Lee Deluxe Turret Press Questions

[Dorryn]

I bow to the superior knowledge of everyone on the reloading section of the forums. I have been reading all the stickies, playing with the spreadsheet trying to figure out the economic values, looking through books and shopping at dozens of websites for various presses, dies, powder, tumblers, et al. While informative, the stickies simply take too much for granted, and I am far too ignorant to learn without actually asking some questions. I have never reloaded, and have never seen it done, and know nobody personally who does so, so im essentially starting from scratch here.

I decided I want a turret press because I plan on reloading both .40 cal and .38 spl, and I dont want to spend all my time switching between the dies. Presumably, I would get a 4-hole turret although I have some doubts that the crimping die is worth the extra cost. I want to reload at a decent rate, but extreme accuracy is not important as I am not planning on hunting or competitive shooting.

I presume the Lee Deluxe turret press has some sort of universal shell holder, because unlike other brands I dont see them being sold anywhere. This is an assumption, and possibly wrong. Examining the stock picture of the press the kit includes the "auto Disk powder measure"... from what I understand of reloading, I have no idea where the charging takes place in the sequence. (for example, I note that on other presses like RCBS the powder dispenser is mounted on the press...) I cannot figure out how/where/when and with the pictured equipment I would need to do. I dont currently plan on reloading rifle cartridges. Do I really need a case trimmer or calipers?

Without having this equipment in front of me, it is very difficult to try to understand how everything works from a single picture. I want to reload, but I dont want to waste money by buying something simple and slow, and then buying something completely different. I would like to buy a press that is convenient, understandable, and moderately priced.

The Lee Turret press seemed easier to understand. By way of comparison, I was also considering the RCBS Turret Deluxe... Frankly, I simply dont have enough knowledge to know how little I know.

Again, I beg your forgiveness for my ignorance.

 

[SSN Vet]

Lee includes the appropriate size shell holder in their die sets.....and the deluxe pistol die set comes with the factory crimp die.

Crimping isn't optional for some cartridge/gun combos and in my very limitted experience, its very easy to get the crimp set up accurately as a seperate operation.

Your thinking sounds a lot like mine was. I want to spend more time shooting and less time fussing with die set ups. Popping for the 4 hole Lee cast turret press makes switching between cartridge set ups REALLY easy.

Others will add more wisdom, but it sounds to me like you going in the right direction.

Go to the Lee web site and watch all the little 2 minute videos and you can see all the gear in action.

 

[Dorryn]

Im watching the video on the Lee site (Reloading process demonstrated) and it would appear that the powder dispenser is mounted in/on/through step 2 while "flaring" the case. Is this something every press does? Just Lee? Is this specific equipment included in the aforementioned "Kit"? I know the video shows the Safety Prime with it, which I know is optional equipment.

 

[benedict1]

Lee Classic Turret Press, Pro Auto Disk and Lee Safety Prime with Deluxe Pistol Dies-

Best advice I can give you--Get a Lee Classic Turret Press, not the older turret press which has been around for some years. To get everything you need is easy if you just go to this link--

http://www.kempfgunshop.com/products/reloading/leeprecision/kits/KempfKit.html

It is a kit with the press, dies of your caliber choice, etc. Get the upgrade to the Pro Auto Disk Powder measure--it is way better than the original Auto Disk.

This is everything you need to get going. This is the best value in a press in the market today--it can be used as a single stage press if you wish; but it's power is in the auto-indexing. With a little practice you can load 200+ rounds per hour of first class handgun ammo.

You will find the Safety Prime to be the most reliable, foolproof priming system available. It is true innovation and is integral to the smooth operation of the Classic Turret Press.

I have loaded thousands of rounds on my Classic Turret in 5 different calibers in the last six months. It will last my lifetime, and probably another one too.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Hello Dorryn,

Welcome to the High Road. Your questions answered in context below.

I bow to the superior knowledge of everyone on the reloading section of the forums. I have been reading all the stickies, playing with the spreadsheet trying to figure out the economic values, looking through books and shopping at dozens of websites for various presses, dies, powder, tumblers, et al. While informative, the stickies simply take too much for granted, and I am far too ignorant to learn without actually asking some questions. I have never reloaded, and have never seen it done, and know nobody personally who does so, so im essentially starting from scratch here.

Based on that information, before you go any further, buy two books. They're the first two listed on the sticky associated with my name. You need to read those before you go much further. It'll clear a lot of things up for you.

