Hi, the RCBS 3 die set for the 505 Gibbs has a separate expanding die. Why is that? My 270 dies don't have one. Also Cabela's states that the Lee Classic Turret Press (I have one) will handle 50 BMG.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas...37a&_requestid=69755

I'm guessing I just have to have a couple of Lee Turrets tapped for the larger RCBS Gibbs dies for it to work?

Thanks,
Chuck

My CH4D set is only a two die set and seems to work well, no problems. But you have me a bit courious so I may see if I can check them out online to see what the difference is. I'm not the most experienced handloader here but the .505 is definiatly giving me some experience. Rodney.

I have the same 3-die RCBS set for the .505 Gibbs.
The expander die also allows you to bell the case mouth if you want, or not, your choice.
The FL-size & de-prime die gets you a tight neck and then it is precision expanded by the expander die, two steps, best way for good neck tension, critical on a DGR.

A two-die set with the expander ball (of proper diameter) on the de-prime rod can also allow good results, in one pass, but I think the three die set is a bit better, even if only for the case mouth belling ability with the two step prep for bullet seating.

You will need 1"-12tpi threads for the press to accept the RCBS .505 Gibbs dies.
A precision tapping will allow you to use your Lee Classic turret press if it is opened up from
a 7/8"-14tpi thread.

Is the hole on that press 7/8"-14tpi, or is it a 1.25"-12tpi with bushing to 7/8"-14tpi?
Lee 50BMG die threads are 1.25"-12tpi.
RCBS 50BMG die threads are 1.5"-12tpi.

It does not make any sense to say the turret press from Lee will handle 50 BMG unless it is capable of Lee or RCBS 50BMG die threads.
That means it must have a bushed 1.25"-12tpi hole OR it must have a 7/8"-14tpi hole that must be tapped, by your machinist, to larger hole.

I use a 1.5"-12tpi hole on the RCBS AmmoMaster with bushing to reduce to 1"-12tpi, for both the .505 Gibbs RCBS dies, as well as for the CH4D 470 Mbogo dies, which are also made as a 3-die set with the third die for separate neck expander, 1"-12tpi threads there too.

Apparently CH4D does it both ways, 2-die or 3-die.

I have never seen a 1.25"-12tpi bushing to reduce to 1"-12tpi.
That is cutting it mighty thin on the bushing wall, which is threaded internally and externally.

I also use the Lee Classic Cast press for 1.25"-12tpi dies in 50BMG and .416 Barrett, made by Lee.
It has a 1.25"-12tpi hole and a bushing to reduce to 7/8"-14tpi.
The Lee Classic Cast is big enough to do 50BMG.
It is cheap, but good enough.

You could get one of those and tap the hole to 1.5"-12tpi, and use a bushing to reduce to 1"-12tpi.
That press is less than $100. last one I got was about 80 bucks.
It would save you from altering the more expensive turret press, and would be just as good, single stage. And only one hole to precisely tap.

Thanks Rip for staightening me out on the 3-die set, now I feel stupid. It has been well over 20 years ago since I've done any handloading and that was mostly handgun stuff. But I'm learning. Rodney.

Thanks much Rip, my turrets are tapped for 7/8 standard dies. So I'm gonna call Lee, but unless they make a turret with 1" - 12 tpi, I'll have to have a machinist do it. They claim their Lee Classic Turret press has a long enough stroke for 50 BMG that's about it, so it should work for me. I hope so, I don't have enough room on my bench for another press, I have a Dillon 650 on my bench too for loading 45 Supers.

Regards,
Chuck