Lee classic-cast turret vs single stage

[e5shepss]

I just bought, and should soon receive, a Hornady LNL Progressive press.

From the multitude of threads that I have researched prior to this purchase, I see that a single stage press would also be handy, especially for precision long range cartridges for the .308 and 30-06 that I hope to load.

I will be using the LNL Progressive for .223, .40, .38, and possibly 9mm. (and someday when funds permit, .45 .) Originally I intended to load .308 and 30-06 on it as well, but I see that for the 600 yds, many people advise a single stage for best precision.

My question is this, can I substitute a Lee Classic cast turret press for a good, solid single stage? Can I expect a reasonable amount of precision from this, (compared to a single stage,) or should I stick to a single stage which I can use with LNL bushings?

My thinking is, if I need a single stage for (more) precise loading of rifle cartridges for long range accuracy, the Classic cast turret press, (if comparable,) would speed up said loading. Especially with the auto-index feature.

I am also interested in comments on the best brand of dies for the .308 and 30-06. I am considering Hornady, Forster, and Redding.

I would especially like to hear from Dave in Flowery Branch Georgia if you have time, but I welcome everyone's opinion and experiences.

Thank you.

 

[Vitamin G]

I get better repeatability from my classic turret than my single stage. You can also remove the auto-index in about 30 seconds, and make it a very sturdy single stage.
I load .45acp, 10mm, 9mm, 44mag, and 30-06 (just need another turret head) on my lee classic cast, and am very happy with all the results. I might take a little extra time compared to a progressive, but i like the extra control I have. I don't need 400 rounds an hour. 200 is fine for me, as I can just load 4 hours in a week instead of 2.

 

[strat81]

From what I understand, disable auto-index on the turret and you have a traditional single stage. I can't imagine the Lee would be any better or worse than any other quality press loading quality components with sound technique.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

I have owned a LnL for many years. I recently bought a Lee Classic Cast turret press. I like both for different tasks. Yes, you can get the turret to do the jobs of the single stage.

Long term though, I plan on buying at least one single stage again for tasks I don't want on my turret or LnL, such as depriming brass.

In purchasing a classic turret or class cast single stage, it's a win or win situation. You can't lose either way. As inexpensive as they are, why not buy both?

 

[cloudcroft]

e5shepss,

"My question is this, can I substitute a Lee Classic cast turret press for a good, solid single stage?"

A definite YES!


Dave,

I use the Lee Reloader Press (with the Lyman Universal depriming die) for my dedicated depriming station...that's all that press does now, although I used to reload 45ACP with it before I got my Classic Turret Press.

-- John D.

 

[e5shepss]

Thank you

Thank all of you for your advice. I am think I am going to purchase the turret press now, and a little later, (after the wife forgets how much I spent on the initial plunge, ) the Classic Cast.

 

[OVERLORD]

e5 I recomend getting a turret press because you can disable the auto indexing and use it as a single stage press. You can have the best of both worlds.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

"Thank all of you for your advice. I am think I am going to purchase the turret press now, and a little later, (after the wife forgets how much I spent on the initial plunge, ) the Classic Cast."

Make sure the turret press you get is the classic cast with all the goodies. you'll be glad you did