Handgun ammo specific press? Can't use for rifle reloading?

-raqh-

-raqh-

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Hello reloaders,

I'm looking into reloading but I'm not sure I got the right tool.

My father used to reload for handguns a long time ago and still have all of his gear but he tells me that his press is made to do handgun ammo and is not fit to reload rifle ammo. Something about it being not fit to do it, not precise enough or too weak, I dunno.

Has he been misinformed or is that right, here is my question.

The press is an orange Lyman turret press. Couldn't find any model name or number on it when I looked at it in the storage room where it sits right now... Here's a quick picture I snapped while I was there.




Thx!
 
That's also what I think but since I'm a total noob I really want to make sure before I setup everything just in case there is a weakness about it or something.

My goal for now is to start with 308 Win, if that makes any difference...
 
If those are standard thread pitch dies, which they look like it to me, then you can put rifle dies in the press. the only question is what shell holders do they use, i suspect normal ones so it should be fine to reload them. The only limiting factor is case height.
 
From what I've seen of other Lyman stuff, you shouldn't have any difficulty reloading rifle ammo with that press. If in doubt, you could always email Lyman's customer support and ask them.
I would suspect that unless you're re-forming brass, you should be good to go.
 
The prrss is perfect for 308. You can install a sizer die, powder thrower and seater die.

You need a 308 full length sizer die and a seater die, and a shell holder.

If he loaded 45ACP, the shell holder for 45ACP is the same one as 308.
 
A priming arm fits into the slot just above your thumb, prime one at a time or with an automatic primer feed. The turret has a tensioning nut . Lyman may have a manual and parts.
 
It looks like an orange version of the grey Lyman that I've got. It works fine for rifle loading.

If it IS the same as the one I've got the ram and turret sit at a slight angle. No idea why but that's how they made it for whatever reason. Due to that you may find you need to help the cases slip into the die if they tip back a bit. One way to cure that would be to mount the press to a sub plate with wedges of hardwood under the base so that the ram is vertical. Or just use your free hand to ease the mouth into place if the case tilts too far.

Whether it tips too much or not is fairly random. The shell plates seldom fit only one casing. And some calibers are a little more loose in some shell plates. If you find a plate which is a touch more snug you can avoid the case tipping back.

And yeah, there's easily room for all but perhaps some of the longer stuff. But all the classic rifle rounds will load in that press just fine.
 
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