Lee classic Turret

[double bogey]

I was loading some .357 today and was getting tired of the long stroke on my classic turret press. I was wondering if anyone has shortened the risers to reduce the stroke for pistol calibers? Looks like I would only need to shorten the risers, and modify the advancing rod. Asking here before I purchase another one to experiment on. Only $112 at amazon now, and I can keep the one I have for longer cases.

I don't load enough to justify a progressive yet, but fully intend to go that way in the future.

 

[kcofohio]

You would also have to modify or install a different type of stop. Otherwise, you'll be ramming into the dies no matter what. Just a thought.

 

[kcofohio]

But you could maybe add a split ring to the underside of the ram to act as a stop.

 

[double bogey]

Yes, looked at it closer since I posted. The stops are now on the linkage, I may look at drilling and tapping for a bolt, and grinding the head for the correct spot. Sure would be nice to punch a round out with 1/2 of the current throw.

 

[1SOW]

Half the throw will equal half the force exerted by the ram too...something to consider...Just saying. Seating primers might not be quite as easy/simple as now.

 

[Rule3]

Just shorten the lever or handle.Loosen the bolt holding it and push it in further to what ever length you want. Makes it like a short throw stick shift.

 

[higgite]

One or two of these looks to be a whole lot easier and cheaper than buying and chopping up a new press.

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/20538



Of course, you would have to drill a hole through it to handle spent primers, but that's no hill for a stepper. I guess you would have to prime off press, too, but nothing's perfect.

 

[kcofohio]

I believe the linkage and the lever determines the exerted force. Just saying.

 

[kcofohio]

If you or someone can make a collar that would act as a stop, it would be easier to set than trying to determine on the linkage. That is if it were up to me.

 

[Potatohead]

Just shorten the lever or handle.Loosen the bolt holding it and push it in further to what ever length you want. Makes it like a short throw stick shift.

That was my thought, also.

 

[dickttx]

"Just shorten the lever or handle.Loosen the bolt holding it and push it in further to what ever length you want. Makes it like a short throw stick shift."

Per Rule3 above.

You can make the throw any length you want.

I can't find a photo that shows it, but, it was one of the first things I did to mine.
Loosen the nut on the left side of the linkage, slide the handle down as far as you want it, and re tighten.
Make sure the end sticking out below the linkage doesn't hit your bench, and you may have to twist a little so that the bend misses your turret.

 

[Oldgoat03]

Another option

You could also consider getting a different handle. Inline Fabrication has develped one that replaces the stock handle and is "manufactured to eliminate the uncomfortable bending over action you must perform to get the ram all the way up, they are also equipped with an extremely comfortable roller handle." (link below)

I have one for my Turret press and it really does help with the long throw.

http://inlinefabrication.com/collections/lee/products/ergo-roller-for-lee-classic-turret-press

OG03

 

[Centurian22]

Another vote for shortening the handle length. Or if it hits the bench, buy a different handle and cut it down, still a lot cheaper than a whole new press. Just seems like several easier and less expensive options; unless you are just trying to find a "Need" (read excuse) for buying a whole separate press to keep 1 setup for pistol and 1 for rifle. Nothing wrong with that either.

 

[splattergun]

Shorter handle gets my vote. But if you must buy a new one to experiment on, you can get a whole lot better price if you shop around. GF got mine (b'day present) a few weeks ago for $79 w/ free shipping on flea-bay, NIB.
$112 ?!?!?

 

[Potatohead]

I recently loosened the nut, and lengthened mine. I liked it better the old way, just havent gotten a chance to change it back yet.

 

[Rule3]

I have mine about halfway. I bought a brand new #3 Red pool ball and drilled it out to put on the end of the handle, Much nicer feel.

Of course the handle hole is a odd ball (no pun) not 1/2 nor 5/8 but 9/16. I drilled it a bit bigger and epoxied it in. Not gonna buy a 9/16 bit for one use.

 

[double bogey]

Just got in from work so I haven't checked in today. I have the inline fabrications handle. Works great. Just seems a waste to work a press with a 4" ram length, when 2.5" would be plenty, and 150° of handle travel, when 90° should be enough.
I'm in that place where I load too much for a turret, but not enough for a progressive. Think I will see if I could find one cheap enough to experiment with.

 

[oldreloader]

I have mine about halfway. I bought a brand new #3 Red pool ball and drilled it out to put on the end of the handle, Much nicer feel.

Of course the handle hole is a odd ball (no pun) not 1/2 nor 5/8 but 9/16. I drilled it a bit bigger and epoxied it in. Not gonna buy a 9/16 bit for one use.

Yep except I used an 11 ball. Got the 3 on the Classic Cast. The pool ball fits my hand real well and a dab of baby powder makes it smooth as silk!

 

[Nordeste]

You could also consider getting a different handle. Inline Fabrication has develped one that replaces the stock handle and is "manufactured to eliminate the uncomfortable bending over action you must perform to get the ram all the way up, they are also equipped with an extremely comfortable roller handle." (link below)

I have one for my Turret press and it really does help with the long throw.

http://inlinefabrication.com/collections/lee/products/ergo-roller-for-lee-classic-turret-press

OG03

^^ This gets my vote.

I checked with Midway Spain this item and it was ridiculously expensive over here (double what you pay for it in the US, and then some more ) so I decided to roll my own. I had a friend who's a welder make one for me. It has changed things to the point that I was developing, with the older handle, an incipient golfer's elbow. Now I can reload comfortably and the pain is gone.

The day I upgrade to a progressive (most likely a Dillon RB550) it will come with the roller handle or it won't come.