[CPshooter]

Hello,

First, I would like to thank everyone who helped me when I made a thread a few weeks ago asking about what press to get for my first reloading set up. I decided the Lee Turret was what I needed. It was also affordable which was a major factor in my decision.

Anyways..Today the UPS man brought me a Lee Turret Press! I ordered the Kempf Kit online from Kempf Gun Shop. I went with both upgrades (Large & small Safety Prime System + Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure). It was supposed to come with everything listed below, however I did not receive the Safety Prime System or the Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure. I don't know if they simply forgot these essential items or didn't have them available. I will be calling them tomorrow to see what happened.

Also, is the lever with the wood ball handle supposed to be slightly curved? Mine has a few nicks and scratches on it for some reason and I'm hoping it hasn't been damaged...the little nicks actually have some surface rust already developing. Is this something I should be concerned about or complain about? Or should I just ignore it and be happy with my "affordable" press?

Pistol Caliber Kits Include:
-Lee Classic Turret Press
-Lee Deluxe 4-Die Set for the pistol caliber of your choice. (3 Die set in 380, 4/40 and 357 Sig)
-Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure
-Lee Safety Prime System (Large or Small)
-Lee Auto Disk Riser (Required for the Safety Prime System)
-Six MTM 50 round Plastic Ammo Boxes


I went with the 9mm carbide die set since I am mostly concerned with practicing with my carry weapon (H&K P2000sk). I also thought it would be a good idea to get the Blueberry 400 Tumbler combo with media and sifter for an extra $68.95 (I hope it's a decent tumbler!). My total was $313. I don't think that's too bad considering I pretty much have everything I need to reload now.

Here's my question though:

What's the best route for setting up a little reloading bench/table in a bedroom? Something compact, yet sturdy and effective would be great. I can make something if I need to. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance! - CP

[dacavasi]

I got mine about 2 months ago. What's next, if you're in the same boat as the rest of us who didn't stock up on components before early this year, is to try to find some primers....

[jpwilly]

Congrats on the Turret Press. Did you get the Classic Cast? I'm guessing you did. Mine is built like a tank!

I bolted mine to a sturdy small board that I can clamp onto the desk in my office and remove when done.

The arm is suppose to be bent so that you can clear the stuff at the top of the stroke. The nicks and scrapes aren't suppost to be there. If you loosen the bolt that holds the handle on you can adjust the handle in and out and how that bend in the arm will best clear the primer feeder etc.

Follow the set up directions you'll find the press and accessories are rather easy to set up and use.

[Daniel1120]

I built a small table for my turret press. The top is 30" deep and about 36" across. Used 2x4's and 3/4" board for the top. Holds up great, no problems. But I did mount a small basic plastic shelf on the wall behind it. Keeping it on the table was useless, I would have to rezero it everytime I bumped the table, its on carpet. I'm a closet reloader. :p I'll hopefully have a dedicated room for my hobby in the future.

Yes the handle is supposed to be slightly angled. I wouldn't raise a stink about it being banged up, it wont affect function, besides your just gonna bang it up yourself anyways.

[CPshooter]

Congrats on the Turret Press. Did you get the Classic Cast? I'm guessing you did. Mine is built like a tank!

I bolted mine to a sturdy small board that I can clamp onto the desk in my office and remove when done.

The arm is suppose to be bent so that you can clear the stuff at the top of the stroke. The nicks and scrapes aren't suppost to be there. If you loosen the bolt that holds the handle on you can adjust the handle in and out and how that bend in the arm will best clear the primer feeder etc.

Follow the set up directions you'll find the press and accessories are rather easy to set up and use.I believe it is the classic cast model. At least that's what was in the description right here (https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=630&category_id=190&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41&vmcchk=1&Itemid=41). Then again it also says I was supposed to get the Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure and a Prime System. I didn't get either one:( I'll be honest here. I'm kind of disappointed with the press. The lever is scratched and nicked up in some places with rust developing, and the main pivot point where the lever attaches to (the brass-colored joint thing) looks beat up and has little dents and scratches on it. I'm going to call them tomorrow and see if they will allow me to send it back and maybe replace it with another one that comes with the powder measure and prime system like it's supposed to.

As for a mounting setup, thanks for the suggestions so far! Keep 'em coming! - CP

[NotSoFast]

I took a 4'x4' sheet of 3/4" plywood and cut a foot off two sides to make it 3'x3'. Then I Varathaned it and mounted my press to it. Finally I clamped it to the desk in my spare bedroom. I can remove it at any time and it is small enough to fit on the desk while big enough for all the reloading operations I do. I do have a 5' bookshelf and a small plastic shelf next to my bench for my books, tools, and components though.

Happy reloading. :)

[Jolly Rogers]

I would suggest a seperate powder scale also. Used to verify the powder loads and do periodic weight checks.
Joe

Oh yeah...a bullet puller of some sort, just in case.

