I'm looking at turret presses...Have questions

[Bmac1949]

I'm looking at the Lyman and RCBS turret presses. I'll use it mostly for .45 ACP. 9mm Makarov and .380 ammunition. The only rifle I'll use it for might be the .30-30. On some videos that I've watched I noticed some movement or flex in the turret has this ever been a problem for you? From looking it seems like the Lyman T-7 has a heaver turret than the RCBS but that is just looking at the pictures of it. I'd also like to hear what some of you think of the Lee 4 hole turret press. What powder despencer has given you the best results for small loads? I've been loading pistol rounds single stage and it's taking a lot of time. At 200+ rounds everytime I go to the range I figure a turret press would save me some time at the bench. Thanks

 

[jb27]

I'm in the same boat looking at turret presses. I haven't bought yet, but will probably go with the Lee Classic Turret. I think having the auto indexing will really help speed things up plus eliminate the possibility of me forgetting to index.

 

[mcdonl]

I recently purchased the Lee Classic Turret and I like it. I use the AutoDisk powder dispenser. Works great for the loads that I do. Look into the two disk setup.

As far as the lyman, I do not know anything about them but I have never heard anything bad and their casting stuff I have from them is top notch.

You will do well either way.

 

[1SOW]

The turrets rotate, so there there is some 'play' that will flex to some degree.

I use the LEE Press; and that flex can almost be adjusted out with a nut on the indexing rod, and hasn't caused me any problems. Critical Die adjustments allow for that flex. EG: bullet seating die is adjusted with a bullet in the case and allows for flex. The key is to have a smooth, steady, and "FULL" stroke every pull.

I'm familiar with the Lee turret press; and for straight wall pistol cases, the Lee Pro-Disc powder system works really well with "most" pistol powders--especially ball/disc-shape and small rod powders. The larger flake powders require some finesse to be consistent.

I shoot 150-200 9mm most weeks, and the Lee turret press works nicely for that. My son uses a progressive press and can load 3/4 X as many in the same amount of time. His cartridges are not quite as consistent as mine, but it makes little or no difference. -- I'm anal with my cartridges.

Hope this makes sense

 

[mikerault]

I got the Lee Deluxe, love it. Use the Powder Autodisk loader and the Safe primer attachment. It can be used as a single stage press as well as an auto indexing.

 

[robertm]

I use a Lyman T Mag Turret Press. I like it, I bought 5 additional turrets to go with mine so I dont have to readjust dies. Just swap the turret and go...

I have low opinion of the Lee. I had one of the Lee Turret Presses and sold it, it was difficult for me to keep it in "time" kept getting out of whack and would go to far or not far enough when it indexed.

The Lyman doesn't index itself, you have to do it manually. I use a chargemaster to dispense my powder then pour it through the Lee Die.

As far as the Lee auto dispenser goes that came with my Lee Turret Press, I have very low opinions of it. I got a squib load using mine and blew up a barrel. Blowing up the barrel was my fault, I should have made sure it was clear of obstructions after I realized I had a sqib but it just didn't dawn on me for some reason. I fired again putting another round down the barrel. Had to replace the barrel on my little Sig P238. Was not cheap!

Most of Lee's products are as good and in some cases better than other manufacturers. The Lee Turret press, in my opinion though, is junk.

 

[jja327]

I don't see the point in a manually indexing turret press. There seems to be too much going on by keeping a case in the press and manually advancing the dies. For batch processing all cases through one stage at a time, you might as well stick with a single stage press fitted with a Lock-N-Load bushing.

For more range time with pistol rounds, move up to a Dillon 550, 650, or Hornady LNL AP progressive.

 

[robertm]

The reason I like it is if loading pistol ammo I can expand the case and fill it with powder using a Lee die, then seat the bullet and crimp it if desired.

Most of my rifle die sets are Lee and I use the factory crimp die on those also. Allows me to seat and crimp without removing the case. Just by moving the turret back and forth. Pretty easy and I prefer this to using a single stage press.

If I was going to use a single stage press, it would be the Lee Breech Lock or a Hornady with the Lock and Load bushings. I hate having to move dies once they are set.

