UPDATED: Lee Deluxe Auto-Drum Powder Measure and Upgrade Kit Install ALSO new press news! 😮

We take a look at the new auto drum powder measure by Lee Precision. Version 3.0. PN 92003. This will be the converted version from 1.0 to 3.0 using the Auto drum update kit. PN 92084. I'll try to give you a good look at it to see what you think.

[@joeyates1428]

I ordered two upgrade kits after watching your video. They arrived today and I installed them on a couple of powder hoppers. Great improvement. Thank you.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Hey thats great, glad it worked out! Thanks for letting us know.

[@georgiaboy4410]

Glad Lee was able to get you headed in the right direction. The lee classic cast is my favorite press as well. Interested in seeing their new press.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Me too. Upgraded index system, 5 and 6 die capacity, completed round ejection. Uses breech lock instead of turrets. Same linkage as the six-pack (which looks the same as the classic cast) Tightens up the slop in the turret, which doesn't matter but people didn't like it. I couldn't even picture it in my head.

[@viejo2a]

Great update TreeTop. Thanks for the intel all the way around. I’ve been jonesing for a breech lock 4-hole turret! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@TreeTopFlier]

Thanks again for your keen eye. Hard to identify a missing part you've never had HaHa. As for the new press, here's what I remember from the convo. Upgraded index system, 5 and 6 die capacity, completed round ejection. Uses breech lock instead of turrets. Same linkage as the six-pack (which looks the same as the classic cast) Tightens up the slop in the turret, which doesn't matter but people didn't like it. I couldn't even picture it in my head. I'm very curious.

[@viejo2a]

@@TreeTopFlierp.s. I had gotten unsubscribed somehow. I took care of that! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸

[@TreeTopFlier]

@viejo2a Wow, I just checked and I wasn't subscribed to you either and I'm positive I was...fixed sir

[@TartanJack]

Wow. You have always been the best. My stuff is old enough to qualify for this upgrade. Had no idea! Thanks!

[@TreeTopFlier]

Thank you, I try to be useful! Hopefully from the video you can see if you have the washer/ orientation lock. If you need it, the only way I know to get it is the parts kit I showed AM3041

[@keithwood638]

Awesome explanation. I just received the lee 6 pack pro 6000 with the deluxe powder measure. I will set up press in the next few days....Thank you

[@TreeTopFlier]

Hope you get great results!

[@waynekitt6770]

I'm glad I subscribed to your channel - you have always been straight-forward and open about everything you do with reloading. I am also a quasi-beginning woodworker and one of the things that really helped me starting out was when the KZbinr Woodworkers gave a "shop tour" (mostly so they could brag about everything they had in their shop, but also just to help others try to figure out what to do and how to organize their own "stuff". I would really like to see a "shop tour" of your reloading space, how you organized it and the motivation behind the structure. That would help me tremendously. Right now I'm sort overwhelmed with all the details of getting started on my reloading journey. (I apologize for "pontificating" - I am a retired school teacher and sometimes I talk too much. Thanks again for your help. It was because of you I decided to go with the LEE Classic Turret.

[@TreeTopFlier]

A teacher? Yikes...thinking about my presentation. Thanks for your service to our kids and thanks for the nice comment. I'll give your idea some consideration. From my side of things, my setup seems a bit haphazard and disorganized. The space I'm using was made as a workshop, so not really a reloading bench, but maybe that evolution is interesting as well? Hope the Turret press serves you well.

