New turret press under development with 3/4/5/6 configuration turrets

[someguy2800]

I have like 20 of the 4 hole turret holders pre loaded and a hornady LNL for the high volume stuff so I probably will not be convinced I need to start over, but I will surely be interested in seeing more of this.

I really wish I had a 6th position on my progressive press so I could separate expending and charging on pistol rounds, but everything I load on the turret only uses 3 or 4 dies. Having a unused station doesn't bother me a bit, it just takes another quick half stroke to go right past it.

 

[someguy2800]

About 14 years ago, after corresponding with John Lee by email when Bulge Buster was released and there were some questions, particularly Bulge Buster for 9mm which ended up not being released due to tapered case, I sent him series of emails how Lee Precision could enhance existing product lines (I referenced Pro 1000 support thread) and long list of products Lee Precision could offer (Like a 4 station progressive press based on Classic Cast Turret base and through-ram spent primer capture).

Fast forward to several years ago and Lee Precision releases 4 station Auto Breech Lock Pro/Pro 4000 kit (BTW, Lee owns patent for spline drive breech lock) addressing most of issues on that list except for priming attachment (Have you noticed ABLP, SPP and 2023 Pro 1000 all have flat bases like Classic Cast Turret? ). And in subsequent years, it seemed like Lee Precision was checking off every item on the list I sent to John Lee.

After Calvin from Lee Precision called me to beta test new inline bullet feeder die/rotary magazine and I suggested Lee Precision consider doing R&D of stepped "M" style powder through expander to address bullet tilt during indexing of shellplate and bullet seating along with production launch identified issues with Six Pack Pro/Pro 6000 kit, we had countless email exchanges what things to fix to include future direction of Lee Precision. I told them I am beta testing/end user testing their products to breaking point to identify solutions but since they have robust product development/engineering department with significant resources, I challenged John Lee to not just improve products to make them "good enough" but to make them stand out as industrial "bullet proof" with innovations unique to Lee Precision.

Seemingly endless emails later and several product updates to "bullet proof" SPP/Pro 6000 kit now with stepped "M" style "Square Starting" powder through expander in the die kits with new available "gated" 5 tube case feeder with new case collator design all with improved plastics and "all metal" Deluxe PPM, I applauded John Lee and his product development/engineering team as they celebrated successful product launch of their flagship and entry level progressive presses producing very consistent finished OAL - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...al-on-progressive-press.921633/#post-12684520

As we all celebrated resolution of last identified issue with SPP/Pro 6000 kit, Calvin confirmed John Lee's continued commitment to customer needs and product development/enhancement to not just improve product lines but to push them to higher industrial/"bullet proof" levels. As demonstrated by all metal Deluxe PPM, I am anticipating John Lee's commitment expressed in the new turret press and future Lee Precision products.


I have a feeling Calvin is already working on it so I can "beta test" to breaking point.

I will let you know as soon as I hear something from Calvin.

Can you pass some feedback from me, a loyal Lee product user?

Please bring back this style of the safety prime. The new style that folds in half is an affront to human decency.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

When a case with no bullet shows up at the bullet seating station, the Gatling tube (I like that) is empty. I keep a few loose bullets handy for when that happens and know it’s time to rotate the feeder tubes.

That's pretty much the only indicator you get. I do the same thing higgite does.

I really don't see a reason for this press either. Stroking the handle 4 times per round is bad enough, but 5 or 6 times is way too much for me. If you had to run your cases through a 4 hole turret press twice to load them then the 6 hole turret would save you two stroke per round. But a progressive, even with two passes, will save you 4 stroke per round over using the 6 hole turret.
With the better progressives that Lee is making now, I really don't see the need for this.
One thing about it, I would think the 4 hole turret would have a lot more room on the turret than the LCT, being it has to be able to accommodate the 6hole turret on the same press. It would have to have a bigger bolt circle.

 

[LiveLife]

Can you pass some feedback from me, a loyal Lee product user?

Please bring back this style of the safety prime. The new style that folds in half is an affront to human decency.

Done. Request email sent to Calvin.

Stroking the handle 4 times per round is bad enough, but 5 or 6 times is way too much for me.

Hence 3/4/5/6 configuration turrets.

BTW, was Andy Lee able to help you with your issues? https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-pro-at-4k-rounds.925330/page-5#post-12817238

 

[Tilos]

That's pretty much the only indicator you get. I do the same thing higgite does.