 

[mcdonl]

The Lee Turret press, in my opinion though, is junk.

Robert, I agree with this. It is odd and I am not sure why but if you do a side by side comparison of the Lee Turret Press with the Lee Classic Turret press you would not even think they were made by the same manufacturer.

The classic, although more expensive (The press cost more than the entire Deluxe Lee Turret Kit) is a far superior press.

 

[robertm]

Cool! Glad to know the Lee Classic is a much better press than the regular Lee turret press.

 

[GP100man]

The classic Turret is my next press !!!

 

[nosmr2]

I love my Lee classic turret press. I havent used the others. I watched plenty of videos on YouTube and read tons of reviews and forums to assist me in the purchase. I tend to over-research things. But it was the best for my budget and what I wanted to reload, 45 acp & 38 special.

 

[kennedy]

I have the regular lee press and it works great, even after thousands of rds loaded, first by my brother who gave it to me and now by me. never a problem except with the primer, I would buy another except it will never wear out.

 

[rfwobbly]

I'm looking at the Lyman and RCBS turret presses. I'll use it mostly for .45 ACP. 9mm Makarov and .380 ammunition. The only rifle I'll use it for might be the .30-30. On some videos that I've watched I noticed some movement or flex in the turret has this ever been a problem for you? From looking it seems like the Lyman T-7 has a heaver turret than the RCBS but that is just looking at the pictures of it.

Mr 1949 -

You're actually talking about 3 presses. The other guys are talking about a Lee Turret that operates an entirely different way. So that's 4 presses total. It's is indeed complicated. Maybe I can get you straightened out....

First group is what you were asking about. What I'll call "traditional" turret presses:
• RCBS Turret
• Lyman T-Mag
• Redding T-7

In these presses, 6-8 dies can be kept in the press at all times. The "head", which holds the dies, is manually rotated to change the dies. In traditional reloading, you have a "batch" of 20-50 cases to reload. You do all the sizing and priming on all of the batch. Then you change over and load the powder in all the cases. Then you change the die and seat the bullet into all the cases. Doing all the operations in a "batch operation" lets you get really good and really fast at one single operation. By getting really good at a single operation, you are also being really safe. That's why "batch" processing is the standard way to reload.

Of this class, the Redding is by far the strongest and most accurate. The Lyman and RCBS are probably tied. All are good serviceable, hard working presses. The Lyman is offered in a kit that includes the top reloading manual and a case trimmer. The RCBS probably has the best warranty. The Redding is not only stronger, but much cleaner in operation. You can see a great video of a traditional turret operation HERE.

The great things about a "traditional" turret" are that you can leave special dies in the press 24/7. Some dies like a Universal Decapping Die you might need at any time, especially if you work with a lot of range brass. In other words, you can leave your favorite dies setup and in the press all the time without getting in the way of the other reloading you do once every 2 months.


• The other guys are talking about a Lee Classic Turret. In this turret press the head with the dies only holds 4 dies.The head indexes over the same case, presenting all the dies one at a time, until all the reloading operations are completed on a single case. This is sort of a "poor-man's progressive" and is more of a hybrid operation. The auto indexing CAN be disconnected to make it into a single stage.

In this type press the Lee expects you to buy the optional die holder for each caliber you reload. Then to swap calibers, you simply install the head with all the pre-adjusted dies already installed and waiting. Of course you can simply unscrew the dies, but swapping the head makes far more sense.

Hope this helps!

 

[Lost Sheep]

RFWobbly is right, but

1 The removal of the indexing rod make the Lee Classic Turret more like the Lyman/RCBS/Hornady/Redding turrets than like a single stage.

2 The Lee is much smaller than the other Turrets. Because the turret head is retained in a ring which bears the turret. All the other turrets have a central post upon which the turret head rotates. That central post/bearing makes the heads larger which makes the whole press larger just as it makes room for more than the mere 4 dies stations the Lee has.

