vaalpens
Member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2014
- Messages
- 2,620
My wife surprised me with a Lee Classic 4 hole turret press gift this weekend. I have been reloading with a Lee classic single stage since 2014 at my leisurely single stage pace, but now it looks like I will have to increase my pace to a less leisurely turret pace. Obviously the wife expects that I will be able to spend more time with her and less time reloading.
I have already set up my dies for 9mm (RMR 124gr TC FN FMJ and Power Pistol) and loaded 50 rounds. The first load obviously did not go very fast since I was double checking my progress multiple times to make sure the results were as expected, and trying to establish a new rhythm for adding the components. The plan is to follow this up with another load, but this time with only the necessary checking.
Following are a few quick observations regarding the load process:
-The seating and Lee FCD crimping steps are really fun compared to the single stage since it is much quicker. The additional speed does not add any extra checking or stress since you can see and feel the results of the process.
-The priming is similar to the single stage. I just need to get used to the time when to place the primer.
-The big change is obviously the powder and powder level verification. On the single stage I verified the powder level for all cases at the same time by comparing the levels. With the turret I now have to verify each individual one. With PowerPistol I get a good enough fill, so it was reasonably easy to verify the powder level. I will probably need a higher chair to make it easier to verify the powder level, or add some sort of mirror.
All things considered, it is an easy change from single stage to a turret. I still feel I can do all my checking to fully trust my reloads.
I have a couple of questions for those using a Lee classic turret:
I have already set up my dies for 9mm (RMR 124gr TC FN FMJ and Power Pistol) and loaded 50 rounds. The first load obviously did not go very fast since I was double checking my progress multiple times to make sure the results were as expected, and trying to establish a new rhythm for adding the components. The plan is to follow this up with another load, but this time with only the necessary checking.
Following are a few quick observations regarding the load process:
-The seating and Lee FCD crimping steps are really fun compared to the single stage since it is much quicker. The additional speed does not add any extra checking or stress since you can see and feel the results of the process.
-The priming is similar to the single stage. I just need to get used to the time when to place the primer.
-The big change is obviously the powder and powder level verification. On the single stage I verified the powder level for all cases at the same time by comparing the levels. With the turret I now have to verify each individual one. With PowerPistol I get a good enough fill, so it was reasonably easy to verify the powder level. I will probably need a higher chair to make it easier to verify the powder level, or add some sort of mirror.
All things considered, it is an easy change from single stage to a turret. I still feel I can do all my checking to fully trust my reloads.
I have a couple of questions for those using a Lee classic turret:
- Is there anything that I need to pay close attention to that is maybe not obvious. This is specifically regarding safety and the quality of the ammo.
- Are there any parts that could break easy and would make sense to have spare parts available.
- Any maintenance issues or tips.