[john917v]

I'm interested in buying a press and accessories to reload in .223 (for sure), and possibly .380 or .45 depending on which handgun i buy. But, do turret presses completely reload a bullet with one stroke of the handle, or are there more steps?? if so, i may just buy a non-turret press like a rockchucker. Reload newb here. thanks for any help/advice.

[Gryffydd]

Turret presses advance a single cartridge through the stages, so you'll have basically one round every 4 pulls. A progressive press will give you one round per pull. A single stage press will require you to do one step to a batch of cases, change the die, do do the next step and so on. You can run a turret press as a single stage if you desire.
I would avoid starting off with a progressive, but starting with a turret and doing your first few batches in single stage mode would be a good idea.
Go to YouTube and search for reloading videos. Searching for turret press should get you a better idea of how they work.

[edelbrock]

A single stage is what I recommend to start on. A turret can be used as a single stage press so that will be ok too. I would avoid a progressive until you gain experience. For the pistol calibers a turret will definitely be beneficial so I say go with that and use it as a single stage for a while.

[fourdollarbill]

I would never buy a progressive press again. The turret or single is the way to go. The single is more enjoyable if your not on a time limit and can be very therapeutic. My eight year old daughter is learning on a single stage and she can pack out 20 in no time. (I still dump the powder)

[Gryffydd]

I would never buy a progressive press again.
As fast as they can be, they can really sap the fun out of reloading right quick...especially when it's a LoadMaster ;)

[Nate1778]

+1 on a turret for a start. 4 pulls for every cartridge, average 100-200 rounds an hour with everything prepped. Also +1 on disabling any indexing capability till you get the gist of it and use it as a single stage. Once you have it down though you will be glade you got a turret. For demonstration purposes.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOpN9iYOyE8


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_yiEku1Cbo

[john917v]

Wow, thanks, guys!! That's why I stick around, help when I can, and endorse THR.org!!

I'll be going with a turret press, and have it setup as a single until I learn.

Now, onto turrets-any recommendations? I was considering a t-mag or crusher kit (about $300), or a Redding T-7, but can spend more.

[Nate1778]

Honestly man I have a Lee Deluxe turret and it has worked flawlessly for my needs (mostly pistol). I would recommend you get the Classic if you consider a Lee product as you will be reloading .223 and it has a bit more head space in auto-index mode. You can reload them on the Deluxe, you just can't use the auto-index. I will say I have really enjoyed the Lee through die dispenser and auto disk thrower. Just my experience as I have not used any of the others.

[ranger335v]

"Now, onto turrets-any recommendations? I was considering a t-mag or crusher kit (about $300), or a Redding T-7, but can spend more."

Ditto the Lee Classic Turret. The T-Mag and T-7 are excellant presses in most respects but the turrets can't be auto indexed. And they are MUCH more expensive than the Classic Turret.

[Nate1778]

Here is a nice package on the lee classic.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0044122216337a&type=product&cmCat=froogle&cm_ven=data_feed&cm_cat=froogle&cm_pla=1230301&cm_ite=0044122216337a


Pretty complete kit minus dies. It looks as if the auto disk extension is with the kit, you may inquire to whether it is or not.

You may check the instructions for the lee powder thrower to see if the disks supplied will throw the amount of powder you need for the .223. If it doesn't you may need the disk expander as well.

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/AD2302.pdf

Just some links, not pushing one product or the other, I just remember buying my first press and I did not know what to get with what. Good luck and welcome to the addiction.

[jfh]

Use Google to do a search in this forum on "Classic Cast," "Lee Turret" or similar terms, and you can find more info on Classic Cast turrets, recommended packages, and retail sources.

Personally, I'd suggest Kempf's Gun Shop--but I have no idea of current availability.

Jim H.

[kludge]

Currently using a Lee Turret.

Lee Classic Turret is on my wish list.

[SASS#23149]

Since you're starting with rifle caliber,you'll have to size,tben mike for length,then probably have to trim for length,I'd go with a good cast iron single stage press.They are only a little slower than a turretif any....swapping dies is amatter of seconds usually,under a minute for sure.Taking brass in and out of a single stage is easier as there's more hand room to operate.
I hear nothing but good about Lee's new cast iron presses,and they're cheaper than the 'gold standard' rock chucker.

[Gryffydd]

Taking brass in and out of a single stage is easier as there's more hand room to operate.
Not compared to a Redding T7, for one example
swapping dies is amatter of seconds usually,under a minute for sure.
Now add in all the multiple times of moving the same round to and from loading trays.

[edelbrock]

I still vote for a turret but if a single stage is purchased the Hornady Lock n Load conversion kit is available for many single stage presses to facilitate die changes.

I would vote specifically for the Redding T7. I don't have one but want one. :)

[mallc]

Let's start by asking John917v how often and how much he shoots. And once we understand HIS needs, then we can completely ignore them and tell him what WE do.

My favorite on this post is: I would never buy a progressive press again....Sheesh!!! The wife and I were shooting 1500 to 2500 rounds of 9mm and 45 ACP per month when I started loading. My first press was a Dillon 650 and we did just fine. I now have two and will buy a 1050 in a couple weeks. My fourth press was a Redding T7; my fifth was a Redding UltraMag.

Scott

[Gryffydd]

My first press was a Dillon 650 and we did just fine.
See, you should have gotten a Lee Loadmaster, then you'd know why he said that :cool:
To be honest, mine really isn't that bad. But it can be frustrating when you spend a lot of time fixing jams and indexing failures and primer feed screwups etc. especially as a newbie.

[mallc]

See, you should have gotten a Lee Loadmaster, then you'd know why he said that

I've had a lot of used loading equipment pass through the shop over the last few years. I'm always surprised how quickly LEE buyers buy something else.

Uh-oh....too late...INCOMING!

