556 on Lee Classic Turret Equipment List

[HJ857]

Here's a vid of the RCBS in action. Note that the spindle is just chucked in a drill, so this is the least expensive Trim Pro version. It needs a 1/2" drill though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j65zHxVenz8

He's using the three way cutter too.

As for case gauges, I'd suggest you also look at the JP Rifles gauge. Most gauges only tell you length and shoulder position. The JP will also measure the diameter of the case after sizing, which is hugely useful.

http://www.jprifles.com/1.5.1.2_maint.php

 

[Jeff H]

So I am looking to start loading 556/223 on a Lee Classic Turret. I am already loading 45 ACP/9MM/38SPl so I have manuals, scales etc...

This will be the first bottle neck cartridge I will be reloading. Here is the list I have created. Please let me know if I am missing something.

-RCBS Trim Pro Case Trimmer 3-Way Cutter 22 Caliber
-RCBS Trim Pro-2 Manual Case Trimmer
-Lee Ultimate 4-Die Set 223 Remington
-RCBS Primer Pocket Swager Combo 2
-4 hole Turret (already have the press)
-Rifle charging die
-New Lee Drum powder measure
-L.E. Wilson Case Length Headspace Gage 223 Remington

and of course bullets and powder. I am looking to use Hodgdon H335.

This list looks pretty complete. What bullet are you going with? There are better powders than H335 if you are loading the heavier bullets.

 

[tcoz]

If you use Imperial Sizing Wax and Dry Neck Lube you won't need a stuck case remover.

 

[HardwarePro]

Your list looks good. The Trim Pro can be motorized with a small cordless drill.
I don't use the auto disk riser on my LCT, but then I don't prime on the press either.
My setup uses two turrets, one for case prep and one for loading.
The case prep turret has a Lee Universal Decapping die
and a sizing die for each of the calibers I load.
I'll deprime the brass and then clean it.
Then I size it, clean it again and prime off the press.
When I'm ready to load, I swap the turret.
I have the powder drop in 1, empty in 2 where I place bullet,
For 9mm I have a Hornady Bullet Feed die in 2.
Seat in 3 and Lee Factory Crimp in 4.
As you get comfortable with your press, you can add upgrades,
like the Inline Fabrication Case Ejector

 

[1KPerDay]

Also the headspace gauge is not really needed.

Do tell.

 

[WVsig]

As you get comfortable with your press, you can add upgrades,
like the Inline Fabrication Case Ejector

Awesome add on. I placed and order today for this part. This should really speed up the process.

 

[1KPerDay]

Pretty cool but saves no time IME. I remove cartridge and place brass in one movement. I'll make a vid one of these days.

 

[WVsig]

Pretty cool but saves no time IME. I remove cartridge and place brass in one movement. I'll make a vid one of these days.

What is your rate per hour for pistol cartridges? For me it seems like a no brainer. Don't have big enough hands to hold new case and remove old case unless I am missing something. LOL

 

[WVsig]

This list looks pretty complete. What bullet are you going with? There are better powders than H335 if you are loading the heavier bullets.

Looking at a combo of 55gr, 62gr & 77gr. Currently shoot mainly 55gr and 62gr because I am buying commerical ammo and the heavier stuff is costly. What do you recommend for heavier rounds?

Most of the rounds will be most likely be 62gr.

 

[HardwarePro]

I made my reverse rotation index rod long before Inline began selling the package.
I find that it allows me to focus a little more on what's happening on the press.
It is one less thing to think about in the process.
With pistol rounds, just insert brass, pull handle four times and repeat.
During brass prep, I have a collar that has four ejector pins that kick the cases on every handle pull.
Insignificant time savings is relative. 1-2 seconds per round. On large batches it adds up.

 

[WVsig]

Updated Equipment list: Looks like I will be in about $330 + Powder + Bullets.

-Trim-It II (3-Way Trimmer) Looking to go powered so it takes less time.
-Lee Ultimate 4-Die Set 223 Remington
-Dillon Model 600 Super Primer Swagger (Have a line on one used)
-4 hole Turret (already have the press)
-Rifle charging die
-New Lee Drum powder measure
-L.E. Wilson Case Length Headspace Gage 223 Remington maybe Dillon 13254

 

[Dudedog]

IMO the case guage is important to get you sizer setup correctly, others may or may not agree.
You need to push the shoulder back enough but not to much.
Once I have the dies and trimmer adjusted I just use it for spot checks.
(I setup the trimmer by measuring the case not by using the guage)

I just use the little manual RCBS crimp removal tool in not fast but it is inexpensive and works well.

Lots of ways you can go to trim but the WFT was in the same price range as the RCBS where the Dillon trimmer is more money.

Check out Rocky Mountain Reloading for bullets, good prices great people.
They offer THR members a 5% discount with the code. (code is in the start of BDSs PIF thread here)

 

[1KPerDay]

What is your rate per hour for pistol cartridges?

200/hr is easy, 300/hr is doable. I've timed myself and I load about 5-6 rounds a minute including occasionally checking charge weight and refilling primers. I grab a piece of brass between my thumb and forefinger and remove the completed round with 3rd and 4th fingers and "Palm" it. Insert new brass. Push primer lever and then drop completed round in container while the ram is raised to charge. Then grab bullet, look for powder and place bullet. Seat while reaching for new brass. Repeat. It's easier done than said.

 

[Jlr2267]

200/hr is easy, 300/hr is doable. I've timed myself and I load about 5-6 rounds a minute including occasionally checking charge weight and refilling primers. I grab a piece of brass between my thumb and forefinger and remove the completed round with 3rd and 4th fingers and "Palm" it. Insert new brass. Push primer lever and then drop completed round in container while the ram is raised to charge. Then grab bullet, look for powder and place bullet. Seat while reaching for new brass. Repeat. It's easier done than said.

That's smoking fast for a turret press! Your username is appropriate.....

Best I can do is about 150/hr.

 

[gspn]

I don't see Tylenol on your list. I need it whenever I even think about reloading 5.56 (and I have a progressive in addition to my Lee turret).

 

[gspn]

That's smoking fast for a turret press! Your username is appropriate.....

Best I can do is about 150/hr.

+1 to that. I feel like I'm going too fast even at that rate on my turret. I'd like to see a video of someone running 300/hr on a Lee turret.

Even if I could do it, it wouldn't be very relaxing for me, which is one of the fringe benefits I get from reloading.

 

[photosaurus]

-L.E. Wilson Case Length Headspace Gage 223 Remington maybe Dillon 13254

The Wilson is fine, but I like the Dillon because it is stainless. Got mine from Brian Enos—you'll like his service.