Lee Classic Turret, does it do .50 BMG or not???

[Exposure]

I purchased a Lee Classis Turret recently as the Lee literature says "cases as long as the monster 50 BMG can be loaded" Notice it doesn't specifically say that the 50 BMG can be loaded, just cases of the same length.

I can't find anything to indicate it will do it. There are no other turrets available to accept the larger 1 1/4 inch 50 dies. In fact it doesn't even appear there is enough room to accept a 1 1/4 inch die on the turret. There is nothing on Lee's site to indicate it will do it, nor are there any accessory kits to convert the press that are offered for sale as far as I can tell. Midway USA lists nothing either. Or maybe there are 7/8 inch dies available for 50 BMG reloading? I can't imagine it but I guess it is possible.

Does anyone know if this can be done? I sent an e-mail to Lee but haven't heard back yet.

I love the press but will be disappointed if I can't load for my .50 on it. I feel the advertising is intentionally misleading.

I don't mind buying another press if need be but if I can do it with my Turret then so much the better!

Thanks for any help.

 

[RustyFN]

As far as I know they don't make a turret for the 50 dies. I agree with you that it is misleading. If they wanted to compare it to a large cartridge they should have used the biggest one that the press could load. I own one also and think it is an awesome press and I am very happy with it.
Rusty

 

[Matt Dillon]

I do believe that the Classic cast press can do .50 BMG. I have one and can heartily recommend it to you!

 

[CZ57]

Exposure: It's supposed to, but I believe you have to remove the auto-index feature.

 

[Uncle Don]

Honestly, I think it should say that it has high enough clearance for a 50BMG, but I don't think it will do them unless they make a turret that holds 1 1/4" dies which the 50BMG dies are. Does the advertising say that it will do them?

The Classic Cast single stage will do them because you can remove the bushing at the top of the press which yields a 1 1/4" threaded hole.

 

[CZ57]

The long stroke allows rifle cases over three inches long to be loaded using the automatic index. Deactivate the Auto-Index and cases as long as the monster 50 BMG can be loaded. From their website: http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/turretpress.html#ClassicTurretPress;)

 

[Uncle Don]

I think a call or email may be in order. It says that it has the clearance to load cases as long as the 50 BMG, but doesn't say that it actually will. I'm pretty sure that it's because the larger diameter of the dies that won't fit in in a turret. The same would hold true for the 577 Snyder which isn't nearly as long, but requires the larger dies. I could be wrong as I have in the past, but I don't think so in this case.

 

[mrkubota]

There's a posted comment from a past buyer on thier site:

Winston Albert of San Jose, CA
Rating:
Date Posted: 2/10/2006

Review:
Looks like Lee has pulled it off again- a turret press with superior features at less than half the price of some premium brands. Used mine for 280 Express Rem and some 25-06 Rem mag - quick easy loading with zero problems. Pistol rounds in 9mm and 45 ACP also loaded well. I also use this press to load 50 BMG. I had a stainless plate with a 1-1/4x12tpi threaded hole and 3 mounting holes fabricated by a machinist to replace the original turret ring. I also ordered the 50BMG shell holder (PN BP1714) from Lee factory to replace the press's original shell holder insert when loading 50 BMG. Sometimes, when I feel like loading single stage, I install the 7/8"x14 bushing adapter (PN BP2979) on the plate, switch the shell holder insert to the original config. and happily load single stage. All work great. I find I can switch back to the original auto index config. in 5 minutes. I strongly recommend this press. I can see how other makers are scratching their heads how Lee could sell such a premium quality product at less than a $100. My supreme salute to the Lee guys - Richard and John Lee!!

 

[Uncle Don]

Ok, that falls into what I felt. It's tall enough and strong enough to do it, but by default, is not set up to do it. That reviewer had a machinist make a modification to accomodate the larger dies.

I'm not saying it as a negative, only that it doesn't come set up to spin 50 dies into it. I just didn't want the poster with that question to think you could. I wonder if Lee would produce turrets that would hold those dies too?

I agree with the reviewer on the quality of the press - cast iron and steel, positive priming, great primer disposal, great clearance and single stage linkage for under $100. I sure do like mine.