Scott

[Gryffydd]

I'm always surprised how quickly LEE buyers buy something else.
I can tell you that if I weren't fairly handy that Loadmaster would have gone away very quickly. It takes a lot of fiddling to get it running right. On the other hand, it's an auto-indexing progressive press fully equipped for 1 caliber for < $300. That alone puts it in a market by itself. When it's running, which mine generally is (after lots of blood sweat and tears), it's quite fast.

[Zeke/PA]

I agree with the single station press idea so that you REALLY learn the basics of reloading.
Concentrate on QUALITY reloads and let this philosophy carry on thru your turret press acquirements.

[billybob44]

John, I'm going to join the single stage bandwagon. My first press was a RCBS RockChucker. It's had close to 40years, and no telling how many loads put through it. It works better now than when new. I did (Wife bought for Christmas) add on a Dillon RL550 years ago, and run all my handgun loads through it. I believe if you like, and stay with the hand-loading hobby, you will eventually have a progressive loader. I really like Dillon products and will stay with them!!:D:):D

[benzuncle]

John, read the stickys. You didn't mention the number of rounds you intend on loading/shooting and how often. After I did my due diligence and assorted lurking on several forums I decided on the Lee Classic Turret Press. Money was also a factor for me. YMMV. The LCT is a semi-progressive press that can be used as a single-stage press if you so desire. (There are a number of forum members that do just that.) This is a very good way to learn how each stage works. It also builds your confidence in the equipment and setup. It takes 4 pulls on the lever to "build" each round with the LCT as opposed to a single pull for a true progressive press. This has been the perfect compromise for me. I can load up to 200 rounds per hours with the semi-progressive setup. Lee Dies and turrets are very reasonably priced. Kempf Gun Shop has the LCT in Kit form for $178 including the 4 die set. It's been 18 months since I set up my LCT to load 45acp. I now load 380acp and 357Sig also. The dies and turrets are around $50 for each caliber. I figured by now I would have bought a more expensive setup. That hasn't happened. And the neat thing is the money I saved by sticking with the LCT has allowed me to purchase another handgun. :D Good luck with your decision. No matter which rig you purchase, there will be members here that can help you work through most any situations.

[lgbloader]

I would agree with the ones that say to start with a single stage. They are the meat and potatoes of my bench.

LGB

[rokchucker]

I tend to split my loading between the single stage and the lee classic turret.

I use my single stage to size/deprime, then I inspect brass, and prime by hand, then I use the classic turret to throw powder, seat bullet and taper crimp. For me using the 2 separate presses is the best solution. I could primer right on the classic turret, but I like hand priming, and it facilitates a close inspection of each piece of brass.

[john917v]

I plan on shooting about 200 rounds a month. Maybe a few more. What I want, is a beefy press, since now I will also be reloading for a .270 win, and I may pick up a .243 barrel for the 12fv that I have in .223. I don't have anything against the Lee turrets, but I'll get something at minimum as sturdy as the classic turret. Or, I'd like a sturdy single press, like the Classic Cast. In either case, I plan to avoid plastic, nylon, or other synthetic materials wherever possible. I should practice making a few rounds on a both types of presses, but none of my friends reload.

[Mickstix]

"Now, onto turrets-any recommendations?

Lee "classic" turrett!! Excellent turrett press for someone getting into reloading!! If your a "match" shooter, or shoot hundreds of rounds a week, you might consider a progressive, but for casual range shooters and hobbiests' the Lee Classic Turrett can put out 150+ rounds an hour, can reload both handgun and rifle caliber, and even do 50BMG (in single stage mode) if that's needed.. When I was researching presses, I read alot and the Lee Classic is the one that kept coming up. I found a great deal at www.Kempfgunshop.com If you go that route, get the "upgrade" kit!! ;)

[rokchucker]

Lee Classic turret is a good one for sure. If your having second thoughts because of the autodisc powder system, there are other solutions available. I am using a hornady case activated powder drop adaptor with a RCBS uniflow powder measure. This lets you throw any powder load you want on the turret, automatically.

[The Bushmaster]

If you decide to go Lee turret or Lee single stage...Get the Classic CAST (iron) press...

[RustyFN]

I'm always surprised how quickly LEE buyers buy something else.
Not the people that I know that load on Lee presses. I have been loading on a classic cast turret for three years and have been very happy with the press. I have loaded on Dillon presses and they were nice but not worth four times what I paid for my classic turret, at least not to me.

[benzuncle]

I'm always surprised how quickly LEE buyers buy something else.

I couldn't agree with you more! Since buying my Lee Classic Turret press 18 months ago, I bought another Sig Sauer handgun with the $$ I saved by not moving on to certain other makes of reloaders. :D When I began reloading, I was a wee bit skeptical as to whether I would enjoy reloading and/or stick with it and didn't want to shell out top dollar for what many contend is the best equipment without knowing what the future held. The LCT was a very good compromise. Little did I know that I didn't have to "move up" to remain satisfied. The LCT is the best bang for the reloading dollar at this point in time. YMMV.

[bigione]

If at all possible, fine or make a friend that reloads and set down and learn from him/her. There is much to learn and while a good manual gives all the info, it is sometimes hard to understand what is being said until you see the process in action. IMO

[CZ223]

Buy good equipment. The Redding T7 is an awesome press and the Lyman is also very good. If, in the future, you decide to go progressive, get a quality press like the Dillon 550 or the Hornady LNL. Trust me, there is nothing more frustrating than equipment that doesn't work.

[flipajig]

I learnd on a lee clasic turret. and we load rifle and pistol on the press the neet thing about a turret is that if you dont want to index to the next stage just remove the index rod and now you have a single stage press. True you have other steps to rifle that you dont with pistol but that will go with all presses that goes with your case prep.