Lee classic Turret press info needed

Were it not for Lee and their affordable quality gear. any of us would not be able to afford this wonderful hobby of reloading. My LCT and Auito-Pro dispenser allow me to make 150-175 rounds per hour at a very leisurely pace.

My powder of choice is Win 231/HP-38 which meters very well using the disks, adjustable bar or the micro-disk. It is the only powder I use for 4 calibers so I made up my own chart using my $30 digital scale that lists what every hole in every disk throws with WEin 231. Once verified at each reloading session the charge weight does not vary by more than .1 grain.

I had one many years ago when they first came out. I certainly never saw much reason to think about another one. I got rid of it after several years when I got into tournament bass fishing but it was a good press.

Mine didn't have the powder measure attachment, I guess that came along later, but I tended to just use the little dipper that came with the dies for powder measuring. I had RCBS scales/measure/etc., but the dipper was fast, convient, and required no set-up, take down. I didn't have a permanent bench you see.

As to changing the Deluxe Powder disc, that takes a whole 1 minute more. I write down the disc used for every powder weight charge/powder I use. I write it on the box label. So there is no messing around trying to find the correct weight all over again, I keep dummy rounds labeled to set the seating dies.

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I don't have any particular need to debate this, but the argument about speed of powder drop changes, relying on the use of standard "auto disk" aperture numbers does not apply to those seeking more precision and using the Lee "adjustable charge bar" or another brand of precision powder measure. It seems to me, judging from discussions on various forums, that the desire for better than about +-.4 grains is pretty common, making it difficult to characterize changovers in simple terms. Of course, there is nothing to stop a person from owning a number of "adjustable charge bars", dedicated to a powder and weight.

But by posting and quoting me you are debating

All I was saying was caliber/bullet, powder changes are very quick.

Your original post did not mention precision powder drops of =/- .4 grains,

You are not going to get that with the Lee Dics regardless.

You get what they drop. The charge bar is more trouble than it's worth JMO

As far as the little square ratchet goes, always lower the handle (raise the ram above 1/2 way) when you are changing turrets or removing the indexing rod, and never short stroke (don't go half way and lower the ram again) and you will not have any problems with it.

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^THIS!^ I can't stress this enough! If you try to turn the turret with the ram all the way down, it WILL damage that little black plastic square ratchet thingy! Always raise the ram up at least halfway, and you'll be OK. Of course, if you choose to remove the drive shaft and index by hand or work single-stage, that's perfectly fine.

Just don't try to turn the turret by hand with the ram all the way down! Unhappiness will ensue.

Rule3 - But by posting and quoting me you are debating

All I was saying was caliber/bullet, powder changes are very quick.

Your original post did not mention precision powder drops of =/- .4 grains,

You are not going to get that with the Lee Dics regardless.

You get what they drop. The charge bar is more trouble than it's worth JMO

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Oh boy, here we go. Someone's annoyed.

My use of "calibration" certainly should imply that an adjustable charge bar might be involved. Changing disks is actually a little fussy. The powder charges should be rechecked, and the powder drop should be primed by discarding the first 10 drops and checking weights.

The +-.4 g part is referring to how close the disks allow you to get to the charge weight you had in mind. Only the "adjustable charge bar" or a different brand of powder measure allows you to get closer.

I am in no way shape or form annoyed. You started the discussion with the quotes.

All I said was this:

"When changing calibers or changing bullet weight, I have all the dies in their own turret. Changing takes less than 5 minutes.

As to changing the Deluxe Powder disc, that takes a whole 1 minute more. I write down the disc used for every powder weight charge/powder I use. I write it on the box label. So there is no messing around trying to find the correct weight all over again, I keep dummy rounds labeled to set the seating dies. "

The end, done.

Rule3 - As to changing the Deluxe Powder disc, that takes a whole 1 minute more. I write down the disc used for every powder weight charge/powder I use. I write it on the box label. So there is no messing around trying to find the correct weight all over again, I keep dummy rounds labeled to set the seating dies.

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Can't you allow that your comment might spawn the proviso that those using the adjustable charge bar for more explicit weights in their loads may find more time involved?

Quote:
Rule3 - As to changing the Deluxe Powder disc, that takes a whole 1 minute more. I write down the disc used for every powder weight charge/powder I use. I write it on the box label. So there is no messing around trying to find the correct weight all over again, I keep dummy rounds labeled to set the seating dies.


Can't you allow that your comment might spawn the proviso that those using the adjustable charge bar for more explicit weights in their loads may find more time involved?
__________________
RealGun

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I can change calibers including powder charge and primer size in under five minutes. If you write the size cavity you used in the log book it is very fast to get back to that charge.

If you use the standard Lee Autodisc dispenser, the hoppers tend to crack after you take off/put on a few times to change the disc. I went with the upgrade kit for my dispensers and am much happier. Haven't tried the micro adjust yet, but have 2 sitting on the shelf.

Jump in, buy the press and roll away!