3 The Lee Deluxe Turret (cast aluminum base, an inferior spent primer catching system and originally coming with a 3-station head) has available a 4-hole conversion (and is now being sold from the factory as a 4-hole turret as well). Anyone who talks about the Lee Turret should specify which version. 4-hole Classic Turret (cast iron base), 4-hole Deluxe Turret (works pretty much as good as the Classic, but spills spent primers sometimes) or 3-hole Deluxe Turret. If they can't specify and cannot detail the exact nature of their dissatisfaction, perhaps their testimony should be discounted.

To me, the auto-indexing makes the choice a no-brainer. Unless you need 5 or more stations, there is no better Turret than the Lee Classic Turret, bar none, at any price. If you need 5 or more stations, you need another press (either instead of, or in addition to, your decision).

Thanks for reading. Good thread.

Lost Sheep

 

[Bmac1949]

Thanks for the info about turret presses. I also like the idea of auto indexing to keep things simpler since you have to feed cases and bullets. "batch" loading is what I'll be doing as it seems like the most orgainzed and quickest approach. Thanks againg for the responces and I will be taking another look at the Lee 4 hole press.

 

[mcdonl]

To lend the required credibility to my testimony above, I was referring to the 4-hole Lee Classic Turret.

 

[gregj]

When I first received my Lee Classic Turret, it had a 3 hole turret in it from the factory. I ordered additional 4 hole turrets, so I could use the Deluxe Pistol Dies. So I dont know how it would be referenced, other than Lee Classic Turret, since that is also how it's referenced on Lee's web site.

Back to the OP, I dont have experience with the other turret presses, but before I got my Lee last year, I did a lot of research. The auto indexing was a big deciding factor for me. I used mine for about a year before I upgraded to a progressive press. The Lee Classic Turret served me extremely well, and I am very confident in recommending it to others. Good luck in your choice.

 

[Bmac1949]

I made a mistake here I am talking about the Redding T-7 ....Just to keep things clear.

 

[ranger335v]

"...looking at turret presses. I'll use it mostly for .45 ACP. 9mm Makarov and .380 ammunition. The only rifle I'll use it for might be the .30-30."

The strength demands on those cartridges are low, any press made will do a fine job.


"...I noticed some movement or flex in the turret has this ever been a problem for you?"

That flex comes from the center mounting bolt. It has to be a little loose or the head couldn't turn. The flex can be mostly overcome with die adustment but the only way to eliminate it is to lock the turret down hard and then it becomes a weird single stage.


"...it seems like the (Redding) T-7 has a heaver turret than the RCBS but that is just looking at the pictures of it."

True, but both they and the Lyman I have are massively stronger than they need to be so it's irrelivant.


"I'd also like to hear what some of you think of the Lee 4 hole turret press."

Well, everyone has opinions, especially on Lee's tools but Lee sells more loading gear than anyone else so those who claim Lee is "junk" will have to find some rational foundation for saying the intelligent people who gladly buy and happily use Lee stuff are fools.

Lee makes two turret presess. Both are excellant for what you plan to use one for and both have an auto-index feature that actually delivers on the promise of more loading speed, which conventional turret presses do not. Lee's turret retaining system firmly limits the lifting we see on all other center attached heads and the inexpensive turret heads can be swapped in seconds, without tools; none of that is true of others.

The older Lee turret press has an alum alloy body and is less costly but is plenty strong enough for all normal reloading chores. The newer, cast iron bodied Classic Turret is large and strong enough to load .50 BMG so strength is not a question no matter what you many want to do on it.


"What powder despencer has given you the best results for small loads? I've been loading pistol rounds single stage and it's taking a lot of time."

First, after setting the powder measure, just drop your pistol charges, don't bother to trickle them to weight because there is no point to it. I prefer a continuously variable/adjustable measure but, fact is, for quick and quite consistant dropped charges the Lee Double Disk measure is perhaps the best pistol measure made. (No measure works smoothly with flake powders nor can they be highly consistant with coarse tubular powders.)


"At 200+ rounds everytime I go to the range I figure a turret press would save me some time at the bench. Thanks"

Conventional turret presses turned by hand are little, if any, faster than loading with a single stage and batch processing. If we batch process with a turret all we have is a funny looking single stage with die storage. Loading for multipule cartridges will require die swaps so there is no significant average amount of time saved compared to a single stage.

