Lee Classic Press for BMG

[evollep3]

Im trying to be cheap *times is hard!* where can I find the cheapest set up? I trying to reload my DTC but i cant descide to just buy the Press only and piece everything else or should I buy BMG set up to get all the knick knacks.

[SVRider]

Does the Lee classic have enough stroke for 50 BMG? I thought you needed specific presses to load cartridges that long....

[SVRider]

...plus aren't the 50BMG dies larger thread size than 7/8"?

[ke6guj]

Does the Lee classic have enough stroke for 50 BMG? I thought you needed specific presses to load cartridges that long....

There is just enough throw to do 50BMG/DTC.

...plus aren't the 50BMG dies larger thread size than 7/8"?

Yes they are, but the LEE classic has a threaded bushing that is removable and allows you to thread in 1 1/4" BMG/DTC dies.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=845765

[50BMGBOB]

Be aware that Lee uses a differant thread than most 50BMG presses. If you use a Lee press you have to use Lee die's as well.

[ar15barrels]

Does the Lee classic have enough stroke for 50 BMG?

Just barely.
You have to slip the case mouth onto the decapping pin before you slip the case into the shellholder.
You also have to slip the bullet up into the seating die before you slide the case into the shellholder.

It works, but it's sub-optimal for sure.

I'll be getting rid of mine as soon as I get a more appropriate press for loading BMG.

[CSACANNONEER]

Before you buy a 50 press find dies!!!!!! Your dies will help you determine if you can use a Lee press or not. If you go with CH4D dies, you'll have to get a regular 50 press like a Corbin, Hollywood, Walnut Hill, RCBS, Hornady or Dillon. You can always use a regular 50 press and get a bushing so that it can accept Lee dies but, you can't go the other way. I have a Lee press and it is OK but, it sure isn't as nice as my Hornady 50 press. I only use my Lee press to run an expanderiron so it works fine. I've used it to form a hundered or so DTC cases and I would have rather used a better press but, it did work.

[evollep3]

i got a set of lee dies already but i really wanted a hornady or the RCBS one but i can see to know which bushing to get

[CSACANNONEER]

i got a set of lee dies already but i really wanted a hornady or the RCBS one but i can see to know which bushing to get

If you are going to buy a complete 50BMG kit (RCBS or Hornady) then I'd recommend getting either one. Of the two, the RCBS is the more commonly used but, I have a Hornady. I have an Ammomaster as well but, it's not set up for 50s and I don't have the RCBS dies.

If you are going to buy a different priming tool (I use a M2 and highly recommend it but, it's expensive) and don't want the 50BMG dies. I recommend getting a Walnut Hill press, their .50 load adapter and a RCBS threaded shell holder. It's not much more than midway is selling the Hornady press for and it's a much better press! http://rceco.com/MN.asp?pg=products&...ic=212&from=36 This is the next press on my wish list. In fact, I'd be willing to sell you my Hornady complete with shell holder and Hornady priming tool for $300 (shipped) and I'll buy this one. I'll only do it if RCE can promise me a fast delivery though.

The bushing you would need can be found here: http://www.ch4d.com/ under "presses" "press top bushings" "PTB10"

You will need the bushing in order to use your Lee dies on any press other than the Lee Classic Press.

[EBR Works]

I recently started loading DTC and chose the Hornady press. The RCBS press is virtually identical without the advantage of the LNL bushings. The LNL bushings are very convenient when using the well designed priming system. It has plenty of leverage for full length DTC resizing. It uses standard thread dies and has adequate stroke for the DTC case. For me, it was the best bang for the buck.

[CSACANNONEER]

I recently started loading DTC and chose the Hornady press. The RCBS press is virtually identical without the advantage of the LNL bushings. The LNL bushings are very convenient when using the well designed priming system. It has plenty of leverage for full length DTC resizing. It uses standard thread dies and has adequate stroke for the DTC case. For me, it was the best bang for the buck.

Some people would consider the LNL bushing to be one more variable in their reloading set up. The less variables you have in the equation, the more consistant your ammo will theoretically be.

[r08ert209cali]

You can try mine. I am in Stockton. I have the Lee setup.

[EBR Works]

Well....I have been able to load sub .5 MOA .308 ammo with the LNL bushings installed in my RockChucker. I also use them in my LNL AP progressive with great results. It's true that my DTC loads are still a work in progress. For 1000 yard .50 cal competition, it obviously may make a difference. The convenience of the LNL bushings for me far outweighs the potential variance IMO.

[CSACANNONEER]

Well....I have been able to load sub .5 MOA .308 ammo with the LNL bushings installed in my RockChucker. I also use them in my LNL AP progressive with great results. It's true that my DTC loads are still a work in progress. For 1000 yard .50 cal competition, it obviously may make a difference. The convenience of the LNL bushings for me far outweighs the potential variance IMO.

You know that I use one too. I was just pointing out one possible drawback with the press. Also, mine has helped me to shoot a couple of .5moa groups @ 1000.

[EBR Works]

You know that I use one too. I was just pointing out one possible drawback with the press. Also, mine has helped me to shoot a couple of .5moa groups @ 1000.

But those were all flyers right?

BTW, got my match trigger for the Ferret so my .50 groups should tighten up at ASR this Sunday!