RCBS Turret Press

[CQB45ACP]

I have two LCT’s (4 hole) and a T7. The T7 is in a box on the shelf. The benefit is about turn over time - I actually crank MORE times per round than a single stage, but don’t waste the changeover time to remove and place cases in and out of the press. As has been said above, the center axle designs of the Redding, RCBS, and Lyman turrets functionally offer greater turret tilt than the rim supported design of the Lee.

I have a T-7 for 45ACP. There is NO tilt. None. Have a Lee LCT in a box on the shelf.

 

[Varminterror]

You can believe that about your T7 if you like. Run some feeler gauges under your turret at the rear support when you have the turret at rest and then under sizing load. This will end up like your “I can dip more precisely than I can drop” assertion. 45acp isn’t asking much of the turret, but concentricity coaxiality in 45 acp rarely is of any importance anyway, especially shooting plated bullets to make noise.

You’d be the first of these owners, ever, to not have turret tilt in a T7.

 

[CQB45ACP]

You can believe that about your T7 if you like. Run some feeler gauges under your turret at the rear support when you have the turret at rest and then under sizing load. This will end up like your “I can dip more precisely than I can drop” assertion. 45acp isn’t asking much of the turret, but concentricity coaxiality in 45 acp rarely is of any importance anyway, especially shooting plated bullets to make noise.

You’d be the first of these owners, ever, to not have turret tilt in a T7.

Haha. Seems I hit a nerve. So if it’s rarely of any importance why bother bringing it up? For sure though if I decide to test it I will be the first to eat crow should I prove myself incorrect. The first EVER? Really? You know em all do you?

Edit: just tested with finest/smallest/thinnest feeler gauge I have (see picture) and it won’t even fit—at rest OR under load from 45ACP. I didn’t really need the gauge—there is no visible gap nor perceptible movement.

So was that EVER? Can you run a test and prove that please?

So, OP, don’t let experts frighten you away from making your own choice.

 

[Soonerpesek]

You’d be the first of these owners, ever, to not have turret tilt in a T7.

However, if the "give" is always the same-----It won't make much of a difference to MOST users......

 

[jmorris]

NO flex which is a strawman anyway.

I couldn’t come up with a good answer for this, this morning. In words, at least, so I thought about how I teach people that things flex and this is one of my “goto” methods because it’s easy for people to take in even if they can’t visualize it in their head.

I take a “pretty dam” ridged table (a 1665lb, 1 3/4” thick solid steel plate in this demonstration) and clamp a bar above it (like the dial on an old torque wrench) and place an indicator between the two.



I then zero out the indicator, with nothing on the table.



Next is the, “How much weight do you think it would take to move that dial?” Question and a guess that’s generally a very high number.

Then I say “watch closely” and push down with one hand.



Then comes, ok, wow. Then move into position to push themselves to make sure it isn’t some kind of trick.

So, everything has some amount of flex with any load, even if you can’t measure it.

In anycase, we don’t even have to get into flex of a “C” to have a turret move relative to the rams axis, we can measure the take up of machine tolerance between the top of the spindle and the dies themselves. So, I did that and made a quick video.



If your die centerline is close enough, you can even borrow my fixture if you want to measure how much movement your T7 has, just to know. It won’t measure the flex in the “C” of the ram but can quantify how much in the tolerance between parts, as far as frame/die relationship.

 

[nettlle]

I have a Redding T7 for reloading 308. Set up with a FL die, Small base die, and a seater. It's nice because I don't like changing dies on the single stage and constantly rechecking dimensions. For pistol I have a Dillon 550.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I put O rings under my die set nuts. The dies move along with the case when working it. Got the idea. From seeing Lee dies move some. Don't know if it makes a difference or not. But i have not had any negative effects. Also the Lee turrets move. No biggie either.

 

[CQB45ACP]

I couldn’t come up with a good answer for this, this morning. In words, at least, so I thought about how I teach people that things flex and this is one of my “goto” methods because it’s easy for people to take in even if they can’t visualize it in their head.