I really don't see a reason for this press either. Stroking the handle 4 times per round is bad enough, but 5 or 6 times is way too much for me. If you had to run your cases through a 4 hole turret press twice to load them then the 6 hole turret would save you two stroke per round. But a progressive, even with two passes, will save you 4 stroke per round over using the 6 hole turret.
With the better progressives that Lee is making now, I really don't see the need for this.
One thing about it, I would think the 4 hole turret would have a lot more room on the turret than the LCT, being it has to be able to accommodate the 6hole turret on the same press. It would have to have a bigger bolt circle.

Yes, I see no reason either...
All the dance steps to get a loaded round, and with one misstep all is lost.
That pezz dispenser priming step makes it a no-go for me.

I'd like to hear the benefits of a turret press, with any number of stations, over a well sorted out progressive press, with or without any primer/bullet/case feeder.
Please fill me in,
jmo,
.

 

[someguy2800]

I'd like to hear the benefits of a turret press, with any number of stations, over a well sorted out progressive press, with or without any primer/bullet/case feeder.
Please fill me in,
jmo,
.

If you want to load 500 rounds of 9mm or 223 in one sitting a turret is not a good solution. If you load lots of different cartridges in small batches then its the ticket.

I use both a progressive and my turret press. If I am going to load like 100+ rounds of a certain cartridge in one sitting its worth the time to set up the progressive press and powder drop for it. But I load for 20+ different cartridges and most of them I only load maybe 20-50 rounds at a time. Its is much faster and easier to just swap in the turret with my pre loaded dies for these cartridges and use my electronic powder dispenser rather than setting up the powder drop and changing shell plate and dies. I can go from reloading one round to another in 60 seconds rather than spending probably 20 minutes (longer if I have to change the primer ram from small to large) setting up the progressive press and auto powder drop to do the same.

Also a progressive press is pretty cumbersome for load development where you only want to load like 5 rounds of each charge weight. Its much more efficient to use an electronic powder dispenser and turret press for that. The turret is faster than a single stage obviously because you can size, prime, expand, charge, seat, and crimp without having to take the round back out of the shell holder. When using the powder dispenser with the turret press I use a powder through expander die or universal rifle charging die with a funnel in the top.

 

[LiveLife]

Can you pass some feedback from me, a loyal Lee product user?

Please bring back this style of the safety prime. The new style that folds in half is an affront to human decency.

Done. Request email sent to Calvin.

Apparently we weren't the only ones who voiced the sentiment. And I also emailed Calvin my various R&D of different primer tray ideas including orienting flip rings vertically instead of horizontally to help guide primers down - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...s-no-pin-no-shake-primer-feed-options.913724/

Calvin at Lee Precision, Inc.​

Staff - 02/02/2024 11:14 am​

​

Hello John,​

​

Yes, working hard to get everything together to finalize the product.​

​

A new priming tray is nearly ready!​

​

Calvin Katzfey​

Lee Precision, Inc.​

 

[R44 flyer]

Looks kind of unhandy to me compared to classic turret. I use my left hand to insert brass, bullet, etc and this press has a support where classic cast doesn't. Lots of questions I guess. Priming on the press is very slow for me.

Look at the instagram video it looks like there is a ton of room between the left front support and the ram. It looks like a 308 case in the video based on that you likely could fit your fist in the opening!

 

[irishlad]

If you want to load 500 rounds of 9mm or 223 in one sitting a turret is not a good solution. If you load lots of different cartridges in small batches then its the ticket.

That’s how I use mine.

When using the powder dispenser with the turret press I use a powder through expander die or universal rifle charging die with a funnel in the top.

I use a Little Dandy. Works great.

 

[KnightHawk]

Using the LCT press is a big step up from a single stage.
I looked into getting progressive presses and years ago did buy a Hornady progressive which I unboxed read the instructions, looked at the cost to change calibers and repackaged the Hornady and sold it. I can change calibers for a $10 turret and a $5 shell holder. I have my LCT press set up exactly like Irishlad with the little Dandy and that changes out easily with my Lyman 55 and RCBS UniFlo which are mounted on RCBS powder stands. Two wing nuts and pop in the other powder measure.



I might load 200 38’s or 44 SPL’s which only takes 1 hour 20 minutes. Everything else is smaller batches. I load for 30 calibers, 19 of which are already set up on turrets.
Can’t afford to do progressive press for all that. More accurately no need.

 

[someguy2800]

I looked into getting progressive presses and years ago did buy a Hornady progressive which I unboxed read the instructions, looked at the cost to change calibers and repackaged the Hornady and sold it.

