lee classic turret kit- kempf gun shop kit vs cabelas kit

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sltintexas

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I am trying to decide between 2 seperate kits. They seem to be very identical but I want to confirm and see if anyone has any experience with these kits.

Cabela's kit is $189 and it doesn't come with any dies
click here

Kempf's kit is $177 and comes WITH the Lee deluxe die kit (9mm).
click here
I do notice that the kempf kit does not have the Pro Auto-Disc Powder Measure but you can upgrade it for $14.

The kempf kit also does not come with the The Lee Safety Scale. It seems like you would need a scale.

Am I missing anything else?
 
Don't get the Lee scale because it's very hard and confusing to read. Spend more and get a rcbs 505, hornady or dillon. Also do upgrade on the powder measure.
 
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=337524&highlight=Classic+Cast is a link to an older, shorter, list built around the Classic Cast Turret package. Be sure to follow the link in my post there to another list and discussion.

Read those, build your list, and post it here, with any questions, we'll be happy to help you sort it out.

For starters--I get along fine with the Lee scale, but I do think others like the RCBS 505 are superior in construction.

Jim H.
 
Kempf's for the win , I bought my stuff at Grafs and they sold me the Lee scale , I quickly replaced it with a used 505 off of e-bay , when a buddy set up to reload I gave it to him he very quickly replaced it with a electronic scale and it's getting passed on to another buddy as soon as he starts collecting stuff
 
As others stated, I'd opt for the Kemp's deal...by all means, upgrade to the Pro AutoDisk and do yourself a favor by passing on the Lee Scale.
 
Message editied...had a brain f@rt and misidentfied my own darn reloading press - LOL

Lee does not market a "kit" for their Classic 4-hole Turret. You just buy the accessories you want.
 
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I just checked the link to the Cabela offer, RandyP, and it does show a Classic Cast Turret Press.

Looking closer, though, I think the Kempf package does NOT have both Safety Prime primer heads, only the one relevant to the die set you order. That's OK to start out, I guess.

Both do show the measure riser, so at least that little issue is covered. The deluxe version of either measure. (plated base) is preferable--and, of course, I would definitely add in an ACB / Adjustable Charge Bar.

Personally, I'd be inclined to order from Kempf's, but Cabela's might have a current coupon that makes the costs similar.

Another source to consider is Graf's--but their 'shipping included' pricing tends to slightly work against a multiple-item order like this.

Jim H.
 
Looking closer, though, I think the Kempf package does NOT have both Safety Prime primer heads, only the one relevant to the die set you order. That's OK to start out, I guess.
Click to expand...
You are correct. For a $22 upgrade you can get both safety primes and the pro auto disk measure.
Rusty
 
I love my LCT, it can't be beat for price vs functionality. As Rusty mentioned Cabela's kit has both Safety Prime primer dispensers, but Cabela's also included the SWIVEL for the pro auto disk. I bought the kit from Cabela's over a year ago and have been happy with it. I was unaware of Kempf's at the time. From reading over the posts, it looks like a neck and neck race between the 2 kits. I think the only additional item I needed was a caliper which I bought from Harbor Freight. I don't have a problem with the Lee scales -- they just a little while to figure out... They will definately suffice if you decide to go with the Cabela's kit. I haven't seen the need to upgrade yet.
 
When I bought my LCT from Kempf, Sue knew enough to add the swivel. (I ordered over the phone.) So I was good to go. Under_dawg's comment on the calipers is a good one. I have also purchased a case gauge for each caliber. Some like them others don't see the need. And I agree with him about the Lee Scale. I've been using mine for 15 months and and content with how it works. It is more accurate than I am.
 
I got the kemphs kit with the auto disc powder measure. I also got a separate digital scale from ebay to double check the auto disc and the single powder measures that come with a die kit. I like it. I am up to 4 die sets now and am about to get the double disk kit to throw rifle powder.
 
I use Kemph's for all my Lee purchases, good people, great customer service, fair shipping. Keep the small guy going. And best of all, they usually have what I need in stock. I haven't had to wait once for dies/accessories.

John
 
I find the Lee beam scale to be very accurate, but it is 'fiddly' to use. I confess I primarily now use my MTM DS-1250 $30 digital for most powder charge verifying chores.

Once dialed in, the adjustable charge bar works great IMHO and stays acceptably constant in powder throws. (+/- .01 gr)
 
thanks for everyone's help. I ordered from kempf and also got a tumbler.

I got the kit, a tumbler, dies and a book for about the price of just the kit & dies at cabelas.

I'm gonna head to harbor freight and get a scale and calipers.
 
Be sure the scale you get measures in GRAINS, not just grams, and professes accuracy of +/- .01 grains. Many of the digitals do not so caveat emptor.
 
Not trying to turn this into a scale debate, but I have had way better success with my Lee Scale then with a budget digi. The budget digi is slower, and is very sensitive when the battery is not at full charge.

I have to calibrate my Lee every time, but I know it is safe, and very accurate. I rubber cemented the Lee to a 2x4, and then screwed the 2x4 into the shelf. It never moves, and is always at the same angle. I have loaded my most accurate ammo using this scale. If this helps.?
 
You are quite correct Bushmaster, my typo bad. I meant tenths of a grain.

Goes to show why you should also never trust any reload data somebody types -lol
 
After deliberation I went with Kempf's, with 9mm dies. I have been happy as a clam. For 9mm I don't weight every charge, I let the powder measure do it. Most others do this as well. I do have a scale now, but went without it for awhile. I still don't weigh 9mm charges, I bought it to reload rifle cartridges, and to check near max loads for .357. Other than that I have no upgrades to the Kempf setup and reload 9mm at about 150 rounds/hr. Had no trouble in 5000 rounds or so.
 
you cant go wrong with Kempf, they are good people over there. I ordered my press from them and am in the process of ordering another turret/die setup, and some ammo storage boxes. I would go as far as saying I would readily spend a little more to buy there vs any of the big box places to help support the small buisiness. I make the wife shop at a locally owned grocery store vs walmart for our groceries. We could save about 20-30 bucks if we bought the exact same stuff at walmart,but I refuse. With the small company, you deal with the owner, not some yuppie in customer service.

matt
 
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