The auto indexing of the Lee kind of puts it in a different class as the Redding T7. Small difference, but different
Personally, I would not have a turret press. I just do not see any advantage in it. But I load lots more different cartridges than the turrets hold so I would still have to screw dies in and out, or spend a fortune on spare turrets. I load on a single stage using the batch process. I get in a groove and each operation goes quickly.
The Lee turret does not reduce handle pulls to load a round, but it reduces case handling. I prefer to clean my cases between resizing and loading so that advantage is lost on me.
On progressives, I prefer auto index, so the Dillon 550b would not be an option for me.
But, other folks have other opinions on the matter which is why we have such a diverse choice of presses.
A different opinion:
"Small difference". No, big difference. If loading in continuous mode (as opposed to batch mode).
The Lee Turret with autoindexing is likely to be able to out-produce the T-7 by a factor of 2. Maybe more. As long as you don't need more than 4 stations, getting a T-7 would be a step down in output capacity. Now, if you like OTHER features of the T-7, go for it. But speed will be slower than the Lee.
"But I load lots more different cartridges than the turrets hold so I would still have to screw dies in and out, or spend a fortune on spare turrets."
Spare 4-hole turrets for the Lee cost between $8 to $13, depending on where you get them from.
"I get in a groove and each operation goes quickly."
Amen to that. Some folks prefer the batch method for just that reason. Size, size, size, size, size. Perfectly uniform, every time... in the zone. You're finished before you know it. Then, Prime, prime, prime, prime prime... and so forth. Yeah, it works great. It appeals to your sense of order, doesn't it?
I like to conceptualize the assembly of my cartridges in the stepwise continuous mode. Size/deprime, reprime, charge, seat, crimp. It appeals to my sense of order.
"I prefer to clean my cases between resizing and loading so that advantage is lost on me."
Yep, every time you interrupt the continuous flow of processes on the press where you have to remove and replace the round, especially if it is something that changes your body position it takes away a lot of the speed and simplicity (and the ability to concentrate on the process) of loading. For that reason, many people who have the auto-indexing turret presses still prefer to batch process.
As you said, we have so many diverse choices of presses and methods and each of us will find their own best process for each of our particular cartridges. It requires some thought, some experience and some experimentation to find that best process. I don't want anyone to dismiss prematurely any tool or method that might actually serve well.
Thanks for reading.
Lost Sheep