I take a “pretty dam” ridged table (a 1665lb, 1 3/4” thick solid steel plate in this demonstration) and clamp a bar above it (like the dial on an old torque wrench) and place an indicator between the two.

View attachment 1113760

I then zero out the indicator, with nothing on the table.

View attachment 1113758

Next is the, “How much weight do you think it would take to move that dial?” Question and a guess that’s generally a very high number.

Then I say “watch closely” and push down with one hand.

View attachment 1113759

Then comes, ok, wow. Then move into position to push themselves to make sure it isn’t some kind of trick.

So, everything has some amount of flex with any load, even if you can’t measure it.

In anycase, we don’t even have to get into flex of a “C” to have a turret move relative to the rams axis, we can measure the take up of machine tolerance between the top of the spindle and the dies themselves. So, I did that and made a quick video.



If your die centerline is close enough, you can even borrow my fixture if you want to measure how much movement your T7 has, just to know. If won’t measure the flex in the “C” of the ram but can quantify how much in the tolerance between parts, as far as frame/die relationship.

Fascinating!

If we were neighbors, I’d borrow it or more likely try and convince you to do it for me in exchange for a beer because I am curious.

 

[Varminterror]

if the "give" is always the same-----It won't make much of a difference to MOST users......

Tilt on a center axis like this may be consistent - maybe… maybe even likely… but it’s also acceptance that we’re tilting runout relative to the case head into our ammo.

Would you want a die which was machined off-axis by 10 thou end to end? Would you want bullets which were egg shaped? Cases which were formed crooked or with uneven case necks? None of these probably influence the ability of most shooters to make noise, but none are good tolerance standards for reloading equipment.

For a guy hitting pie plates at 7 yards with a bang bang shoot ‘em up 45, sure, not much matters at all about what process they choose or the gear they choose to make their ammo - they just need it to go bang bang so they can shoot ‘em up… but ignoring physics and advising others to ignore it is pretty poor form.

 

[nettlle]

A single stage O-Frame is the perfect world as far as zero play or deflection. I have one in storage. The deflection of my T7 turret repeats within a tolerance that is acceptable to me and I prefer using it over a single stage O-Frame. The end justifies the means.

 

[Condor]

I have the Redding T-7. (Right side of bench)

I use it for hunting and practice rounds, and any potential tilt of the turret is not seeming to be an issue for me at 200 yards.

I don’t typically move between stations during a loading session, but I do like being able to leave multiple cartridges set up so i can load for myself or with/for my sons easily. (This was the reason I bought it…a friend suggested that i would be able to keep 2-3 cartridges set up at any one time).

In the center in an RCBS single stage…it belonged to my uncle (RIP)…i leave that set with a .243 seating die…that was his favorite cartridge, and I think of him every time I use it.

(The bench is absolutely not this clean now. It would take hours of cleaning to get back to this, and that won’t happen until after deer season).

 

[nettlle]

Another thing I like about the T7 is it's open throat verses the O-Frame. It's a lot easier to work with and see what's going on.

 

[CQB45ACP]

Just heard Redding, RCBS, and Lyman have discontinued their turret presses because of really mean comments by an internet expert.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

YIKES!

 

[Frulk]

OP...my bonafides,

I have two T7's as my daily drivers...I only reload straight walled pistol calibers from .32 to.45 Colt on them. WAY overbuilt for that spectrum of cartridges. I've loaded somewhere north of 25-30K on them since purchased.

Started out on a LEE Single stage. Convinced myself I needed to take the next step up and increase efficiency (rounds per hour output). Chose Turrets for their simplicity vs. going full progressive as they met my expectation for increased productivity. Happy with my decision to date.

Bought T7's because of their great reputation (check Midway's feedback on them) and because I got screaming deals on both of them brand new. Thank you Cabelas!

