[Slasher]

I am very new to reloading, haven't even got my press yet but I have done a lot of research so far. I know that it is probably best to start with some type of single stage press but once I get the hang of it I want to be able to pump out some ammo so I am looking at the Lee classic turret press. I figure this would be the best compromise between a single stage and going progressive.

First, I would like to know what everyone thinks of this idea and get your thoughts on Lee equipment in general.

Second, I was listening to a podcast earlier and they were really down on the Lee power measures. I was looking at putting the Lee Pro Auto-Disk measure on the classic turret and wanted to see what the general consensus was on the Pro Auto-Disk.

If it is not a good piece of equipment is there anything else I could mount to the classic turret for the powder thru die?

Thanks

[RB98SS]

That would be an awesome choice. I have a LCT along with the Pro Auto Disk and it works great. I load 5 different pistol cartridges and it works well for that. I do use my Lyman T-Mag for rifle though. What are you planning on loading?

Many people will recommend that as you stated, start with a single stage press. I think that the LCT will serve you well for a long time.

[jcwit]

I think you're on the right track with the Classic Turret Press, start out using it as a single stage till you completely understand what you're doing, then start using the turrets.

As far as the Lee powder measures some folks have problems with the Perfect Powder measure, but I think they never broke them in as the directions say to do. I've got a couple of the and they work fine after using them for awhile and adjusting the cone.

There's nothing wrong with the Pro Auto-Disk either, stay away from the cheaper std. version tho, the screws strip out on the hopper. When using the Auto-Disk be sure to weigh your charges to get the right disk installed. The listing that comes with the measure is just a guide to get you close.

Hope this helps!
Best
jcwit

[jcwit]

Btw--welcome to the forum

[ranger335v]

"I am looking at the Lee classic turret press. I figure this would be the best compromise between a single stage and going progressive."

You are correct. I find NO advantage to any other turret press design over a single stage.

[ScratchnDent]

I think the Classic Turret and Pro Auto Disk are a great choice. Just be sure to also get a scale to verify charge weights.

[c919]

I just recently started reloading, and I was in the same boat as you. I went with the Lee Deluxe Turret Kit. It costs around $100 and comes with lots of extras (including the Auto-Disc). So far, I really like it.

In regards to the Auto-Disc, my experience so far has been that it is a consistent measure. However, many folks say that certain powders don't meter well in it, but I'd venture to guess all measures have powders that they don't like. The only thing I wish was different about it is I wish it had more discs with a wider range of cavity sizes. I'm waiting on the Lee Adjustable Charge Bar that is fully adjustable and works in place of the disc.

[Victor1Echo]

I really like Lee stuff, especailly the Lee loader.

[dsv424]

You can't go wrong with the LCT. I bought one about 2 years ago and am now up to 15 different calibers with it. Its easy to learn on and as others have mentioned you get a single stage and turret all in one. It only takes a second to make the change, plus caliber change outs are a breeze also. I got mine at http://www.kempfgunshop.com/. They have a real nice kit for a good price. All you would need extra would be a scale. In addition, if you do decide on this press you can count on getting a lot of help and advise right here.

[evan price]

The Lee turret is probably pound for pound and dollar for dollar the best starter set there is. The auto disk is really simple, it can't vary, it can't throw a different amount of powder unless the powder clumps or bridges, which may happen with large diameter type powders like Unique or 800-X. If you use a ball type powder like Winchester 231 or Titegroup, it flows like water.
Also Lee calibrates the powder drops and publishes the worst-case load. For example, they may say that Disk A 5th hole drops 5.3 grains of Powder "X". That means for the densest lot of Powder "X" on a humid day with the largest possible spec of manufacturing that hole will not drop more than 5.3 grains. In the real world it probably drops around 5.1-5.2 grains. You just need to drop some charges and weigh them to see what it is actually dispensing versus what the chart says. Fortunately, in pistol reloading, as long as you are not playing up at Max Loads the actual need to measure to .1 of a grain isn't that important.

[Robert Wilson]

I have had poor luck with Lee. I have used only a few of their items but most were lacking quality. It is hard to imagine how they might louse up a simple thing like a turret press, however. It would probably work just fine.

I have also generally given up on turret presses. The only advantage they have to my mind is that they do not require one to remove and reinstall multiple dies while loading for a single caliber. This is a slight time saver, but I find that once a die adjustment has been locked in, the die itself can be removed and a new one installed, in a single stage press, in a very few seconds. These seconds do not worry me for low volume loading. For high volume loading, I go straight to a progressive. Having said all that, the turret press does of course work perfectly well.

