A couple Lee reloading questions

Ryan500

Ryan500

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I am using the Lee Anniversary kit, seems like a good kit so far. Questions are


1) Do i need a .303 caliber (.311") expander for my 7.62x54r (using .311" Speers) or will the .308 it comes with work? (I haven't got that far in the process yet)


2) For the case cutter that kit comes with do i need a special shell holder that threads on to use it or am i missing something?


Thanks.
 
I can't say about your expander question, but as for the case trimmer: the Lee setup uses the cutter which you have. A pilot screws into the cutter which sets the trim length for a given cartridge.

You purchase each pilot separately, and it comes with a shell holder that threads onto the lock stud, which you should also have. You insert the case into the shell holder and tighten it with the lock stud. Then you insert the pilot into the neck of the cartridge case; the little pin goes all the way down into the flash hole.

As you trim away, the pin comes in contact with the lock stud and limits the amount you can trim to the specified trim length.

The very easiest and fastest way to do this is to chuck the cutter into a drill press or handheld drill.
 
okay, i'm getting a case lenght gauge, i assume thats what you are talking about.

If thats the case we're good to go.
 
Yep, that's what they call it.

This terrible picture shows how it all goes together:

cutrbar.jpg


If you're going to use the power method by chucking the cutter head in a drill/drill press, I recommend gluing the lock stud to a block or ball of wood for a better grip. I drilled a hole the length and diameter of the stub on the lock stud and used epoxy.
 
man, i figured that so i've been looking around. Wholesale where i got my press and dies from does have that part.

So where does a guy find that sweet little 3 dollar part thats holdin me up?
 
It's been a while since I've purchased from them, but try Higginsons Powders, which usually has most if not all of the Lee items in stock.
 
this just in...


Each Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set includes the exclusive Lee Factory Crimp Die, Full Length Sizer Die and Bullet Seater Die. Each set is made from steel and includes the appropriate Shellholder, Powder Measure, load data, plastic storage box and a two year warranty. Adjustable crimp from slight taper to full roll. Includes 308 diameter expander button, 311 diameter expander button available from Lee.

Technical Information

Note from the Manufacturer:


•Lee Precision includes the expander appropriate for a .308 diameter bullet. Nearly everyone that reloads the 7.62x54 /7.62x53 uses the .308 diameter bullet. The availability and selection of .308 bullets are far greater than .311. In military issue ammo they used a .309 to .311 diameter bullet. The smaller expander is included as standard issue as it is usable for .308 as well as .310 diameter bullets if the larger expander was installed it would not be usable with smaller .308 diameter bullets. The limited amount of load data that is available usually is worked up using .308 diameter bullets.



From Midway USA's site.
 
I suspect the ultimate answer to your question marks is to slug your bore to find out exactly what's going to work best for you...

Remember that whatever your neck tension is will only be half the difference in bullet diameters, so your current setup might still work.
 
the expander that comes with the 7.62x54r dies (.308 expander) works fine with .310 bullets, just smashed a few together so for anyones info thought i would post here
 
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