[@waynekitt6770]

@@TreeTopFlier First of all, I was a middle school band director, so presentation pretty much goes out the window!! Secondly, I am by nature a "I'll put it there for now...." kind of person. Advance organization doesn't come until I have been doing it wrong for a long time. I'm just trying to get advice on why you might have put things where you did and the thought process behind it. Your videos come across as well-organized, and well-thought out.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Hey Wayne, I gave it a shot and made a reloading space walk through. It will go live Feb 17 in the AM. hope it's of use.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

I just got one of these update kits myself. I need another one also, but wanted to try it first and make sure it works well. Midway is now out of them, but I am sure they will get more soon. Titan reloading is also a great source. I really appreciate that you gave the number of the Lee plastic replacement parts kit AM3041. I will write that down and add one to my next order as well just for backup parts. Great update video U have made for these older 1st gen Lee auto drums. I also saw a guy sanding the nylon drum with 400grit paper and a flat paint stick to improve the surface so it would quit leaking. It seems the later ones have a pretty poor surface finish. He spun the drum lightly chucked in the chuck of his battery drill. Maybe that can help some folks. Thanks again Tree Top Flyer!

[@TreeTopFlier]

Interesting on the guy sanding the drums. I just ordered a new drum kit and the drums look like they have been turned with mico lines around the circumference. I wonder if this is to give some texture to help prevent leakage. The original ones were glass smooth. Hope the video helped.

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

Always nice to know about options. Makes reading instructions seem obvious.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Options are nice.

[@Ruteger100]

Thanks!

[@TreeTopFlier]

Welcome!

[@wemcal]

Great video and great information

[@TreeTopFlier]

Thanks!

[@georgescarlett2320]

The upgraded Press is the "ULTIMATE", mine is en route!!! Gb

[@TreeTopFlier]

It is the Ultimate! I've got several videos on it, both here and on Rumble.

[@livincincy4498]

I like the idea of a 6 station turret.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Mr. Lee explained it too me but it to me but I had a hard time picturing it. Offered in 4 5 and 6 hole options? Kicks the completed cases out. Solves the loose turret issue people think is a problem. Really sounded like a Turret version of the Lee Six-Pack Built with turret lovers in mind. Im listening LOL.

[@matthewbeaver5026]

​@@TreeTopFlierloose turrets? Shoot I just had to file and sand on a turret for 2 hrs today to get them to spin. Wouldn't spin by hand whatsoever. Finally got one good enough to use for single stage work and another smooth enough that it should auto index on at least 3 of the 4 positions. I will say that the one turret I have the most use out of (roughly 3k 9m) has some slop in it. But once the ram pushes it up its solid as the case enters the die. Thanks for the update video. I was just telling my dad I wished our measures had the removable top to use like a hopper. Gonna need to grab one and see how it does.

[@TreeTopFlier]

What? Not being able to turn the turret without filing on it doesnt seem normal at all. Is the ball in the turret housing moving freely? You can get replacements from Lee. Your right, the turret loads against the turret housing removing all play during press operations.@@matthewbeaver5026

[@matthewbeaver5026]

@@TreeTopFlier when the pandemic started. I couldn't find a 4 hole turret anywhere. Once my dad seen em in stock he ordered 6.(Natchez I believe) Everyone of them would drop in but not spin. My guess is they rushed em out the door to get them back on the shelf during the craze that was 2020. That or a worn out tool they didn't want to replace til it broke. Idk. I've gotten quite frustrated over it everytime I've tried to set up dies with em. Finally broke out the file and sandpaper and made it work. I guess I can see them leaving them a little fat if they've had a lot of complaints about the slop. A little on the + size would allow them to work into the press they are used with. But all of these were well more than a little. More lik ++++

[@brianb6603]

Excellent!! I am very interested in the fact that the hopper adapter now fits!!! I will buy the kit just to get this... I wrapped my adapter with teflon tape so it would fit decently on my perfect deluxe measure.

[@TreeTopFlier]

I thought I was the only one bugged by that loose fit LOL. FYI, that plastic parts kit I showed in the video has a new valve included in it. I just tried the one I got in the kit and it is tighter than the original. Still though, I'm a sample size of one. Thanks for watching.

