Lee Classic Turret: Rifle?

[strat81]

I've been successfully loading pistol rounds with my Lee Classic Turret for a few months now. I plan on getting a rifle soon and would like to know what I need to do to convert my setup. Most likely, I'll be loading for 30-06 initially, followed possibly by .223 Rem, .30 Carbine, and 7.62x54R. Can the double disk kit sufficiently charge those? I also notice that Lees Rifle dies aren't sold in handy 4-die sets like my 9mm were.

I'd rather not get a whole new press. I'm willing to look beyond the red stuff if necessary, but have been quite happy with my Lee gear. Things seems a bit more complicated with rifle dies compared to handgun dies and my reloading manuals weren't crystal clear. Many thanks!

 

[Uncle Don]

Load away - it has the same linkage as the Classic Cast press and it's made of cast iron and steel. I've loaded allot of rifle on mine including 7.5 x 55 Swiss, 30-06, 30-30, 375 Winchester 243, and 45-70.

 

[fastbike]

Press works fine

You may have to double load for the larger cartridges. The .223 is nicely handled by the double disk kit. The press will handle the rest of the rifle work w/ no problem. You don't need the fourth die for the rifle becuase the sizer die will expand the neck just fine. For many rifle cartridges, you may be able to get by w/ 2 dies.

 

[RustyFN]

Like fastbike said. You will need the double disk kit and figure half the load and throw a double to get the charge you want. The other option is to buy the Perfect Powder Measure which isn't that much money. You will want another turret ( $10 ) for the rifle dies and the rifle charging die for the powder measure. I am using the auto disk riser that I was using for pistol to load rifle also. I don't know if it will work with the PPM.
Rusty

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

On smaller cartridges, you can use the double disk kit. You can also use an RCBS Uniflow powder measure with either an RCBS or Hornady case activated powder drop as well. All I use my Lee Classic turret for is rifle and I use the RCBS Uniflow with a CAPD underneath it. I did have to change out the Hornady locking ring for a Lee ring on the CAPD though.

Works great.

Regards,

Dave