Replacing single stage with Classic Turret press?

[LiveLife]

I have two portable reloading benches with one setup with Pro 1000 and RCBS RS5 and the other with C-H Champion 205.

I am building a 20'x12' "woman cave" for my wife for Christmas and planning to put one of the reloading benches in there with the RCBS single stage as it is very easy to resize and wife likes it over the C-H.

I am making tentative plans to replace the older Pro 1000 with the Hornady LNL AP press in the future, but becoming more interested in replacing the C-H single stage with the Lee Classic Turret press.

I figure I could always use the LCT in single stage mode with the option of using the turret mode being available.

Those that use LCT, do you ever use it as a single stage press? If you do, how do you like it as a single stage press compared to other dedicated single stage press?

 

[RandyP]

I have both the Lee single stage Anniversary press with the breech lock bushings and the Lee Classic Turret. I use the LCT almost exclusively now but keep the single stage mounted 'just in case'.

Honestly, I upgraded to the auto-advancing turret as an improvement to single stage reloading, so I've never tried it using it that way, but I am totally satisfied with the turret. It meets my needs and my limited budget.

 

[rfwobbly]

Just remember to check your cartridge lengths. The older C-H will probably do long cartridges like the 30-06, but will the Lee ? Nothing wrong with the proposed press at all, but IMHO you'd be duplicating capability and dearly miss the old C-H in time.

 

[Joemyxplyx]

Just remember to check your cartridge lengths. The older C-H will probably do long cartridges like the 30-06, but will the Lee ?

I know the Lee Classic Turret will run .308 through with ease. I didn't try the .30-06, but I think it will fit also. The problem isn't the length of the big rifle cartridges, but the capacity of the Pro AutoDisk powder measure. The AutoDisk is too small for big cartridges.

The DoubleDisk accessory for the AutoDisk is big enough for .223 but not for .308 or 30-06. I've heard of stacking 4 disks in the AutoDisk for .308. But even that is too small for .30-06. Dave-in-Flowery-BranchGA adapted a RCBS UniFlow to the LCT for use with the big rifle cases with good results.

Pictures are here

 

[flashhole]

The Lee Classic Turret works great as a single stage press, just remove the indexing rod. I use it for quite a few tasks on the bench. Here is a pic of how I have it set up for 45-70. The Lee powder charging systems don't have adequate capacity for large rifle cartridges but they weren't designed for that either. I've loaded 45-70, 223, 221 Fireball, 26-06, and 7mm Rem Mag on my Lee Classic Cast w/o issue. You just have to know and work with the equipment limitations. That's true of any manufacturer, not just Lee. A Classic Turret would be a great addition to your bench.

 

[Jech]

I very happily use a Lee Classic 4-hole Turret Press in both auto-indexing and single stage functions depending on what I'm doing. Obviously I have multiple turrets and die sets for different calibers but I also have an "accessory" turret with a Lee Universal Decapping Die as well as .358", .401" and .452" Lee Push-through Sizing Dies for my cast boolits. One could very easily diversify that with different flaring/expanding dies, sizing dies for wildcatting or what ever.

Whenever I come home from the range, first thing I do is swap out for my accessory turret, remove the auto-indexing rod and decap all my fired or range-recovered brass. I find it a lot cleaner to tumble deprimed brass for the simple reason that old primers like to hold onto a particle or two of the walnut media I use. If I deprime/resize later during the cartridge loading process, I end up getting a lot of tumbling media all over the bench and down in my primer collection tube. Whoops, drifted off topic there...

Anyways, it's also really nice having the choice between single stage and auto-index functionality. If I ever have the cash to buy a big fancy progressive, my LCT will always stay on the bench for those single-stage jobs cause it's really 4 single-stage presses in one

~ Jech

 

[Hondo 60]

I don't use my turret in single stage mode.
I have a single stage for that.

But I think you'll like the turret press.
You're still doing one operation at a time, just a lot less moving of each case.

 

[blitzen]

I always use my Lee turret press as a single stage reloader for 2 reasons.
1. the little plastic indexing thing broke and after a 150 phone calls I got tired of trying to get a hold of Lee.
2. after almost blowing up a pistol I don't trust the powder drop set up.
Save up and get a Dillon.

 

[rondog]

Love my LCT, and I use it in single mode frequently for many things, usually decapping, priming a bunch of cases with the Auto Prime II, pulling bullets, sizing a bunch of rifle cases before measuring and trimming to length, etc. AFA large rifle ammo like .30-06, .303, etc., I just use the scoops, loading blocks and a powder funnel. Those scoops will throw a pretty consistent measure, at least I'm happy with them.

 

[flashhole]

The scoops work real well with the set up shown in the photo.

 

[snuffy]

1. the little plastic indexing thing broke and after a 150 phone calls I got tired of trying to get a hold of Lee.
2. after almost blowing up a pistol I don't trust the powder drop set up.
Save up and get a Dillon.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=178889



The square indexer follower will normally wear out in 5000 rounds. Ham handed people can break one in just a couple.

I ordered a couple on a midway order, just in case I forgot to have the ram in-the-middle-of-it's-travel when I manually turn the turret. I still have the extra one provided by lee WITH the press.

I often measure powder off-press. I use a powder funnel similar to slam's to drop powder into whatever round I'm loading. I normally use lee dies, so the top of the expander handgun dies has the alum. nut on it that takes the lee funnel perfectly. Normally used when working up loads.

