How many of you are loading for 50 BMG? What press are you using?
I had a RCBS ammo master and it has cracked across the back where the bolts attach to the bench. I have sent the whole thing back but I am not overly thrilled with the press.
Have any of you used or purchased the LEE 50 BMG press? Feedback if you have one would be appreciated. I have read several articals and all have been positive about the product. Skip Talbot gave it a pretty good review and I respect his opinion.
I am pretty sure when I get the RCBS press back it will be sold. I am swithing to LEE, or Hornady.
Check out this review on the Biggerhammer 50 site. Seems like a pretty good review. Also, have you heard the bad news that Skip Talbot just passed away? Info available at FCSA web site and on Biggerhammer.
Also, I understand that the Hornady press is the exact same press as the RCBS except it has the lock and load feature for the dies etc. I agree that the RCBS 50 press is poorly designed from aluminum castings and has plenty of flex. They should have made a press exclusively for the big 50 rather than adapt their press with longer tie bars to accept the long 50 brass. However I've loaded quite a bit of 50 on it and haven't had any major problems YET. I have had a problem with a linkage pin that kept working out and had to repair. At least Lee has tried to produce a 50 press and dies that are reasonably priced.
I have the Hornady kit and it is good. I hear it has a couple of things that are better than the RCBS. Be sure you mount it on a flat strong surface and tight. If the mount area flexes or the bolts are not tight you will break it as you stated. There is more pressure with the 50 than other cartridges. My bench is portable and set up for 2 presses but is stout as it is quarter inch steel plate. Never any trouble with it.
My press was pretty much welded down. I checked the bolts prior to and after each session of sizing and loading. The press cracked the whole way across the back c/c holes. I am not to thrilled with this design, the slotted holes allow for a stress point that is not really required. I know is that way due to the casting methods but I think if they cast it soild then drill mounting holes this problem would go away. I know another MFG step causes increase MFG cost which increases cost. I already paid close to $450 whats another $40 for a better product.
I also lubed the cases very well, RCBS on the outside and Imperial sizing wax on the inside case necks. I never thought I had to over stress the press to get a case in or out. I have heard of other people having this happen. I may try the Lee for awhile $149 for everything!!!
Rest In Peace Skip. May there be 1000 yard ranges with no wind for you. The sport will miss you and I will miss your extreme knowledge of this great caliber. You will be missed!!!
Sounds like you had all the bases covered. Just thought I would throw that out as I have seen it before. Good luck on the Lee set-up and happy shooting.
Nice little HEAVY bench divernhunter!!!! How much does it weigh?
80lbs? I made mine out of 4x4 pressure treated wood with a 3/4 thick laminated plywood top, and used the left over wood to make some shelves!!!!
Little messy!!! I just got back from the range and I need to put some of the junk away!!! Its usually more arranged than this!!!
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