Only other turret in the running was LEE's Cast Turret press. Also liked its feedback and indexing feature. The new Lyman American 8-Station model was not yet on the market. I've never loaded on one but have played with one in a store and I have to say for the cost savings I might have gone with it if I would have been forced to buy the T7's at normal prices. That and the fact that (apparently) the T7 has a little more space between the die positions that allows for some things to personalize the operation/set up.

I do not deprime, size or prime on the T7. I still do that on the LEE single stage because I'm so satisfied with the LEE Safety Prime system. This also keeps the T7 cleaner.

When I'm focused on production I can run about 200-220 rounds per hour relatively comfortably. However, I enjoy the reloading process, so I don't necessarily push myself to that number every time I sit down.

The T7's are tanks. I consider them the Levon Kirkland of turret presses and am only half joking when I say I'm surprised Redding doesn't offer a tribute edition with his number on it. You will NEVER wear it out in your lifetime. You will NEVER break it. It is handy to have the seven-position option. It provides you with a lot of flexibility if you don't like to spend time spinning dies out of press heads.

This is my backup T7. Its parked ready to use for whatever caliber I plan to reload. I've since modded this Little Dandy hopper to mirror the one I have on the dedicated .357mag T7. It's parked off the main bench until I need it.



This is the T7 dedicated to .357mag as I currently shoot that the most out of handguns and lever actions. I drop powder with a modified Little Dandy that has an aftermarket Dram Worx Pyrex hopper mounted.





I always show these covers made for the T7's by my mother-in-law. She surprised me with them one father's-day I think.



On the subject of deflection: I knew about it before purchasing the T7 and also knew how the LEE Turret manages it. It was a non-issue for me because as it is negligible at best and has zero impact on the quality of the ammo I require for the type of shooting that I do. As mentioned above....I guess I'm one of the 'bang-bang' guys that it doesn't much matter at all about what process I choose or the gear I choose to make my ammo - I just need it to go bang-bang so I can shoot ‘em up.

If you shoot competitively and are trying to create ragged holes in distant targets then you may not be able to abide by said deflection and work to eliminate it all together in your reloading process.

Lastly, turrets are simplistic in their use. Easy to set up. I like that I can stop anywhere in the process and pick up at a later date without missing a beat. They aren't 'finicky' for the most part if at all...certainly the T7's aren't. They're a solid 'intermediate' choice going from single to full progressive and have value on the bench even after you purchase a progressive.

I've been following LiveLife's exceptionally detailed thread on the LEE PRO6000 with interest. I'm in the process of adding another approx 10 feet of bench space in the reloading room and can see one of these easily getting the nod...or for that matter a LA8 due to turret head positions.

I've been exceptionally pleased with the performance of the T7's, but, as I stated earlier...for the cost savings I could probably be just as happy with a Lyman American 8. That is of course if its deflection rate is at or less than the T7's....just kidding. I'd probably get the LA8 for the price. I have no opinion on the RCBS as I've never used or handled one. Hope some of this rambling answered a question or two you may have had.

 

[CQB45ACP]

@jmorris tells us “So, everything has some amount of flex with any load, even if you can’t measure it.”

But importantly he didn’t just say it, and rather than crow about it, he showed it in a pretty darn slick video.

And I’m not going to parse words and such and say that the flex shown isn’t the tilt people worry about cause life’s just too short to worry about this stuff.

So OP, however indiscernible to the user, apparently any turret press of the center axis design will flex to some degree. If what the video shows bugs you, don’t buy one, but at the same time don’t let the internet experts distract you and make your decision for you.

Excuse me while I go prepare my meal…yum, yum.



And holy crap did that other guy have a video on me? Weird!


Not a 45, but a 9mm Beretta. Flier is DA pull.

 

[LeftyRed]

I love the turret presses. I had a T-7, but sold it cause it was overkill for my pistol needs. If I was doing rifle calibers, I would have kept it.