It really irritates me that the Hornady shell plates are $60 now (!), but I have all the common ones.


I kinda want to try the Lee 6000 to get away from the primer tubes on the Hornady, but I’m pretty invested in the Hornady setup now. If it was easier to switch from small to large primers on the Hornady I would use it more often. I’m actually thinking of getting a 2nd LNL to have one set up for large primer and one for small

 

[9mmepiphany]

I might load 200 38’s or 44 SPL’s which only takes 1 hour 20 minutes

I can load 200 .38Spl in 10-12 mins...less than the time it takes my ride to get here...in the morning before a match

 

[9mmepiphany]

I kinda want to try the Lee 6000 to get away from the primer tubes on the Hornady, but I’m pretty invested in the Hornady setup now. If it was easier to switch from small to large primers on the Hornady I would use it more often. I’m actually thinking of getting a 2nd LNL to have one set up for large primer and one for small

I was there and saw the Lee Pro 6000 as a less expensive way to accomplish the same thing. I ordered it in .45ACP, figuring it would be my LPP machine...since I wasn't shooting as much .45ACP.

Unbeknownst to me until it go here was how reliable the priming system and how easy the changeover between LPP and SPP would be. The only thing I had to get used to was that the shell plate revolves the opposite direction and how much less space there is between on the toolhead...about 1" smaller in diameter

 

[someguy2800]

I was there and saw the Lee Pro 6000 as a less expensive way to accomplish the same thing. I ordered it in .45ACP, figuring it would be my LPP machine...since I wasn't shooting as much .45ACP.

Unbeknownst to me until it go here was how reliable the priming system and how easy the changeover between LPP and SPP would be. The only thing I had to get used to was that the shell plate revolves the opposite direction and how much less space there is between on the toolhead...about 1" smaller in diameter

I take it you switched to just using the 6000?

 

[Blue68f100]

It really irritates me that the Hornady shell plates are $60 now (!), but I have all the common ones.


I kinda want to try the Lee 6000 to get away from the primer tubes on the Hornady, but I’m pretty invested in the Hornady setup now. If it was easier to switch from small to large primers on the Hornady I would use it more often. I’m actually thinking of getting a 2nd LNL to have one set up for large primer and one for small

I posted this tip years ago. If your having trouble with the spring on sled tie some thread or fishing line to the eye of the spring on the back of the sled. Then all you do is run the press up, pull on the thread to unhook the sled, change sled and reattach the spring with the thread.

The primer seating punch is pita due to it's location. It whats takes the time up for me, a couple of minutes.

 

[someguy2800]

I posted this tip years ago. If your having trouble with the spring on sled tie some thread or fishing line to the eye of the spring on the back of the sled. Then all you do is run the press up, pull on the thread to unhook the sled, change sled and reattach the spring with the thread.

The primer seating punch is pita due to it's location. It whats takes the time up for me, a couple of minutes.

That’s a great tip. Maybe I’m lazy but the whole process is just annoying enough to me that I don’t want to do it and I just end up doing it on the turret instead. Right now I do 9, 38, 40, and 223 on the progressive and everything else on the turret. I’m going to start loading 45 and I want to move 44, 308, 7.62x39, and maybe 6.5C to the progressive.

The more I read on the Lee 6000 the more I want to give that a try. The Hornady is such a well built machine but there are a few things about it that immensely annoy me. The Lee design looks like it would address pretty much all of them.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I take it you switched to just using the 6000?

Nope, it only does .45ACP for me...both LPP and SPP; depending on if I'm shooting the 1911 or the 625.

My rituals in prepping and loading .38Spl are too ingrained to stop using the LNL

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

The more I read on the Lee 6000 the more I want to give that a try.

Same here.

But then I think about having to purchase a quick-change collar for every single die.

Each and every die.

Sometimes I think these new Lee presses are actually a way to sell those breech lock collars. It makes changing systems very expensive, but I think Lee is trending that way.

I also believe the 4-hole turrets will be phased out. I just purchased 4 more to add to my stash.

 

[someguy2800]

Same here.

But then I think about having to purchase a quick-change collar for every single die.

Each and every die.

Sometimes I think these new Lee presses are actually a way to sell those breech lock collars. It makes changing systems very expensive, but I think Lee is trending that way.

I also believe the 4-hole turrets will be phased out. I just purchased 4 more to add to my stash.

