Lee Universal Case Expander and Rifle Charging Dies?

[Luke G]

Has anyone used these? Ive been reloading pistol for awhile and recently started loading 30-30. Im using a Lee pacesetter die set (FL sizer, seater, and FC die) and when I loaded my first batch I had some lead shaving when I seated the bullets. Will using the expander die cause any problems when I crimp?

Also, using a powder funnel to charge the cases is a pain for me when using a loading block. I like the powder thru dies on the pistol case expanders when using a funnel or an auto disk measure. Has anyone used the universal rifle die?

Thanks,
Luke

 

[MMCSRET]

I use Lyman "M" dies for my rifle cases when I need to open the mouth just a hair, I have them for all calibers and case lengths. For expanding handgun cases I use the die in the set, granted I have modified a few for special purposes, but the standard case flairing dies work for standard applications.

 

[Luke G]

Thanks for the info. I use the expanders on all of my pistol work, but I am new to rifle and just wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to damage anything.

Does anyone have any experience with the Lee dies specifically?

Thanks,
Luke

 

[JG2000]

I've used the Lee Universal Rifle Charging Die and it works just like the pistol die. Whether you use it with the Autodisk or the funnel adapter I think you will be happy.
I have no experience with the expander die so I can't help you there. If your having problems with shaving the bullet maybe you could chamfer the case a bit. The Lyman VLD (very low drag)tool works great and has completely cured the bullet shaving for me.

 

[Griz44]

Lee recommends the Universal Charging die and the Perfect Powder Measure for automated rifle charging. The rifle die is for small cases only, I could not get it to work with my 30.06
I use a Lee universal flaring die at my primer station (Loadmaster) to put just the smallest of flare on the 30.06 to keep it from shaving the bullet on a tight neck.

 

[cracked butt]

I use both the lee expanding dies and Lyman M dies. They work about the same but the Lee dies are a lot cheaper.

Lee universal charging die- aIts a good concept, but doesn't work well in practice. Its meant to actuate the Lee perfect powder measure but the LPPM is too flimsy and tends to bind or not cycle completely.

Lee rifle charging die- I've heard that these don't work with larger cases but i've never had a problem using them with a lee autodisc for charging 30-06 cases with 2400 or unique for cast loads. I use the same die with the LPPM to manually charge cases on my turret press- if you remove the drop tube from the LPPM, the plastic threads on te LPPM will screw into the top of the die.

 

[Griz44]

Cracked, how are you getting a large enough charge from the auto disk to charge a 30.06 case?

 

[cracked butt]

Ah, therein lies the problem.

With the Unique, I'm only charging about 12grs, so its not difficult.

With using 2400 or 4227, I double charge to get the correct amount- got to be paying very close attention to avoid charging too many times. I use whatever double disc setup to get 8-10gr per charge depending on the load.


With full power loads (jacketed) using extruded powders, I use a Perfect Powder measure mounted to the die instead.

 

[Luke G]

Thanks, for the replies guys, guess I am off to Midway to spend more cash on things I "need"


Luke