[@hercules1073]

Many a year ago when dry moly spray lubes came onto the reloading scene and was 20 or 30 bucks a can! I walked into a junk store and found an entire case of the large cans for 2 bucks a can! needless to say I bought them all and I have always sprayed my powder measures with it (it dries instantly and looks like the graphite stuff you have) I sprayed bullets with it and found so many uses for that stuff over the years. I'm down to the last of it now as someone got in my shed and walked off with several cans, but anyway it doesn't wear off and has always improved my measures or seems to and I found it to be so durable that I sprayed the cavities of my bullet molds with it and it stayed put while casting! great stuff, but since I'm down to the last bit I need to find a replacement. I'm wondering if you can "smoke" a mold with the graphite? only graphites I've used over the years is the paste... intended for accurizing barrels long ago as well as lubing anything on the bench if you recall that stuff... and of course the powder.

[@TreeTopFlier]

I assume you could use it for mold release but never tried it. It dries completely dry. I use it for powder contact situations since thats what powder manufactures use to coat powder grains to prevent clumping.

[@jeffhuntley2921]

Been a while but I’ve always been impressed with lee’s customer service

[@TreeTopFlier]

They have always been great to me.

[@dennism8346]

I replaced the clear bottle with a surplus red hopper and didn't look back. I kept the red adapter for screwing in a surplus 1lb Hodgdon powder bottle with a plug I put in the bottle base. I can still see when the powder runs out. Auto-Drum upgrade #92084. No upgrade for the Auto-Disk. I use both Auto-Drum and Auto-Disk, so I will keep my tooling as-is for now.

[@TreeTopFlier]

I used the auto disk back when. Got it out the other day for some loading. Tested it against my auto drum, auto drum was way more consistent so I put it back in the forgotten reloading stuff pile. ;-)

[@dennism8346]

@@TreeTopFlier Auto-disk works fine and it has its place. It has the same fundamental flaw as all other drop-by-volume dispensers. ****It approximates the charge weight****. Anyone that reloads for shotgun knows this problem all too well. I throw test samples to confirm the actual weight the disk/bushing is dispensing. Auto-disk handles the flake and course powders well enough. It leaks powders like H110 & H335. I've lost count of how many times people claim something doesn't work or "that's what the chart says...". Test and verify what you're doing in that application. I've successfully loaded thousands of pistol caliber cartridges with auto-disk. I switched to auto-drum for one specific pistol load when the auto-disk dispensing was either too heavy or too light. I like auto-disk for its quick settings changes. I like auto-drum because it can be tweaked. I do not like auto-drum because it can result in acquiring a collection of tuned drums.

[@sixshootertexan]

👍🤠🇺🇲 Great video. I'd be interested in the new press.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Thanks, me too! here's what I remember from the conversation. Upgraded index system, 5 and 6 die capacity, completed round ejection. Uses breech lock instead of turrets. Same linkage as the six-pack (which looks the same as the classic cast) Tightens up the slop in the turret, which doesn't matter but people didn't like it. I really couldnt picture how it worked. Sounded more like a progressive? He said maybe out in a week or so? Nothing on the web site.

[@geneo4444]

Nice video. But here’s a heads up. I like the old powder hopper too. However, I had one of the tabs that hold the body of the measure to the adapter break off while charging a case. It flew off my press like a rocket, spewing powder all over the place. With the newer hopper most of the powder would have been contained. I will never use the auto drum powder measure without the new style hopper again.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Wow, that would suck. I could see the advantage in that instance. The lid could fit tighter on the old one also.

[@MegaLostOne]

Ordered this kit today. I have the older style like you do as well so I ordered the parts kit for the piece that adds friction. I'm not sure but it looks like there is also an adapter for the bottom of the old powder hopper in the kit that will allow more friction when placing the hopper in the top of the powder measure, I will have to see when that comes in. I have arthritis and carpal tunnel in both hands and trying to adjust the old style was killing me, I would have to use a pair of adjustable pliers which was a pain to do.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Yes the kit has a new PM valve in it and mine fit tighter. While I was working on it I changed the rod that goes up to the gear and it really tightened up "slop" in the drum. I couldnt see anything wrong with it but it was much more responsive. Sounds like you are the exact person I made the video for. Thanks for commenting.

