Want to Upgrade to a Turret

[lpsharp88]

Been loading on a Rock Chucker for a few years now, and want to upgrade to a turret press. Have no need or desire for a progressive. I've pretty much decided on a Lee, due to the auto indexing, but I'd like to make sure I'm not leaving out or forgetting anything important. Instead of getting the whole kit, I plan on just piecing together what I will need. I'll list it all out and put links

Press - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/814175/lee-classic-4-hole-turret-press
Does it come with the spent primer collection system?

Safety Prime - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/5...-primer-feeder-for-2006-later-reloading-press

Powder Measure Riser - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/114080/lee-auto-disk-powder-measure-riser

Powder Measure - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/348753/lee-pro-auto-disk-powder-measure
Adding this because it costs less than the case activated system for my Uniflow

Double disk kit - https://www.midwayusa.com/product/870920/lee-auto-disk-powder-measure-double-disk-kit
I plan to reload for my AR and and maybe Garand on this, so I'll need the added capacity.

Am I missing anything?

 

[Kaldor]

This is the route I would go:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/785993/lee-classic-4-hole-turret-press-deluxe-kit

Just buy the entire kit and save some money. The Autodrum is far superior to the disk system.

Only other thing Id consider is the case ejector from Inline Fab
https://inlinefabrication.com/products/case-ejector-for-the-lee-classic-turret-reverse-rotation

 

[RandyP]

I have been loading on that GREAT press for about 7 years now - same accessories too - though I have added the super neat Inline Fabrication case kicker system. Not certain if the primer collection tube comes with the bare press you show. Call to find out.

Some folks have been opting for the new Lee drum powder measure rather than the disks, but IMHO either is a good and consistent method.

I bought a separate turret for each caliber I reload, economical and makes caliber swaps a breeze. I've also added a low cost Hornady LED light strip to make it easier to see into the cases as I place a bullet to confirm powder charge.

 

[lpsharp88]

This is the route I would go:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/785993/lee-classic-4-hole-turret-press-deluxe-kit

Just buy the entire kit and save some money. The Autodrum is far superior to the disk system.

Only other thing Id consider is the case ejector from Inline Fab
https://inlinefabrication.com/products/case-ejector-for-the-lee-classic-turret-reverse-rotation

Actually, piecing it out is a little cheaper, and I also don't get extra stuff I don't need. I'll look at that Inline stuff, I've heard it's pretty good. Also, do you know off hand if the AutoDrum needs the riser, or if the riser works for it?

 

[mdi]

You're going semi-progressive? Only difference between what you are wanting your turret press to do is the progressive does 5 operations at once and the turret does one.

I got a Lee turret mebbe 20 years ago and disabled the auto-index feature after about 3 days. I much prefer hand indexing and just yesterday set up my new Forster Co-Ax.

Anytime I purchase Lee products I go with Titan Reloading. They have always given me good deal and fast shipping so I don't bother shopping other vendors. http://www.titanreloading.com/kits/lee-classic-cast-turret-press-kit http://www.titanreloading.com/presses/lee-turret-press/lee-classic-cast-turret-press

 

[ATLDave]

I've been using a Lee CT since I started reloading about 7 or 8 years ago. I love it. One day I'll get a Dillon 650 for really high volume USPSA loading, and some kind of very rigid single stage press for high-precision rifle rounds - but for a do-it-all press that gives you a significant speed upgrade over SS and is very, very simple to setup and use, the LCT is fabulous. The low price is just a bonus.

As others have suggested, just buy the kit with all the stuff in it. And if I were starting from scratch today, I'd go the drum route. Infinite adjustability is good. I've got a lot of loads worked up based on the disks, so I still use them for that, but I like the drum better.

 

[Varminterror]

Don't get the Auto-Disk, it's outmoded and never was a very good performer. I had used an Autodisk for several years, then last year I got an Auto-Drum for free to test out and I've been pretty satisfied with it. Not as good as the RCBS or Hornady, but miles better than the Auto-disk.

 

[lpsharp88]

Don't get the Auto-Disk, it's outmoded and never was a very good performer. I had used an Autodisk for several years, then last year I got an Auto-Drum for free to test out and I've been pretty satisfied with it. Not as good as the RCBS or Hornady, but miles better than the Auto-disk.

So would it be worthwhile to just drop the money and get another Uniflow with the case activated device?

 

[ATLDave]

What are you planning to load with the dropped powder?

 

[lpsharp88]

What are you planning to load with the dropped powder?

Dropped powder?

 

[ATLDave]

Powder droppped from the dispenser on the press. As opposed to powder measured by weighing.

IOW, what kind of rounds are you planning to load and for what purpose? If you're planning to drop a lot of large-flake, poorly metering powder for bullseye or benchrest competition, that's one thing. If you're planning to use good-metering powders for range or USPSA/ISPA or hunting use, that's another.

