Redding T7 turret head modification

[rClaym]

Hey guys,
I just purchased a Lee collett neck sizing die in 338 Lapua magnum. I failed to read the description thoroughly not noticing that it has an 1 1/4" × 12 tpi thread pattern. I use a Redding T7 turret press for my precision loads. My question is...has anyone ever bored one of their turret head stations out and rethreaded it to this larger diameter. I would have a machine shop perform this of course, but I'd like some first hand knowledge on the subject before having this done. Thanks in advance.

 

[FNSafari]

Why not just get a used RCBS rockchuker and remove the 7/8/14 top bushing?

 

[Don Shelton]

Hey guys,
I just purchased a Lee collett neck sizing die in 338 Lapua magnum. I failed to read the description thoroughly not noticing that it has an 1 1/4" × 12 tpi thread pattern. I use a Redding T7 turret press for my precision loads. My question is...has anyone ever bored one of their turret head stations out and rethreaded it to this larger diameter. I would have a machine shop perform this of course, but I'd like some first hand knowledge on the subject before having this done. Thanks in advance.

Yep,made it to accept the Warner sizing die,,,youll have to grind some on the tower part of press for clearance to rotate turret. Works fine,no issues

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

You may run into clearance issues with the adjacent two stations. In my experience they are already a bit snug for some nuts and tools. If you are willing to remove the dies from the adjacent stations while using your 338 LM die then you’ll be ok. Some or maybe most other brands sell 338 LM dies that are 7/8 x 14 pattern.

 

[rClaym]

Why not just get a used RCBS rockchuker and remove the 7/8/14 top bushing?

After reading the other two replies, I'm leaning in that direction.

 

[rClaym]

You may run into clearance issues with the adjacent two stations. In my experience they are already a bit snug for some nuts and tools. If you are willing to remove the dies from the adjacent stations while using your 338 LM die then you’ll be ok. Some or maybe most other brands sell 338 LM dies that are 7/8 x 14 pattern.

Yes, I knew it was going to be tight, I was hoping to be able to get those two dies indexed properly and be able to position Hornady lock rings so the flat side would provide clearance. All of my other 338 lm dies are 7/8, but I wanted the collet neck sizer specifically, unfortunately they don't make it in 7/8 × 14.

 

[rClaym]

Yep,made it to accept the Warner sizing die,,,youll have to grind some on the tower part of press for clearance to rotate turret. Works fine,no issues

Well, I think you answered my question. I wouldn't mind retapping the head, but I'm not sure I want to remove material from that part of the press. Thanks guys!

 

[hogpatrol]

The Lee Classic Cast accepts 1&1/4-12 dies.

Classic Cast

The largest opening in the industry and the longest stroke -- yet handle is adjustable to provide the least travel of any press. Rigid cast iron construction in a classic @O@ design for maximum strength.

leeprecision.com

 

[rClaym]

The Lee Classic Cast accepts 1&1/4-12 dies.

Classic Cast

The largest opening in the industry and the longest stroke -- yet handle is adjustable to provide the least travel of any press. Rigid cast iron construction in a classic @O@ design for maximum strength.

leeprecision.com

Yes, I was trying to find a way around buying another press. Thanks for your reply but I just bought an RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme new on Amazon for the same price as the cheapest used one on Ebay. It was actually cheaper than the Lee as well.

 

[Daddymac]

Just measured my T7 and at 1.25 you don’t have much of the original boss with the machined flat for the lock ring left.