[@MegaLostOne]

@pFlier I have a Lee classic four turret press. I like the looks of the new one with more die capacity and may pick one up if I don't go to a progressive press (don't reload enough to really need a progressive). I also like the fact that Lee is changing their powder through expanding dies to a type M style. From what I have seen you will be able to order just the part to convert your existing Lee powder through expanding dies to the new style. All of my pistol reloading is done with coated cast bullets and I was having to get the Lyman type M to keep from shaving off the coating and lead when reloading. This would allow a person to get by with one less die since you could expand better and throw powder at the same time.

[@mckwilly]

Good stuff, I have the auto disk powder deal it's been great so far

[@TreeTopFlier]

I started with the auto disk... It was OK and the build was nice. Then they came out with the adjustable charge bar... big improvement. I recently went back, dug out my old one and gave it a spin. I concluded that the auto drum just works better for me and is more consistent. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mckwilly]

@@TreeTopFlier good deal I might put that on my list and have it around, how does it do with H110 and similar powders ? The auto disk had minimal leakage but was real consistent this far

[@TreeTopFlier]

The auto disk still leaks H110. The cone design makes that inevitable. However, it's the only powder I use that leaks. Ball powders run awesome

[@everybodystaycalm5090]

Thanks for the video. I have been interested in reloading for a while now, but dont know where to start. It looks like this channel has lots of info. If anyone has any pointers to guide me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated

[@TreeTopFlier]

There are so many options on where to start. And if you ask 10 People you will get 10 pretty good answers. It would help to know what your plans are, what are you loading and how much do you expect to load. The answer for 20 hunting cartridges a year is different than a competition 9mm shooter. Happy to help.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Oh wow! big news about the new Lee 6 station turret press! Oh Great, I better order some more turrets for my new (Jan 2024) classic cast press, before they also go to only breech lock turrets. (I hope they dont) Seems pretty silly since there is a removable inexpensive 4 hole turret to me. Maybe its only on the new 6 hole turret press ? Maybe it doesn't have removable turrets. I bet its based on their other 6pk Pro Press parts. (like the top casting for dies etc.) I just bought a Lee 4 hole classic cast in for doing small ladder loads when working up new powders etc. I usually have already cleaned, sized deprimed and reprimed brass on my RCBS bench primer. So 4 stations is plenty for me in most cases. I do have a Hornday LNL for large batches of pistol calibers tho. I went and subbed at Rumble, Thanks for all the great videos Tree top Flier!

[@TreeTopFlier]

The classic cast press isnt going anywhere for a good long while in my opinion. Watch Ebay or other sources for people transitioning to the new press. They may have extra ones to offer. The new press has 3 different turrets and 4 indexing rods. The turrets are a little harder to remove but held more captive than the LCT. The idea is you can leave the turret installed and swap out dies using the breech lock bushings. There are 3 different turrets. 4 hole with an indexing rod similar setup to the LCT. 5 hole which comes with the press, lets you add a bullet feeder. Then a 6 hole which doubles as a 3 hole (skip every other hole) just change the indexing rod. it comes with two. You are correct, this new turret uses the base and linkage from the 6 pac pro. Thanks for subbing. PS, I replied to you on Rumble RE the powder stand.

[@dalemoorman664]

Great video, I really like the new powder hopper. Much better than the old. I have the bench version and absolutely love it but I’ve really struggled with this one. I have a love-hate relationship with this powder measure. I tend to struggle with it binding or leaking badly. I’m wondering if I Tearing it down and putting Graphite, on all the moving parts would make it run better? I noticed you also have the RCBS Powder measure have you made a video that compares them?

[@TreeTopFlier]

I recently ordered the extra drum kit to have drums left set up for different powders. These drums are textured on the beveled side. I used W296 /H110 powder in it and had no leaks they worked perfectly. May try newer drums... I was really surprised.