I decided I want a turret press because I plan on reloading both .40 cal and .38 spl, and I dont want to spend all my time switching between the dies. Presumably, I would get a 4-hole turret although I have some doubts that the crimping die is worth the extra cost. I want to reload at a decent rate, but extreme accuracy is not important as I am not planning on hunting or competitive shooting.

The Lee Deluxe die sets come with a crimping die and are very affordable and they're very much worth the cost. A Lee Classic Cast press will provide you reloading at a very decent rate, is good quality and is very affordable. I don't think you could do better for your application unless you spend a lot more money.

I presume the Lee Deluxe turret press has some sort of universal shell holder, because unlike other brands I dont see them being sold anywhere. This is an assumption, and possibly wrong.

The shell holder comes with a Lee die set and is included in the price.

Examining the stock picture of the press the kit includes the "auto Disk powder measure"... from what I understand of reloading, I have no idea where the charging takes place in the sequence. (for example, I note that on other presses like RCBS the powder dispenser is mounted on the press...) I cannot figure out how/where/when and with the pictured equipment I would need to do.

These statements indicate to me you really need to read the ABC's of reloading before going any further. I strongly urge you to buy or get a copy from the library and read this asap. This single book will answer most of your questions and get you to the point we can help you more easily. Right now, you have enough information that doesn't seem connected to confuse you.

I dont currently plan on reloading rifle cartridges. Do I really need a case trimmer or calipers?

You don't need a case trimmer for pistol. But you will need a calilper to check over all length.

Without having this equipment in front of me, it is very difficult to try to understand how everything works from a single picture. I want to reload, but I dont want to waste money by buying something simple and slow, and then buying something completely different. I would like to buy a press that is convenient, understandable, and moderately priced.

That would be the Lee Classic Cast turret press. It fits your description to a T.

The Lee Turret press seemed easier to understand. By way of comparison, I was also considering the RCBS Turret Deluxe... Frankly, I simply dont have enough knowledge to know how little I know.

I would not advise you to get a RCBS turret deluxe. It's design is obselete and it won't get you the quantity you're hoping for. IT's fairly slow to reload on.

Again, I beg your forgiveness for my ignorance.

We all started once. Don't sweat it. But do get hold of a copy of those two books mentioned in the sticky for new reloaders at the top of the forum. Those books will help you a great deal. Don't get in too big of a hurry trying to buy either. Reading those and a bit more research and you'll better know what you want.

From your second post:

Im watching the video on the Lee site (Reloading process demonstrated) and it would appear that the powder dispenser is mounted in/on/through step 2 while "flaring" the case.

The powder measure (dispenser) is metering powder through a powder through expanding die, which is also included in the Lee Deluxe pistol die set. Another reason to buy the Lee die sets. You get a lot for your money over other die sets.

Is this something every press does? Just Lee?

Not every press does this. The general term for it is "case activated powder drop." Most progressives have some form of this and you can set it up on other presses, even single stages, but it's more effective when used either with a Lee Classic Turret press or one of the progressives out there. Why? Because they're designed to take advantage of automation.

Is this specific equipment included in the aforementioned "Kit"?

Except for the Kempf's gun shop and Cabella's, the Lee Classic Turret press is not offered as a kit. Those two retailers are offering kits made up of individual components and both are exceptional values. Based on your information, I think the Kempf's gun shop kit would be a better buy for you.

As far as picking components, if you'd like help, we can go through the process with the Lee Classic Cast turret press if you like and help you pick out good quality stuff, that's affordable and will give you what you're saying you want. We can also help you avoid things you things you might not want to buy or help you buy something "a bit nicer" if you wish. Read the information in the ABC's of reloading and perhaps look at some threads here about the Lee Classic Turret press and let us know what you'd like to do.


I know the video shows the Safety Prime with it, which I know is optional equipment.

Don't get too hung up on thinking in the "optional vs. necessary" equipment mode. For what you're wanting to do, if you want a good experience, I would strongly advise, if you buy the Lee Classic turret, to get a safety prime lg/sm kit, a Pro Auto Disk powder measure, a Auto Disk riser and a Lee deluxe die set in the caliber you wish. This will start you off with everything you need ON THE PRESS (you'll need other stuff too, but not on the press) to reload with right off the bat. In fact, Kempf gun shop sells a kit that's very orientated to pistol reloading. The only thing I don't like about it is it comes standard with the old Auto Disk. I wish it came standard with the Pro Auto Disk, which is a much better powder measure. I think you might want to look at that kit.