[JimmyN]

Check your packing list/receipt, you may see that the Safety Prime and Auto Disk are backordered. Kempf will frequently send what they have, and the rest when they get it in, with no added shipping charges.

[The Bushmaster]

And while you are calling Kempt about the Lee Pro Auto disk and other missing parts. Ask them what they want to do about the handle. Bent, scratched and rusted is NOT how it should have come to you. Sounds like they were cleaning out their wharehouse...If you can't get results there. Call Lee Precision...

Once you get everything squared away you will like the Classic Cast. As jpwilly stated. They are well built.

[Daniel1120]

With the handle and the linkage for it being scuffed its probably a returned item. Can you post pics of how bad it is?

[SASS#23149]

When I pay 'brand new price',I want brand new,darnit.I"d call them about an exchange AFTER reading the packing list to see if the missing iterms are shown as b/o....backordered.
Hope supplies are available in your area,they are scarcer than hens' teeth around my house.:(

[CPshooter]

I called them up and it turns out they just forgot to include the items. They aren't backordered so they are going to ship them out to me tomorrow.

I didn't mention anything about the scuffed lever. Maybe I should have...

I looked at the diagram of the set-up instructions and it looks like the brass colored metal has tooling marks on it even in the picture. I'm guessing they are just tooling marks from when it was assembled at the factory. As for the lever, it's not exactly beat up a whole lot, but there are a few nicks in the black paint. Two of the little nicks have a tiny bit of surface rust already which is the only thing that's really bothering me. I'm thinking I'll just ignore it and get the press up and running for now...if there's a problem down the road I'm sure Lee will take care of it for me.

Btw, are the 3 mounting bolts (1/4"-5-16" bolts according to the manual) supposed to be included with the press, or am I supposed to go pick these up from a local hardware store? I'll probably make a run out to home depot or something for the bolts, a mounting board, and some clamps. I'm going to try that method before I try to contruct a separate table. Any suggestions on what type of clamps to purchase? (ie Rubber or Metal pads?)

[Speedo66]

I screwed mine into a piece of 2' 2"x12" board.

I clamp it anywhere, including the kitchen table when I lived in an apt.

I use a huge C-clamp, just one is needed.

[The Bushmaster]

You'll need to go to your local hardware and pick them up. You never know what you'll need and neither do they. I have a 5/16 x 4" bolt, nut and washer holding the back down and two 5/16 X 3" lag screws and washers holding the front down...

[RustyFN]

No the bolts are not included. Congrats on the press and welcome to reloading. I have been using a classic turret for three years now and am very happy with the press. I have seen where people will mount the press to a Black&Decker Work Mate, looks like it is fairly sturdy and is easy to fold up and store away. If you have any setup problems let us know. The CT is a very easy press to setup and operate but most people have a little problem fine tuning the safety prime. Once it's setup right it is a great priming system.
Rusty

[Samgotit]

Btw, are the 3 mounting bolts (1/4"-5-16" bolts according to the manual) supposed to be included with the press, or am I supposed to go pick these up from a local hardware store? I'll probably make a run out to home depot or something for the bolts, a mounting board, and some clamps. I'm going to try that method before I try to contruct a separate table. Any suggestions on what type of clamps to purchase? (ie Rubber or Metal pads?)

Yea, Pick up what you need at the hardware store. I don't believe they come with mounting hardware... too many user options for length.

Forget about the nicks and so forth. And like the other poster said, you MUST have a good scale. I like the Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure a lot. I've been very successful and consistent with most powders, but you should be weighing your charges very often at first (every time). I still weight every tenth for tried and true loads, every fifth for some others, and every time for new calibers.

Edit: The handle has a factory bend in it.

[The Bushmaster]

Samgotit...Why?? When I got my Classic Cast it was bent too...I straightened it. No bend now...

[Seedtick]

Hey CPshooter, I went the route RustyFN was talking about with the workmate. I got it at Lowe's and I also picked up a 2' x2' piece of 3/4 plywood and some small strips to put around the edge so stuff won't roll off. I'm gonna mount the press to the plywood and c-clamp it to the workmate to make it easy to disassemble and put away. I googled reloading bench and found several examples and plans that incorporate the workmate. Hopefully I can get this stuff all put together this weekend and see how it's gonna work.

ST

[The Bushmaster]

Damn seedticks...Hate them. Found one on the end of my........Never mind...

[smokey262]

The bend in the handle is supposed to be there. You can move the handle in and out, and rotate it, to place it in a position that is comfortable to you. Don't worry about the nicks. They are not supposed to be there but who cares.

I like a bench that does not move when working on it, so I attached the back of my bench to the wall. When you are using the press and applying a fair amount of effort to the handle you may make the back of the bench lift up if its too light or unsecured. Would not think this would be a problem with 9mm, but with some rifle cases it may.