I’m down to a Lee Classic Turret and a Lyman All American 8 Turret. Won’t part with either. The Lee can be finicky, you have to make sure the dies are snug down tight. But it makes great ammo without having to sink a lot of money into the hobby. I do just manually index the turret. The AA8 does about 95% of what the T-7 does at a lighter weight and less cost. Like I said, rifle calibers are the only thing I think the Redding does better than the Lyman and then probably only the bigger cased calibers.

I never liked the RCBS Turret. Just too flimsy of a head. I think the AA8 is a much better option and if money is tight then the LCT would be what I would get.

I tried the SS press with quick change bushing, and didn’t like it. It was the Hornady LNL bushing on a Lee Classic Single Stage Press, They LNL bushing just wouldn’t “hold” its preset and I had to readjust almost every single time I used it. It was no better than just using regular dies, which really isn’t that slow to change out on a SS press. Later I tried the Lee Breech Lock system and I really liked it, but saw no need for it since I went over to turrets and only use my RC to deprime and resize when I don’t want to get out my APP.

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

I owned an RCBS turret for awhile. I bought it inexpensively, used. I thought about using it instead of my Lee Classic Cast turret.

Then I realized I was invested in the Lee, with 20+ turrets already set up, while the RCBS turrets run $60-70 each. I'm perfectly happy with the Lee, it does everything I need it to do.

I chewed in that for a bit, and moved the RCBS down the road. I never even set it up. I traded it off to a fellow just getting into reloading, for some other valuable considerations.

He is very happy with his RCBS turret. No complaints at all.

 

[ballman6711]

Hope you enjoyed your dinner, LOL!

chris

 

[CQB45ACP]

Hope you enjoyed your dinner, LOL!

chris

Still plucking…

 

[CQB45ACP]

I put O rings under my die set nuts. The dies move along with the case when working it. Got the idea. From seeing Lee dies move some. Don't know if it makes a difference or not. But i have not had any negative effects. Also the Lee turrets move. No biggie either.

You mean for all nuts not just Lee? I actually did the opposite for one of my Lee dies—took the O ring off. Can’t recall why at the moment.

 

[jmorris]

Fascinating!

If we were neighbors, I’d borrow it or more likely try and convince you to do it for me in exchange for a beer because I am curious.

And I would have invited you over and you could have drank my beer while we played with our presses.

A single stage O-Frame is the perfect world as far as zero play or deflection.

Certainly better but they move too.

@jmorris tells us “So, everything has some amount of flex with any load, even if you can’t measure it.”

But importantly he didn’t just say it, and rather than crow about it, he showed it in a pretty darn slick video.

I wouldn’t have bothered had it not been for you following the answer to #6 vs the OP but I took the “straw man” comment as saying I was FOS and I knew I could prove otherwise.

 

[CQB45ACP]

And I would have invited you over and you could have drank my beer while we played with our presses.



Certainly better but they move too.





I wouldn’t have bothered or even brought it up had it not been for you following the answer to #6 vs the OP but I took the “straw man” comment as saying I was FOS.

Boy I’m sorry. I am an old sarcastic SOB and certainly didn’t intend that but I can see now how it appears that way. My apologies.

 

[jmorris]

No problem or hostility, pretty easy to do on forums vs just sitting there discussing things with buddies over a couple beers.

Why I made the fixture and video, I didn’t think more typed words would have been very productive.

If you really want to test your press, you can have the fixture (will need an indicator or two) I would be interested in the results on a T7.

 

[CQB45ACP]

No problem or hostility, pretty easy to do on forums vs just sitting there discussing things with buddies over a couple beers.

Why I made the fixture and video, I didn’t think more typed words would have been very productive.

If you really want to test your press, you can have the fixture (will need an indicator or two) I would be interested in the results on a T7.

That’s okay since I really can’t feel it nor see any obvious negative effects, I’ll pass for now.

By comparison, like your new video, I also use a Lee SS for all my 9mm stuff and can see and feel a great deal of movement & flex & creaking primarily when decapping/sizing or periodic bulge busting. It’s remarkable actually. Thought it was poor mounting until I eliminated that. But that’s just more hijacking of OP’s thread