getting a dillon but can't let go of my lee turret

[evtSmtx]

I'm getting an xl650 primarily to spend less time loading handgun but I'm thinking I still want to hold on to the lee since it seems more convenient for doing small craft batches creeping up to max loads.

Is this valid or do I just not understand the dillon well enough yet?

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Of course it is valid.

If you are comfortable with your reloading practices, then do it that way.
We all have our own way of doing things. No one is wrong, as long as safe practices are observed.

Happy loading.

 

[scythefwd]

Totally valid.

I keep my single stage on my bench for the same reason. The turret is also great for those oddball jobs. Can have a turret setup for bullet pulling (with a collet puller), a universal decapper, etc... Single stages and turrets make great odd job presses where the progressives are a bit too much hassle for that stuff (ok, not so much on the 550, but the 650 with its auto index would be)

 

[ustate]

I started on a Lee turret before getting my Dillon 550. I still use the turret for all my rifle size/deprime and for both rifle/handgun calibers that I shoot but not in large batches.

 

[stubbicatt]

Don't let the Lee go. For years I used a RL1050 until I just didn't shoot enough to justify leaving it idle on the bench. So I sold it. I still use the Turret press and am quite happy with it.

 

[ljnowell]

Right now I have three presses in my bench a progressive, a lee turret, and a single stage. They all get used.

 

[rsrocket1]

Is this valid or do I just not understand the dillon well enough yet?

Definitely valid. The Turret press will still come in handy for rifle loads, rework and small batches of differing calibers without the hassle of swapping things out of the 650

 

[X-Ring]

Keep the Lee you will always find uses for it.

 

[GT1]

I can't think of a better combo.
The turret does a lot that isn't in the 650s wheelhouse. I do all the small batch stuff on the classic turret. Any load development is done on the turret, also.
I am a little biased as I have those same two presses on my bench. They do all I need.
The 650 does 9mm, as that is my main range ammo.

 

[SwaneeSR]

Keep it. Especially having a 650.

A press is like an old friend, you may not run into him often, but you will be glad to have it on those occasions. You have the 650 for high volume runs and your turret for those small and special runs - perfect combo.

I have a single stage and a 550b. I see a turret press in my future when I stumble upon one.

I would like to get a 650 or one of the new RCBS full progressives at some point for pistol.

 

[Dudedog]

I Have a Lee turret and recently purchased a Hornaday LNL progresive.
Still use the turrent for small batches, working up loads etc.
It may sound funny but reloading on the turret is relaxing, while for me at least still the progressive seems more like work. (lots of things going on at one time to monitor)

I say keep it the turret.

 

[ddc]

I can't think of a better combo.
The turret does a lot that isn't in the 650s wheelhouse. I do all the small batch stuff on the classic turret. Any load development is done on the turret, also.
I am a little biased as I have those same two presses on my bench. They do all I need.
The 650 does 9mm, as that is my main range ammo.

That's my game plan also. 650 is set up for bulk 9mm production which supports the vast majority of my shooting. The LCT provides a quick change capability to do smaller batches of 38/357/41/380 or whatever else suits my fancy at any point in time without messing up my 9mm output.

 

[wally]

I'm getting an xl650 primarily to spend less time loading handgun but I'm thinking I still want to hold on to the lee since it seems more convenient for doing small craft batches creeping up to max loads.

Is this valid or do I just not understand the dillon well enough yet?

Totally valid and what I do. Need 500 rounds of a single caliber the Dillon or any other progressive blows away the Lee Turret. Need 100 rounds each of 5 calibers, the Lee Turret will get you there much faster assuming you have spare turrets for your die sets.

 

[jmorris]

You are right to keep it, I have all of the Dillon progressives and still use turret and single stage presses.

 

[Catpop]

Like others said----- keep it and remain flexible!
You lucky dawg getting a 650!
Drooling, catpop

 

[splattergun]

I learned that presses don't get jealous if you add another press. Maybe dusty, but not jealous.

I see no reason to get rid of a perfectly good press that you're comfortable using, even if you do get a fancy new one.

 

[hAkron]

I bought a Lee turret after already had my Dillon. Sometimes you need to develop a load and you don't want to mess up your setting.

 

[Gravedigger56]

Nope. That old press is totally worthless and won't work anymore. If you send it to me I will dispose of it properly for you.

 

[rondog]

What they said!

 

[fguffey]

Is this valid or do I just not understand the dillon well enough yet?

I do not know, I am lucky, I do not have a Lee press to give up. I started on 500 plus belted magnum cases in 257 Weatherby and 7mm Remington mag. I started with pulling down loaded ammo that was loaded in 1971 and 1972. My best option was a two ram Herter press, then there is the Herter 6 position turret.

When using one press and with bullet pullers, sizing dies, seating dies, small base dies etc., I find it more convenient to move to another press than changing dies.

F. Guffey

 

[iagbarrb]

Keep the lee. Forget the dillon.

 

[bellyrubber]

I shoot uspsa competition,I too started with a lee. I bought the lee anniversary kit with the single stage. I then bought a 4hole turret. Now I have a dillon square deal b. I use the single stage for my .308s. The turret for .380,38special. I have a turret for each. The dillon is dedicated 9mm.I might use 100 .308,380,and 38special a yr. I use 1000 or more 9mm a month.

 

[ohioshooter]

I just recently got rid of my Turret. Kept my lee single stage for .308, 5.7, and .223 and use my Dillon xl650 for .45 and .357 mag.

 

[rfwobbly]

Yes, it's a valid choice.

All you need to do now is locate a white colored press and your red, white & blue collection will be complete.

 

[double bogey]

Keep it. Work up loads on the turret, that sucks trying to load 5 rounds each of different powder weights on a 650.
Production runs on the 650, that's what its made for.