want to reload with a lee classic turret, help!

[schloe]

Alright guys, i'd like to start making .308 match ammo using a lee classic turret press. I will probably be ordering from Kempf. This is what I think I need:

Lee Classic turret press
Small and Large Safety Prime systems (will eventually reload several calibers)
Pro-Auto Disk powder measure
Pro-Auto Disk powder measure riser
Lee 308 pacesetter die set
Lee rifle charging die

And all of the other crap of course (brass, bullets, powder, primers, scale, caliper, case prep tools, bullet puller, etc.)

What else do I need? Thanks for the help.

 

[RustyFN]

You might need a different powder measure. I don't load anything larger than 223 but I don't think the double disk kit will go big enough to load 308. You will also want a scale, caliper, case trimmer and chamfer/debur tool. I often thought one could buy a couple of double disk kits and stack the disk's three high but I don't load anything big enough to try it on. I know there are people that load 30-06 but I don't know what they use for a powder measure. I use the classic for loading pistol and 223 and it has been a great press for me.
Rusty

 

[schloe]

I thought i read somewhere that it can go up to .30-06, but you may be right. I think I'll call Lee about that.

 

[Phil A]

For rifle cases that need more than the double disk, I use a Hornady measure with the Hornady case activated powder die. It seems a bit too heavy for the auto indexing so I index it by hand. Somewhat slower but I take my time with large rifle cartridges. I use the Pro autodisk for .223 and .30-30. - Phil

 

[chbrow10]

BTW, the double disk kit isn't on your list. I also recommend the adjustable charge bar for infinite adjustment. When I get home tonight, I'll check my double disk kit and let you know what the largest cc is. What powder do you like to use?

I recommend a collet type bullet puller over the hammer style, but you'll need a seperate single stage press, and using a collet bullet puller on a turret press isn't the easiest thing to do.

BTW, Cabelas has $5 shipping right now...

 

[schloe]

I'll probably use Hodgdon 4895 or Varget. Would you recommend one over the other?

 

[Steve C]

If you want to load match ammo where you develop the best load for your particular rifle then you need something better than the Lee powder measure with its inserts. Their charts only give you an approximate weight of the powder it dispenses and that’s usually less than what the chart indicates. You can get the adjustable charge bar for the Lee measure or buy an adjustable powder measure from Hornady, RCBS etc.

You will need a scale, the RCBS 5-0-5 is a good one for not too much money.

If you are loading for a bolt rifle then you can get better accuracy and longer case life by neck sizing only. Get the Lee collet neck sizing die, Lee has a die set with both types (collet neck and full length) sizing dies in it.

If loading for a semi-auto you will have to full length resize all the time.

 

[chbrow10]

With the double disk option, the max volume is 3.14 cubic centimeters. Lee says the useful case capacity of .308 is 3.43cc. The chart that came with the powder measure doesn't likst those powders you mention...?

I only reload 45 ACP, I can't recommend a .308 powder, sorry...

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You might want to change your Die choice. I like the Lee Deluxe Rifle Die Set better than the Pacesetter Dies. I would think about adding a Factory Crimp Die too. If you're looking for consistent ammo it's the way to go IMO.

 

[safetyjoe]

Years ago I loaded 30/06 on a Lee Turret press using the Lee powder measure. I used IMR and Hodgdon 4350 and it worked just fine. That is about all I can tell you as I sold it off a long time ago. If you are going for match grade ammo, you might want a powder trickler also.

 

[BAT1]

I have a Lee Classic Turrent, and Right off the bat, always use full strokes or you will ruin the little plastic cam. Other than than that, it is a great press. Clean your brass, and then deprime it. Then trim it 2.005. Then prime, then load always looking at the dumped load. I use 42 gr Varget [to start] with 168 Seirra's. Little or no crimp. I hand measure the loads. You can pull out the rod and use it as a single stage [ depriming], and then put it back in to load and press. Hope that helps.