 

[lpsharp88]

I load 380, 9mm, 10mm, 45 ACP, 223, and 30-06. I use a lot of 700-X and TiteGroup mainly for range plinking

 

[Rule3]

You have no need for the discs which will not work anyway as you would have to have the auto disc system.

The Auto drum will load anything. I load 223 and 308 on it. It has extra rotors you can buy (cheap) and leave them set for different loads/powder

It is proven accurate and as accurate as my RCBS

Yes you need the safety prime and the attachment to the press. I do not think the press alone comes with it.

Yes you still need the riser for rifles, they have a double pack which covers all calibers.

 

[Rule3]

So would it be worthwhile to just drop the money and get another Uniflow with the case activated device?

No, see my other post

Don't get the auto disc. The auto drum is far better. I use the auto disc for years and you are only able to load what each disc is set for. It's close enough for most things but the new drum lets YOU drop what YOU want to. Same principle as the RCBS or any of the others only its high tech nylon and not metal,

 

[ATLDave]

Shucks. I load many of those rounds, but haven't used either of those powders, so I can't tell you how well the autodrum plays with them. I would expect no difficulty with TG, but wouldn't bet money on the 700x.

 

[Rule3]

Powder droppped from the dispenser on the press. As opposed to powder measured by weighing.

IOW, what kind of rounds are you planning to load and for what purpose? If you're planning to drop a lot of large-flake, poorly metering powder for bullseye or benchrest competition, that's one thing. If you're planning to use good-metering powders for range or USPSA/ISPA or hunting use, that's another.

See the past threads on the auto drum it is pretty damn accurate. Once I have it dialed in it is spot on. I check weights every 10 rounds or so and have yet to change anything.

No I do not win money, trophies or medals.

 

[ATLDave]

I have an autodrum. I agree that it is good with the powders I have tried, but I tend to look for good meterability as a threshold criteria for selecting powder. No flaming cornflakes for me.

 

[fpgt72]

Been using that same system for more then a few years as well.....you asked about spent primers....you will be friends with your shop vac....they seem to bounce just about everywhere....1 in 10 will go where it is designed to go....but eh not a big deal to me.

Some powder works ok in the disc some works in the drum...I have both....I would say get both you will likely use them both....they are inexpensive enough.

Same goes with the indexing thing...on some things I use it on others I do not....cool thing is you can change back and fourth in about 8 sec.....again no big deal. I don't use the index for anything rifle...but for pistol stuff yea...works real well.

It is a good solid machine....10x better then a single stage.

 

[ATLDave]

That's funny, about 1 in maybe 500 primers goes outside the tube for me. Maybe I just got a good one by chance?

 

[Varminterror]

So would it be worthwhile to just drop the money and get another Uniflow with the case activated device?

Up to you. I have 2x Hornady, one BR and one standard, then an RCBS and now the Lee Auto-Drum. I've moved largely away from Lee in general for my new purchases, but I wouldn't say NOT to buy the Auto-Drum to anyone looking at one. I WOULD say not to buy the Auto-disk, at any price.

 

[Kaldor]

Actually, piecing it out is a little cheaper, and I also don't get extra stuff I don't need. I'll look at that Inline stuff, I've heard it's pretty good. Also, do you know off hand if the AutoDrum needs the riser, or if the riser works for it?

Not completely sure as I think you need the riser for rifle. The powder drop is spot on as others have mentioned.
And yeah, if you dont need the scale and books, buy the press, primer system, AutoDrum.

 

[Rule3]

Shucks. I load many of those rounds, but haven't used either of those powders, so I can't tell you how well the autodrum plays with them. I would expect no difficulty with TG, but wouldn't bet money on the 700x.

There is one or two pretty long threads on this, and lots of powders tested. Even the stick and flakes all did very well,

 

[berettaprofessor]

I use the exact setup you're contemplating and wouldn't change my auto-DISC(s) for anything. Yes, sometimes I can't get it to an in-between measure (like when I want a 3.3 grain load and the two closest holes give me 3.2 or 3.5). However, if you're flexible on that end, the autodisc will never vary by as much as 0.1. Always spot on once I set it. I use it for all handgun loads, and 223, with multiple turrets for changes, and I have multiple autodisc's for the most common calibers.

 

[RussellC]

Actually, piecing it out is a little cheaper, and I also don't get extra stuff I don't need. I'll look at that Inline stuff, I've heard it's pretty good. Also, do you know off hand if the AutoDrum needs the riser, or if the riser works for it?

Definitely get the powder drum over the Pro auto disc.

Russellc

 

[Gadawg88]

I have the Classic Turret and used the auto disk till they came out with the auto drum. Nothing wrong with the auto disk, IMO, but the Auto Drum is better. Definitely price it all out at Titan Reloading. I am guessing you may come out better and they are good to go no question.