As for 30-06, you can load it with standard dies, but the Hornady new dimension dies have a drop down insert in the seater that will catch the case as the turret rotates in auto mode. Same thing happens with .308. Either don't use Hornady dies, or simply lift the shell follower up to clear the case as the turret turns.

 

[Skip_a_roo]

I like to use mine as a single stage. It doesn't seem as strong as say, the old RS-3 that I have but, it is plenty strong enough for what I do.

What I like about it best as a single stage is that I can "store" the other dies of the caliber in the same tool head; setup. I used to use a Lyman Spar -T. That had the ability to have 6 different dies in it's head, all just waiting to be used. When your one operation was done, simply turn the head and you are all setup for the next op.

The LCT used in this way is pretty much the same thing.

I like my LCT but there are some that have had problems with the advancing mechanism. There is a small plastic piece that turns the turret in automatic mode. At times, you have to help the turret "snap" into place with your free hand. Not a big deal for me.

I must admit that I have a heavier than normal powder measure on top of mine most of the time. In a Lee powder through die I have a Lyman #55 sitting in it for some calibers, other times it is the Lee Auto Disk with a double disk kit added.

The LnL is a good choice, I hope to get one soon too. A used XL650 would be on my short list too. The LCT will do a lot of things for you. A good choice for any reloader.

 

[LiveLife]

Thanks for the info! For small batch load testing, I think LCT holds edge over single/progressive press for faster caliber changes and having dies preset in turrets. Of course, for volume production, it's hands down for progressive press. I really do like having various reloading options. Been a longtime user of Lee dies so happy to hear about .308/.30-06 option for the LCT.

What I was ultimately going for (trying to be "logical" but sneaky with my wife, which is often a very difficult task) is to end up with one of each press types.

Bench #1 - RCBS RS5 single stage (1 hole) and Pro 1000 progressive (3 hole)
Bench #2 - Classic Turret (4 hole) and Hornady LNL AP (5 hole)

Most of our shooting is done with pistol with some rifle (.223/7.62x39 mostly with some .308/.30-06/7.62x54R but I am not reloading these calibers yet - I am currently saving up .223 brass we are shooting). So I am looking for high volume pistol production with faster/easier option for load development.

For single stage, the C-H 205 is industrial but I really like the RCBS RS5 and my wife/daughter too (They think it's a fun "resistance" exercise to deprime/resize cases). To be honest, I really should talk my wife into getting a Rock Chucker Supreme so they can workout both arms. (You see the sneakiness? )

For progressive, I am a seasoned veteran user of Pro 1000 (can't believe it's been over 15 years already and I fought many "battles" with Pro 1000 issues in early years) and have all the "quirks/issues" worked out. I can press out 1000-4000+ rounds in a session without any issue and the darn press just hums along (must be the BreakFree/Mobil 1 I have been using for lube ). However, the wife is feeling a little guilty that I had to "fuss" with the poor thing all these years (not really, but I try to shed some tears when the topic comes up ) so she is warming up to the idea of me "upgrading" the Pro 1000 (actually, I'll be adding another progressive ). After much thought/test use of other shooters' progressive press in various colors, for me, looks like it's going to be the Hornady LNL AP.

Why LCT? I have many different bullet types for pistol calibers we shoot (jacketed, plated, lead and some Moly) and I am kinda OCD to keep pursuing for the illusive "LOADS" for each caliber/bullet type/weight for plinking/match/SD/HD use. I have used the single stage and progress to do load development, but I really think the LCT is the perfect low volume press that can accommodate caliber changes to include pistol and rifle for load development. Whenever I see it in operation, it just works well. Who knows, it might just be the case of "I gotta have it" thing.

So, I think the RC Supreme and Pro 1000 on bench #1 for wife/daughter and Hornady LNL AP and LCT on bench #2 for me would be ideal.

What do you think? Would I be making sense to my wife? I am building a "woman cave" for Christmas for her and she's in happy mood for me to present this proposal.

 

[flashhole]

Maybe you should buy the press then paint it pink - hey, you said woman cave. Appeal to her feminine side.

 

[LiveLife]

Good idea! You know, I just might surprise her with a pink RC Supreme/Pro 1000 with bows for Christmas in her "woman cave".

Midway got it on sale for $127 with $10 rebate ... hmmmm. Hate to paint over the nice green finish ... maybe I'll just paint the Pro 1000?

 

[LiveLife]

Like this?

 

[flashhole]

I think you guys are on to something. Maybe it will usher in a whole new wave of female handloaders.

 

[RustyFN]

Why LCT? I have many different bullet types for pistol calibers we shoot (jacketed, plated, lead and some Moly) and I am kinda OCD to keep pursuing for the illusive "LOADS" for each caliber/bullet type/weight for plinking/match/SD/HD use. I have used the single stage and progress to do load development, but I really think the LCT is the perfect low volume press that can accommodate caliber changes to include pistol and rifle for load development. Whenever I see it in operation, it just works well. Who knows, it might just be the case of "I gotta have it" thing.

I would have to agree with you. If you want to load a few thousand of one caliber then a progressive is the way to go. If you want to load 200 to 300 each of a few calibers then the LCT is hard to beat. I load on a LCT and my normal loading is 500 - 9mm, 200 - 38 spcl, 500 45 auto and 300 - 223. The LCT is prefect for me and that kind of loading. I have never owned a single stage press so I can't compare the LCT to a SS. I do use the LCT in SS mode for sizing and depriming 223. After that I load 223 in auto index mode.