[@dalemoorman664]

Interesting, I have bought new drums within the last year. I don't notice a difference. but I also have had issues with binding🙃. I think part of my problem with binding is how tight I am tightening the knob holding in the drum to try and stop leakage. I have watched a half a dozen videos. Some have put in an 18 mm o-ring and put it by the gear, other have polished the metal on inside the chamber, others, polished the drums. my problem is somewhere in the middle. I put graphite on drums, and got it running till I put powder in it, so I must be getting close.@@TreeTopFlier

[@TreeTopFlier]

I also replaced the rod that goes up to the drum gear. I couldn't see anything wrong with the old one but changing it out made it run much smoother. I did not have to to crank the tighten screw down hard to prevent leakage on this new drum. Oh I also changed the rubber wiper. These things can drive you crazy.

[@richardholt3191]

I have 3 Lee automatic powder measures. Very disappointed in them. The powder gets all over the press, the gears freeze at the bottom of the rotation and when that cheap plastic drive arm starts to bend the weight of the powder drop changes. I think that the powder measure is good for pistol calibers but does not function well with rifle calibers. The drive arm starts buckling after load about 100 rounds. As a structural engineer the drive arm needs to be strengthened and the main spring strength needs to be reduced. I have had each of my powder measures repaired 3 to 4 times. Customer service has also gotten worse in the last couple of years.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Wow, what a frustrating experience. Weird for me because I occasionally hear stories like this but have never had that problem. (just ran a load of Varget in 223 tonight) Ran like a clock and was more accurate than my RCBS. I would offer help (1/4" paper drag to get the drum tension right) but sounds like you have been there done that. Geez if you bent the arm, since its case activated I bet it destroyed the case mouth too and ruined some brass. Thats a lot of force. I had my die set too deep as a result of the new dimensions on the upgrade kit. First stroke, the PM bottomed out and smashed the case neck. I should have checked. Well anyway, sorry you had such a bad experience.

[@jesseboutdoorsreloading]

Good to know.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Now that I have the missing link, I think it might be nice for your situation after all.

[@AXNJXN1]

Looks like you didn't add back the 'timex' metal ring-keeper @9:00. Wasn't that supposed to go back on?

[@TreeTopFlier]

No, the kit dosent require ring-keeper. The little black nut and keeper are set aside.

[@varanidguy]

Thanks for the updated video! Aside from basically having a built-in riser and better grip for securing to the die, are there any additional benefits to the upgrade? Does it help with powder drop consistency?

[@TreeTopFlier]

There is no change to the basic function of the PM itself. I will say in my case the entire PM is more stable than its ever been before so that alone was worth it to me.

[@varanidguy]

@@TreeTopFlier definitrely! Mine is also version 1, purchased when they first released the auto drum. Overall really like it, but it's somewhat floppy. If this takes up that slack, then that's a win.

[@TreeTopFlier]

I also had some floppiness in the linkage. I installed the kit I show in the video and the drum is nice and snug now. The old one didnt seem to be worn but it really fixed it up. I think maybe they changed the bottom end of the rod to have less play. Its very nice now.

[@Almost_Made_It]

I wish they’d upgrade their spring so it didn’t force my brass to over-bell because of the amount of pressure on it

[@TreeTopFlier]

They do sell the spring on Lee's web site and sometimes they change things without announcing it. The other thing I can say is maybe change your linkage using the kit I show in here. I did it, and even though I couldnt see anything different in the parts, my drum rotated much better with a more complete stroke. Lastly, over tightening the drum nut can cause extra force needed to move the action. Can be a fine line between tight enough to stop leakage with fine powders and causing too much drag. Good luck.

[@Ruteger100]

Hey, what do they call that triangular piece that fits on the the back on the base? The part that has the square tubing riser to accept the old style lee powder measure? Do they still sell those?

[@TreeTopFlier]

No that was something I designed and sold as a hobby for a while. I wasn't able to continue making them. I gave the project to Inline Fabrication. Not sure if they are planning on doing anything with it or not.

[@JP1AO]

After I just bought 3 more risers. But anyways. I got the newer version with the unlikable bottle. It didn't have the spacer and nice sized adjuster knob. Guess I will be ordering more stuff. LOL

[@TreeTopFlier]

I hear ya. Now I want the Ultimate Turret press. But what to do with all the turrets I have for the LCT? It never ends.