That would be a shame but I should have a lifetime supply of turrets so they won’t hurt my feelings too bad. I’d sure appreciate it if they sold the bushings in a 10 pack at a discount like Hornady

 

[KnightHawk]

I can load 200 .38Spl in 10-12 mins...less than the time it takes my ride to get here...in the morning before a match

Well I don’t shoot in matches. I’m not in a hurry I’m retired. I’m don’t need production line quantities. If I load 100 - 32 S&W long, 200 38’s, 100 44SPL, 50 44 mag, I can change in between them in 30 seconds. Twist lift one $10 turret loaded with dies, drop twist next turret preloaded with dies, then snap in a shell holder. It takes a minute longer to change out the rotor on the Little Dandy for what ever powder and load for that cartridge.
I’m an old wheel gun guy. I don’t compete and I don’t do mag dumps.
I do load for the 45ACP, great cartridge, and the 9mm. The 45 is used in a 625 and a S&W 22-4. I will never own a 40 cal or a 10mm. Don’t see a useful need.
If I was competing it would be a different story. With the cost of components to reload nowadays the speed and precision of wheel guns compared to bottom feeders is a good way to go. Hey I don’t have to bend over to pick up my brass either.
I also just about exclusively use cast bullets that I cast. I’m as close to a self contained unit as I know how to be.
I’m glad you have the money for progressive equipment but some of us don’t. But if you only have limited time because of work, different story. Personally I enjoy casting and reloading, along with drinking coffee on the porch. I’m not in a hurry.

 

[Soonerpesek]

Well I don’t shoot in matches. I’m not in a hurry I’m retired. I’m don’t need production line quantities

Maybe it was a surprise match that snuck up.......

I'm with you, reloading/handloading is a recreational hobby for me, no one is forcing me to do it.............

 

[irishlad]

Well I don’t shoot in matches. I’m not in a hurry I’m retired. I’m don’t need production line quantities. If I load 100 - 32 S&W long, 200 38’s, 100 44SPL, 50 44 mag, I can change in between them in 30 seconds. Twist lift one $10 turret loaded with dies, drop twist next turret preloaded with dies, then snap in a shell holder. It takes a minute longer to change out the rotor on the Little Dandy for what ever powder and load for that cartridge.
I’m an old wheel gun guy. I don’t compete and I don’t do mag dumps.
I do load for the 45ACP, great cartridge, and the 9mm. The 45 is used in a 625 and a S&W 22-4. I will never own a 40 cal or a 10mm. Don’t see a useful need.
If I was competing it would be a different story. With the cost of components to reload nowadays the speed and precision of wheel guns compared to bottom feeders is a good way to go. Hey I don’t have to bend over to pick up my brass either.
I also just about exclusively use cast bullets that I cast. I’m as close to a self contained unit as I know how to be.
I’m glad you have the money for progressive equipment but some of us don’t. But if you only have limited time because of work, different story. Personally I enjoy casting and reloading, along with drinking coffee on the porch. I’m not in a hurry.

I really like my Little Dandy and my LCT. It never fails when there is a thread about turret presses, somebody posts about how fast they can load on their progressive. I like my LEE Six Pack (works well,I use it for 9mm only), but I enjoy loading on my LCT more.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I’m not in a hurry I’m retired...I’m an old wheel gun guy. I don’t compete and I don’t do mag dumps.

I'm retired also and I'm not in a hurry when I reload, but I do have other things I like to do too.

If I was competing it would be a different story. With the cost of components to reload nowadays the speed and precision of wheel guns compared to bottom feeders is a good way to go.

I do compete with a revolver. I went through 1200 rounds last year, just in matches...Lost Brass matches; which means I don't get my brass back...I don't even keep track of how many rounds l load up for practice

I also just about exclusively use cast bullets that I cast.

I tried that when I was shooting black powder pistols. I just didn't see the appeal or the creativity of casting as opposed to reloading.

While I do buy all my 9mm bullets from RMR, I've gone to polymer coated bullets for calibers for which they don't produce bullets .

 

[greyling22]

Maybe I missed it, but here is the product page for the new ultimate reloading press
https://leeprecision.com/ultimate-turret-press-overview

Looks interesting. I'm not going to dump my classic cast and Dillon 650 for it, but If I had nothing, it might be a compelling option.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'm not going to dump my classic cast and Dillon 650 for it, but If I had nothing, it might be a compelling option.

I'm pretty sure that would be their targeted audience.

I highly doubt that they expect current Classic Cast Turret users to dump what they have and start over with the new turrets, but the new turrets would offer new users a lot more options depending on what they intend to load.

I really liked that they showed the older turrets next to the newer models so folks could see a size comparison...especially the tool head size