[Duckdog]

I'm with the rest in that a classic turret is your best choice, along with the auto disk. If you were to snoop around the web , you'll find that some people just seem to have bad luck with things that most of us have pretty good luck with and find very easy to use. It dosn't matter if it's reloading gear or washing machines, it's just how it is. Go to midways site and read any of the product reviews and you'll see that if there are 10 reviews, 7 might say the product works like a charm, 1 might say it's just OK and the other two would say it downright sucks and is junk. It's almost a predictable percentage.

Trust us who have these items, they work.

[ranger335v]

"I have had poor luck with Lee. I have used only a few of their items but most were lacking quality."

We all have our opinions. Vague "poor luck" and "lacked quality" comments say nothing useful. It's common comment virtually always lacking any specifics to support the claim. ?? Lee's tools lack the pretty finishes and knurling found on the externals of other brands, and the cost reflects that frivilous lack, but ammo is made inside and Lee's insides and functions are as good, on average, as anyones. Moderate exceptions occur with any brand's tools, that's why they all have a customer service call line. ??

[qajaq59]

I don't use too much of the Lee equipment, but if it is what you like and can afford, then go for it. It will get you started, and that's the important part. And a few years from now if you want to upgrade to something faster or fancier, you'll always find a use for it. A spare press is never a waste of money in my opinon.

[flipajig]

I learnd on a clasic turet press and im now loading 9 or 10 different calibers. works great no problems I also use the Ajustable charge bar more than any thing when it comes to loading for my pistol's for the rifle pdr measure I use a RCBS and load single stage. Welcom the world of reloading its fun to roll your own.

[godsey5]

I started out the same you are and bought a used Pro 1000 and later added a lee classic press. I started on my turret as a single stage until I learned. I am a big fan of Lee equipment in general and I have mainly lee dies. There is better equipment out there, but value for money they are hard to beat. One of the reloading tools I found that I like much better than Lee was the RCBS universal priming tool. Love it. The Lee's Auto prime work fine but I have broken several priming levers and sore thumbs. Got the RCBS and never looked back.

Good luck

Jim

[Walkalong]

Lee equipment will serve you just fine. Some people never see the need to buy anything else. Some people do. I use some Lee products, but I also have products from all major makers.

Lee is probably the most maligned equipment out there, but they cut corners mostly where it doesn't matter, and the bottom line is it will load quality ammo if you do your part.

A Chevy and a Porsche will both get you where you want to go. One does it with a little more style.

Welcome to THR

[bds]

A Chevy and a Porsche will both get you where you want to go. One does it with a little more style.
I would like to think my "Chevy" Corvette Z06 gets me there in plenty style ... :rolleyes: I like Craftsman vs Snap On comparison better.

I think for those just starting out reloading with limits to finances, Lee Classic Turret would be a great choice over a single stage. If you have higher limits or no limits to finances and want to consider a progressive press, that's another story. I will admit that there are better choices for progressive than Lee, but also at much higher cost.

Will a bullet loaded on a higher priced press shoot better? No. As long as the same bullet is loaded with the same amount of powder to the same OAL, your pistol won't be able to tell the difference or your target.

I am rare exception that I start off newbies to reloading on Lee Pro 1000. Since it does have small primer feed issues (less so with large primer), I have them deprime/resize and hand prime separately. As they get more familiar with the press/reloading process, I have them use the press primer feed attachment.

Some of Lee equipment does have issues, but if you are limited in finances, they are great "value" for getting you started in reloading.

[Walkalong]

Touche......how about Chevy Luv vs Porsche. :D

I prefer Snap On usually, but have Crafsman tools as well. (And Mac, Cornwell, Armstong, ........) I am not always willing to spend the money to get the best.

[snuffy]

I have also generally given up on turret presses. The only advantage they have to my mind is that they do not require one to remove and reinstall multiple dies while loading for a single caliber. This is a slight time saver, but I find that once a die adjustment has been locked in, the die itself can be removed and a new one installed, in a single stage press, in a very few seconds. These seconds do not worry me for low volume loading. For high volume loading, I go straight to a progressive. Having said all that, the turret press does of course work perfectly well.

Robert, you don't know what you're talking about. The lee classic turret is different from, say, the Redding T-7 or Lyman. It has auto advance, which NONE of the others offer. It can be outfitted with a auto feed primer system called the safety prime. Also the turret disc's can be swapped out in a few seconds, and their cost is MUCH less than the others.

Here's a short story,,,. I bought the older version of the lee turret, what they called the deluxe. I loaded countless thousands of pistol and .223 with it. I had the opportunity to buy a Dillon XL-650. With it set up, I didn't need the lee turret, so I sold it along with 10 turrets. The new owner is STILL using it!