[@JP1AO]

@@TreeTopFlier The ultimate turret press? When the hell did that come out? I think I am pretty happy with the classic. I deprime and resize on the APP. Prime with the bench primer. I took priming off of the Hornady LNL. Everything is good now. But having a APP to prime with would be nice. That ACP crushed more primers than I cared to put up with.

[@TreeTopFlier]

The ultimate just came out this week . Let's you use turrets from 3-6 holes. Reduced play in the turret and upgraded index system. Turrets use breech lock bushings.

[@JP1AO]

My 4 holer will serve me fine. :)

[@TreeTopFlier]

I hear ya. I never jumped on all the progressives, but this one is nagging me. A bullet feeder on a turret... I'm listening... @@JP1AO

[@The2ndProtectsTheRest]

When is that new Turret press coming out?

[@TreeTopFlier]

Its basically in an early release stage. They have it kitted for common hand gun calibers and 223 as well as the stand alone press. web site says 2-4 days to ship from Lee but its very expensive compared to other retailers who do not have it yet.

[@The2ndProtectsTheRest]

@@TreeTopFlier I just got on the Titan wait list! lol

[@TreeTopFlier]

@@The2ndProtectsTheRest Good, the price is $100 cheaper than Lee's price.

[@GarfieldEnjoyer1878]

You can get the hopper by itself from Grafs for 3.19

[@TreeTopFlier]

I love Grafs, I wish they had more gear.

[@ceez33167]

great vid.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Thanks!

[@Tonazizozor]

I don't understand, what more does this update bring?

[@TreeTopFlier]

In terms of powder measuring nothing except for maybe more stability. They redesigned it for the new Ultimate Turret Press they just released. This press is kinda Lee addressing their customer base concerns and I think the powder measure was part of that. The PM had a small knurled knob hard on fingers. People didnt like having to have additional risers to get the PM to fit right, now it is taller with more clearance. They didnt like the clear plastic hopper with no lid. Now you get the old Red one. But your right, in terms of performance, no real difference.

[@jaybailleaux630]

The classic turret is about the best press there is because it is far mor e rigid with less flex than a progressive . Makes for more consistent resizing and bullet seating depth . I will not compromise quality over quantity. Turret press is still much faster than a single stage press.

[@TreeTopFlier]

The LCT really is a great press! It doesn't get the love it deserves IMO.

[@matthewbeaver5026]

Sokeless powder contains graphite. Just load 100rds. And its gonna be slick with graphite from the powder. 😅

[@TreeTopFlier]

Powder is coated with graphite to prevent clumping and static and your correct, it will season your powder handling components with use. I offer an option to accelerate the process.

[@cw2a]

🤘🏼👍🏼🇺🇸🤘🏼👍🏼

[@petesaari3748]

I just got the deluxe version and it hasn't thrown anything closer than .2 grains . Kinda puts you out of the ballpark with certain powders. I wouldn't recommend this piece of junk to anyone.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Something seems wrong. That has not been my experience using several of these dispensers. In the intrest of helping, a couple questions... Is the inside of the powder through die completely clean and dry from oils etc? Is the drum rotating freely as in not binding and making a full rotation from fill to dispense? How good is the scale? My friend bought an Amazon scale that turned out to be fairly inaccurate for reloading. +-.2 or worse. Even a good digital is +-.1. And last, is static an issue? It is where I live, that's why I use the graphite treatment to break static cling. Good luck. TTF

[@petesaari3748]

​I took your advice and wiped everything down with a dryer sheet and used a rbcs beam scale to check my loads. Works a whole lot better. Thanks​@@TreeTopFlier

[@JayNewton-yp6lt]

Can't stand people can't get to the point.

[@TreeTopFlier]

Sorry for the inconvenience

[@edbryant4745]

Mine leaks bad called lee .they said it shouldn't have ha ha