As an aside, I have no use for "quick-swap" bushing gimmicks. It only takes half a mintute to swap dies anyway so exchanging 3-4 dies per session isn't a great burden to me. Even if I have to readjust a die, it's not rocket surgery and can be done in less than a minute once you fully understand what you're doing.

A progressive press saves very little time for loading modest quanities. Espespecially so if you change cartridges very much; cartridge swaps are a PITA with progressives. So, for your situation I would strongly suggest the Lee Classic Turret and seperate heads for each of your cartridges because its auto-index system actually speeds reloading quite a bit, and you can switch calibers quickly/easily and inexpensively. It's massively strong and the spent primer catcher system actually works. The fully adjustable lever system is quite helpful and unique in the industry. The price makes it a bargain compaired to the others you are looking at.

I have a Lyman turret (plus an RCBS Rock Chucker and a couple others) but if Lee's Classic Cast or Classic Turret had been available at the time I would have them instead!

 

[PO2Hammer]

I made a mistake here I am talking about the Redding T-7 ....Just to keep things clear.

I bought the T-7 when I got back into reloading about five years ago, glad I spent the extra bucks back then for the Redding. No flex in the T-7, precision ground cast iron moving on precision ground cast iron.
100% USA made.

I have two turret heads for it, but just use one now. I have the powder meter on the press, and moving the meter is more of a PITA than swapping dies, so just one head get used.

I use 5 stations for most calibers, using a separate seat and crimp.

I use the Redding 10X powder meter right on the press most of the time. I load for 9mm, 45acp, 38 spl, 357 mag, 45 Colt and 30-30. The 10X does great for all of them except it doesn't dispense a full 30-30 case volume, it will give roughly 65% load of Trail Boss, which is enough for low velocity lead handloads, but I'm not sure if it will do full power jacketed loads with normal 30-30 powders.
I love the micrometer settings, very predictable and repeatable.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Thanks for the info about turret presses. I also like the idea of auto indexing to keep things simpler since you have to feed cases and bullets. "batch" loading is what I'll be doing as it seems like the most orgainzed and quickest approach. Thanks againg for the responces and I will be taking another look at the Lee 4 hole press.

I would like to point out that the processing of ammunition in "batch" makes less efficient use of the autoindexing than processing in "straight-through" processing. Straight-through leaves the cartridge case in the shell holder from start to finish. Batch processing has the operator removing and re-inserting 3 or 4 times.

The way I do it, straight-through is much faster than batch.

Do I misunderstand you?

Thanks

To lend the required credibility to my testimony above, I was referring to the 4-hole Lee Classic Turret.

I am curious (and only that). What do you find unsatisfactory? I know the design has limitations, but it has struck me as well-executed.

Thanks for taking my question in the spirit in which it was asked.

Lost Sheep

 

[mcdonl]

I love the Lee Classic Turret . I was just making sure it was clear I was talking about the Classic 4-hole.

I thought the construction, operation and primer handling of the Deluxe Lee Turret were all weak compared to the Lee Classic Turret.

Granted, the only experience I had with the Deluxe was using a friends while I made up my mind of Turret vs Progressive, but when I was able to see the Lee Classic at Cabela's I liked it much better.

 

[Hondo 60]

I have to disagree about the Lee Turret (not classic) being junk.
I bought one 2nd hand that was available because the original owner didn't realize he'd stripped the little plastic ratchet.
I replaced the ratchet & it's worked just fine through 1,000s of rounds.

In the interest of full disclosure, I also have a Lee single stage, Lee Pro1000 & a Dillon RL550B.

Yes, I prefer using my Dillon, but don't have enough toolheads for all my calibers yet.
So I still load 9mm on my turret. I've had no problems with it, but it is slower than using my Dillon (which is a progressive, for those who don't know)

 

[RandyP]

My Lee Classic Cast turret would be my recommendation over their Deluxe version if for no other reason than the superb spent primer catching system, a large clear plastic capped tube that get the spent primer from a hole in the center of the ram.

Very convenient and easy to empty into a container for the trash.