I was looking to get another conversion kit to load 7.62 X 25 for the dillon. I kept hearing how good the new classic turret was, it's basic cost would be the same as the Dillon conversion kit! The Dillon now sits un-used, I do most of my loading on the classic turret. Mainly because I'm not shooting IPSC and IDPA nearly as much as I did when I got the dillon. That will change when I retire after the first of the year.:neener::what::eek:

[jcwit]

My Corvette got me there in style and My Chevy LUV got me out to the Black Hills of Wy many years for deer hunting. Also had a Toyota for every day driving. Those were my single days, heck I do the same now that I'm married and retired.

Now I use Red, Blue, Orange, and green tools for reloading, and toss in some Sinclare & Wilson too.

Bottom line is the OP is off to a good start.

[rklessdriver]

I have a Lee Turret that I have used since 1995. It's good press. I've loaded thousands of rounds with it and never replaced anything.

I don't know about the Pro Auto Disk powder throwers. I use the regular Auto Disk for my pistol cartridges and they work fine.... Cost all of $20.00

The Lee Turret is great for multiple calibers as you can buy a $9.00 turret head and pre set up your second set of dies on it. Then just switch the turret heads out and your ready to go right off the bat. I have 4 turrets for my pistol stuff and 4 Auto Disk. The dies are set up and the Auto Disk have the appropriate disk in them so changing calibers for me is a snap. The only time I fool with anything is when I clean the dies, change bullets or change my power recipie (the last 2 are very rare occurances).

The best thing is that Lee's equipment is inexpensive enough that you can afford to have it set up like that.

Your off to a good start and have plenty of room to grow.

Will

[qajaq59]

Delete by Qajaq59

[GW Staar]

A Chevy and a Porsche will both get you where you want to go. One does it with a little more style.


I would like to think my "Chevy" Corvette Z06 gets me there in plenty style ... :rolleyes: I like Craftsman vs Snap On comparison better.

I think for those just starting out reloading with limits to finances, Lee Classic Turret would be a great choice over a single stage. If you have higher limits or no limits to finances and want to consider a progressive press, that's another story. I will admit that there are better choices for progressive than Lee, but also at much higher cost.

Will a bullet loaded on a higher priced press shoot better? No. As long as the same bullet is loaded with the same amount of powder to the same OAL, your pistol won't be able to tell the difference or your target.

I am rare exception that I start off newbies to reloading on Lee Pro 1000. Since it does have small primer feed issues (less so with large primer), I have them deprime/resize and hand prime separately. As they get more familiar with the press/reloading process, I have them use the press primer feed attachment.

Some of Lee equipment does have issues, but if you are limited in finances, they are great "value" for getting you started in reloading.

Alas neither comparison fits perfectly. The two tool companies have lifetime guarantees, as do the better presses. Unfortunately there are no lifetime guarantees on any car, nor on Lee presses. ;) The cars comparison, "Both get you where you want to go" only holds up for a few years. The Craftsmen Vs Snap-On comparison only holds up for the 2 years the Lee Warranty is in effect.

I'm afraid reloading presses are in a class all their own. What car will last for 40 years like my Rock Chucker? Let's see...I had a Chevy Vega GT (wow) when I bought my press...seen any lately?

Ok, I admit, as long as Lee keeps making parts for the Pro-1000 and such, you can make them last....but Craftsman wrenches don't require...parts...you just mangle 'em and the company replaces them...free. :p

I agree with Lee "Value", and I recommend Pro-1000s to the less flush, mechanically inclined, patient personalities, who think they have to have a progressive...now. And it should be said: "Really impatient people probably ought to find another hobby and keep their health."

Lee Classic Turret...different class yet...every reloader ought to have at least one. (Ouch!...I don't have mine yet...I need to add on to my garage.:mad:) or better yet, get rid of the exercise equipment and build another bench....yeah!

[squarles67]

I started with the Lee Classic Turret a few years ago, I also got mine from Kempf 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 I went with the upgrade and got the Pro Auto disk. It has served me well and I now load .223, .270 win, 30-06, 45/70, 30-30, 44mag, 357mag, 45 colt, 38 spl, 45ACP, 40S&W, and 9mm. One word of caution........reloading is addictive:D

Edit to add: If you call Kempf and talk to Sue she is very helpful and can answer any questions you have about the parts and pieces you need like the double disk kit or the riser for pistol calibers

[Slasher]

Thanks everyone for the welcomes and encouraging words. I plan on loading .40S&W initially and probably .223 but as I collect other guns I am sure I will start loading for them as well. I would like to get a nice progressive one day but want to learn what I am doing first plus I will only be loading to shoot IPSC/USPSA matches a couple of times a year so I don't need to pump out that much ammo at one time, although it would be nice.