I hope this helps,

Dave

 

[Dorryn]

Things are much clearer now. Thank you for the explanation. Based on everything ive read, I think the Lee would definitely work for me, but ill get the book and see what I can learn.

 

[db_tanker]

I have the Deluxe turret and love it. Loads up 38 spec just fine.

And the Lee factory crimp die is one thing you will want to have, trust me.


I have noticed that some prefer the Pro Auto Disk Measure over the original. I have the original with the micrometer adjustment and find that it throws an accurate charge for me every time...my question is what are the gripes with the original?


Either way, you are gonna get a good piece of equipment!

D

 

[Uncle Don]

As always, Dave and Benedict are giving great advise. Your purchase of a Classic Turret is one that you'll not regret. It's cast iron and steel, has high clearance, reliable indexing and primer disposal is great and works perfectly. Both of these people advise to get the kit offered by Kemph and I couldn't agree more. They see the need for that press to be offered with a kit and are doing the new reloader a great service.

To Db - the difference is the ability to quickly remove it from the die with a swivil system and not having to twist the unit off - additionally, changing discs in the Pro is done by unscrewing two brass screws instead of removing the hopper. That said, I had one for years and never removed the hopper of the original, I just unhooked the spring in front and slid the dics out and new ones in, and then rehooked the spring. You can also buy a seperate swivel adapter for the original. They give the same results, it's just that the Pro comes much more convenient to use.

 

[Sistema1927]

Trust me when I say that you cannot do better than Lee Deluxe Pistol Dies with the Factory Crimp Die (FCD). The fact that they are carbide makes your job much easier, and the FCD will greatly simplify your life.

I use the Classic Turret, with Auto-Disk, and Safety Prime, but even if I was using another press I would use Lee dies.

 

[FieroCDSP]

After your startup costs, you realize how much money your really going to save. When you get into half-price shooting, you can't stop. Buy a box of good 40 cal ammo (I buy CCI Blazer Brass). Shoot the factory loads on the range. Sweep up, stash the spent brass, repeat with fresh box of ammo. When you have three or four boxes of spent cases (and maybe a few from your local range) start reloading. Your first load will be half price (depending on what you pay for components. Primers are usually 1 cent, powder charge about two, bullet's vary a bit but can be as low as 4 cents (average 6-8). I keep a calculator handy when I order to do the numbers. I'm loading for about 11 cents a shot. It'll take me another few months to make up my costs, but that's better than not making it up at all. Plus with range brass, it's nearly free.
Addiction is common. When you start scrounging for range brass, and suddenly wonder how you've ended up on hands and knees, reaching for that casing under the range bench, rest assured we've all been there.

 

[RexDart]

Most who use the Lee Classic Cast seem to be reloading pistol. Will it also work for rifle cartridges?

 

[benedict1]

Absolutely! Notice Uncle Don's comment above about 'high clearance' It can even be used to load any rifle cartridge that Lee sells dies for, and probably others they don't make since the turret takes standard size dies. The only thing needed is the shellholder and most companies now produce the standard, universal types that will go from press to press.

 

[RobW]

I started reloading 7 years ago with the books "ABC's of Reloading", and "Metallic Cartridge Reloading". After reading, I knew what I wanted. As I like to work in batches, I chose the (then 3-hole) Lee Turret press kit without indexing. It included the "Safety Scale", the "Auto Disc Measure" with 4 discs, and aside other small things the .45 3-die set. I soon discovered that I had to upgrade to the "Pro-Auto-Disc-Measure" and the Factory Crimp Die.

A caliper was essential, and a Tumbler followed soon. As the turrets are changable in seconds, it's no big deal that I have only 3 holes.

I reload .38 Special, .45 ACP, . 44 Remington Magnum, and 7.5 x 55 Schmidt-Rubin.

I bought the Lee stuff at a time as nearly everyone considered it as crap, but it still works fine with about 15,000 rounds through it.

 

[RustyFN]

You can't go wrong with the Lee Classic Turret. I have had mine for six months and love it. I shoot in a lot of IDPA, GSSF and other matches in a club I belong to and at 200 rounds per hour I can make ammo for matches, practice and fooling around in no time. I would listen to Dave and do some reading. When you are done ask some more questions and I know you will get a lot of good advice to help you buy the best kit.
Rusty