[jpwilly]

Here's my Turret in action

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p38/jpwilly/th_Reloading226.jpg (http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p38/jpwilly/?action=view&current=Reloading226.flv)

[CPshooter]

I really appreciate all the replies people! This is the best forum for getting helpful info in a hurry..you guys are great and I mean that!

I never made it out to the hardware store today. The more I think about it, the more I want to wait for the weekend and build up a nice, sturdy reloading table from 2x4s and 2x12s.

I'm still not sure how I'm going to make this work. I want a sturdy table that isn't going to move around when I pull down on the press. Like I said before, I live with my parents right now and space is limited. My dad has a big, sturdy work/tool bench in the garage that's been there forever, but it's already cluttered up like crazy and I don't trust my reloading stuff to be in there. Besides, he wouldn't appreciate me taking it over for reloading:) The same goes for the kitchen table and my mom.

I'll have to work with the space in my bedroom. It is carpeted and I can't mount anything to the walls because our house is for sale and we're moving. I'd use my $80 computer desk and make due, but the pre-fabbed metal legs already wobble and shake just from my elbows resting on it as I type!

I'm just going to have to make a nice 2' x 3' table from lumber and hope it's sturdy enough even though it will be unsecured and on carpet. I'll have to make room for it, that's all.

I already have a nice cabinet with shelves in here for all the reloading supplies.

(The WorkMate thing looks okay, but I question how sturdy it would be. Also, I can build something for much less $..but we'll see how it goes.)



I'm open to suggestions for the following:

-scale (balance-type and/or digital?)
-calipers (should I get a dial or digital?..I was looking at the Frankfort Arsenal digital from Midway USA)
-bullet puller (RCBS or another?)
-case trimmer
-reloading manual(s)

I've read that getting more than one reloading manual is a good idea for cross-referencing the data. What's the best to go with? Lyman, Hornady, etc....

[blindhari]

I found a heavy oak table with 3 leaves in it at a grage sale. I fitted one leaf with a Leepress, one with a 6" vise and the third with a wood vise and stops. I just slip in which ever leaf for what I a working on. Finish on table was ruined, but for $20 I have an unbelievbly versatile workbench made of2" oak.

blindhari

[The Bushmaster]

Scale---It doesn't really matter which scale you get. Digital or beam, but get a good one...Digital is faster though.
Calipers---The $25.00 stainless one is all you need. I have both and my $150.00 Starrets are with my mechanic's tools in my shop and not in the reloading room.
Bullet puller---Is also a personal preference. I have an enertia hammer (error eraser).
Case trimmer---Can be anything from the simple hand held (inexpensive) to the bench mounted (costs more) and is up to you and your wallet.
Manuals---No loading bench is complete without Lyman's 49th Edition and at least one other manual. The more the merrier...

[Daniel1120]

For a scale I recomend the rcbs 505. Its a little pricey but well worth it. If your on a budget just go with the lee scale, people always complain about how difficult it is to use, but its economical. If your going to get a digital scale try not to go cheap, you get what you pay for with these.

I got a set of digital calipers from harbor freight tool, around $10 i think. They might not be perfectly accurrate to 1/1000gr, but more than enough for my purposes. If you don't have a harbor freight near you they have a website, or you could try any hardware store.

I went with the rcbs bullet puller, the press mounted one. In retrospect I didn't need it over an inertia, I think ive only bulled 3 or 4 bullets.

I don't have a case trimmer because all I reload are straight wall pistol rounds. I did some research on these forums though and the le wilson seemed to get the best reviews. If your on a budget the lee zip trim cant be beat.

You NEED the lyman 49th ed manual! Its the best of the best of the best. Get as many manuals as you can, but whatever you do get the lyman.

While your at the hardware store, get some washers, you will need them. They will be needed to raise the height of the safety prime to the right level, otherwise it will be a royal pain in your arse.

[CPshooter]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I was planning on getting the Lyman's 49th ed. Handbook. Will this suffice for now or is there another good one to pick up while I'm at it?

[Griz44]

Congrats and welcome to reloading.
I built a very sturdy bench from drop scraps of 2x4, 2x6 and topped it with 2x12 I got at the local lumber yard, (for free no less) and bolted it all together with 3/8" carriage bolts. Make it sturdy. A good scale is essential. I last bought a 98 dollar Cabelas special, and love it. I have 4 scales now, but I tend to be a gadget freak, so one is all you really need. Look online, Hodgdons, Alliant, Accurate, all of them have load data on the websites, Lymans, Lee, many others have great books, you can't have too many, just confirm any load from at least 2 sources. Leave the drinks, radios and tv alone and pay attention to what you are doing. Look in every case for too much or not enough powder. I am over the 75K mark now, and have never had a squib or double, and never intend to!