Author Topic: Die and Press Compatability (Read 701 times)

quickdtoo · « **on:** December 02, 2004, 03:06:11 PM »

Ok all you experienced reloaders, question for ya....Will different brands of dies and presses work together? I have a Lee classic cast press and am wondering if dies other that Lee will work with it as long as the thread size is correct? thx

Paul5388 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 02, 2004, 03:12:22 PM »

Quick,

I think just about everyone these days uses 7/8"X14 threads on their dies and presses. The Lee Classic has a bushing that allows dies for the .50 BMG to be used when it's removed. Of course, my 1973 Rock Chucker has the same bushing and I use at least three brands of dies on it with bushing in place.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #2 on:** December 02, 2004, 03:15:38 PM »

Quick answer for quick, yes, if the threads are the same, diameter and pitch, and as Paul5388 says, most dies and presses these days are 7/8x14....<><.... :grin:

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** December 02, 2004, 03:25:44 PM »

Thanks, that's what I assumed, but ya know what happens when we assume things....we end up with our rears out again!!! :oops:

MSP Ret · « **Reply #4 on:** December 02, 2004, 03:43:17 PM »

Quick, what'd you say, our ears out again? I can't hear you...I quess I'm getting old....<><.... :-D

Fred M · « **Reply #5 on:** December 02, 2004, 03:52:47 PM »

Quick.
Here is what some one has to say about that press I have a Redding Ultra Mag myself. Fred M

Quote

I've used nearly every press available for the last 25 or so years, and I now use the Lee Classic Cast. It's the best single stage press design I've ever used, period. I couldn't agree with you more.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #6 on:** December 02, 2004, 04:14:07 PM »

Fred, I saw that, too...don't know for sure where, but it was today..... I think!!!! :oops:

safetysheriff · « **Reply #7 on:** December 02, 2004, 04:42:54 PM »

quickd'

The dies may interchange; but the shellholders will not....in case you didn't know. The Lee shell holder is not compatible with other presses that I've seen, and vice-versa.

SS'

quickdtoo · « **Reply #8 on:** December 02, 2004, 04:45:02 PM »

Thanks, that's good to know... :grin:

Donaldo · « **Reply #9 on:** December 02, 2004, 04:47:22 PM »

There are adaptors available. I think a company by name of Vega Tool makes one and RCBS I think makes one. They are kind of high, $18 or so just for the adaptor, not the shell holder.

Fred M · « **Reply #10 on:** December 02, 2004, 05:17:34 PM »

I don't know about that new cast press, but I have one of those Lee small presses that I carry in my BR box for small jobs like depriming repriming neck sizing 6ppc. The shell holders for the Lee are the same as RCBS, Redding, K&M , and a few others. I use them interchangeable on four different tools. The only ones that are different are the ones for the Lee hand Auto prime.

Paul5388 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 02, 2004, 05:19:11 PM »

Don't believe that one! I use Lee dies with their included shellholder on my Rock Chucker. The only thing different about the Lee shellholder is the numbering system.
Here's the shellholder cross reference for Lee, RCBS, Lyman and Hornady.

Fred, I don't mean to not believe you. I must have been writing while you were posting. :grin:

Mac11700 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 02, 2004, 07:14:42 PM »

The problem with the Lee shell holders is not fitting certain presses...and it is the older variety presses from what I know...I have a older Lyman turret press(Sparten T) and I've had a real problem with the thickness of them fitting...in the groove of the mandrel...but a few minutes work with a contact file and problem went away...

Mac

ping925 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 03, 2004, 01:38:53 AM »

I use Lyman and Lee dies in a T-Mag and a Lee turret press--seamless transfer and the shellholders are Lee and Lyman all mixed together.

handirifle · « **Reply #14 on:** December 03, 2004, 03:54:14 AM »

SS
I still use an RCBS press that I bought in 1973 and I have never had any issues with Lee shell holders. I use both Lee and RCBS holders in mine.

If I have dies that I adjust frequently (like experimenting with diff case lengths) I like the Lee but once they're set, I kinda favor the RCBS only because they lock tighter. But they are more of a pain when you change bullet design.

safetysheriff · « **Reply #15 on:** December 03, 2004, 06:11:17 AM »

Quote from: Fred M

The only ones that are different are the ones for the Lee hand Auto prime.

The ones for the Auto prime must have been what I've seen before, but I'm not sure. I could be mistaken......and am sorry if I am. The ones I've seen on sale at Fin, Feather, and Fur, and in pictures elsewhere, didn't look like they'd fit......but they may have been for the Auto prime as Fred has said.

SS'

Fred M · « **Reply #16 on:** December 03, 2004, 01:32:14 PM »

safetysheriff.
The Lee Auto prime shell holders are the same as a regular shell holder except they are flat and a 1/4" thick and have .314" hole. instead the 1/4" hole.

These flat Lee shell holders also fit the K&M outside neck turner chuck.

safetysheriff · « **Reply #17 on:** December 03, 2004, 03:35:55 PM »

Quote from: Fred M

safetysheriff.
The Lee Auto prime shell holders are the same as a regular shell holder except they are flat and a 1/4" thick

Fred,

That flat and thick part sounds like what I've seen. I know they wouldn't fit my 'used' Rockchucker.

Although I generally don't go for Lee products, I do use their factory crimp dies, and have a copy of their Shooter program. Their crimp dies are surprisingly helpful, as is the Shooter program from what I've seen. I've had trouble with some of their other stuff (Lee Loaders) and have only casually looked at their shellholders since having the problems elsewhere with Lee.

Take care,

SS'

Fred M · « **Reply #18 on:** December 04, 2004, 07:03:52 AM »

safetysheriff.
Lee makes some pretty good stuff. I have a few selected items that I am very happy with.

The two types of shell holders, flat and regular, are as good as any and fit a multitude of presses and implements. I use them for modifications of head space when needed.

The Hand Auto prime is perhaps the best you can buy for the money and is just as slick. After priming thousands of cases I broke the handle, I send it to Lee and they send me a new handle, NC.

A set of their powder dippers are great for load testing with a scale, and
in the field for handloading.

The Handpress is a great tool for load testing on the range or in the field.

The little reloader press is really good for many light duty jobs and carry to BR matches.

The Lee dies at least all the ones I had and have worked well. Also I mostly use them for chambers out of spec and polish the body to suit they are mostly SAAMI minimum. The collet die is ok too but the two I have needed a small reduction of the stem to give the bullets a bit more neck tension. But you can get custom stems from Lee.

The seating dies produce adequate concentricity for hunting. Outside neck turning will improve concentricity.

One of my friends, now in heaven, bought a used Lee 20 gauge Load ALL for peanuts and made thousands of skeet load with it. They were every bit as good as the ones I made with an auto Ponsness.

That all I can say about Lee tools.