras I'd need to get started (but hey, that's part of the fun/journey after all and we never stop learning) but now I'm making things that work for me. I have now crossed off my list wishing SocalSW would make an adapter for the Lee Bullet Feeding die. No dings on SocalSW, just not sitting around waiting/hoping any longer.

[@davidmeszaros8960]

Down the rabbit hole you go! I did the same thing…. You’ll find you “need” a mill too!

[@ReLoadersBench]

LOL, oh how right you are. Have already tried to make the lathe do milling with a vertical slide...the entire time thinking it would be SO much easier/faster if I had a mill! The “need” factor is crushing the wallet.

[@kurtficocelli3721]

Where do I order The bullet feeders I have looked all over and find a way to order them

[@ReLoadersBench]

Looks like he's no longer in business. His web site is no longer up, his FB is "old" (no newer posts) and I emailed him a few weeks ago asking if it was possible to purchase something...to no reply.

[@danielpaglia9155]

Question now is will you sell some for MagP and MagR?

[@ReLoadersBench]

Making/giving/selling the brass insert (when/if I get my lathe working again) is not the challenge. I drilled and tapped the insert and Mag-p base together at the same time. So I can make the insert, I just can't drill & tap it as there is no way to ensure it would align with another/your Mag-p (and don't have a Mag-r to get dimensions from) base that you'd have to drill/tap. Easy to do it all at once and together. Separately would introduce measurement/offset variances me thinks.

[@choochmonster13]

You're awesome. Mr socal doesn't return any messages and just doesn't seem like he's interested in it anymore. Thanks for being innovative.

[@ReLoadersBench]

@@choochmonster13 - Thanks. I felt I was on my own after the last non-update. My solution to the issue may not be ideal, but it has me back in business, which is all that matters.

[@stephenranti173]

Why not use some Locktite 456 or Epoxy?? Just wondering?

[@ReLoadersBench]

Either of those would have only held the brass insert in place, not secured it to the Lee die collar, not something I'd make permanent with epoxy.

[@choochmonster13]

Any word on socal? How's the mod working?

[@ReLoadersBench]

No word and I don't plan on making any further inquiries. I initiated/tried but that was mid last year, so given the amount of time that has passed, I'm not holding my breath. My workaround has processed a couple thousand rounds now with no issues.