Threads like these are what makes it so hard to pick a press. Maybe they're just all good (well, maybe not). About the time that I get steered away from choosing one, I see a thread like this one saying how great said press is. Its just not easy to pick a press, lemme tell you-

RustyFN - I can change calibers including powder charge and primer size in under five minutes. If you write the size cavity you used in the log book it is very fast to get back to that charge.

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That's great, but it seems like no one understands that I am not referring to disks, except to say that the more specific load weights with the "adjustable charge bar" take more time. It's not a big deal, but it's more than a couple minutes to reset a reliable charge weight. I have never taken issue with how little time it takes when using disks.

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horsemen61 said:

Ok guys I have been given a lot of info here and I am thinking about getting the lee pro disc powder measure as the charge bar does not sound like a good option in my mind any advice you all can give me would be appreciated thanks

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NO! You are already getting the Lee Pro measure in the box I sent you today. It already has the micro bar installed which is light years ahead of using the disc. Take my word for it I have used both. You want the micro bar. The measure has the riser already attached too.

See the email I sent you before you buy anything.

Wooly

Woolecox said:

NO! You are already getting the Lee Pro measure in the box I sent you today. It already has the micro bar installed which is light years ahead of using the disc. Take my word for it I have used both. You want the micro bar. The measure has the riser already attached too.

See the email I sent you before you buy anything.

Wooly

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charge bar is only good with some powders, disks seem to work well with most. double disk kit is nice to have.

Pro 1000

Bought Mine 12 years ago used. Had very little troub le over the years. Can run about 250 rds per hour with it. I load 9's , 380's, 357's 45acp's, 45 long colt's, 44 mag, 44 special, and probably some others that don't come to mind right n ow. Very content with it.

That's great, but it seems like no one understands that I am not referring to disks, except to say that the more specific load weights with the "adjustable charge bar" take more time. It's not a big deal, but it's more than a couple minutes to reset a reliable charge weight. I have never taken issue with how little time it takes when using disks.

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You are right I misunderstood. You are correct the adjustable charge bar would take more time to adjust, just like the Dillon measure or any other measure that works like that.

RealGun said:

When I change a turret, I am removing not only the powder measure but the accessories that go with it. There is the "riser", which allows the measure to stand taller than the other die stations, and the "swivel adapter"[...]

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You realize you can unscrew all of those as a single unit? That's how I've always done it - unscrew the riser from the powder-through die and install in the next head.

PotatoHead said:

Maybe they're just all good (well, maybe not).

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As best as I can tell, there aren't any bad presses being made by the big companies. Some might not do what you want or how you want it but they aren't badly made.

frankenstein406 said:

charge bar is only good with some powders, disks seem to work well with most. double disk kit is nice to have.

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I have had zero issues with the charge bar using 7 different powders. But if you really want the double disc kit, they can be had for a whopping 15 bucks. I am talking to you Chance, proud owner of a new Lee Classic Turret Kit.

Double Disc Set



Cheers,
Wooly

RealGun said:

Can't you allow that your comment might spawn the proviso that those using the adjustable charge bar for more explicit weights in their loads may find more time involved?

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I said I was done but you continue and will not let it go, and write such an eloquent comment as:

"Can't you allow that your comment might spawn the proviso that those using the adjustable charge bar for more explicit weights in their loads may find more time involved?"

Certainly I can, but as mentioned it only works well with certain powders and the most important part, you never mentioned the charge bar in you initial post, so it is all after the fact..

I have the charge bar, the micro discs, the double disks a regular Forest Gump of Lee Discs. Yes, the charge bar takes some tweaking, regardless it is is still a none issue in changing over.

If I want to load minutia of powder I will use the RCBS and trickle. I weigh every rifle round on a balance beam scale.

Potatohead said:

Threads like these are what makes it so hard to pick a press. Maybe they're just all good (well, maybe not). About the time that I get steered away from choosing one, I see a thread like this one saying how great said press is. Its just not easy to pick a press, lemme tell you-

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I think you know enough now. Just order it and use it. Reading more is just wasting your time and $$(shooting factory ammo)

Woolecox said:

frankenstein406 said:

double disk kit is nice to have.

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I have had zero issues with the charge bar using 7 different powders. But if you really want the double disc kit, they can be had for a whopping 15 bucks.

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If you have the double disk kit, you can modify the slide tabs on the Adjustable Charge Bar by filing the slide tabs of one to double stack the charge bars and they will give you more powder charge adjustment options.

I metered up to around 47 grains of I4895/H4895/Varget and 48 grains of RL15 which are plenty for most popular .308 bullet weights and powder charges.

Rule3 said:

When changing calibers or changing bullet weight, I have all the dies in their own turret. Changing takes less than 5 minutes.

As to changing the Deluxe Powder disc, that takes a whole 1 minute more. I write down the disc used for every powder weight charge/powder I use. I write it on the box label. So there is no messing around trying to find the correct weight all over again, I keep dummy rounds labeled to set the seating dies.

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Did you mean 5 minutes or 5 seconds?

Lost Sheep