ArchAngelCD
Member.
I was going to say the same thing, not really hidden. I do all my handgun loading on one and sometimes rifle rounds too.
Lee classic turet a hidden gem?
- Thread starter SamT1
- Start date
- Status
When I started my intent was a single stage from RCBS or the like. After doing a little research and intending to start with pistol I landed with a Classic Turret. Today I have many turrets and still only one press. My space is limited and this allows me to index or use as a single stage. I've upgraded with lighting and a stand from Inline, but the original press is the only one I've owned.
-Jeff
Useful if you reload a lot of different cartridges and like to leave your dies set up in their own turret.
One tip is if you use the auto indexing, buy five or six additional little square plastic buggers aka square ratchets ( https://leeprecision.com/square-ratchet.html ) and use some light machine oil on the ratchet spindle from time to time.
Also, you will need to install the primer arm if depriming to keep the primers from popping out when depriming.
One tip is if you use the auto indexing, buy five or six additional little square plastic buggers aka square ratchets ( https://leeprecision.com/square-ratchet.html ) and use some light machine oil on the ratchet spindle from time to time.
Also, you will need to install the primer arm if depriming to keep the primers from popping out when depriming.
Potatohead
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2013
- Messages
- 5,375
Well I wouldn’t say hidden. Mine is in plain sight right here in the middle of the room
Seriously though I’m a fan, and have gotten a lot of use out of mine. It’s handled everything I’ve ever asked it to (.223/9mm/380/40sw).
Though I’ve never been terribly crazy about the powder measure when more than one disk is involved.
(I should mention-
I do not prime on press.
..and now use an RCBS Chargemaster for most powder measuring purposes- pistol included)
Seriously though I’m a fan, and have gotten a lot of use out of mine. It’s handled everything I’ve ever asked it to (.223/9mm/380/40sw).
Though I’ve never been terribly crazy about the powder measure when more than one disk is involved.
(I should mention-
I do not prime on press.
..and now use an RCBS Chargemaster for most powder measuring purposes- pistol included)
Why?
Hokie_PhD
Member
When I say the title of this thread I had to laugh as I’m with many others here and think it’s a very good press for the money. In fact, the only negative comments I see often are from the Dillon fan boys. I just laugh at those as it’s sad when people can get that there are othe good presses besides Dillion!
Originally I was of the mindset that one should start with a single stage as they’re inexpensive and always useful. But I’ve since revised that to, the LCT is a great first press. Folks can use it single stage and when they feel comfortable start using it in auto index mode. If they don’t like it, they can sell it and not take a massive loss on their invetment
Originally I was of the mindset that one should start with a single stage as they’re inexpensive and always useful. But I’ve since revised that to, the LCT is a great first press. Folks can use it single stage and when they feel comfortable start using it in auto index mode. If they don’t like it, they can sell it and not take a massive loss on their invetment
The only two presses I own are a LCT and a Dillon 650! They are each awesome in their own way. And I agree that LCT's make outstanding first presses.
Dudedog
Contributing Member
I have on of the old 3 hole AL ones and have loaded thousands of rounds on it as well. It has served me well, I feel I have more than gotten my moneys worth out of it. (and it still works fine)
It was my first (non shotgun) press.
If you order the press, order some of the spare plastic index pieces at the same time, you may never need them but they are inexpensive and nice to have on hand.
(you can advance the press by hand with out them so if you don't have a spare you are not dead in the water)
Also you may want to order the powder riser if you are going to be using the Lee Auto drum or Lee auto disk measure.
Last edited:
That is one of reasons I went from the pro-disk to the pro-drum.
KW-HD Rider
Member
I also love my LCT and have turrets preset with either a Lee Auto Disk or the new Auto Drum in .38, 9mm, .357 and .44 mag. Also do 55 grain .223 on it. It is easy to do 200 rounds an hour taking my time and ensuring powder in every case. I do use the primer and have almost zero problems with it. Very easy to pop a primer on the arm. Only had 1 small problem in 4 years; the small plastic square that controls and indexes the turret arm, as mentioned by dudedog, turning stripped. Fixed for a few cents purchased on line. I do find that I have to occasionally work to set the timing but once set it works great and loads consistent quality ammo. You cannot go wrong with the LCT.
Toprudder
Member
I use the straw trick. Find a drinking straw that is a snug fit in the center of the shellholder, and about 2" long (just long enough for the other end of the straw to go past the pin for the primer arm). The spent primers drop straight through the straw without the need for the primer arm. I decap all my brass in batches before I wet tumble, so I have no need for the primer arm during that step.
Last edited:
Thanks for that tip. I do the same on depriming and that will help me put the priming arm back in the storage bin.
Hooda Thunkit
Member
This made me get my fat arse out of the recliner, and go snooping in the pantry. Found me a straw.
It's off to the loading room....
KYregular
Member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2018
- Messages
- 760
Own one and love it. I have however started weighing every charge using a Hornady charge master, just feel better knowing. The great thing about the turret is i can size, prime, and flare then just add powder to my tray with a bullet, then come back with a full tray and press and crimp. Single stage would take much longer. Only complaint i have is the new style primer feeds are not the best, may start hand placing them.
Whiterook808
Member
Well, I guess I am a Dillon fanboy, because I love my 550B! I also have a huge amount of respect for the innovation of Mr. Richard Lee. I have a 3-hole Lee turret press that I bought in 1984 on which I have loaded thousands of rounds of pistol ammo. I still have the press and I use it even today. I have never seen a LCT in person, but it looks to me like a significant improvement over mine. My LT was my first press and I think I made a good choice back then as it carried me forward quite a way.
Hokie_PhD
Member
Nah
The fanboys are blind and only accept their chosen brand as the only option. The fact you’re not single minded like that shows you’re not a fan boy ;-)
thomas15
Member
A little bit insensitive, no?
I began reloading not quite 4 years ago and chose the Lee Classic Turret Press. I got the kit for under $200. It had everything needed except calipers and dies. I have loaded around 15,000 rounds on it. I load 45acp, 9mm, 38/357, 40 and .380. I have never used another press so I can't say its the best, but I am very satisfied with it. I have found it easy to set up and operate. All rounds have chambered and gone boom
cat_IT_guy
Member
Another LCT fan here. No, it isnt as fast as a Dillon. But I really dont shoot THAT much. And I like variety, so the ability to quickly switch between calibers after only 50 or 100 rounds is a big plus. To date, I load .32s&w, .32h&r, 9mm, .38, .357, 10mm, 44spc, 44mag, 45acp, .223 and .300b/o on mine.
dh1633pm
Contributing Member
Its certainly not a hidden gem since that would elude to the press not having a good following. I know many who like the press and Lee sells a bunch of them. It has quite a following by loyal owners. I had one, didn't care for it too much, sold it for almost what I paid and got me another brand.
RealGun
Member
Since there isn't anything else truly comparable, especially in productivity at a given price, opting for a different class of machine doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the LCT for what it serves. The word "turret" alone does not cover it, except maybe for those who don't use it to its potential and remove the indexing rod.
stoney1666
Member
the only problem i have with mine is the large primers pop out of the primer arm about 1 in every 5, can't figure out why, cleaned the primer arm, changed the primer head (the white thing) what next?
RealGun
Member
I suggest spraying the primer arm spring and shaft with One Shot. The cup has to pop back smoothly to capture the primer.
- Status
