Double check my order

[Balog]

I'm about to order up my first set of reloading gear, and I just had a few questions about the specific gear I'm getting. I'll be reloading for both pistol (to start) and rifle. I have a caliper and a funnel, but that's it.

Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press

Either Auto Disk or Pro Auto Disk powder measures. For relatively low round counts (few hundred a month at least to start) does the Pro offer a significant advantage? How do they compare in terms of reliability and ease of use?

I was going to get the Safety Prime but in the notes it says a special bracket is needed to use it with the Classic Turret, does that apply to the Classic Cast Turret as well?

I think I'll need the Auto Disk Riser to use the Auto Disk with the Safety Prime?

For rifle, I'll need the Double Disk kit and the Powder Thru Charging Die right?

Add in a scale (suggestions?), a bullet puller (am I right in thinking they're all about the same?), and dies in the appropriate caliber (with a turret for each caliber) and I'm good right? I've already ordered ABC's of Reloading and a couple manuals.

 

[helg]

Pro auto disk measure does not work on Turret press. The measure uses return chain to recharge. Other end of the chain is connected to a press frame. In turret press, unlike Pro100 and Loadmaster, the turret with dies and the measure rotates, so the chain can not be connected to the frame. You have to use auto disk with spring-based recharger. The spring system is prone for double-charging. The chain was brought to overcome the problem on progressives. Turret press, unlike progressive, is making loading operations sequentially, so it is less likely to have a double charge on the turret.

For rifle you may use either rifle charging die, or universal charging die. The last one also works for pistol calibers. Once you use caliber-specific pistol Lee charging die, you do not need it for pistols.

Double disk kit measures up to 2x1.5 = 3 cubical centimeters of powder. 223 has only 1.4 cubical centimeters under a bullet, therefore for 223 you do not need the kit, but can use single disk. 308 has 3.6 cc under the bullet, so double disk capacity may not be enough for the 308. You can get Lee Perfect Powder Measure that is big enough for any rifle caliber.

"Lee Classic Turret Press Reloading Kit" contains the press, the measure, the priming system, which you are asking for, as well as Lee scale. There is no such product on Midway, but you can get the kit from cabela's. If you want to get the same from Midway, check what is included into the kit, and buy all the components.

Sorry, can not advise on the priming bracket and the riser. You can always call Lee and get the answer directly from the manufacturer.

Oops, my bad. Stock pro disk comes with a spring. Sure, it should work on turret.

 

[Mags]

Looks like you will be getting my same setup. Keep in mind 3 hole turrets will not work on a 4 hole press but you can upgrade a 3 hole press to a 4 hole press.

does the Pro offer a significant advantage? How do they compare in terms of reliability and ease of use?

Have both the autodisk and pro model, the pro is a round hopper with a baffle and meters easier.

but in the notes it says a special bracket is needed to use it with the Classic Turret, does that apply to the Classic Cast Turret as well

yes it applies and comes with the required bracket.

I think I'll need the Auto Disk Riser to use the Auto Disk with the Safety Prime?

For rifle, I'll need the Double Disk kit and the Powder Thru Charging Die right?

Yes to both of your questions there.

Pro auto disk measure does not work on Turret press.

It works on mine, my Pro came with the chain but you don't have to use it the charging dies activate the hopper fine for me.

Double disk kit measures up to 2x1.5 = 3 cubical centimeters of powder. 223 has only 1.4 cubical centimeters under a bullet, therefore for 223 you do not need the kit, but can use single disk. 308 has 3.6 cc under the bullet, so double disk capacity may not be enough for the 308. You can get Lee Perfect Powder Measure that is big enough for any rifle caliber.

Yo do need the kit for 223 and almost all rifle loads not for capacity but so you can fine tune the measurement.

 

[warnerwh]

The Lee Pro Auto Disk is well worth the extra few dollars over the standard model. The Pro Auto Disk DOES work with the 4 hole Lee classic turret press and you definitely want one. You don't use a chain on the Auto Disk, it operates when you bell the case mouth. You should get the riser also. And of course the Safety Prime system. It's a little funky but doesn't take long to get used to.
Buy Lee dies so you can get the powder through die which also flares the case mouth while charging the case. A bullet puller is a necessity and any of the kinetic pullers are fine. Be sure to buy a decent scale. Scales are a necessity so you can check your loads from your measure. A good example is the load data that comes with the Auto Disk kit for using the disks with the Auto Disk. Many or most of them are wrong. Usually you will get less powder than what is listed. For example it may say you need the .95 for ten grains of a powder. Good chance you'll need the next larger hole to get ten grains of powder.
You've made a very intelligent choice on your press. You may want to use the Classic Turret as a single stage for a while until you get used to making sure everything is correct.
However the very first thing you should do is read and read some more so you know exactly what needs to be done to reload. I wouldn't load any ammo until I knew what I was doing. Extra turrets are a very good idea. I think Midway has a sale on them now for 8.49 each.
There are videos of the Classic Turret in operation on youtube. Watch a few of them. Being as you haven't reloaded before it will help a lot.

 

[Seedtick]

Hey Balog,

I would recommend 1 other item especially for loading pistol ammo - Lee Auto-Disk Adjustable Powder Charge Bar. This is the bees knees! You don't have to try to figure out which disk hole or combination to use to get the proper charge to drop.

You just adjust it.

I've loaded .380, 9mm and .40 S&W with 4 different powders so far and haven't had a problem. I had one load that was almost a problem I had to screw the adjustment all the way in for the starting load for .380 with AA#2 but that was just right.

I like it!

ST

 

[twofifty]

Get a couple loading blocks, to keep your batches organized.
You'll also need a way to lube the cases, so they don't seize up in the sizing die.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use the same press, it will work well for you. Yes, buy the Pro Auto Powder Measure, it's well worth the extra money. The Safety Primer will work just fine with that press. The Classic press is the Cast press, that's what makes it Classic.

 

[qajaq59]

Save yourself a bit of grief and order a Stuck Case Remover at the same time. They're cheap, and if you ever get a case stuck, you'll be glad you have it.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Save yourself a bit of grief and order a Stuck Case Remover at the same time. They're cheap, and if you ever get a case stuck, you'll be glad you have it.

That a good suggestion but if he's using Lee dies it's not necessary. The Lee dies are designed to facilitate the removal of a stuck case without any additional tools.