It was nice to come to a forum and ask a reloading question and not get bombarded with the typical "Dillon is best answer", although I do appreciate any answers or help. Thanks again to everyone, I have learned a ton lurking around here for the past couple of months.

[aerod1]

I have a small Lee single stage "Reloader" press, the Lee Classic Cast and the Lee Classic Turret. I also have the pro auto disk powder measure on my turret. I also have the Lee Perfect Powder Measure. I use nothing but Lee dies. All work great.
I think you are making a good choice.

[RustyFN]

The Lee classic turret is hard to beat. I have been loading on one four years now. I shoot some competition ( not hard core like some ) and it meets my neesd fine. I load 9mm, 38 spcl, 357 mag, 45 auto and 223 on mine. Don't worry about the two year warranty. That is what they say but they will stand behind the press longer than that according to a lot of threads I have been reading. The only real piece to break or wear out is the nylon ratchet piece. They cost 50 cents. In four years and thousands of rounds loaded I haven't broken or wore anything out yet. I might step up to a progressive some day when my shooting habbit requires it but I will never get rid of my classic turret.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8da27b3127ccec398914a0e3000000010O00DZOGblm4Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da02b3127ccec6bad36bf34100000040O00DZOGblm4Yg9vPhI/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[paradox998]

I have two Lee Breechlock challenger setups. With the quick change bushings, I see little need for a turret loader. A single stage loader is a bit safer for a novice. I just do batches of one step at a time. Overall the press is pretty good and the power dispenser works fine. I am not pleased with the hand primer. It is not designed to be easy on your hand and I have had lots of trouble with lake city brass (223) and the shell holders from Lee. The scale looks almost like a toy, but works well and is easy to set. I would go with single stage breechlock to start with.

[Walkalong]

The Lee turret press is a great design. (Except for the measure going round and round, which drove me nuts)

[Lee Roder]

I have a few Lee Loaders, Lee's hand press (which I really like), one set of dies, and Lee's little case trimmers in 38SPL.

These trimmers really are an excellent idea in terms of simplicity but, unfortunately, followthrough in manufacturing was lacking.

Lee's package claims the tips on these things are hardened, but they in fact are not and will "wear", sometimes quite rapidly and with no warning other than the odd fact that previously trimmed cases seemed to still shed material on repeated retrimming. While Lee customer service replaced the trimmer for me free of charge, I still have a bag of "new" Winchester brass which I "trimmed" too short for me to use.

With this one exception, in my experience, Lee's stuff does what it advertises.

[twigs]

I've had the Lee Classic Turret and the Pro Auto Disk for about 3 years and really like it. Mine also came from Kempfs. I primarily load 45 ACP but also do 38 Spl. I ran off some 38 Spl last week and it only took a few minutes to swap out the 45 turret, shellplate and primer setup for the 38. Since the 38 turret was already set up, I ran a few checks and was up and running right away.

It is helpful to have a riser for each turret setup if you are using the same powder measure. You also may want to order some extra square plastic inserts. I wore out a few before I caught onto the right technique,

I'll be adding a progressive later this year but only because my sons have started shooting 45ACP, too. The turret will stay in business to work up loads, do smaller runs, and do the 38s.

[Robert Wilson]

"We all have our opinions. Vague "poor luck" and "lacked quality" comments say nothing useful. It's common comment virtually always lacking any specifics to support the claim. ?? Lee's tools lack the pretty finishes and knurling found on the externals of other brands, and the cost reflects that frivilous lack, but ammo is made inside and Lee's insides and functions are as good, on average, as anyones. Moderate exceptions occur with any brand's tools, that's why they all have a customer service call line. ?? "

My specific problems included a chain on a progressive press which broke regularly, a single stage with the ram misaligned with the die opening, and a sizing die with an apparently unfinished interior. Additionally I have found their instructions to be poorly written to the point of occasional incomprehensibility and surly, ill-informed customer service representatives.

I realize that my experiences are not universal, but I also understand that they are not unique. An examination of the "product review" sections of major online outlets may be illuminating for interested parties.

[DIM]

I started out with Lee single stage press 5 years ago, hmm I still using it to load all my ammo, but I'm thinking my next press will be arbor type with Wilson dies, however after experimenting with Lee dies I found Forster product very compelling...

[flashhole]

The Classic Turret is a great press. If money were not much of a concern I would encourage you to get both the Classic Turret and the Classic Cast Single Stage. That way you have all the bases covered. I outfitted mine with an interchangable funnel for powder charging and use the Lee Dipper Cups. I can easily load well over 100 rounds an hour with this set up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/GuideGun/FunnelforClassicPress.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/GuideGun/MainReloadingBench.jpg