problem charging .270 on Lee Turret press

[NorthBorder]

So I tried loading 270 for the 1st time yesterday. I use a Lee Classic turret press and the Lee auto disc dispenser. Basically, my question is can the case be charged using this setup? I have the rifle powder charging die on the press but when I place a case on the shell holder the ram will go only a little way up (obvious why). Then, when I do attempt to charge the case using H4831 a little powder escapes from under the bottom disc. Also, I can't seem to find a disc combination that comes anywhere near or even close to 52 grains (or 54 I don't remember at the moment). The Lee manual list N/A for 140 gr.round when choosing the disc combo. With a 130 gr round the manual suggest DBL. Any help would be muchly appreciated.
Thanks in advance

 

[gamestalker]

How many cartridges are you charging? If your not charging a bunch, just manually weigh and charge each case, scale, loading block, powder funnel, and scoop.

I don't use powder measures often, even less when charging bottle necks, so I can't really address your issue. I know that extruded powders don't always meter very well depending on the measure. And considering the large variation, there really isn't any point in using the measure.

GS

 

[noylj]

Lee claims that H4831 has a VMD of 0.07250. So, 52 grains would need a cavity of (0.07250)(52), or 3.77 cc. Lee only shows the double disc set-up going up to 3.14 cc.
I can state, without doubt, that I have never even considered charging rifle cases with a Lee Pro Auto-Disk, even with the double disk set-up--not even .223 Rem.
Buy a Lee Perfect Powder Measure, and go on from there, or, you can use Lee dippers and a trickler to get your charge weight.
Beyond that, call Lee and discuss your problems.

 

[Mauser69]

Yeah, I'm also one of those who wouldn't try what you are doing. I'd never consider not weighing each load for a hunting rifle case, so absolutely no reason to even think about messing with the double disk mess. I do use my old RCBS measure to get a close charge, then trickle up.

 

[BigBore45]

I made the 1.57cc hole bigger and use the adjusting bar on top. I can always get my max loads with a 308 case and loaded my brothers 30-06 ammo, it was for an m1 garand, so not loaded up to say the least.

 

[tcoz]

As soon as I started loading rifle cases I ditched the PAD and bought a Chargemaster. The alternative would be to weigh each charge individually. IMO, it's ok for pistol but not suitable for rifle.

 

[rondog]

Yep, what they said. Charge each rifle case by hand one at a time. I put 'em in a loading block, weigh the charge on my scale, dump into the cases with a powder funnel. Very accurate and consistent that way. Could also use a powder thrower.

The Auto-Disk just isn't the right tool for this job.

 

[David4516]

ditch the disk measure. Buy a Lee "perfect" measure and get one of these adapters and you'll be set:

http://store.gun-guides.com/The-Perfect-Handgun-Adapter-for-LEE-Perfect-Powder-Measures_p_41.html

 

[NorthBorder]

Thanks for all the replies. Gamestalker, my plan is to just work up a good load and then sit down and load 50 or 100. I guess I do need to invest in something more suitable like the Lee Perfect Measure and adapter. I do load 223 and 6.8 successfully right now with the disc measure. But I also plan to load 243 and 30.06 in the future. Thanks again.

 

[Dudedog]

I like my LPD but it does not really care for H4831, (tried throwing some charges for fun) and you need more than 2 disks will throw for your charge. I do load .223 with the double disk, works ok for me when using BLC(2), 8208, H335 or TAC, don't think I would try it with stick powders however. The Lee PPM works for me using stick powders and is not very expensive.