Go Time! Purchasing First Press

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Potatohead

Potatohead

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Hey guys,
It's finally go time. (My heart is actually thumping from anticipation-a bit ridiculous I know) I'm sitting down to order my first press. I have been researching the LCT, Lee Classic Turret Press, as some of you may know. As i sit here about to pull the trigger on the purchase, i notice the ones I'm seeing are called the Lee "Precision" Classic Turret press. That is the press I have been reading about here (on THR) all of the time right? I've never really heard the "Precision" part, that is not another press from Lee, thats the LCT right? I just want to make sure I have the linguistics right on this, so I don't order the wrong thing..

I also have some kit or no kit questions. From what I've read, I think i want a different scale, whats the name of the good RCBS, 0505? So i'm thinking (and these are Amazon prices) I'm going to get the press (119$), the safety primer system (30$), the Auto Riser (13$), and the RCBS scale ($??).
And of course some dies ($?), or should I just kit up?

Also, I had thought previously about priming off press with a handheld (so I can watch TV w my old lady while I'm doing it), and eliminating the primer system, but the more I think about it, this may be more trouble than it's worth since I have to de prime on press anyway...?

I've got to put my 2yr old down for a nap so it will take me a sec to get back to any comments, but thanks in advance! Any thoughts would be much appreciated, as I'm getting really close to launch and don't want to mess this up...Questions in bold...Sorry for long post...i'm a rambler..

Here is the kit link, assuming I pasted it right.

http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision...3103&sr=8-2&keywords=lee+classic+turret+press
 
From what I've read, I think i want a different scale, whats the name of the good RCBS, 0505?
Click to expand...

The one you are referencing is the RCBS 5-0-5 and it is an excellent scale. However, Dillon Precision sells the same scale for $20.00 cheaper. The only difference is the color. Here it is.

http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/co.../7/Dillon__039_s___039_Eliminator__039__Scale

Also, I had thought previously about priming off press with a handheld (so I can watch TV w my old lady while I'm doing it), and eliminating the primer system, but the more I think about it, this may be more trouble than it's worth since I have to de prime on press anyway...?
Click to expand...

I have a Lee Turret and I like to prime on the press, especially for handgun stuff. Rifle is a different story. There are so many steps to that, I like to hand prime those.

Also, you will need a good manual. I, as most people here, recommend the Lyman 49th.

Hope this helps.
We all started somewhere so feel free to ask questions if you need to.

Edit: I just realized that you have been here a while, so you know how great the guys here are. :)
 
Thanks for the comments. So the Lee precision turret is the LCT. Thanks. So how bad IS the scale that comes with that Lee kit? Any thoughts there?
 
Last edited:
Oh yea. I have the Lyman 49th. I'm not seeing that Eliminator at Amazon, which is where I have to buy (6 month same as cash deal).
 
Ahhhh screw it, I'm tired of waffling, I'm bout to order the friggin kit and be done w it.
 
That's funny that you mentioned the Lyman 500 scale. I was just about to say, if I couldn't get the Eliminator that's the one I would go with. I don't own one, but my cousin does and I have used his. It is accurate and easy to use. Go for it.
 
Redding scales are nice at least the older ones, haven't tried any new ones.

Check natchez out they have good prices to.
 
In my opinion, the lee scale is horrible. Get another brand or an electronic scale
 
hostjunkies said:
In my opinion, the lee scale is horrible. Get another brand or an electronic scale
Click to expand...
I agree that the scale sucks but DO NOT get a cheap electronic scale. They don't work well. Spend some money and get a used RCBS or Lyman beam scale. I found a RCBS 5-10 on here for $45 shipped. Deals are out there.
 
Good luck with your purchase(s), I dont blame you for feeling the way you do. I researched reloading alot before I started too and once I made the leap it seemed like a really big and daunting step to take. I have only been reloading for a year and a half, I started out with the Lee Anniversary kit. I only reload for rifle (7 chamberings for 9 different guns) not pistols.

The Lee scale works very well if you have the patience to use it, it is a accurate scale if you have it set up right in a solid place. I became frusterated with mine and bought a cheap MTM digital scale that has treated me very well. I also had an RCBS 505 scale given to me and it is much easier to use then the Lee, worth the money.

I only have the single stage press not a turret but I like to prime my brass with a handheld primer, like you said easy to do whey you are hanging out watching TV with the misses.

A nice set of calipers is great, I have digital and dial. I prefer the dial ones, my digital seems very sensitive to current battery life and I find myself double checking it more then I would like, to the point where once the battery died I did not bother to replace it.

I have Lee and RCBS dies, I like them both but prefer the RCBS I get more accurate, repeatable results with them, the Lee seem to wonder more.

Dont forget a decent set of case prep tools, I like the Lyman ones.

Have fun with your new hobby it can be very addicting and rewarding
 
Gotcha on the shell holders. I think Ive seen them at gander. Great. I'm about to submit this order fellas thx. I got the lyman 500 and a cheapy electronic. I'll just pay the one I don't like forward
 
FallAirFever said:
Good luck with your purchase(s), I dont blame you for feeling the way you do. I researched reloading alot before I started too and once I made the leap it seemed like a really big and daunting step to take. I have only been reloading for a year and a half, I started out with the Lee Anniversary kit. I only reload for rifle (7 chamberings for 9 different guns) not pistols.

The Lee scale works very well if you have the patience to use it, it is a accurate scale if you have it set up right in a solid place. I became frusterated with mine and bought a cheap MTM digital scale that has treated me very well. I also had an RCBS 505 scale given to me and it is much easier to use then the Lee, worth the money.

I only have the single stage press not a turret but I like to prime my brass with a handheld primer, like you said easy to do whey you are hanging out watching TV with the misses.

A nice set of calipers is great, I have digital and dial. I prefer the dial ones, my digital seems very sensitive to current battery life and I find myself double checking it more then I would like, to the point where once the battery died I did not bother to replace it.

I have Lee and RCBS dies, I like them both but prefer the RCBS I get more accurate, repeatable results with them, the Lee seem to wonder more.

Dont forget a decent set of case prep tools, I like the Lyman ones.

Have fun with your new hobby it can be very addicting and rewarding
Click to expand...
Thanks
 
You will love that press once you start using it ! I bought the kit at Natchez for 189. The scale requires some patience but you'll get the hang of it. The auto disk is AWESOME! I checked it every ten rounds in the 250 I just got done loading......it was spot-on!
 
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