Tell Me About the 90194 Lee Precision Rifle Charging Die, Please!

[Joshua M. Smith]

Hello,

Been looking at the Lee rifle charging die.

I like my disk powder thrower and wouldn't mind using it on rifles. I'd of course get a double disk conversion. Might even see if I could convert it to three disks... seems simple enough to do.

Anyway, the rub comes here: I load for the 7.62x54R and the 7.92x57j/js (figured out the Gew88/05 can take starting loads with 0.323" bullets).

Typical charge is 45 grains of Varget or whatever. Just in that range.

I figure that I could do two throws and come close enough for plinking ammo. As it stands, I charge off-press using a powder thrower and manually weighing each charge. (I know, but I'm OCD like that).

The rifle charging die lists dimensional limitations. However, it would seem to me that for a longer length case, anyway, it could be backed out of the hole a bit.

Anyone have experience with these? What are their real limits as opposed to their published limits?

Thanks,

Josh

 

[res7s]

I use the rifle charging die. It works as well as the pistol charging dies. For large charges I usually just screw my RCBS Uniflow into my turret and use it.

 

[powell&hyde]

The lee charging die will not work with the 2 cartridges you listed because they are longer than the maximum case length of 2.015" for the die, and the 7.62x54R has a case length of 2.115" and the 7.92x57, of 2.244"!!!!

 

[meleors]

I use the rifle charging die all the time for 7.62x54r. Never had a problem!
I have a friend that uses it for 30.06 and it works. Just needs to be set properly.

 

[powell&hyde]

I just tried the lee charging die on a 06 case and it will not work!! Explain what your friend does when he is out of threads!!!

 

[RustyFN]

It says the rifle powder die will do up to 308, 7.62 x 51. I know a few people that load 30-06 on a classic turret with the lee powder measure but I don't know how.

I just tried the lee charging die on a 06 case and it will not work!! Explain what your friend does when he is out of threads!!!

Maybe they just don't cycle the handle all the way. I am also curious to know.

I good place for Lee info is www.loadmastervideos.com.

 

[meleors]

Maybe they just don't cycle the handle all the way. I am also curious to know.
True. Use the LCT in manual mode. Since you are advancing the turret manually, there is no reason for a full stroke.

 

[Joshua M. Smith]

You know, not advancing all the way would work, as was said.

I also wonder if I could maybe get an adapter from a hardware store, or make one. Just an extender to give it a bit more throw.

Then again, sitting there listening to old Gunsmoke radio shows and measuring each charge has its appeal, too!

Regards,

Josh

 

[kingmt]

Mine works in the RCBS Jr with 30-06. Don't get it tight enough to roll the case mouth in. Guess why I thought of that.

 

[RustyFN]

This is what I was told at the Loadmaster video site.
"Lee Universal charging die (90273) may charge up to 300WM without short stroking the ram."